Are you tired of cluttering your kitchen with multiple appliances that each do one job? The Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker promises to revolutionize your cooking routine by replacing nine different kitchen tools with a single, smart device. After using this pressure cooker extensively in my own kitchen, I'm excited to share my honest experience with this versatile multicooker that's been generating buzz among home cooks and busy families alike.
As a food blogger and product reviewer with over eight years of experience testing kitchen appliances, I've seen countless gadgets come and go. The Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker caught my attention because of its impressive functionality and the overwhelmingly positive feedback from the cooking community. In this comprehensive review, I'll walk you through everything you need to know about this multicooker to help you decide if it's the right fit for your kitchen.
Who Is the Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker For?
This multicooker is perfect for:
- Busy professionals and parents who need quick, hands-off meal preparation
- Small kitchen owners looking to consolidate multiple appliances into one
- Beginner cooks who want foolproof results with minimal effort
- Health-conscious individuals interested in making homemade yogurt and sterilizing baby bottles
- Meal preppers who cook in batches for the week ahead
- Anyone looking to save time without sacrificing home-cooked meal quality
However, this product might not be ideal for:
- Those who prefer traditional stovetop cooking methods
- People with very large families who need to cook massive portions (consider the 8-quart model instead)
- Individuals uncomfortable with learning new technology and digital controls
Product Overview & Summary
Quick Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker |
| Capacity | 6 Quarts |
| Functions | Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Maker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer, Sterilizer, Cake Maker |
| Material | Stainless Steel (inner pot) |
| Bonus | App with 800+ recipes |
| Price Range | $89-$129 (varies by sales) |
| Our Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5) |
Key Highlights:
- Nine cooking functions in one compact appliance
- 13 customizable smart programs
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel exterior
- UL and ULC certified with 10+ safety features
- Energy-efficient cooking that's up to 70% faster than traditional methods
- Dishwasher-safe inner pot and accessories
In-Depth Review: What Makes This Multicooker Stand Out?
Appearance & Design
The Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker sports a modern, sleek design that looks at home on any kitchen counter. Its brushed stainless steel exterior resists fingerprints and smudges, maintaining a clean appearance even with daily use. The digital control panel sits prominently on the front, featuring clearly labeled buttons that make function selection intuitive.
At 6 quarts, the size strikes an excellent balance—compact enough for smaller kitchens yet spacious enough to prepare meals for 4-6 people comfortably. The appliance measures approximately 13.2" x 12.2" x 12.5", so it won't dominate your counter space. The stainless steel inner pot has a solid, substantial feel, and the silicone sealing ring (while requiring occasional replacement) fits snugly to ensure proper pressure cooking.
The lid features a convenient steam release valve and anti-block shield, both designed with safety in mind. Overall, this multicooker exudes quality and durability from first glance.
Performance & Features
This is where the Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker truly shines. The nine functions include:
- Pressure Cooker: Reduces cooking time by up to 70%, perfect for tough cuts of meat, dried beans, and grains
- Slow Cooker: Offers low and high settings for traditional slow-cooked meals
- Rice Maker: Produces perfectly fluffy rice every time with automatic keep-warm
- Steamer: Retains nutrients in vegetables with efficient steam cooking
- Sauté: Browns meat and vegetables directly in the pot before pressure cooking
- Yogurt Maker: Creates homemade yogurt with customizable fermentation time
- Warmer: Keeps food at ideal serving temperature for hours
- Sterilizer: Perfect for baby bottles, utensils, and canning jars
- Cake Maker: Bakes moist cakes and cheesecakes with even heat distribution
In my testing, the pressure cooking function performed exceptionally well. I cooked dried chickpeas in 35 minutes (versus 3+ hours on the stovetop), pot roast in under an hour, and steel-cut oats in just 10 minutes. The sauté function reaches proper browning temperatures, allowing for one-pot recipes without transferring ingredients between cookware.
The 13 smart programs (soup, meat/stew, bean/chili, poultry, slow cook, sauté, rice, porridge, multigrain, steam, yogurt, pressure cook, and keep warm) take the guesswork out of cooking. Each program has preset time and temperature settings optimized for specific foods, though you can manually adjust both for complete control.
The accompanying app provides access to over 800 recipes, ranging from beginner-friendly basics to adventurous international dishes. While the app isn't required to use the multicooker, it's a valuable resource for inspiration and step-by-step guidance.
User-Friendliness
Despite its many functions, the Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker remains remarkably user-friendly. The control panel features large, clearly labeled buttons, and the LCD display shows cooking progress, temperature, and time remaining.
For beginners, there is a learning curve—mainly understanding the difference between natural and quick pressure release, and recognizing that the appliance needs time to build pressure before the cooking timer starts. However, after 2-3 uses, most people feel confident operating the device.
The instruction manual is comprehensive, including cooking time charts for common foods. The app further simplifies the learning process with detailed recipe instructions that specify exact button presses and settings.
Setup is straightforward: add ingredients, seal the lid, select your function, and press start. The multicooker handles the rest, including automatic pressure release on some programs. Cleaning is equally simple—the inner pot, steam rack, and sealing ring are all dishwasher-safe.
One minor inconvenience: the sealing ring can absorb strong food odors. I recommend purchasing an extra ring (sold separately) to alternate between savory and sweet dishes, or occasionally replacing it to maintain freshness.
Durability & Quality
Built to last, this multicooker features high-quality materials throughout. The stainless steel inner pot is heavy-gauge and scratch-resistant, showing minimal wear even after months of regular use. The exterior housing feels solid with no cheap plastic components or wobbly parts.
The lid mechanism operates smoothly with a reassuring click when properly sealed. The safety features—including overheat protection, safety lid lock, and pressure regulator—inspire confidence during every cooking session.
Instant Pot as a brand has established an excellent reputation for durability and customer support. Many users report their devices functioning perfectly after 5+ years of daily use. The appliance comes with a standard manufacturer warranty, and replacement parts like sealing rings and inner pots are readily available and affordable.
The only component requiring regular maintenance is the sealing ring, which should be replaced every 12-18 months depending on usage frequency. At around $10 per ring, this is a minimal ongoing cost.
Value for Money
Priced typically between $89 and $129, the Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker delivers exceptional value. Consider that it replaces a pressure cooker ($80-$150), slow cooker ($40-$80), rice cooker ($30-$60), steamer ($25-$50), and yogurt maker ($40-$80)—appliances that would collectively cost $200-$400 or more.
Beyond consolidating appliances, this multicooker saves money through:
- Energy efficiency: Uses up to 70% less energy than traditional cooking methods
- Food savings: Makes dried beans, homemade yogurt, and batch cooking economical
- Time savings: Your time has value, and this appliance dramatically reduces active cooking time
The 800+ free recipes via the app add significant value, eliminating the need to purchase specialty cookbooks. When you factor in the durability and long lifespan, the cost-per-use drops to mere pennies over the years.
Compared to premium multicookers costing $200-$300+, the Duo Plus offers 90% of the functionality at half the price, making it an outstanding value proposition for most households.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 Pressure Cooker & Air Fryer
Price: $149-$199
Key Difference: Includes air frying and crisping capability with included lid
If achieving crispy textures is important to you, the Ninja Foodi might be worth the extra investment. It performs all the same pressure cooking functions as the Instant Pot while adding air frying capability. However, it's bulkier, heavier, and more expensive. The Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker offers better value if you don't need air frying, or you can purchase an air fryer lid separately for your Instant Pot later.
Crock-Pot Express Crock Multi-Cooker
Price: $79-$99
Key Difference: Slightly less expensive with fewer preset programs
This alternative offers basic pressure cooking and slow cooking functions at a lower price point. However, it lacks some of the smart programs, doesn't include yogurt-making or sterilizing functions, and has a less refined user interface. The Instant Pot's additional features and superior build quality justify the modest price difference for most users.
Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer (8 Quart)
Price: $179-$229
Key Difference: Larger capacity with built-in air frying
If you have a larger family or frequently entertain, this bigger Instant Pot model with integrated air frying might suit you better. However, for average households, the 6-quart Duo Plus offers better value and takes up less counter space while delivering excellent performance.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker?
After extensive testing and daily use, I can confidently say the Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker deserves its reputation as one of the best kitchen appliances on the market. It successfully consolidates multiple cooking devices into one reliable, easy-to-use appliance that consistently delivers delicious results.
The combination of pressure cooking speed, slow cooking convenience, and specialty functions like yogurt making creates incredible versatility. Whether you're a busy parent rushing through weeknight dinners, a meal prep enthusiast planning ahead, or a home cook wanting to experiment with new recipes, this multicooker adapts to your lifestyle.
While there's a brief learning period and the device won't replace every cooking method in your kitchen, the time and energy savings, combined with consistently great results, make it an invaluable addition to virtually any household. The outstanding value at under $130 seals the deal.
My Rating: 4.7/5 Stars – Highly recommended for anyone looking to simplify meal preparation without sacrificing quality or flavor.
Ready to transform your cooking routine and reclaim hours of time each week? Click here to check the latest price on Amazon and discover why the Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker is the #1 choice for over 100,000 satisfied home cooks. With frequent sales and deals, now might be the perfect time to add this game-changing appliance to your kitchen!
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