A Versatile Multicooker That Also Makes Great Rice
⭐ Verdict
The Instant Pot Duo 7‑in‑1 is one of the most versatile kitchen appliances you can buy. While it’s not a dedicated rice cooker, it produces very good rice and replaces several other appliances at once. If you want a single machine that can pressure cook, slow cook, steam, sauté, and make rice, the Duo is the best all‑rounder in the UK.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely versatile — replaces 7 appliances
- Makes good rice with the “Rice” or “Pressure Cook” modes
- Fast cooking thanks to pressure‑cooking capability
- Large capacity options (3L, 5.7L, 8L)
- Huge recipe community and support
Cons
- Not as precise as a fuzzy‑logic rice cooker
- Learning curve for beginners
- Bulky compared to dedicated rice cookers
Key Specifications
- Capacity: 3L / 5.7L / 8L
- Power: 700–1000W (depending on size)
- Functions: Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Rice, Steam, Sauté, Yogurt, Keep Warm
- Inner pot: Stainless steel (dishwasher‑safe)
- Pressure levels: High / Low
- Safety features: 10+ built‑in protections
- Warranty: 1 year (UK)
Design & Build Quality
The Instant Pot Duo has a sturdy stainless‑steel exterior and a thick, durable inner pot. The lid locks securely, and the control panel is clear once you get used to it. It feels like a premium appliance built for heavy use.
Performance
Rice Cooking
The Duo makes surprisingly good rice, especially when using:
- Rice mode for white rice
- Pressure Cook (Low) for brown rice
- Manual settings for sushi or jasmine rice
It’s not quite as refined as a Zojirushi or Yum Asia model, but it’s better than most budget rice cookers.
Pressure Cooking
This is where the Duo shines — stews, curries, soups, and meats cook dramatically faster.
Slow Cooking
Replaces a standalone slow cooker with excellent results.
Steaming & Sautéing
Useful for vegetables, dumplings, and browning ingredients before pressure cooking.
Ease of Use
There’s a small learning curve, but once you understand the controls, it becomes incredibly convenient. The stainless‑steel pot is easy to clean and far more durable than non‑stick bowls.
Who Is This Best For?
- Families who want one appliance that does everything
- Meal preppers
- People with limited kitchen space
- Anyone who wants good rice and pressure cooking in one machine
If you want versatility, nothing beats the Duo.
Price & Value
The Instant Pot Duo is excellent value considering it replaces:
- A rice cooker
- A slow cooker
- A pressure cooker
- A steamer
- A sauté pan
- A yogurt maker
For the price, it’s one of the best kitchen investments you can make.
Alternatives
- Instant Pot Pro — upgraded version with more features
- Yum Asia Panda — better rice quality, less versatile
- Tefal RK1568 — simpler and cheaper
Final Verdict
The Instant Pot Duo 7‑in‑1 is a fantastic all‑rounder. If you want a single appliance that cooks rice well and handles dozens of other tasks, it’s an easy recommendation.
Buy on Amazon
- 13 PROGRAMS: Soup, Broth, Meat, Stew, Bean, Chilli, Slow Cook, Saute, Rice, Porridge, Steam, Yogurt, Keep Warm, Multigrain, Poultry and Pressure Cook— get creative with just one appliance!
- ENERGY-SAVING: Save up to 80% on your energy bill compared to traditional electric ovens—so you can put that extra cash towards the things that really matter!
- TIME-SAVING: Cut cooking time by up to 70% compared to traditional methods when pressure cooking —more time for the things you love and less time spent in the kitchen!
- SET IT & FORGET IT – The Instant Pot Duo remembers your favorite cooking styles and go-to programs, so you can relax and do other things while your meal cooks safely and quickly.
- 5 PORTIONS – With its 5.7L capacity, it’s perfect for whipping up tasty weekday meals, family dinners, or even batch cooking for the week ahead.
Last update on 2026-08-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
