Kitchen

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker, 6 Qt

The Instant Pot Duo is the multicooker that turned pressure cooking into a weeknight habit for millions of kitchens. It's not the fanciest model anymore, but it's still the one most people should start with.

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Key features

• Pressure cooking turns tough cuts, beans and stews into weeknight meals instead of weekend projects
• One-touch programs make it approachable for nervous first-timers
• The steam release switch keeps your hands well away from the hot steam
• The stainless inner pot is durable and easy to clean
• Six quarts is the sweet spot for most families

Best for

Busy home cooks and families who want faster soups, stews, rice and beans from one appliance.

Things to consider

• It takes time to come up to pressure, so real-world cooking times are longer than the program timer suggests
• The silicone sealing ring tends to absorb strong smells; many owners keep a separate ring for sweet dishes
• The slow-cook and sauté modes are fine but not as good as dedicated appliances

Verdict

Recommended as a first multicooker for most households. If you mostly want crispy food, an air fryer will serve you better. We also reviewed the Baker's Signature Air Fryer Liners Disposable if you want to compare.