The Instant Pot Duo Plus makes cooking easy. It can pressure cook, steam, sauté, and more—all in one pot! This gadget is a game-changer if you love home-cooked meals but hate the mess. I’ve used mine to whip up quick dinners, and it saves so much time. In this guide, I’ll show you how to use the Instant Pot Duo Plus, clean it (yes, I’ll answer if you can put the Instant Pot lid in the dishwasher), and compare it to other models.

What is the Instant Pot Duo Plus?

The Instant Pot Duo Plus is more than a pressure cooker. It’s a kitchen hero that makes cooking simple. This 9-in-1 appliance can pressure cook, slow cook, steam, sauté, warm food, and even make yogurt. If you want home-cooked meals without the hassle, this gadget is perfect. The first time I used mine, I tossed in some chicken, pressed a button, and boom—dinner was ready!

So, how is it different from other models? The Instant Pot Duo Nova is great for beginners, but the Duo Plus has more cooking programs and a better display. If you’re thinking about a 10-quart pressure cooker, keep in mind that the Duo Plus goes up to 8 quarts. It’s a better fit for most kitchens.

This Instant Pot is great for busy professionals, home chefs, and meal preppers. It makes cooking fast, easy, and stress-free.

How to Use the Instant Pot Duo Plus?

Using the Instant Pot Duo Plus is easier than it looks. The first time I used mine, I was nervous. But once I pressed a few buttons, it all made sense! Here’s a simple guide to get you started.

1. Setting it up for the first time
Take everything out of the box. You’ll find the pot, lid, sealing ring, and accessories. Wash them with warm, soapy water. Place the inner pot inside the base and attach the power cord. Now, it’s time for a water test. Add 3 cups of water, close the lid, and select Pressure Cook for 5 minutes. This helps you check if everything is working properly.

2. Understanding cooking modes
The Instant Pot Duo Plus has several modes. Pressure cooking speeds things up—perfect for soups, stews, and rice. Slow cooking is great for tender meats. Sautéing lets you brown onions, garlic, or meat before pressure cooking. You can also steam veggies, warm leftovers, and even make yogurt. It’s like having multiple appliances in one.

3. Use Instant Pot Duo Nova instructions as a reference
If you’ve used the Instant Pot Duo Nova, you’ll find the Duo Plus works the same way—just with extra features. The display is clearer, and the lid automatically seals when you start cooking. No more wondering if you locked it right!

Once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it. This Instant Pot saves time and makes meals effortless.

How to Clean and Maintain Your Instant Pot Duo Plus

Cleaning your Instant Pot Duo Plus is easy. A quick rinse won’t cut it, though. To keep it working well, you need to clean all parts properly. Here’s how to do it the right way.

1. Can You Put the Instant Pot Lid in the Dishwasher?
Yes, but only some parts. The inner pot, sealing ring, and steam rack are dishwasher-safe. The lid can go in the top rack, but it’s best to hand-wash it to keep the seal tight. The base? Never! It has electrical parts, so just wipe it with a damp cloth.

2. Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
After every use: Wash the inner pot with warm, soapy water. Dry it completely before putting it back.
For deep cleaning, remove the sealing ring and wash it separately. If it smells, soak it in vinegar and baking soda for 30 minutes.
Cleaning the lid: Take off the anti-block shield (a small metal piece under the lid) and rinse it well. Wash the steam release valve too—it can get clogged.
The outside: Use a damp cloth to wipe the base. If food spills inside, let it dry, then gently scrape it off with a wooden tool.
3. Preventing the “Burn” Warning
Nothing’s worse than seeing that Burn message mid-cooking. To avoid it:

Always deglaze the pot after sautéing. A splash of broth and a quick stir help.
Use enough liquid. The Instant Pot Duo Plus needs at least 1 cup of water to build pressure.
Make sure the sealing ring is properly in place—a loose ring can cause uneven heating.

Instant Pot Duo Plus vs. Other Pressure Cookers

Choosing the right pressure cooker can feel overwhelming. With so many options—Instant Pot Duo Plus, Instant Pot Duo Nova, and even 10-quart pressure cookers—it’s easy to get lost in the details. Let’s break it down so you can find the best fit for your kitchen.

Instant Pot Duo Plus vs. Instant Pot Duo Nova

If you’re debating between the Instant Pot Duo Plus and the Instant Pot Duo Nova, here’s the deal: The Duo Nova is a great starter model, but the Duo Plus offers more advanced features. The biggest difference? The Duo Plus has a better display, more cooking functions, and an improved sealing system.

For beginners, Duo Nova’s automatic sealing lid is a lifesaver—you won’t have to worry about forgetting to seal it before cooking. However, the Duo Plus gives you more control with features like sous vide and sterilization. If you cook frequently and want extra versatility, the Duo Plus is the better choice.

Instant Pot Duo Plus vs. 10-Quart Pressure Cookers

Size matters, especially if you’re cooking for a crowd. The Instant Pot Duo Plus comes in 6-quart and 8-quart options, which work well for most families. But if you’re cooking large meals for gatherings, a 10-quart pressure cooker might be better.

That said, bigger isn’t always better. Larger pressure cookers take longer to pressurize and release steam. They also need more storage space. If you mainly cook for four to six people, the 8-quart Duo Plus is likely all you need.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you’re new to pressure cooking and want something simple, the Instant Pot Duo Nova is a great entry-level option. If you love cooking and want more advanced features, the Duo Plus is worth the upgrade. And if you cook in big batches or for large groups, a 10-quart pressure cooker might be your best bet.

Best Recipes for the Instant Pot Duo Plus

If you have an Instant Pot Duo Plus, get ready for easy, tasty meals! This kitchen hero does the hard work for you. Just toss in the ingredients, press a button, and let it cook. Whether you’re short on time or love experimenting, these recipes will change the way you cook.

1. Instant Pot Chicken and Rice (Fast and Flavorful)
Need a quick dinner? This one’s a lifesaver. Chicken, rice, and broth cook together in one pot. The flavors blend perfectly, and there’s little cleanup.

👉 Quick Method: Add 1 cup of rice, 1.5 cups of broth, and 2 seasoned chicken breasts. Pressure cook for 10 minutes, then let it release naturally.

2. Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes (No More Stirring)
Mashed potatoes are delicious, but boiling them takes time. The Instant Pot Duo Plus makes them fast, smooth, and full of flavor.

👉 Easy Steps: Peel and cut potatoes. Add 1 cup of water. Pressure cook for 10 minutes. Mash with butter, cream, and garlic for the best texture.

3. Hearty Beef Stew (Rich, Tender, and Done Fast)
Want slow-cooked flavor in less than an hour? This beef stew is perfect. The Instant Pot Duo Plus locks in flavor and makes the meat extra tender.

👉 How to Make It: Sauté onions and garlic. Add beef, carrots, potatoes, broth, and spices. Pressure cook for 35 minutes. The result? A cozy, comforting meal.

4. Instant Pot Yogurt (Yes, You Can Make It!)
Did you know your Instant Pot Duo Plus makes homemade yogurt? It’s cheaper, fresher, and healthier than store-bought.

👉 Simple Method: Heat milk to 180°F, cool it to 110°F, add a spoonful of yogurt, and press the Yogurt button. In 8-10 hours, you’ll have creamy, probiotic-rich yogurt!

5. 5-Minute Hard-Boiled Eggs (Perfect Every Time)
Tired of eggs that crack or peel badly? The Instant Pot Duo Plus makes them just right—firm yolks, easy shells, no guessing.

👉 Best Way: Add 1 cup of water. Place eggs on the trivet. Pressure cook for 5 minutes, let it sit for 5 minutes, then cool in an ice bath.

6. Instant Pot Cheesecake (Yes, You Can Bake in It!)
Baking in an Instant Pot? Absolutely! The steam makes the cheesecake silky smooth with no cracks.

👉 Easy Recipe: Mix cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Pour into a springform pan. Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Chill before serving.

What I Like

The Instant Pot Duo Plus has made my life easier in so many ways. It’s fast, reliable, and takes the stress out of cooking. Here’s what I love about it:

• Saves Time – I can cook meals in half the time compared to traditional methods. It’s perfect for busy days when I need a home-cooked meal fast.
• Multiple Functions in One – It replaces so many appliances! I can pressure cook, steam, sauté, and even make yogurt—all in a single pot.
• Easy to Use – The controls are simple, even if you’ve never used a pressure cooker before. Just press a button, and it does the work for you.
• Consistent Results – Whether it’s rice, soups, or meat, it cooks everything perfectly every time. No more guessing or worrying about undercooked food.
• Minimal Cleanup – Since everything cooks in one pot, there’s less mess. Plus, the inner pot and accessories are dishwasher-safe.
• Great for Meal Prepping – I can cook large batches of food and store them for the week. It helps me eat healthier without spending hours in the kitchen.

What Could Be Better

Even though I love the Instant Pot Duo Plus, there are a few things that could be improved. But honestly, these are small details that don’t take away from how useful it is.

• Takes Up Counter Space – It’s a bit bulky, so if you have a small kitchen, you’ll need to find a good spot for it. But since it replaces multiple appliances, it’s worth it.
• Learning Curve for Beginners – If you’ve never used an Instant Pot before, it can feel a little overwhelming at first. But once you get the hang of it, it’s super easy to use.
• Sealing Ring Absorbs Smells – After cooking strong-smelling foods like curry or garlic, the ring can hold onto odors. A quick soak in vinegar and baking soda helps!
• Lid Storage Could Be Better – I wish there was a built-in spot to hold the lid when I take it off. But I usually just rest it on the counter, so it’s not a big deal.

My Personal Experience

I have been using the Instant Pot Duo Plus for over two years, and it has truly changed the way I cook. Whether I’m making quick weeknight dinners or experimenting with new recipes, it never lets me down. Here’s my honest take on its design, performance, and build quality.

Design

The Instant Pot Duo Plus has a sleek, modern design that looks great in any kitchen. The LCD screen is easy to read, and the touch controls make it simple to switch between cooking modes. I love that the buttons are clearly labeled no guessing what each one does!

One small thing I appreciate is the progress indicator. It shows when the pot is preheating, cooking, and keeping food warm. This tiny detail makes a big difference because I always know what’s happening without opening the lid.

Performance

Performance-wise, this Instant Pot is a powerhouse. It cooks food evenly, locks in flavors, and cuts cooking time in half. I’ve made everything from tender pot roast to fluffy rice, and the results are always spot on.

What stands out is its consistency. I never have to worry about undercooked or overcooked food. Even tough cuts of meat turn soft and juicy in no time. Plus, the sauté function lets me brown ingredients before pressure cooking, adding extra depth to my dishes.

Build Quality

The Instant Pot Duo Plus feels solid and well-made. The stainless steel inner pot is heavy-duty and doesn’t scratch easily, even after frequent use. The sealing ring and lid fit snugly, ensuring perfect pressure every time.

Conclusion

The Instant Pot Duo Plus is a true kitchen lifesaver. It makes cooking easier, faster, and way more fun. Whether you’re pressure cooking a hearty stew, steaming veggies, or even making cheesecake, this appliance does it all. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed in the kitchen, this gadget changes the game.

So, is it worth it? Absolutely. It saves time, reduces mess, and makes meals taste amazing. Plus, it’s easy to clean (yes, you can put some parts in the dishwasher!). If you’ve been thinking about getting one, I say go for it. You’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it.

FAQ

Can you put the Instant Pot Duo Plus lid in the dishwasher?
Yes, but it’s best to hand-wash it. The lid is top-rack dishwasher-safe, but washing by hand helps maintain the sealing ring’s effectiveness.

How do you use an Instant Pot air fryer lid?
The Instant Pot Duo Plus isn’t designed for an air fryer lid. If you want air frying, consider the Instant Pot Duo Crisp or use a standalone air fryer.

What’s the difference between the Instant Pot Duo Plus and Duo Nova?
The Duo Plus has more cooking programs, a better display, and an upgraded steam release button, making it easier to use than the Duo Nova.

Is a 10-quart pressure cooker better for large families?
Yes! A 10-quart pressure cooker works well for big families or batch cooking. But for most kitchens, the 6 or 8-quart Instant Pot Duo Plus is ideal.

Why does my Instant Pot show a “Burn” warning?
This happens when food sticks to the bottom. To avoid it, always deglaze after sautéing and ensure you use enough liquid before pressure cooking.