If you don't have an Instant Pot yet, the choices can seem overwhelming. There are so many different models, sizes, and features to choose from. What's the difference between the Instant Pot models? Which one is the best Instant Pot for you? Here's what you need to know before purchasing your Instant Pot Ultra, Duo, or Lux.
When I decided to buy an Instant Pot, I started by searching Amazon and found 154 results for Instant Pot. And there are even more this year—some of the results are for Instant Pot accessories, but there are so many pressure cooker models! It took a lot of research to figure out the differences in features, and which ones were important. I wished someone would just tell me the best Instant Pot to buy. So to save you the research, here's the condensed version of the top Instant Pot models—Lux vs. Duo vs. Ultra—including which one I recommend and why.
What is an Instant Pot?
Did you know the Instant Pot is more than just an electric pressure cooker? It replaces several common kitchen appliances including a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and more! Depending on the model, you can use your Instant pot for cooking eggs, making yogurt, sterilizing, steaming, warming, searing, and sautéing—some even have a sous vide function. Saving space, time, and money while making cooking faster and easier? That’s a win in our house!
This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you choose to make a purchase I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you).
Every Instant Pot comes with a stainless steel food grade inner pot, with no chemical coating. You’ll enjoy a 3-ply bottom on the cooking pot for even heat distribution, as well as 10 safety mechanisms (11 on the Ultra) to provide reassurance and eliminate common errors that can be made with pressure cookers. I know many people are scared to use electric pressure cookers at first, so I like that Instant Pot has provided peace of mind with all of these extra safety measures.
Instant Pot Ultra vs Duo vs Lux
Here are the top three models to consider when purchasing your Instant Pot.
Instant Pot Ultra 10-in-1
I love that with the 6-quart Instant Pot Ultra, you never have to remember to reset the steam release button because it does it automatically! It has a new Quick Release Button for safer handling of the steam release—the button resets itself when you open or close the lid.
The progress indicator on the control panel lights up when you start the Instant Pot and tells you when it's preheating, cooking, or keeping the food warm. It has up to a 24-hour delay for cooking and up to 24-hour automatic keep warm function.
The sleek design and new cooking functions (hello, egg cooker!) made the Instant Pot Ultra an easy choice. Extra cooking functions include yogurt, cake, egg, sterilization, and an Ultra function that lets you customize everything. It also has custom temperature options on the slow cooker and sauté functions.
The dial on this model makes it easy for more precise cooking program selection and adjustment. The Ultra also includes altitude adjustments, eliminating guesswork in recipe conversions.
All 6 Qt Instant Pot accessories will work with your Instant Pot Ultra, so don’t worry about having to buy new accessories if you upgrade.
Update: The Instant Pot Ultra is now available in two additional sizes! The Ultra Mini 3-quart, perfect for smaller kitchens or cooking for just a couple people, is a 9-in-1 version. The 8-quart size is, great for large families or batch cooking, is a 10-in-1 version like the 6-quart.
Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1
The Instant Pot Duo Plus (an upgrade from the previous Duo 7-in-1) also has the yogurt, cake, egg, and sterilization functions. It offers up to a 24-hour delay for cooking as well, which is nice for when you’re away from the house or at work and don’t want to start dinner right away. It also comes in 3-quart, 6-quart, and 8-quart sizes.
The Instant Pot Duo Plus has most of the functions of the Ultra, but it does not have the new Quick Release Button, the customizable Ultra program, or the new display with the cooking progress indicator. The Duo Plus is a solid choice if you don't want the extra features in the Ultra.
The Duo now also has new models in the Duo Evo Plus, Duo Nova, and Duo SV. The Duo Evo Plus and Duo Nova have lids that automatically seal when in place. But they do not have the cake and egg functions.
Instant Pot Lux 6-in-1 (V3)
While the Lux was once referred to as the “base” model, Version 3 also has the new cake and egg options. Make sure if you are purchasing an Instant Pot Lux that you purchase “V3” (meaning Version 3) or later model rather than any previous version. The cake and egg settings are only on the V3 model.
The Instant Pot Lux offers up to a 24-hour delay start, automatic keep warm function for up to 10 hours, as well as the basic sauté, steam, and slow cook features. The lux now also comes in colors (including black, red, and blue) and floral patterns in collaboration with Pioneer Woman.
The Lux comes in three sizes: the Lux Mini is a 3-quart, the Lux 60 is the 6-quart and the Lux 80 is the 8-quart.
The only drawbacks of the Lux vs the Duo are that it does not have a low pressure setting so you cannot make yogurt, and it does not have a lid holder built in. Having to set the lid on the countertop might not be a big deal to some, but not being able to make yogurt might be a deal breaker.
Which Instant Pot Should You Buy?
Size Matters!
I think everyone needs an Instant Pot, but which size you buy depends on your family’s specific needs. The Instant Pot does have a 3-quart model which is perfect for a single person or a couple who need to save space, but the 6 quart is the one I’d recommend because you can cook a meal and save half for later. The 8 quart is another option, especially if you have a large family, and all three of these models now come in the larger 8-quart size.
Which model?
I bought the Instant Pot Ultra 6 Qt for my family and still love it after using it for more than two years! If you’re on a budget, you can purchase the Lux, but keep in mind the features you’ll be losing. I think it’s worth saving for a few more weeks to be able to pay the difference and purchase the Ultra!
The Bottom Line
The versatility and convenience of an Instant Pot are there, no matter which model or size you buy, so what are you waiting for?
Want more? Check out these additional Instant Pot resources:
MicBee
Thanks for the info. It was very much appreciated! How very nice of you for posting this information.
Sincerely,
Elle
Lisa
You’re welcome Elle! I’m glad you found it helpful 🙂
Hoovee
Thanks so much for explaining these differences!!
Lisa
You’re welcome! I’m so glad it was helpful 🙂
Kathy Stewart
Thank you. Now where are the links to purchase for your fee?
Lisa
You’re welcome, Kathy! I hope it was helpful. You can use any of the links to purchase. Thanks for asking!
robyn
The DUO60 doesn’t seem to have the Pressure Cook or Manual settings or adjustable settings for Sauté. The Ultra does but I can’t really afford that one.
Making yogurt and cake would be fine but neither are a priority. The biggest problem l have is that when I Sauté, I put my life at risk! Also, I worry that I’m going to burn whatever I’m making. I quite often have to use Sauté at the end to cook down some of the extra liquid.
A lot of the recipes say to use the Manual or Pressure Cook settings and I don’t have either. So confused!
To summarize, I need to be able to
1.adjust the heat on Sauté
2.use a Manual setting
3.use a Pressure Cook setting
Can you please advise me which model I should buy?
Lisa
Hi Robyn, the Manual and Pressure Cook settings are the same thing. On some models, they call it Manual and on others, like the Ultra they call it Pressure Cook. You can adjust the heat on the Sauté setting on the Ultra to Low, Medium, High, or Custom. On Custom you can set the temperature anywhere from 104°F to 338°F. Hope this helps!