Instant Pot Duo Plus 8-Quart Review 2026
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Instant Pot Duo Plus 8-Quart Review 2026
Our Verdict
The Instant Pot Duo Plus 8-Quart delivers exceptional versatility and capacity, making it perfect for large families. With 15 cooking functions and smart programming, it's a kitchen game-changer.
What is the Instant Pot Duo Plus 8-Quart?
The Instant Pot Duo Plus 8-Quart is an advanced multi-cooker that combines 15 different cooking functions into one versatile appliance. This upgraded version of the popular Duo series features enhanced programming options, a larger LCD display, and improved safety features. With its generous 8-quart capacity, it's designed to feed families of 6-8 people comfortably. The device functions as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, food warmer, and more, making it an all-in-one solution for modern kitchens seeking efficiency and convenience.
Key Features and Performance
Advanced Control Panel
The Duo Plus features an intuitive control panel with a large LCD display that shows cooking progress, pressure level, and cooking mode. The interface includes dedicated buttons for each cooking function, making it incredibly user-friendly even for beginners. The improved display shows cooking time remaining and indicates when the unit is building pressure, maintaining pressure, or in keep-warm mode.
Premium Interior Design
The stainless steel inner pot features a tri-ply bottom for even heat distribution, preventing hot spots and ensuring consistent cooking results. The interior markings make it easy to measure ingredients and liquid levels. The pot is dishwasher-safe and designed to withstand regular use while maintaining its appearance and functionality over time.
15-in-1 Functionality
This versatile appliance replaces multiple kitchen tools with functions including pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, sautéing, food warming, and yogurt making. Additional programs include soup/broth, bean/chili, meat/stew, egg, multigrain, porridge, steam, and sterilize functions. Each program is pre-set with optimal time and temperature settings.
Smart Programming Options
The Duo Plus offers three pressure levels (high, low, and steam) and allows manual pressure and time adjustments. The smart programming automatically adjusts cooking time based on the amount of food and desired doneness. The delay start function lets you program meals up to 24 hours in advance, perfect for busy schedules.
Enhanced Safety Features
Built with over 10 safety mechanisms, including overheat protection, safety lock, and pressure regulator. The anti-blockage vent ensures proper pressure release, while the lid detection system prevents operation with an improperly secured lid. These features provide peace of mind during cooking, making it safe for everyday use.
Pros
- ✓ Large 8-quart capacity perfect for families and meal prep
- ✓ 15 versatile cooking functions replace multiple appliances
- ✓ Intuitive controls with clear LCD display
- ✓ Excellent build quality with stainless steel construction
- ✓ Comprehensive safety features for worry-free cooking
Cons
- ✗ Large size requires significant counter and storage space
- ✗ Learning curve for beginners unfamiliar with pressure cooking
- ✗ Higher price point compared to basic pressure cookers
Who Should Buy the Instant Pot Duo Plus 8-Quart?
This appliance is ideal for large families, busy professionals, and meal prep enthusiasts who need to cook substantial quantities efficiently. Home cooks who want to consolidate multiple appliances into one versatile unit will appreciate its 15 cooking functions. It's perfect for those who value convenience and time-saving in the kitchen, particularly people who enjoy experimenting with different cooking methods. The 8-quart capacity makes it excellent for entertaining, batch cooking, and families with 6-8 members. However, smaller households might find the 6-quart version more suitable for their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cook a whole chicken?
A 3-4 pound whole chicken typically takes 25-30 minutes under high pressure, plus 15-20 minutes for the unit to reach pressure and natural pressure release. Total cooking time is usually around 60 minutes from start to finish.
Is the inner pot dishwasher safe?
Yes, the stainless steel inner pot is completely dishwasher safe. The lid components, including the sealing ring and steam release valve, can also be washed in the dishwasher on the top rack for easy cleaning.
Can I use the sauté function without the lid?
Absolutely! The sauté function is designed to be used with the lid off, allowing you to brown meats, sauté vegetables, or reduce sauces before or after pressure cooking. This eliminates the need for a separate pan in many recipes.
What's the difference between natural and quick pressure release?
Natural pressure release allows pressure to drop gradually over 10-30 minutes, ideal for meats and dishes that benefit from continued cooking. Quick release involves manually opening the valve to release pressure immediately, suitable for vegetables and delicate foods.
How much liquid do I need for pressure cooking?
The minimum liquid requirement is 1 cup (240ml) for the 8-quart model to generate steam and build pressure properly. This can include water, broth, wine, or other cooking liquids. Never attempt pressure cooking without adequate liquid.
Final Verdict
The Instant Pot Duo Plus 8-Quart represents excellent value for large families and serious home cooks. At $140, it offers professional-grade features and build quality that justify the investment. The 15 cooking functions genuinely replace multiple appliances, saving both money and kitchen space in the long run. While the learning curve exists, the intuitive controls and comprehensive safety features make it accessible to cooks of all skill levels.
The generous capacity, smart programming options, and consistent results make this a standout choice in the multi-cooker market. Despite requiring significant counter space, the convenience and versatility it brings to meal preparation make it a worthwhile addition to any kitchen focused on efficiency and healthy home cooking.
