If you don’t consider the price difference, the Instant Pot Duo and the Instant Pot Lux look almost the same. Of course, there’s also the fact that the LUX is a 6-in-1 electric pressure cooker and the DUO is a 7-in-1 but does this really matter?
As it turns out, there are several other differences on top of the one extra cooking method. And these may be important when you decide which of these two products is best for your needs in the kitchen.
So, in this article, I want to help you understand both the obvious differences and the less noticeable differences by running an Instant Pot DUO vs Lux review and comparison.
Table of Contents
DUO vs LUX Comparison Table
Instant Pot DUO Review
The DUO 60 is the third generation of electric pressure cookers and features advanced features that make it stand out from other typical brands.
First, the design is elegant and sleek, which means it will look good even in the most modern kitchens. Second, the fact that it replaces 7 different appliances encourage a minimalist approach and reduces clutter in your cabinets.
The pot is a combination of cooking mastery and technology! You have a brushed stainless steel exterior (doesn’t retain smudges or fingerprints) and an inner pot made from food-grade 304 stainless steel. In between these two layers, there is a built-in microprocessor that monitors and adjusts the temperature, time, and other factors to cook the food in ideal conditions.
If you’re worried that it may be a bit too complicated for your skills, the front panel is incredibly easy to understand and use. Not to mention that there are ten integrated safety mechanisms and patented technologies to prevent any possible accidents.
I also like that the DUO 60 has a 24-hour timer that lets you prepare all the ingredients, put them in the pot, and set the timer for delayed cooking. This means you can go to work and have the food ready just in time of your return!
This pot is perfect for beginners as it has 14 built-in smart programs that only require a press of a button and no extra knowledge on food and cooking. Also, it has a high and a low-intensity setting, it can make yogurt, and can be used as a slow cooker or a pressure cooker (among other functions).
And you can keep the food warm for up to 99 hours and 50 minutes! I also like that The DUO has a way of holding the lid open, so that condensation and food splatter from the lid doesn't get on your counter.
Finally, the pot generates almost no noise and leaks no steam. All the aromas are kept in the food, and your kitchen doesn’t heat up from all that cooking.
Pros
- The Control Panel is user-friendly
- It is considered the best pressure cooker in the market as of 2015
- It boasts 10 safety systems
- Delay cooking function
- Non-stick inner pot (it’s easy to clean)
- 14 pre-set programs for beginners or when you’re in a hurry
- Cooks food 70% faster than with traditional pots
- It replaces 7 appliances in your kitchen
Cons
- The upgraded features cost a bit more
- It has a bit of a learning curve
- The removable cord is a bit short
Instant Pot LUX Review
The Instant Pot LUX only replaces 6 appliances in your kitchen: a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, a sauté pot, a steamer, and warmer. As you probably noticed, it doesn’t have the yogurt making function, as the DUO has.
So, if you don't see yourself making yogurt, then the LUX 60 v3 (third-generation) is going to be just fine for your needs at home. It's got the same power (1000w) as the DUO 60, it's the same size (3qt, 6qt, and 8qt), and uses the same type of technology.
But there are a few other differences I want to mention. First, the LUX only has High-intensity settings (no Low), and you can only set the warmer to up to 10 hours. Second, the lid is not supported by the pot, so you’ll have to place it on the counter when you want to check on the food.
Otherwise, the front panel looks similar, and the same type of materials were used for the outer and inner pots. The 3 ply bottom is just as effective in evenly distributing heat, and the flavor and nutrients are trapped in a sealed environment.
Finally, while it doesn’t have a yogurt function, the LUX 60 has a cake making program and an egg cooking program, which are not available on the DUO.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Cake making and egg cooking module
- Replaces 6 appliances in your kitchen
- Safe and durable materials
- 10 safety features
- 3 temperature settings
- 3 different sizes
Cons
- No yogurt-making module
- The design is a bit outdated
- There’s no lid supporting system
Which Instant Pot Pressure Cooker is the Best Value?
While both products have great features, it’s clear they were designed for different audiences, with different budgets. So, here are my conclusions when it comes to which one’s best for who:
Choose the DUO if...
- You want the more modern design
- You like that the lid is supported by the pot
- You need low-intensity settings
- Homemade yogurt is an important dish for you
- The budget allows you to spend a bit more on extra features
Choose the Lux if...
- You want the cake baking & egg module
- Yogurt is not something you make at home
- You’re just looking for a simple multicooker that’s easy to use
- The budget is tight
- You’re cooking for a small family
In other words, a price-conscious customer should march towards purchasing Pot IP-LUX60; whereas, a customer who aspire to have top of the range product must go for Pot IP- DUO60. In many cases paying a little more for the DUO will be worth it but for lots of people, the LUX will do just fine.
Soaked beans take at least 32 minutes in IP-Lux60 V3 vs 10 minutes in Duo 7-1 model. Why is this? Am I doing something wrong?
Thank you! Useful comparison post.
You're welcome, glad you found it useful!