Which Instant Pot Should You Buy?
The Instant Pot Duo and the Instant Pot Pro are two of the most popular multicookers in the UK. The Duo is the classic, affordable 7‑in‑1 model that most people start with. The Pro is the upgraded, premium version with faster heating, more control, better safety features, and a superior stainless‑steel inner pot.
This comparison breaks down the differences so you can choose the right Instant Pot for your kitchen.
⭐ Quick Verdict
Both models are excellent, but they serve different buyers:
- Instant Pot Duo → Best for people who want an affordable, reliable multicooker with all the essentials.
- Instant Pot Pro → Best for people who want faster cooking, more control, and premium build quality.
If you want value, choose Duo. If you want performance, choose Pro.
🔍 Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Feature | Instant Pot Duo | Instant Pot Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Type | 7‑in‑1 multicooker | 10‑in‑1 premium multicooker |
| Capacity | 3L / 5.7L / 8L | 5.7L / 8L |
| Heating | Standard | 20% faster heating element |
| Inner Pot | Basic stainless steel | Upgraded “Pro” stainless steel with handles |
| Modes | 13 programs | 28 programs + 5 favourites |
| Rice Quality | Very good | Very good (more consistent) |
| Safety | 10 safety features | 11 safety features (improved steam release) |
| Price | Mid‑range | Upper mid‑range |
| Best For | Everyday cooking | Power users & families |
🏆 Cooking Performance
Instant Pot Duo
Reliable, consistent, and great for everyday meals. Handles rice, stews, curries, and soups well.
Instant Pot Pro
Faster, more precise, and more powerful. The upgraded heating element reduces cook times and improves sauté performance.
Winner: Instant Pot Pro
⚙️ Features & Cooking Modes
Instant Pot Duo
Includes the classic 7 functions:
- Pressure cook
- Slow cook
- Steam
- Sauté
- Rice
- Yogurt
- Keep warm
Instant Pot Pro
Adds more advanced features:
- Sous‑vide
- Bake
- Sterilise
- NutriBoost
- Programmable favourites
- 28 cooking programs
Winner: Instant Pot Pro
🧱 Build Quality
Instant Pot Duo
Solid and reliable, but basic.
Instant Pot Pro
Premium build, upgraded pot, improved lid, quieter steam release, and better insulation.
Winner: Instant Pot Pro
🧼 Ease of Use
Instant Pot Duo
Simple, familiar, and beginner‑friendly.
Instant Pot Pro
More buttons and options, but still intuitive once you learn the layout.
Winner: Instant Pot Duo (For absolute simplicity.)
⏱️ Speed
Instant Pot Duo
Standard Instant Pot performance.
Instant Pot Pro
Heats up and cools down 20% faster, reducing total cooking time.
Winner: Instant Pot Pro
💷 Price & Value
Instant Pot Duo
Excellent value — all the core features at a lower price.
Instant Pot Pro
More expensive, but worth it for the faster cooking and premium pot.
Winner:
- Best budget value: Duo
- Best performance value: Pro
👨👩👧 Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Instant Pot Duo if you want:
- A reliable, affordable multicooker
- All the essential Instant Pot functions
- A simple, beginner‑friendly interface
- Great performance for everyday meals
Choose the Instant Pot Pro if you want:
- Faster cooking
- A premium stainless‑steel pot with handles
- More control and more programs
- Better sauté performance
- A quieter, safer steam release
⭐ Final Verdict
The Instant Pot Duo is perfect for beginners and everyday cooks who want a reliable multicooker at a great price. The Instant Pot Pro is ideal for power users, families, and anyone who wants faster cooking, better build quality, and more advanced features.
Choose based on whether you want value or premium performance.
🛒 Buy on Amazon
Instant Pot Duo
- 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.
Instant Pot Pro
- 10 FUNCTIONS: Enjoy cooking with 10 functions like Slow Cook, Saute, Rice, Steam, Yogurt, Sous Vide, Bake, NutriBoost and more, all while remotely controlling and monitoring your meals through the Instant Connect App for ultimate convenience.
- 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.
- More Power, More Flavour: With 20% more power for faster pre-heating and NutriBoost Technology that gently pulses during cooking, unlocks richer flavours and enhanced taste, perfect for stews, risottos, and soups.
- 6 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