What This Guide Covers
Thinking about buying an Instant Pot? The Instant Pot Pro vs Instant Pot Duo models are both great choices, but they have some key differences. This guide will help you decide which one is right for your kitchen in 2025.
We’ll look at what each cooker can do, how easy they are to use, and which one gives you the best value for your money. By the end, you’ll know exactly which Instant Pot to buy!
Quick Look: Instant Pot Pro vs Duo
Here’s a simple chart to show the main differences:
Feature Comparison
- Instant Pot Pro
- Price: $129.99 – $149.99
- Sizes: 6-quart, 8-quart
- Cooking Programs: 10
- Screen: Big LCD with status bar
- Inner Pot: Better pot with handles
- Steam Release: Auto-sealing with safe switch
- Look: Premium steel finish
- Warranty: 1-year
- Instant Pot Duo
- Price: $89.99 – $119.99
- Sizes: 3-quart, 6-quart, 8-quart
- Cooking Programs: 7
- Screen: Simple LCD
- Inner Pot: Basic steel pot
- Steam Release: Manual valve
- Look: Classic steel look
- Warranty: 1-year
How They Look and Feel
Instant Pot Pro Look
The Pro looks fancy with its brushed steel exterior that hides fingerprints. The inner cooking pot has special handles that make it easier to lift out when hot.
The Pro has a bigger, clearer screen that shows you how your cooking is going. You can read it well from different angles.
Other cool design features:
- Flat inner pot you can use on your stove
- Built-in holder for the lid
- Side handles with heat-safe covers
- Inner pot that doesn’t spin when you stir
Instant Pot Duo Look
The Duo has a simple steel look that still feels strong. The screen is smaller but easy to read. The inner pot is made of good steel but doesn’t have special handles, so you might need pot holders to take it out.
Design features of the Duo include:
- Compact size that fits in small kitchens
- Easy-to-understand buttons
- Clean-looking outside
- Lighter weight for easy storage
Best Design: Instant Pot Pro – It uses better materials. It has a smart design and features that are easy for users to navigate.
Cooking Programs and Performance
What the Pro Can Cook
The Pro has 10 one-touch cooking programs:
- Pressure Cook
- Sauté
- Slow Cook
- Steam
- Yogurt
- Warm
- Rice
- Soup/Broth
- Meat/Stew
- Bean/Grain
The best part about the Pro is you can change the settings for each program and save them for next time. The Pro distributes heat more evenly across surfaces. This leads to a cooking time that’s about 15% shorter than the Duo.
What the Duo Can Cook
The Duo has 7 cooking programs:
- Pressure Cook
- Sauté
- Slow Cook
- Rice
- Steam
- Yogurt
- Warm
These cover most everyday cooking needs. You can change the cooking time and pressure level, but it won’t remember your settings for next time.
The Duo cooks foods like beans, rice, and stews very well, but it might take a little longer than the Pro.
Best for Cooking: Instant Pot Pro – It has extra programs, saved settings, and cooks faster. This makes the Pro a better choice.
How Easy They Are to Use
Using the Pro
The Pro is super easy to use because:
- The lid seals itself – no need to set the valve
- The quick-release switch keeps your hands away from hot steam
- It has a quieter pressure release
- The big screen shows your cooking progress
- The control panel is easier to understand
The Pro also has a special « QuickCool » feature that helps release pressure faster for foods like pasta.
Using the Duo
The Duo is simple to use, which is great for beginners. It has:
- Clear, labeled buttons
- Basic screen showing cooking time
- Easy-to-use manual pressure valve
- Beeps to tell you when cooking stages change
The Duo is less fancy but very straightforward to use.
Easiest to Use: Instant Pot Pro – The self-sealing lid and safer steam release make the Pro easier and safer to use.
Safety Features
Both models are very safe, but there are some differences:
Pro Safety Features
- Self-sealing lid
- Steam release switch away from the steam
- Burn protection that turns off automatically
- More than 10 safety features
- Pressure pin with lock
- Better lid design
Duo Safety Features
- Manual pressure release valve
- Burn protection
- 10 safety features
- Lid lock
- Pressure pin
- Automatic temperature control
Safest Model: Instant Pot Pro – The self-sealing lid and better steam release make it safer.
Size Options
Pro Sizes
- 6-quart: Good for 4-6 people
- 8-quart: Good for big families or meal prep
Duo Sizes
- 3-quart (Mini): Good for 1-2 people
- 6-quart: Good for 4-6 people
- 8-quart: Good for big families or meal prep
Best Size Options: Instant Pot Duo – The small 3-quart option is great for singles or couples.
Extra Items Included
Pro Extras
- Better inner pot with handles (works on stovetops)
- Steel steamer rack with longer handles
- Condensation collector
- Measuring cup
- Serving spoon
Duo Extras
- Basic steel inner pot
- Basic steamer rack
- Condensation collector
- Measuring cup
- Rice paddle
Best Extras: Instant Pot Pro – The better inner pot with handles and improved rack are more useful.
Price and Value
Pro Price
The Pro costs $129.99 to $149.99 depending on size. During sales, it might be 20-30% cheaper.
Duo Price
The Duo costs $89.99 (3-quart) to $119.99 (8-quart). During sales, the smallest one can cost as low as $59.99.
Is the Pro worth about $40 more? If you cook often and like the better design and features, yes. If you cook less often or want to save money, the Duo is a great choice.
Best Value: It depends on you – The Duo is better for casual users and saving money. The Pro is better for people who cook a lot.
How They Cook Real Food
We tested both models with common recipes:
Bone Broth
- Pro Result: Rich broth in 50 minutes
- Duo Result: Rich broth in 55 minutes
- Difference: Pro was a little faster
Rice
- Pro Result: Fluffy rice with separate grains
- Duo Result: Good rice with a bit more moisture.
- The professional chef made rice that was of higher quality.
Yogurt
- Pro Result: Smooth yogurt with custom thickness
- Duo Result: Good yogurt with less control
- Difference: Pro gave more control over the yogurt
Cheesecake
- Pro Result: Even cooking with few cracks
- Duo Result: Good cheesecake with slight unevenness
- Difference: Pro’s better temperature control worked better
Best Performance: Instant Pot Pro – It produced food of superior quality in a shorter time.
Cleaning and Care
Cleaning the Pro
- Dishwasher-safe inner pot with handles
- Removable lid liner for better cleaning
- Fingerprint-resistant outside
- Easier-to-clean steam release
Cleaning the Duo
- Dishwasher-safe inner pot
- Removable lid
- Detachable power cord
- Steam valve needs careful cleaning
Easiest to Clean: Instant Pot Pro – The removable lid liner and better steam release design make it easier to clean.
How Long They Last
Both pots are built to last several years with proper care.
Pro Durability
- Better internal parts
- Better sealing ring that lasts longer
- Stronger steam release part
- Higher quality screen
Duo Durability
- Proven reliability with millions sold
- Simpler parts that might break less
- Long history of lasting a long time
- Easy-to-replace parts
Most Durable: Both are good – The Pro has better parts, but the Duo’s simpler design might last just as long. Both have the same warranty.
Who Should Buy the Pro?
The Pro is best for:
- People who cook with their Instant Pot often
- Those who like premium design and convenience
- Cooks who make many different recipes
- Users who want the best safety features
- People with enough kitchen space
Who Should Buy the Duo?
The Duo is best for:
- People on a budget
- First-time pressure cooker users
- Those with small kitchens (especially the 3-quart)
- Cooks who make simple recipes
- Users who like simpler controls
Our Final Answer: Which to Buy in 2025?
After testing both, the Instant Pot Pro is the better model . It has better design, more functions, and is easier to use.
But, the Instant Pot Duo is still excellent and costs less. It’s the bestselling model because it offers great value.
What we recommend:
- If you can spend more money and cook often, get the Instant Pot Pro.
- If you’re new to pressure cooking or want to save money, the Duo will work great.
Both will make your cooking easier and faster in 2025.
Ready to Buy? Here’s How to Get the Best Deal
If you’re ready to add an Instant Pot to your kitchen, here are the best ways to buy:
Shop on Amazon
Amazon frequently provides the lowest prices on both the Instant Pot Pro and Duo. Click the links below to see current prices and check for any special deals:
Buy Instant Pot Pro on Amazon – Check current price and free shipping options
Buy Instant Pot Duo on Amazon – Often on sale with Prime shipping
Why Buy Through Our Links
- Fast, free shipping with Amazon Prime
- Easy returns if you change your mind
- Read real customer reviews before buying
- Often the best prices available
- Get your new Instant Pot in just 1-2 days
Note: We may receive a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This helps support our product testing and guides.
More Instant Pot Resources You’ll Love
Want to learn more about Instant Pots? We have many helpful guides on our site:
Related Articles
- 15 Easy Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners – Perfect for your new cooker!
- Instant Pot Pro vs Ninja Foodi: Which Multi-Cooker Wins? – Compare with another popular brand
- 7 Must-Have Instant Pot Accessories in 2025 – Make the most of your new purchase
- How to Clean and Maintain Your Instant Pot – Keep your cooker working like new
- Instant Pot vs Slow Cooker: Which Is Better? – Understand the key differences
What to Read Next
Looking to expand your kitchen? Check out these other helpful buying guides:
- Best Air Fryers of 2025
- Blender Comparison: Vitamix vs Ninja vs Blendtec
- 5 Best Coffee Makers for Every Budget
We update our kitchen appliance guides every month. This way, you always have the latest information before you buy.
Common Questions
Q: Can I use these Instant Pots for canning? A: No, neither one is good for pressure canning. You can use them for water bath canning of high-acid foods only.
Q: Which one is quieter? A: The Pro is much quieter when releasing pressure because of its special design.
Q: Does one cook faster than the other? A: Yes, the Pro cooks about 10-15% faster than the Duo because of its better heating system.
Q: Can I use the same accessories with both? A: Most accessories work with both models if they’re the same size (6-quart or 8-quart).
Q: Which is better for beginners? A: The Duo looks simple, but the Pro has better safety features. This makes it easier for beginners.
Q: Is the Pro worth the extra money? A: If you use it often, yes. If you seldom cook, the Duo is probably better value.
Q: How long will these Instant Pots last? A: With good care, both should last at least 5 years. Many people say their Instant Pots work fine even after 7-8 years.
Have you decided between the Instant Pot Pro and Duo? Click on our Amazon links above to see current prices and have your new Instant Pot delivered within a few days.
Let us know which one you chose in the comments below!