Which is Better? The Instant Pot Duo or the Ultra?

Which Instant Pot model is better– the Instant Pot DUO or the ULTRA? This Instant Pot expert is comparing features, sizes, and more!

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Tis the season…for Instant Pots to go on sale and to fill your holiday wishlist with all things electric pressure cooking!

If you’re reading this now, you’re probably in the market for a new Instant Pot. Maybe wondering which Instant Pot to purchase first, or perhaps just which to add to your collection. Maybe you are hoping for an Instant Pot under the tree, or on your doorstep the week after Thanksgiving.

I have been a huge fan of Instant Pots for a long time, so much so that I have owned four different models and wrote a cookbook dedicated to Instant Pot meals. I love how Instant Pots make kitchen prep easier and speed up meal time too.

A couple of years ago, I added an Instant Pot ULTRA to our collection. I wanted a second pot, but I also wanted an opportunity to compare two of the most popular Instant Pot models.

I’ve used them side by side countless times and I’m ready to share which Instant Pot I prefer and why.

Instant Pot Duo vs. Instant Pot Ultra

If you are new to the Instant Pot, I’d love to help you jump right in and feel comfortable using your awesome new appliance! Check out this getting started with the Instant Pot guide and learn 5 most important rules, the 5 most used buttons, and 5 recipes to try first. If you prefer video, you can check out this thorough 3-part video series for beginners.

Wondering what the best accessories are to go with your Instant Pot? I put together this list of the very best, most versatile accessories after making 76 recipes in 4 days for my cookbook photoshoot :: Best Instant Pot Accessories.

Instant Pot Duo Features ::

• 7 Cooking Settings :: Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Saute, Yogurt Maker, & Warmer
• Available in 3qt, 6qt, or 8qt
• High and Low pressure settings (unlike the LUX version)
• Adjustable settings (Less, Normal, More) give you more control during cooking
• 10 Safety Features-– easy to use without worrying about the common risks related with older pressure cookers
• Button panel 
• Delay Start option
• Cook for up to 4 hours under pressure
• Displays the time after the pot finishes cooking and switches to warm.

Instant Pot Ultra Features ::

• (BETTER) 10 Cooking Settings :: Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Saute, Yogurt Maker, Warmer, Cake Maker, Egg Cooker, & Sterilizer
• Available in 3qt, 6qt, or 8qt
• (BETTER) Adjustable settings give you more control during cooking. Select from Low, Normal, High, or select a custom temperature for even more precision. Also includes settings to make adjustments for altitude.
• (BETTER) 11 Safety Features — all the safety of the DUO, plus the new feature of a push-button pressure release.
• (BETTER) Dial & LCD panel-– easy to use and nice on the eyes!
• (BETTER) Graphs the cooking progress— easy to determine which step in the cooking process the pot is in.
• Delay Start option
• (BETTER) Cook for up to 6 hours under pressure
• (BETTER) Seals pressure automatically (no worrying about forgetting to push the sealing valve in place!)
• Displays the time after the pot finishes cooking and switches to warm.

UTRA IS ON SALE NOW!

Which to buy?

I’m going to be honest and say that there was not a clear winner when comparing these two popular Instant Pot models. I owned my DUO for over a year before purchasing the ULTRA. I love my DUO, and completely recommend the 7-1 DUO to everyone! It is an incredible appliance and allows you to do soooo much in it.

That being said, I fell in love with the ULTRA almost as soon as I pulled it out of the box!

It looks awesome, and while looks aren’t everything, the screen and panel make me smile a little because it’s so sleek and polished.

The automatic pressure sealing feature is very useful— you don’t have to worry about forgetting to seal the valve and hearing all the pressure releasing as the pot is supposed to be coming to pressure. The pressure release button is nice, and though not a huge selling point for me, could be very helpful to anyone who is hesitant about turning the valve to release the pressure on the other models.

The other standout feature for me is how much more control you have with the ULTRA to cook your food at exactly the temperatures and settings you want. You can customize the ULTRA to a whole new level.

The bottom line is that you won’t go wrong with either model of the Instant Pot.

I would have been happy with my DUO without knowing how great the ULTRA is. But, if you find the ULTRA at a good price, or are willing to invest a little more, I recommend the ULTRA as a step above the DUO. It’s definitely worth the extra price! 

What size is best?

When we were first deciding which second pot to purchase, we debated between which size pot to get— should we get a larger 8-quart for our growing family? A smaller 3-quart to make quick sides and desserts? Or simply get another 6-quart because our 6-quart is so great for our family?

We decided on two 6-quarts and I’ve been so happy with this decision! 

I have an extra stainless steel insert, which means that I have three inserts that are interchangeable between my two Instant Pots. For our family with five small children, two 6-quarts are perfect for everyday use. I can make chili in one pot and baked potatoes in the other. Two different soups for dinner. Cook roast in one and proof bread in the other. And really so much more–the options are endless.

For day-to-day use, my recommendation for most families is two 6-quarts. The six-quart is just so versatile and practical. However, an 8qt is great larger pieces of meat, bigger batches of soup/stock, etc. In the past few months, I’ve pulled my larger 8qt out to process apples to make applesauce, to make chicken stock with two chicken carcasses, and to simmer a big pot of spiced cider for a party.

In the end, you need to decide how often you want to make large batches of food, versus the everyday convenience of the mid-size Instant Pot.

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