An electric pressure cooker — specifically, a multi-function pressure cooker that can steam, sauté, and more — can help you whip up dinner in no time, even if you have absolutely no cooking experience. Of the 15 models we’ve tested since 2016, the Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart is our favorite — tested by the New York Times. The cooker offers great performance at a reasonable price, and its tried-and-true design makes it easier to use than other smart cookers or multicookers.
Instant Pot has released a number of different electric pressure cookers, but we still think the Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart — one of the first models — is the best value for price . It’s incredibly easy to use and does all the basic functions, like pressure cooking, sautéing, and steaming, as well as or better than several other brands. While you miss out on some of the newer, more advanced features of the Instant Pot, like a large LCD screen or an auto-sealing lid, the Duo is a more affordable model that has all the settings we think most home cooks need. We also know that the Duo is a reliable, simple machine that will work for years without breaking down. Like all Instant Pot models, it comes with a stainless steel pot, which is more durable than the non-stick pots offered by most brands.
The Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus – one of Instant Pot’s newest models – comes with a number of small but impressive upgrades that make it a pleasure to use. Some of the features on this model you won’t find anywhere else. It’s the only model with handles on the inner pot, a feature that not only allows you to easily lift the pot, but also prevents the pot from tipping over as you sauté and stir. It also has a bright LCD screen – the largest of any Instant Pot model – and includes a sous vide function, which the Duo doesn’t have. In addition to automatically sealing when you close it, the lid features a redesigned vent/seal switch that eliminates any uncertainty as to whether the pot is sealed or not. Another advantage of the Duo Evo Plus is an additional sealing ring for the lid. Finally, the QuickCool disc, which can be purchased separately and works exclusively with the Duo Evo Plus, reduces cooling – and therefore decompression – time.
Information source: New York Times
