What type of chef are you? Do you like spending time in the kitchen, trying new recipes, and experimenting with flavors and textures? Or maybe you are just starting and want a device that will help speed up the process without sacrificing the taste.
The answer to these questions will let you know which of the two pots I reviewed today works best for your needs. The Instant Pot Lux Vs Ultra comparison shows the differences between an entry-level Instant Pot product and one that comes with more advanced features (and higher price tag).
Table of Contents
Lux Vs Ultra Comparison Table
Instant Pot Lux Review
The IP-Lux features a wide array of colors and patterns, in an attempt to make cooking more enjoyable and fun. As such, besides being available in three sizes (3qt, 6qt, and 8qt), you can also get it in red, blue, black, metallic gray, and several floral patterns.
As an electrically programmable multicooker, the Lux can replace six appliances in your kitchen and does so in an elegant and refreshing manner. Just like most Instant Pot products, it has pressure and slow cooking modules, rice cooking, it does sauté, and is both a steamer and a warmer. With these functions and 12 smart pre-set programs, you can cook soups, meat, rice, multigrain, eggs, cakes, and more!
IP-Lux benefits from the same 3rd generation technology with an embedded microprocessor that’s common in all Instant Pot products. This means that your food will be cooked at the highest standards of quality, and the result will be tasty, nutritious, and visually appealing.
The purpose of the microprocessor is to monitor factors such as heat intensity and cooking duration based on the pressure and temperature settings. Moreover, the system also considered the volume of food, to deliver the best results in consistency, texture, and flavor.
But there’s a bit more to the IP-Lux, than just the basic settings! The 24-hour Delay Start and the Automatic Keep Warm functions increase the level of customization and give the user more control over the cooking process. Also, the Sauté and Slow Cook programs come with adjustable temperature settings (Less, Normal, More).
Furthermore, there is a Manual program that lets you play with new recipes by offering increased control over the settings.
Finally, the pot is safe and easy to use due to the built-in 10 safety mechanisms and the user-friendly control panel that features one-touch buttons and a large display panel.
Features
- An Instant Pot that can replace six appliances in the kitchen (pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, sauté, steamer, and warmer)
- Due to the sealed environment, the pot prepares food up to 70% faster and keeps the nutrients and flavor inside
- Pressure cooking can last up to 240 minutes
- 24-hour Delay Start
- Automatic Keep Warm function (up to 10 hours)
- Adjustable temperature settings in Sauté and Slow Cook
- Three-ply stainless steel bottom used for the inner pot
Pros
- Available in several colors and patterns
- Three sizes from which to choose
- It can replace six appliances in the kitchen
- Large display panel with one-touch controls
- Three temperature settings for Slaw Cook and Sauté
- Delivers consistent results without too much effort
- 12 smart pre-set programs
Cons
- The instructions are a bit confusing
- The rubber ring may need replacing after a while
- Float valve cover can be difficult to remove
Instant Pot Ultra Review
The Ultra pot is also available in three sizes, but it only comes in one design (metallic silver). However, when compared to the IP-Lux, it is clear from the start that we are dealing with a more advanced model.
We are now talking about a 10-in-1 multicooker that comes with features that will satisfy even the most pretentious of chefs. The Ultra comes with a built-in yogurt maker and a sterilizer (for jars and baby bottles) but also lets users get more involved in the cooking process by reshaping the manual program (which is called Ultra).
In the ‘Ultra’ module, you have the chance to play with exact parameters due to the Altitude and Temperature adjustments. There are also three temperatures in Sauté (for searing, simmering, or thickening), three temperatures in Slow Cook, and ‘Keep Warm’ has three settings.
Just like the Lux, the Ultra comes with 24-hour Delay Start, Automatic Keep Warm, and has a built-in 3rd generation microprocessor to monitor the entire process. The materials used are of the best quality, and the accessories are dishwasher safe.
Unlike the Lux, the Ultra features 16 pre-set dishes, a Quick Release button that lets you release steam without risk of injury, and a new interface. This pot uses a large display to showcase all the important settings and a cooking progress indicator that provides real-time information. However, some users may find the new control system (based on a turn and press dial) a bit difficult to master.
Features
- A new control system with a central dial that’s based on turn and press movements
- A larger LCD screen with all the important settings and a visual cooking progress indicator
- The Ultra brings new features to the Instant Pot family such as the steam release button (for safer handling), altitude adjustment, sterilize, and cake and egg programs.
- The pot can replace up to ten kitchen appliances
- It comes with the latest technology that will monitor the food and adjust intensity and time as needed
- The ‘Ultra’ module lets users get more involved in the cooking process and test new recipes
- 11 built-in safety mechanisms
- Dishwasher safe accessories such as steam rack, serving spoon, soup spoon, and measuring cup
Pros
- It is available in three sizes
- A 10-in-1 multicooker with 11 built-in safety mechanisms
- Cooks food faster and better than standard stove-top pots
- 24-hour Delay Start
- Automatic Keep Warm function with three temperature settings
- ‘Ultra’ module that allows for a higher level of customization
- Cooking Progress Indicator that offers real-time information
- Three temperature settings for Slow Cook and Saute
- Quick Release Button for safe steam release
- Easily turn the ‘Keep Warm’ function ON/OFF
Cons
- A bit on the expensive side
- The new interface may seem a bit cluttered at first
- The turn and press dial has a learning curve
Which One Should I Buy?
While reviewing these two products, I couldn’t stop but think that they were designed with two different audiences in mind. One is for the cook who wants an easy-going solution that’s both affordable and easy to use, while the other is designed for people who want more out of their cooking experience.
As such, you should:
Choose the Lux if...
- You want a pot with simple features and an easy-to-understand interface
- Your budget is not too generous
- The Manual program is flexible enough for your needs
- You like choosing between multiple colors and patterns
- You don’t need a yogurt maker
Choose the Ultra if...
- You need more flexibility in your cooking
- The yogurt maker and sterilize functions are important for you
- You want a more advanced multicooker and have the budget for it
- The Quick Release button is something you would want
- You like the Altitude adjustments
- You like the Cooking Indicator and larger LCD
- The press and turn dial system doesn’t bother you
Overall, both IP-Lux and Ultra are impressive products, but if you’re only looking for an entry-level design that can help with basic cooking, you should choose the first one. On the other hand, if you are ready to experiment more in the kitchen, the Ultra has all the right features!