If you’re torn apart between the DUO Plus and the Ultra, I understand your conundrum. Both Instant Pot products are convincing and feature some impressive features!
Now, if you’re like me, you want to get the best value out of your hard-earned money. So, before you make an impulse buy, make sure to read my Instant Pot DUO Plus vs Ultra comparison and their respective reviews with pros and cons.
These two multicookers do have a lot of similar features, but it’s the differences that bring the most bang to your buck!
Table of Contents
DUO Plus vs Ultra Comparison Table
Instant Pot DUO Plus Review
The Instant Pot DUO Plus is an upgrade on the classic DUO cooker, which means it features a design and interface that are already popular among users and fans of the brand. While it maintains the Instant Pot DUO feel to it, there are several new and impressive features that set it aside as a unique and exciting product.
First, it boasts a larger screen which makes everything a bit easier to read. One drawback of the original DUO and one of the improvements on the DUO Plus is that you no longer have to press the cancel button to change the time. The timer has its own independent buttons now!
Second, one of the new functions is the sterilize option which lets users sterilize bottles and equipment or even pasteurize milk. The other two new functions (this is a 9-in-1 multicooker) are cake baking and egg cooking, which most users are missing on the first DUO designs. And, of course, it still has the yogurt cooking function for all the yogurt lovers out there.
Finally, this multicooker’s interface is simpler and easier to understand than with the previous versions, which makes cooking a breeze for everyone. Each program has three adjustable settings (‘Less,’ ‘Normal,’ and ‘More’), and there are three temperature settings for Sauté, Slow Cook, and Keep Warm. As a result, users can customize the cooking process to their liking.
Just like with all the Instant Pot multicookers (including the Ultra), the DUO Plus’s operation is monitored by a 3rd generation microprocessor. Its job is to adjust settings like pressure, temperature, and intensity to deliver the best results. The pot is also designed with high-quality materials that are durable and easy to clean, thus providing an upgraded cooking experience from top to bottom.
Overall, the Instant Pot DUO Plus is a wonderful product for anyone interested in improving their cooking without investing too much time and money in the process. The pot is safe to use (10 embedded safety mechanisms) and can be found in three different sizes (3qt, 6qt, and 8qt).
Pros
- Available in three sizes
- Built on proven technology using high-end materials
- 10 embedded safety mechanisms
- Replaces up to 9 appliances in the kitchen
- Large LCD display
- Cooks food faster without losing taste or texture
- Settings support more customization
- The pot and accessories are easy to clean
- Keep Warm and 24-hour delay settings
- Sterilize, cake baking, and egg cooking added functionalities
Cons
- A bit more expensive than the regular DUO pot
- No Sous Vide cooking possibilities
- Instructions could have been better
- The outer rim has some nooks and crannies that are difficult to clean
Instant Pot Ultra Review
This 10-in-1 multicooker is versatile, smart, and easy to integrate into your daily life. Just like the DUO Plus, it is available in three sizes (3qt, 6qt, and 8qt), but it comes with an extra function which is called the Ultra program.
The 'Ultra' mode is what you would call a manual program, where the user has complete control over all the settings (on both pressure and non-pressure cooking). Furthermore, due to the Altitude adjustment function, now you no longer need to make the conversion from feet to meters in your head. This eliminates a lot of guesswork and lets you cook with chef-like precision.
The Ultra pot also has a much larger interface including a fancy dial selector and the interface is rather intuitive. The screen displays several settings (Pressure, Temperature, Delay, Keep Warm, Sound, and temperature and altitude units) and a visual representation of your cooking progress.
Still, it may take a while to get used to the selection method, especially if you’re used to a control panel with buttons (like the DUO Plus has).
On the frontal panel, you’ll find 16 pre-set smart programs, the Keep Warm function, and the 24-hour delay start. There’s also a Quick Release button that takes the risk of injury out of releasing the steam after the cooking is complete. Moreover, the pot is equipped with the standard 10 safety mechanisms that are available on all the Instant Pot products.
Just like the DUO Plus, the Ultra is designed with the best food-grade materials and comes embedded with a 3rd generation microprocessor that supervises the entire cooking operation. It also has the Automatic Keep Warm and 24-hour delay functions, and some of the programs allow for three different temperature settings.
Pros
- Available in three sizes
- Food-grade materials that are easy to clean
- Replaces 10 appliances in the kitchen
- ‘Ultra’ mode that allows for complete customization
- Sterilization and Cake Baking functions
- Yogurt maker
- Quick Release button as an added measure of protection
- 10 safety mechanisms
- All the accessories are dishwasher safe
- Altitude adjustment and Cooking Progress Indicator
Cons
- The price tag is a bit high
- The control system features a central dial
- It has a bit of a learning curve
Which One Should I Buy?
If you’ve checked the prices on these two products, you know that the Ultra is pricier. But is it worth the investment over the DUO Plus?
Let’s see:
Choose the DUO Plus If…
- You’re already familiar with the DUO series and want a pot with similar features
- You want controls with buttons
- Your budget doesn’t allow for a more significant investment
- You missed the Cake Baking option on your previous DUO pot
- You don’t need full customization power over its settings
Choose the Ultra If…
- The dial control system doesn’t bother you
- You want to try cooking in Sous Vide
- You think you’ll use the ‘Ultra’ mode
- You like the Cooking Progress Indicator
- The Altitude Adjustment setting is important to you
Overall, with the knowledge that the DUO Plus is lower-priced, for most consumers I would say go for the Plus. However, both cookers have their merit, so make sure you consider your specific needs before going with the trend.
I have dropped my Duo Plus and the handle and part of the sealing rim broke off. It's my second Duo Plus (thankfully they are affordable) and I liked that I ended up with a spare liner. Now I have read elsewhere the liner in the Ultra is different and they are not interchangeable. Can you confirm this?
I can't say for sure, but it would make sense that they're not interchangeable.