Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus vs Duo: What’s the same and what’s different
Instant Pot designs each of its electric pressure cookers to be convenient, safe, and dependable. In September 2019 they released a new model, the Duo Evo Plus. Each Instant Pot model has some variations that might make you want to choose one over another. And this new model has a lot of differences compared to the Instant Pots available. Let’s take at the Instant Pot Duo vs Duo Evo Plus side by side.
One quick note: The Duo Evo Plus has been discontinued. While you may be able to find one online, check out the Instant Pot Pro vs Duo comparison. The Pro is the next generation of the Duo Evo Plus
You can also compare the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus vs Duo Nova and Instant pot Duo Plus vs Duo Evo Plus separately.
And one more note: this post contains affiliate links. This means I may receive a small commission if you buy through my link. You won’t pay any more if you use this link.
What is the Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker?
If you haven’t been following the Instant Pot trend, let’s take a quick look at what this is all about.
An Instant Pot® is a smart multi-use Electric Pressure Cooker designed to be dependable, convenient, and safe. Safety is one of the most important aspects. Pressure-cooking helps you cook your meals both faster and using less energy. The Instant Pot is an energy-efficient kitchen appliance.
And it allows you to cook hot meals in the summer without heating up your kitchen.
The Duo and Duo Evo Plus are just two of the many models the company sells. The Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus was one of several new models released in 2019.
Specifically, you may be considering the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus vs Duo and trying to figure out which one is better. Or maybe how they’re different if you already own a Duo.
What is the difference between the Duo Evo Plus vs Duo?
The Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus is the most innovative electric pressure cooker version they’ve released. Here’s a look at the key differences between the classic Instant Pot model and one of the models released in 2019.
The inner liners are completely different, and not interchangeable
With the Duo Evo Plus, Instant Pot created a new liner that is stovetop friendly with handles, but not usable in other models.
The handles on the new liner make it easier to lift and the flat bottom makes it stove-top friendly!
If you have other Instant Pots at the same size, you will need to buy separate inner pots if you want to have spares.
You can now buy the liners either directly from the company or through Amazon.
The Duo technically has more smart programs but the Duo Evo Plus has 48 presets
With most of the Instant Pots, you can simply compare them side by side based on smart programs. So while it may look like one model has fewer cooking options, it actually has a lot more.
With the Duo Evo Plus, the presets add a whole new level of taking the guesswork out of cooking.
The control panels are different between the two models
The Instant Duo Evo Plus has a backlit display with a turn dial similar to the Ultra. The Duo has a traditional LCD display.
The turn dial on the Duo Evo Plus allows you to choose between the presets within a smart program and adjust the cooking settings. And similar to the Ultra, don’t forget to hit the start button.
The Duo will automatically start cooking after a few seconds of pressing the program buttons.
The Duo Evo Plus has a completely different lid and sealing knob
In addition to a new style of inner liner, the Duo Evo Plus lid has a few interesting features. It has a controlled pressure release knob.
In addition to releasing pressure quicker with the QuickCool technology, it also manages the pressure steam better. If you’ve seen a quick-release on an electric pressure cooker and been a bit scared, check out this model instead.
The accessories included are different between the models
The Duo comes with one sealing ring, the trivet, a measuring cup, and a few utensils. One of the things you’ll like want to buy if you decide to purchase this model is an additional sealing ring or two as they generally pick up cooking smells that can be difficult to get out.
With the Duo Evo Plus, it comes with two sealing rings and a trivet. So it comes with a few less accessories but the added sealing ring is one that really counts.
With the added features, the Duo Evo Plus will typically cost more
Compared to the classic Duo model, the newer Duo Evo Plus will typically cost a little bit more per size. But always keep an eye out for flash sales and deals. You never know when you’ll be able to save money on purchase, even with the newer models.
The Duo is available in a 3 quart mini size
The Duo is available in 3 sizes: 3 quart, 6 quart, and 8 quart, which gives you a lot of flexibility depending on your needs. If you typically cook for one person or have a smaller kitchen, a Duo 3 quart model might be a better option for you.
The Duo Evo Plus is available in 6 quart and 8 quart sizes. 6 quarts is the most popular size out of the models, and what most recipes are written for.
The Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus and Duo compared side-by-side
To go deeper on each model, here are the appliances combined included smart programs, and available sizes compared side-by-side. Aside from looking at a summary of the differences, looking at each element in detail can be helpful to your decision making process.
The appliances combined in each model
Each Instant Pot combines multiple kitchen appliances into one, saving space on your counters and in your cabinets. And of course, you save money by having one appliance to cover multiple cooking methods.
Let’s take a look at the appliances combined in the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus vs Duo:
| Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus | Instant Pot Duo | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Appliances Combined | 10 | 7 |
| Pressure Cooker | Yes | Yes |
| Slow Cooker | Yes | Yes |
| Rice Cooker | Yes | Yes |
| Steamer | Yes | Yes |
| Sauté/Searing | Yes | Yes |
| Yogurt Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Sous Vide | Yes | |
| Warmer | Yes | Yes |
| Cake Maker | Yes | |
| Stock Pot | Yes |
The new Duo Evo Plus combines a few more appliances into one Instant Pot compared to the Duo.
Smart Programs included in the Duo and Duo Evo Plus
Instant Pot created smart programs to help the home chef be able to cook with the press of a button. The smart programs were created based on extensive testing, control heat intensity, temperature, pressure, and duration.
Aside from each Instant Pot series having different smart programs, not all of the sizes within a model will have all of the smart programs included. For example, the mini 3 quart models usually have a few fewer programs than its larger 6- and 8-quart siblings have.
One thing to call out with the Duo Evo Plus is the number of included smart programs is a bit deceiving. The Duo Evo Plus has a large number of presets to further control time and temperature. So while chili, for example, isn’t a smart program, it is a preset within both the Pressure Cook and Slow Cook functions.
| Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus | Instant Pot Duo | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Smart Programs | 9 | 14 |
| Soup/Broth | Yes | |
| Meat/Stew | Yes | |
| Bean/Chili | Yes | |
| Sauté | Yes | Yes |
| Rice | Yes | Yes |
| Multigrain | Yes* | |
| Poultry | Yes* | |
| Porridge | Yes | |
| Yogurt | Yes | Yes |
| Pressure Cook | Yes | Yes |
| Steam | Yes | Yes |
| Keep Warm | Yes | Yes |
| Slow Cook | Yes | Yes |
| Pasteurize** | Yes | Yes |
| Bake* | Yes | |
| Sous Vide | Yes |
* These programs (Multigrain, Poultry, and Pasteurize) may not be available in the 3-quart versions of this Instant Pot.
** Pasteurize is a program that’s included in the Yogurt Smart Program
While the Duo does not have the Cake Setting or egg program in any size. Don’t worry as you can still make hard-boiled eggs using the steam setting and cakes using the pressure cook setting and adjusting the time.
Looking at the model sizes side-by-side, the models larger than the 3 quart have two additional smart programs: multigrain and poultry.
Don’t forget the accessories! Regardless of which Instant Pot you buy, don’t forget the accessories. Most of the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus accessories will also work for the Duo, except for the inner liner. Make sure you buy the right one for your Instant Pot Model
Which sizes the Duo Evo Plus and Duo available in?
Many Instant Pot models are available in the core three sizes: 3 quart, 6 quart, and 8 quart. Currently, the Duo Evo Plus is available in 2 sizes: 6 quarts and 8 Quart. If you’re looking for the mini 3 quart model, take a closer look at the Duo.
| Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus | Instant Pot Duo | |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Quarts | Yes | |
| 6 Quarts | Yes | Yes |
| 8 Quarts | Yes | Yes |
If you’re looking for a larger Instant Pot, The Duo Nova 10 quart might be an option for you.
What are your thoughts on the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus vs Duo?
Whenever you buy a new Instant Pot you need to decide which features and size make the most sense for your needs. If you already have a Duo, there are a few interesting features in the new Duo Evo Plus that could make it an attractive upgrade. I don’t know about you, but I am finding the need for more than one Instant Pot in my kitchen. And if you’re looking to try different sizes, switching to a different model gives you the best of both worlds.
What about you? What are you looking for in an Instant Pot Duo vs Duo Evo Plus? Are you trying to decide which one to buy?
Learn more about the Instant Pot Models
- Comparing the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus vs Ultra
- Comparing the Instant Pot Duo vs Lux
- Comparing the Instant Pot Ultra vs Duo
