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Choosing the right Instant Pot for your kitchen can be hard because there are so many models to pick from. Our Instant Pot Ultimate vs Duo review is going to compare one of the newest and strongest models against the flagship pressure cooker, which has been around for many years.
Our Instant Pot Duo vs Ultimate review will compare these based on appliances, smart programs, sizes, and any other differences that we can find.
Value is the name of the game here as Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid is one of the more expensive models, while Instant Pot Duo offers many features and is much more affordable. If you want air frying, dehydrating, and other features, then you need to choose the Ultimate model. For those who want to save money and still get a versatile multi cooker, then Duo is a fine choice.
| Instant Pot Ultimate | Instant Pot Duo |
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Is it Worth Getting an Instant Pot?
There’s some estimates saying that 1 in 2 or 1 in 3 households have at least one Instant Pot. Considering this, is Instant Pot still popular? We would definitely say that they are extremely popular, and the Instant brand is constantly coming out with new models, such as the Ultimate that we are reviewing here.
Is it worth getting Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid? This is a highly versatile pressure cooker, air fryer, and multi cooker that is a 13-in-1 kitchen appliance. It replaces many common kitchen appliances, and gives you crispy food, pressure cooked food, slow cooked food, and much more. You’ll have no problem making nearly any recipe you can think of.
Is it worth getting Instant Pot Duo? Instant Pot Duo is currently the most popular Instant Pot, and we think this is largely due to its low price point, and that it’s been one of the first and most reliable models that they released. We would definitely agree that it offers a lot of value, even though it lacks some of the features found in more modern models. If you’re looking to save money, then Duo pressure cookers are definitely right for your kitchen.
Check Price: Instant Pot Duo ->
Appliances
Since this is a line of multi cookers, you shouldn’t be surprised to know that every Instant Pot has many different appliances built-in. Even though they’re called pressure cookers, that’s really far from the truth. They offer many different features and appliances, and it’s good to know what you’re getting with the model you choose.
When it comes to Instant Pot Ultimate versus Instant Pot Duo, which one offers more appliances? Let’s compare them here.
| Appliance | Instant Pot Ultimate | Instant Pot Duo |
| Pressure Cooker | Yes | Yes |
| Steamer | Yes | Yes |
| Rice Cooker | No | Yes |
| Slow Cooker | Yes | Yes |
| Warmer | Yes | Yes |
| Yogurt Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Saute/Searing | Yes | Yes |
| Sous Vide | Yes | No |
| Air Fry | Yes | No |
| Baker | Yes | No |
| Roast | Yes | No |
| Broil | Yes | No |
| Dehydrate | Yes | No |
| Bread Proofing | Yes | No |
As you can see, Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid offers many different appliances. This is especially true with air frying, dehydrating, broiling, and more. At the same time, Instant Pot Duo does offer a lot of features considering its price point.
If you want all the bells and whistles, and especially if you want air frying, then you need to choose the Ultimate model. If you’re looking for all around cooking and price matters more than functionality, then you get a lot of features with Duo and you can cook nearly any recipe you can think of.
Check Price: Instant Pot Ultimate ->
Instant Pot Duo vs Ultimate: Smart Programs
One of the many features you get with Instant Pot is its smart programs. These are easy, one-touch programs that make it simple to cook common recipes and meals. They use the on-board microprocessor to set the right time and temperature for your meal, but there are always manual settings as well if needed.
How many smart programs do you get with Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate lid? It seems like Instant Pot is putting less emphasis on smart programs with this model, and you get about 15 programs with this one. Most of them were tied with the appliances themselves, but you should still have no problem making any recipe you can think of.
How many smart programs do you get with Instant Pot Duo? This is about the same and it features 13 different smart programs. Once again, this is aimed towards common meals that makes it very easy to cook just about anything you can think of.
In terms of smart programs, we would say it’s pretty much a tie between them.
| Instant Pot Ultimate | Instant Pot Duo |
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Instant Pot Ultimate vs Duo: Sizes
One of the most important factors in choosing the right Instant Pot is its size. You don’t want to get a pressure cooker that’s too small because then you’re going to end up cooking in batches. At the same time, getting a pressure cooker that’s too big might require too much counter space, and it often costs more than a smaller model.
Which Instant Pot offers the most sizes? Between these two, we have to say the Instant Pot Duo has more sizes than Instant Pot Ultimate. That being said, you should consider what size you need and also what the most popular sizes are to see if one is really better than the other.
What size does Instant Pot Ultimate come in? This is currently only available in one size: Instant Pot Duo crisp with Ultimate lid 6.5 quarts. This is a good size for families, couples, and those that like cooking for about four to six people on average.
What sizes does Instant Pot Duo come in? This comes in three different sizes. You can choose Instant Pot Duo 3-quart, Instant Pot Duo 6-quart, or Instant Pot Duo 8-quart. The only one with more sizes is Duo Nova as you can also choose the Instant Pot Duo Nova 10-quart.
Even though Duo comes in two more sizes, we have to say that it’s almost a tie between them. We say that because the 6 and 6.5 quart sizes are the most popular. However, individuals might prefer the 3-quart model, and those with larger families might prefer the 8-quart model.
Check Price: Instant Pot Duo ->
What is the Difference Between Instant Pot Ultimate and Duo?
What is the difference between Instant Pot Duo and Ultimate? Even though there are similarities, these are two very different multi cookers. They come with very different features, sizes, and just about everything else.
When it comes to appliances, Duo was quite good with more than half a dozen different appliances in one model. However, Ultimately has over a dozen appliances and it includes air frying, which is becoming incredibly popular for home cooks. Not only that, but this model also offers dehydrating, bread proofing, and much more.
However, Duo offers more sizes and it has a 3 quart, 6 quart, and 8 quart model. At the same time, Ultimate has a very popular 6.5 quart model.
They are tied though when it comes to smart programs, as they have about the same number of them. You should have no problem cooking nearly any recipe you can think of, but Duo struggles to make crispy food because it cannot air fry.
Check Price: Instant Pot Ultimate ->
Final Thoughts
Who is the winner when it comes to Instant Pot Duo crisp with Ultimate Fit vs Instant Pot Duo? We would have to say that Ultimate is a real winner as you get significantly more appliances and this model can air fry. There aren’t that many instapots that can air fry, so that makes it very special. If you’re looking to save money though, then you can get Duo for about a third of the price, and it has many features that home cooks love.