Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus vs Lux: 8 differences compared side by side
Instant Pot designs each of its electric pressure cookers to be convenient, dependable, and safe. In 2019 the company released two models including the Duo Evo Plus. Each Instant Pot model has some variations that might make you want to choose one over another. And between these two models and the occasional promotions, it may be difficult to choose.
Let’s take at the Lux and Duo Evo Plus side by side. The 8 differences between the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus vs Lux include:
- The Lux has one pressure cooking level
- Different inner liners that are not interchangeable
- The Lux has more smart programs but the Duo Evo Plus has 48 presets
- The control panels are different between the two models
- The Duo Evo Plus has a controlled steam release feature
- The Lux is also available as a 3 quart mini
- The included accessories are different between the models
- The basic model will typically cost less
One quick note: The Duo Evo Plus and Lux have been discontinued. While you may be able to find them online, check out the Instant Pot Duo vs Pro comparison. The Pro is the next generation of the Duo Evo Plus and the Duo is the current basic model.
Dig deeper into the comparison between the two models to look at the appliances combined, smart programs included, and other relevant stats.
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?
An Instant Pot® is a smart multi-use Electric Pressure Cooker designed to be convenient, safe, and dependable. Safety is of course one of the most important things when it comes to pressure cooking.
It is an energy-efficient kitchen appliance allowing you to prepare your meals faster and using less energy. Besides saving you money, the other benefit of being energy efficient is you can cook hot meals in the summer without heating up your kitchen.
The Lux and Duo Evo Plus are just two of the many models the company sells. The Lux is their original basic version and the Duo Evo Plus is their most innovative version introduced in 2019.
Specifically, you may be considering the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus vs Lux and trying to figure out which one is better. Or maybe how they’re different if you already own another Instant Pot.
What is the difference between the Duo Evo Plus vs Lux?
The Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus is the most innovative electric pressure cooker version they’ve released to date. And the Instant Pot Lux is the version they call their basic model. Here’s a look at the key differences between the innovative Instant Pot model and their basic model.
The Lux has one pressure cooking level
Aside from what will be visual differences along with variations in smart program combinations, one of the main differences between these two models is the Lux only has a high pressure cooking level. The Duo Evo Plus has pressure cooking options at both high and low.
Typically you won’t see many recipes calling for a pressure level other than high, but low can be used to cook rice and certain types of fish.
Currently Lux is the only Instant Pot without a low pressure cooking option.
Different inner liners that are not interchangeable
The Duo Evo Plus is made with a redesigned inner liner, featuring two changes that make it exciting.
This new liner is stove-top friendly with a flat bottom. One of the common questions and complaints is the existing liner can’t be used on the stove. Or you read stories of someone using the original liner on the stove warping it.
The other exciting feature in the new liner is heat-resistant handles so it’s easier to pick up from the base. Picking up a hot inner liner with no grab handles can be difficult task at times, so the new version is a great upgrade.
But these two new design changes means the liners for the Duo Evo Plus are not interchangeable with the other models, including the Lux. If you already have another Instant Pot of the same size and decide to buy a Duo Evo Plus, you’ll need to buy separate inner pots for this model to have extras.
The Lux has more smart programs but the Duo Evo Plus has 48 presets
When deciding between Instant Pots, you may compare them side by side based on the included smart programs. So while the Duo Evo Plus has fewer cooking buttons, it has more cooking features.
The presets and customization options in the Duo Evo Plus remove the guesswork out of cooking at a whole new level.
The control panels are different between the two models
The Lux has a traditional LCD control panel with push buttons to choose your cooking settings. You’ll see a similar control panel in the Viva and Duo, their classic model.
The Duo Evo Plus has a control panel similar to the Ultra. It is a backlit display with a combination of buttons and a turn dial. You select your smart program with a button. Then you’ll choose between the presets and make further cooking setting adjustments using the turn dial. And as with the Ultra, don’t forget to press the start button to actually begin the cooking process.
The Lux automatically starts cooking after a few seconds of pushing the program buttons.
The Duo Evo Plus has a controlled steam release feature
In addition to a redesigned cooking liner, the Duo Evo Plus lid has a different type of pressure release knob. The defused steam release feature on the new model allows you quickly release the pressure after cooking without worrying about spraying your ceiling.
With the Lux, you can do a controlled steam release when you’re done cooking by tapping the manual release knob. Also don’t forget to flip the steam release to the sealing position when you begin cooking. A nice addition in the Duo Evo Plus along with a few other models is an auto-sealing lid.
Also in the Duo Evo Plus lid compared to the Lux is the new model includes a lid rest and grab handle. The basic model has a different way of opening the Instant pot and you need to carefully place the lid on your counter when you’re done cooking.
The Lux is also available as a 3 quart mini
The Lux is available in the three core Instant Pot sizes: 3 quart, 6 quart, and 8 quart. You have the flexibility to choose what will work based on your needs. A 3 quart mini model is great if you typically cook for one person, have a smaller kitchen, or what an extra Instant Pot to cook side dishes.
The Duo Evo Plus is currently available in 6 quart and 8 quart sizes. 6 quarts is what most recipes are written for unless otherwise noted. It is the most popular size.
If you like to cook larger meals or need extra flexibility, the 8 quart model might be useful in your kitchen. For example, the larger model gives you more room to cook a bulk package of chicken breasts at one time.
The included accessories are different between the models
The Lux comes with a 1 sealing ring, a steam rack/trivet, rice paddle, soup spoon, measuring cup, user manual, and recipe booklet
With the Duo Evo Plus, you’ll receive two sealing rings, a trivet, and a user manual. While it comes with fewer total accessories, the extra sealing ring is a great addition.
The sealing rings pick up the smells of what you’re cooking, especially onion and garlic. Imagine making an onion-flavored cheesecake. Regardless of which Instant Pot you decide to add to your kitchen, buy an extra sealing ring or two. It’s worth it!
The basic model will typically cost less
Depending on your budget, the Lux will typically cost less than the Duo Evo Plus at the same quart size as the newer model has more features. Keep an eye out for flash sales and deals. You never know when you’ll be able to save money on your purchase, even with the newer models.
The Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus and Lux 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 aspect 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 Lux:
| Kitchen Appliance | Duo Evo Plus | Lux |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| Sous Vide | Yes | |
| Warmer | Yes | Yes |
| Cake Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Stock Pot | Yes |
The new Duo Evo Plus combines a few more appliances into one Instant Pot compared to the Lux. One thing to note, on their website they refer to the Lux as combining 6 kitchen appliances but doesn’t reference the cake program in the 6. On other models, they reference “cake maker” as a combined appliance so it’s referenced here as a 7th “appliance”.
Smart Programs included in the Lux and Duo Evo Plus
Instant Pot created smart programs to help the home chef cook with the press of a button. The smart programs were created based on extensive testing to 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. The smaller models have a smaller front panel for the buttons.
One thing to highlight 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 isn’t a stand-alone smart program on the Duo Evo Plus, it is a preset program within both the Pressure Cook and Slow Cook functions. For chili, you can then cook it with and without pressure.
| Smart Program | Duo Evo Plus | Lux |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Smart Programs | 9 | 14 |
| Soup/Broth | Yes | |
| Meat/Stew | Yes | |
| Cake | Yes* | |
| Egg | Yes | |
| Sauté | Yes | Yes |
| Rice | Yes | Yes |
| Multigrain | Yes* | |
| Porridge | Yes | |
| Yogurt | Yes | |
| Pressure Cook | Yes | Yes |
| Steam | Yes | Yes |
| Keep Warm | Yes | Yes |
| Slow Cook | Yes | Yes |
| Pasteurize** | Yes | |
| Bake | Yes | |
| Sous Vide | Yes |
* These programs (Cake and Multigrain) may not be available in the 3-quart versions of the Lux.
** Pasteurize is a program that’s included in the Yogurt Smart Program
Looking at the model sizes side-by-side, the models larger than the 3 quart have two additional smart programs: multigrain and cake. While the Mini Lux does not have the Cake Setting, don’t worry as you can still make cakes using the pressure cook setting and adjusting the time. Check the recipe you’re using for recommendations.
Which sizes the Duo Evo Plus and Lux available in?
The Duo Evo Plus is available in 2 sizes: 6 quarts and 8 Quart. The Lux is available in the three core Instant Pot sizes: 3 quart, 6 quart, and 8 quart.
The core Instant Pot models are generally available in the three main sizes: 3 quart, 6 quart, and 8 quart. There is also one 10 quart model available in the Duo Nova series.
| Size | Duo Evo Plus | Lux |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Quarts | Yes | |
| 6 Quarts | Yes | Yes |
| 8 Quarts | Yes | Yes |
| 10 Quarts | 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 Lux?
Whenever you buy a new Instant Pot you need to decide which features and size make the most sense for your needs, along with your budget. When there are promotions running on multiple models it can be difficult to decide between two Instant Pots. Or if you have an older model, sometimes a good deal means it’s a good time to upgrade.
The Lux is the company’s basic model and has a lot of the core pressure cooking features. The Duo Evo Plus is the company’s most innovative model to date. The controlled pressure release on the Duo Evo Plus along with the upgraded lid are great features to have.
More often than not, you’ll be able to find room for another Instant Pot in your kitchen. Maybe it’s time to buy a different size to cook larger batch meals or a smaller option to cook side dishes. And when it’s time for another Instant Pot consider switching models or sizes so you have the best of both worlds.
What about you? What are you looking for in an Instant Pot Lux vs Duo Evo Plus? Have you decided which one you might buy?
