If you have ever stared at a crowded kitchen counter wondering why you own a separate rice cooker, slow cooker, steamer and yogurt maker, the Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 was built for you. It folds all of those jobs into one 6-quart stainless steel pot — and this guide walks through everything it does, how to use it, and whether it belongs in your kitchen.

Updated July 2026 · 8 min read

Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker, Stainless Steel, 6 Quarts.

What exactly is the Instant Pot Duo Plus?

The Instant Pot Duo Plus is a countertop electric multicooker — a single appliance that combines the functions of nine separate kitchen tools. At its heart it is an electric pressure cooker, which is what makes it so fast: by trapping steam and raising the internal pressure, it cooks food at a higher temperature than boiling, so a stew that would simmer for three hours on the stove can be tender in under an hour.

But pressure cooking is only one of its modes. The Duo Plus also slow cooks, steams, sautés, makes rice, cultures yogurt, keeps food warm, and even sterilizes jars and bottles. The 6-quart model reviewed here is the most popular size in the range — large enough to feed a family of four to six, compact enough to leave on the counter without dominating it.

Everything is controlled from a simple push-button panel with an easy-to-read display, and it ships with access to a free companion app that holds more than 800 guided recipes. That combination — genuinely useful hardware plus a library of recipes — is a big part of why the Duo Plus has become a staple in so many kitchens.

The 9 functions, explained

The “9-in-1” label isn’t marketing fluff — each setting is a genuinely different way to cook. Here is what each one actually does and when you’d reach for it:

Why the 6-quart size is the sweet spot

Instant Pot makes several sizes, but the 6-quart is the one most people should buy. It comfortably cooks for a family of four to six, holds a whole chicken or a large batch of soup, and still fits under standard cabinets. The smaller 3-quart is better suited to singles or couples, while the 8-quart is really only worth it if you routinely batch-cook or host large groups. For the majority of kitchens, 6 quarts hits the balance between capacity and counter space.

The inner cooking pot is food-grade stainless steel rather than a non-stick coating, which matters more than it sounds: there’s nothing to scratch or flake, it stands up to metal-free scrubbing, and it’s dishwasher safe. Stainless also browns food better on the sauté setting than a coated pot would.

Getting started: your first cook

New multicooker owners are often nervous about pressure cooking, and that’s completely normal. The single best thing you can do is run a water test before you cook any real food:

The water test

Add a few cups of water to the inner pot, seal the lid, set the valve to the sealing position, and run a short pressure cycle. You’ll watch the pot come to pressure, see the float valve rise, and then practise a steam release at the end. In five minutes you’ll understand exactly how the seal, valve and release behave — and the mystery disappears. After that, the 800+ recipe app does the heavy lifting.

Natural release vs. quick release

There are two ways to release pressure at the end of a cook. A quick release vents the steam immediately through the valve — good for vegetables and delicate foods you don’t want to overcook. A natural release lets the pressure drop on its own over 10–20 minutes — better for meats, beans and anything foamy or starchy. Most recipes will tell you which to use.

Tips for the best results

Layer flavour with sauté first

Before pressure cooking a stew or curry, use the sauté setting to brown the meat and soften the aromatics right in the pot. Those browned bits at the bottom are pure flavour — just deglaze with a splash of liquid and scrape them up so you don’t trigger a “burn” warning.

Respect cook times — and come-up time

The listed cook time doesn’t include the time it takes the pot to reach pressure (usually 5–15 minutes depending on how full and cold the contents are). Factor that in when planning dinner, and you’ll never be caught out.

Keep a spare sealing ring

The silicone sealing ring can pick up strong smells over time. Many owners keep two — one for savoury dishes and one for sweet — and swap them as needed. They’re inexpensive and easy to replace.

Cleaning and care

Cleanup is refreshingly simple. The stainless inner pot, the lid, the sealing ring and the steam rack are all dishwasher safe. The main housing (with the electronics) should never be submerged — just wipe it down with a damp cloth. After each use it’s worth checking that the steam-release valve and the anti-block shield are clear, and letting the sealing ring air out so it stays fresh. Treated well, one of these lasts for years.

Who should buy it — and who shouldn’t

The Duo Plus is an easy recommendation if you cook for a family, want to reclaim counter space from single-use gadgets, meal-prep on weekends, or simply want dinner on the table faster on busy weeknights. It’s also a great first step for anyone curious about pressure cooking but intimidated by old stovetop models.

It’s less essential if you only ever cook for one, rarely make stews, soups, rice or beans, or already own a pressure cooker you love. And while it does many things well, a dedicated air fryer will still out-crisp it — this model focuses on moist-heat cooking rather than frying.

Frequently asked questions

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