Instant Pot Duo Plus 6 Quart Unboxing And The Essential Water Test
I bought a new kitchen appliance and in this post Ill share the unboxing of my new Instant Pot DUO Plus 60, 6 Quart multi-cooker. Ill also talk about the Water Test and why its important to do this test before you start cooking with your new Instant Pot. Of course, along the way, Ill share lots of pictures of the shiny new kitchen appliances and included accessories. In upcoming posts, Ill share my tips and tricks to help clean and care for your Instant Pot. Please stay tuned!
Compare To Similar Products
| Versatile, intuitive, feature-rich, great value | Friendly control panel, versatile, lots of new updates, steam-release valve | Great for solo chefs, budget friendly, lightweight, stores easily | Perfect size for meals for one, easy to clean, good pressure cooking performance, doesn’t need much counter space | Good overall cooking performance, easy to clean | |
| Cons | Rice is a bit sticky, lid and stainless steel pot can be difficult to clean | Pot can be hard to clean, saute function can be finicky | Stainless steel tends to stain, not for large groups, struggles to cook meat | Too small for family meals, meat just shy of perfectly tender | No lid storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom Line | An easy-to-use, versatile model that won’t break the bank and offers plenty of useful features | Useful features, an intuitive control panel, and a friendly price make this model a standout option | It may be pint-sized, but this appliance is a great, inexpensive option for solo cooks | A fantastic smaller appliance for singles or for couples that aren’t fans of leftovers | An easy to clean, great performing product, especially for the price you pay |
| Rating Categories |
Best For Singles: Instant Pot Duo Mini 3
Amazon
With the larger sizes, buyers planning to cook primarily for themselves may wind up with more leftovers than theyd prefer. Thats why the Instant Pot 3-quart Duo Miniwhich packs all of the perks of the standard Duo into a compact packageis such a phenomenal choice for solo diners.
Since it’s less than a foot tall and weighs about 8 pounds, the small size makes it simple to store no matter what size kitchen you have. But it doesnt hold back on functions. It has all but two of the same program features as the larger Duos, and its just as easy to clean.
Price at time of publish: $83
Capacity: 3 quarts | Dimensions : 11.8 x 10.5 x 11 inches | Weight: 8.6 pounds | Programs: 11
The benefits of smart technology center around convenience. With the push of one app icon or a verbal command to Alexa or Siri, you can accomplish a wide swath of tasks. And, if you decide to purchase a smart multi-cooker like the Instant Pot Smart WiFi model, then you can add cooking a satisfying meal to the list of easy-to-complete necessities.
The Smart WiFi line is fully compatible with Alexa, which allows users to program the pot and receive progress updates via their smartphones. It also gives you access to thousands of recipes and the ability to share cooker commands with friends and family. This Instant Pot can execute all of the classic Duos functions, along with cake-making capabilities.
Also Check: How To Cook Chicken And Veggies In Instant Pot
To Our Valued Customers
We regret that due to technical challenges caused by new regulations in Europe, we can for the time being no longer accept orders from the European Union. If you reside in the UK you can continue to order from our UK websites or shop from our locations and partners. Visit West Elm at www.westelm.co.uk and Pottery Barn Kids at www.potterybarnkids.co.uk.
Matters of consumer privacy and rights are paramount to our brands and we will continue to work diligently to make our products available to you. The pace of global regulations is hard to predict, but we have the ultimate goal of being able to offer our products everywhere.
We share your disappointment and greatly appreciate your understanding. Thank you for your patronage.
Instant Pot Duo Plus 60 Features
The Instant Pot DUO Plus 60 is an upgrade from the Instant Pot DUO 60, their best-selling model. The Instant Pot DUO Plus 6 Quart offers 9-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable 1) Pressure Cooker, 2) Slow Cooker, 3) Rice Cooker, 4) Yogurt Maker, 5) Egg Cooker, 6) Sauté, 7) Steamer, 8) Warmer, and 9) Sterilizer
The newer programs intriguing me most are the Cake and Sterilize. Ill test out these functions and be sure to share my findings.
Read Also: How To Cook Broccoli In An Instant Pot
Our Experience So Far
Well, we pretty much use it for everything now. We make a lot a lot of stews. We sauté the carrots, meat and onions then include everything else. Then seal, place it on high pressure for seven minutes, release naturally, and every time, in such a short time we have a perfectly cooked delicious meal. Also, this is enough for four or five servings.
If you’re in love with beans like we are, well the other day, I quick-soaked some by covering them with water, then hitting for five minutes, top pressure. I then let it release naturally and let them sit for a few hours. Stupendous.
We’ve even taken this away in our RV, and although bigger and heavier than desired for an RV, it’s just so useful. We’ve even made banana bread in it. And we power it up on our solar system and it only draws 67A. If I sauté for four minutes, we can cook our leftovers.
We used to have a VitaClay that truly was great for making beans and excellent with bone broth, but took so much longer to cook with and was so much heavier than the Instant Pot.
When you first get an Instant Pot, the instructions can be a little intimidating and you feel like you’ve got a lot to learn, as they’re fairly extensive. But actually, I found a few things I wanted to know which weren’t in them.
I wanted to know how long was each programmed cooking cycle and also when sautering, what temperatures do the various settings heat to?
So, after now learning that, I can pass a few tips on to you.
What About Other Instant Pot Models
Instant Pot has released many new models of electric pressure cookers since we first started testing them, and in 2021 the company reduced its lineup to five core Instant Pots. Figuring out exactly what youre giving up or getting from one to the next can be tricky. To help, Instant Pot has a comparison chart that you can reference. In general, however, if you can find another model on sale for a better deal than whichever of our picks is nearest in price, we think most of them will serve you well.
We understand that there are some cases where folks are looking for their Instant Pot to truly do everything . Thats when we get asked about the air-frying lid that you can purchase separately for a Duo or Duo Pluswhich features a heating element and a fan to convection-bake foodsor other Instant Pot models like the Duo Crisp or Pro Crisp, both of which come with an additional air-fryer lid. We have not tested the current version of the air-fryer lid sold separately, but we have tested the Duo Crisp, and we say more about it in the Competition section below. In general, they work okay, and they might be worth considering if youre committed to baking or browning foods directly in your Instant Pot. But they can also be larger and more expensive than our main pressure cooker picks, and they dont work as well as appliances dedicated to convection cooking.
Also Check: How To Boil Milk In Instant Pot
The Instant Pot Duo Plus Is On Sale For 40% Offthe Lowest Price Ever
Fall is the start of cooler weather and packed schedules. That means easy, warm meals are Kingand it doesnt get much easier than an Instant Pot dinner. Pressure cookers have been on the scene for a while now , but the Instant Pot has particularly risen in popularity over the past few years. Noted for its ease of use and versatility, the Instant Pot has truly become a household staple. Curious what all of the fuss is about? During Amazons Prime Early Access Sale, the Instant Pot Duo 9-In-1 is available for 40% offthe lowest price weve ever seen.
The Instant Pot Duo is on sale for 40% off during Amazon’s Prime Early Access eventa new low price. …
Illustration: Forbes / Image: Amazon
As the name may imply, the 9-In-1 Duo offers nine different functions, including pressure and slow cooking, a rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, sterilizer and food warmer, all in a single package. It has an easy-to-read LCD screen that displays step-by-step cooking instructions, and 25 customizable cooking programs. These allow you to enter in your own recipes, so all you have to do is load up the pot and push a button. It doesnt get much easier than that.
Upgrade Pick: Instant Pot Pro 6
*At the time of publishing, the price was $130.
In 2021, Instant Pot released the Instant Pot Pro 6-Quart, which has some great features that make it a meaningful upgrade over the Duo, namely handles on the inner cooking pot, a large LCD, customizable and savable cooking presets, more temperature levels for sautéing, a sous vide function, and a diffuser cap that makes the steam release just a bit gentler . The Pro also comes with an extra silicone sealing ring for the lid and works with Instant Pots QuickCool Tray if you want to depressurize foods faster before serving. Of Instant Pots costlier models, the Pro and its features are most worth the jump in price, especially if you plan to use your multi-cooker frequently. Instant Pots midlevel offering, the Duo Plus, usually costs about $20 less than the Pro at this writing, but the Duo Pluss features are less impressive.
Instant Pot has also made some design upgrades that improve the usability of the Pro over that of the Duo and Duo Plus. One improvement that stands out is that the handles on the inner cooking pot stay cool, which lets you easily remove the pot even when its hot. These handles also act as anchors that lock the pot into place so that it doesnt whirl around when you stira common gripe we had while testing other Instant Pot models .
Recommended Reading: How To Saute Instant Pot
An Overview On Instant Pots Nova
Instant Pots are currently all the rage in the world of home cooking. However, there are many models to choose from, each with a number of unique features, and each model also comes in multiple sizes, so it can be hard to know which model to pick.
These multi-cooking machines are a great way to downsize if you have several different appliances crowding your kitchen. For most people, the Instant Pot can easily replace the pressure cooker and slow cooker because it can do both those jobs. Its also excellent for other things, like steaming, roasting and sautéing.
There are several different Instant Pot models available. One of the most popular is the Instant Pot Duo Nova. This model is ideal for beginners because its simple to use, especially if youre new to the world of Instant Pots. The Duo Nova model combines seven different appliance functions: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, food warmer and yogurt maker.
Plus, it has an easy-seal lid and an LED display panel. It also has a cooking progress indicator so you have an idea of when your meal will be ready. One of the main reasons this model is best for beginners is because it has so many safety features. You can just turn on the setting you need and go about your other tasks without having to constantly check on it or fiddle with it. Plus, cleanup is a breeze because the cooking pot is dishwasher-safe and highly durable.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
A few of the Instant Pots parts require extra effort to cleanbut this goes for every Instant Pot model, not just the Duo. The depression around the rim of the outer pot traps salt, crumbs, and gunk, but we clear it out with canned air and a damp rag. Though the lids silicone sealing ring can also retain smells, you can deodorize it or buy extras .
None of the pressure cookers we tested, including the Duo, cook rice as well as the Cuckoo CRP-G1015F electric pressure rice cooker . But the Duo is more all-purpose than a dedicated rice cooker, and it still makes fine rice that wed be happy to eat.
Weve never experienced an accident with hot steam on the Duo, and we think the new pressure-release switch is even safer to use. But you should still keep your face and hands away from the valve.
The electric heating element in the Instant Pot cant sear meat as well as stove-top techniques . For intense browning, sear meat in a separate pan on the stove, deglaze, and add the meat and drippings to the electric cooker. This process may kill your one-pot-dinner fantasies, but sometimes life is a compromise. If youre looking for more versatility, our upgrade picks inner pot is designed to work on most cooktops.
Also Check: How To Cook Sweet Potatoes In Instant Pot
How To Do The Water Test
In a short time, the cooker should issue a series of 3 beeps indicating the heating is starting and the display shows On. It takes about 10 minutes for the Instant Pot to pressurize. During this time, youll see the cooker release a bit of steam and hear the water boiling inside. When the appropriate pressure level is achieved, the float valve will pop-up so its flush with the lid. At this time, the cooker is up to pressure and the cooking time starts with the display showing 2 minutes. The display counts down the cooking time and when completed issues a series of beeps indicating completion.
Turn the release handle to the Venting position to release the pressure. Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a pair of tongs to turn the steam release handle. Dont use your hands as you may get burned. After all the steam is released, the float valve lowers indicating pressure is released from the cooker and its safe to remove the lid. The water inside should be boiling.
Congrats! Youve completed the Initial Test Run with the Water Test which means your Instant Pot is ready to go. Now lets get cooking!
Here are some yummy Instant Pot recipes to make:
Why You Should Trust Us
Wirecutter senior staff writer Lesley Stockton has spent her entire career in the culinary industry and has covered electric and stovetop pressure cookers for Wirecutter since 2016. For the original version of this guide, she interviewed pressure-cooking experts Lorna Sass, author of Cooking Under Pressure, and Mike Vrobel, author of the blog Dad Cooks Dinner. In 2020, Lesley tested the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus against our picks.
For the 2019 and 2021 updates, staff writer Anna Perling spent more than 30 hours cooking beans, onions, cakes, butter chicken, rice, and risotto in pressure cookers, as well as air frying two whole chickens, french fries, and mozzarella sticks in new and notable cookers. She also consulted Hip Pressure Cooking, The Veggie Queen, Serious Eats, and Miss Vickie Pressure Cooker Times for guidance.
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The Best Electric Pressure Cooker Is An Instant Pot
In 2021, Instant Pot streamlined its offerings. Weve tested the updated Duo, Duo Plus, and Pro models.
The Instant Pot is probably the most well-known electric pressure cookermore accurately called a multi-cooker because it can also slow cook, sauté, and morebut many brands make this handy type of appliance. A good electric pressure cooker can help get dinner on the table quickly and easily even when youre swamped. Of the 18 models weve tested from a variety of brands since 2016, the Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart is still our favorite. It offers great performance at a reasonable price, and its tried-and-true design makes it easier to use than other multi-cookers or gimmicky smart cookers.
Looking for things to make in your Instant Pot? Try these recipes for bone broth, corned beef and cabbage, salsa verde chicken, and classic beef chili from NYT Cooking.
Our pick
The Duo is a versatile time-saver in the kitchen. Its one of Instant Pots more basic and affordable models, and it does everything you need it to do with ease.
Buying Options
*At the time of publishing, the price was $90.
Best For Advanced Chefs: Instant Pot Pro 10
Replacing our former “Best for Advanced Chefs” pick is the newer Instant Pot Pro. This model has the more modern matte black Instant Pot look, something that’s a bit easier to keep clean than the previous stainless steel siding. Inside, you’ll find the new silicone-handled inner pot, which is versatile enough to be used on the stove in a pinch. Of course, there are also more than 11 safety features so you don’t have to worry about a disaster in your kitchen.
The front panel packs a lot of information into its display, while also making you feel very “welcome to the future.” Once it turns on, no matter which of the 28 different programs you chose, you easily move to the next field by twisting the knob. And if you mess up, it’s easy to start over.
When we sent this home for testing, we found that you do need to read through the instructions to familiarize yourself with all the options. Our tester, who’s used Instant Pots before but never her own, appreciated that the booklet walks you through a “water test” before using it. Once she started using it for recipes, she found you definitely will need to wait until the “preheat” cycles are done especially when using the sauté function. But as she used the Rice, Sous Vide, and Manual functions, our tester fell more and more in love with it.
Price at time of publish: $170
Capacity: 6 quarts | Dimensions : 13 x 12.7 x 12.8 inches | Weight: 17 pounds | Programs: 28
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