Instant Pot Duo Plus vs Duo Evo Plus: Comparing what’s the same and 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, the most innovative model to date.
And the company started to release an updated version of the Duo Plus as well, which they call the best for parents. Before making a purchase double check if you’re buying the original or updated version of this model as there are differences between the two.
Each Instant Pot model has some variations that might make you want to choose one over another. And this new model series has a lot of differences compared to the Instant Pots available. Let’s take at the Instant Pot Duo Plus vs Duo Evo Plus side by side.
You can also compare the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus vs Duo Nova 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’re researching electric pressure cookers for the first time, here’s a quick introduction to get you started.
An Instant Pot is a multi-use smart electric pressure cooker designed to be dependable, safe, and convenient. This method of cooking helps you prepare meals faster, making it an energy-efficient kitchen appliance.
And you also don’t heat up your kitchen in the summer.
You may be trying to decide which is better for your needs between the Instant Pot Duo Plus vs Duo Evo Plus. Or maybe how the Duo Evo Plus is different if you already own a Duo Plus.
What is the difference between the Duo Plus vs Evo Plus?
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 a previous Instant Pot model and one of the models released in 2019.
The new inner liners were redesigned and not interchangeable
Exciting news with the Duo Evo Plus, the liners are now stovetop friendly and have handles. The handles make it much easier to lift the hot pot out of the base. And this liner version has a flat bottom making it stovetop friendly.
So if you have other Instant Pots of the same size, you will need to buy separate inner pots for the Evo Plus if you want to have spares.
Also to note, you can buy liners either directly from the company or through Amazon.
The Duo Evo Plus has a controlled steam release feature
In addition to the different inner liner, the Duo Evo Plus lid has a few interesting features including a controlled pressure release knob.
In addition to releasing pressure quicker with the QuickCool technology, it also manages the pressure steam better. It’s a really nice feature to reduce the amount of steam hitting your ceiling or possibly cabinets.
The original Duo Plus has a manual seal lid and the updated version has an auto-seal lid with a push-button to release the pressure. The quick-release on these models is more forceful. If you’ve seen a quick-release demo on an electric pressure cooker and felt a bit scared, check out Duo Evo Plus.
The Duo Plus 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. If you’re interested in a specific program that might make your decision for you.
So while it may look like the Evo Plus has fewer cooking options, it actually has a lot more. The Duo Evo Plus has presets and customization options that add a whole new level of cooking.
The control panels are different between the two models
Both of the models have a backlit display.
The Duo Evo Plus has a turn dial similar to the Ultra, which allows you to choose from the presets within a smart program and adjust the cooking settings. And like the Ultra, don’t forget to hit the start button after you make your selections.
The Duo Plus uses buttons like other models to select the cooking settings. It will automatically start cooking after a few seconds of pressing the program buttons.
The Duo Plus is available in a 3 quart mini size
The Duo Plus is available in 3 sizes: 3 quart, 6 quart, and 8 quart. If you typically cook for one person or have a smaller kitchen, a Duo 3 quart model might be a better option for you.
Both models are available in the core 6 quart and 8 quart sizes.
The accessories included are a little different between the models
The Duo Evo Plus comes with two sealing rings and a trivet. So it comes with fewer accessories but the added sealing ring is one that really counts.
The newer Duo Plus version comes with a one sealing ring and a trivet. Previous versions of this model came with a steam rack/trivet, rice paddle, soup spoon, and a measuring cup.
The biggest difference you’ll notice between the two models is the Duo Evo Plus has two sealing rings. If you decide to buy the Duo Plus consider also buying extra rings so that you don’t have to worry about mixing flavors between your sweet and savory dishes. The silicone has a tendency to pick up smells from what you cook, especially garlic and onion.
With the added features, the Duo Evo Plus will typically cost more
Compared to the Duo Plus model, the newer Duo Evo Plus will typically cost a little bit more per size. Keep your eye out for a flash sale or promotion. You may be able to save money on your purchase if you’re not in a hurry to buy one.
The Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus and Duo Plus 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 in your decision-making process.
The appliances combined in each model
Instant Pot combines multiple kitchen appliances into one, saving you counter and storage space. You’ll also save money because you can buy fewer kitchen appliances.
Let’s take a look at the appliances combined in the Instant Pot Duo Plus and Duo Evo Plus:
| Instant Pot Duo Plus | Instant Pot Duo Plus (6 Quart v2) | Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Appliances Combined | 9 | 11 | 10 |
| Pressure Cooker | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Slow Cooker | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rice Cooker | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Steam | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sauté/Searing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Yogurt Maker | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Warmer | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cake Maker | Yes* | Yes* | Yes* |
| Egg Maker | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sterlizer | Yes | Yes | |
| Sous Vide | Yes** | Yes | |
| Stock Pot | Yes |
* The Cake Maker feature is not available in the 3 quart Instant Pot Duo Plus Mini. But don’t worry you can still make cakes in a Mini without the specific cake smart program.
** For the Duo Plus models, Sous Vide is currently an addition to the updated 6 quart model. You may be able to find one of the previous versions on Amazon.
The new Duo Evo Plus combines one additional appliance compared to the latest version of the Duo Plus.
Smart Programs included with each model
The Instant Pot smart programs help you cook at the press of a button. Smart programs were created through extensive testing to control pressure, heat intensity, duration, and temperature.
Each Instant Pot series has a different combination of smart programs. And one thing to note. Not all of the sizes within a model series will have all of the smart programs. Usually, the mini 3 quart models will have a few fewer programs than its larger 6- and 8-quart siblings.
If you’re looking for a specific smart program, double-check the model you’re buying before completing your purchase. Instant Pot has released new versions of models over time, which can include changing up the smart program combination.
Instant Pot also released a newer version of the Duo Plus model that changes up some of the smart programs from the original model. If you decide to buy a Duo Plus double check the features to make sure you get the version you were aiming for.
| Instant Pot Duo Plus | Instant Pot Duo Plus (6 quart v2) | Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Smart Programs | 14 | 15 | 9 |
| Pressure Cook | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Soup/Broth | Yes | Yes | |
| Meat/Stew | Yes | Yes | |
| Bean/Chili | Yes | ||
| Bean/Grain | Yes* *** | ||
| Sauté | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rice | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Multigrain | Yes* | ||
| Porridge | Yes | Yes | |
| Yogurt | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cake | Yes* | Yes* | |
| Bake | Yes | ||
| Egg | Yes | Yes | |
| Steam | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Slow Cook | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sous Vide | Yes* | Yes | |
| Sterilize | Yes | Yes | |
| Pasteurize** | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Keep Warm | Yes | Yes | Yes |
* These programs (Multigrain and Cake) may not be available in the 3-quart versions of this Instant Pot.
** The Pasteurizing program is part of the Yogurt Smart Program. When you choose “More”, it will pasteurize milk. Be sure to check the temperature of the heated milk to ensure it reaches the proper temperature. The company also suggests you can use this program to sterilize baby bottles, making it a good option for parents.
*** The Bean/Grain smart program is a replacement for the Bean/Chili and Multigrain buttons on the newer Duo Plus model. And this smart program is not available on the 3 quart model.
And certain programs have been updated in the V2 6 quart Duo Plus model, currently available on the Instant Pot store. Double-check which version you’re buying on Amazon as the inventory cycles its way through availability.
Which sizes are the Duo Plus and Duo Evo Plus available in?
Many Instant Pot models are available in the core three sizes: 3 quart, 6 quart, and 8 quart. The Duo Plus is available in all three sizes and the Duo Evo Plus is available in two sizes.
The new Duo Evo Plus is not currently available as a 3 quart model. If you need a small Instant Pot, take a closer look at the Duo Plus.
| Instant Pot Duo Plus | Instant Pot Duo Plus (v2) | Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Quarts | Yes | Yes | |
| 6 Quarts | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 8 Quarts | Yes | Yes | Yes |
If you’re looking for something larger, check out the Duo Nova as that model is also available in 10 quarts.
What are your thoughts on the Instant Pot Duo Plus vs Duo Evo Plus?
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 Plus, there are a few interesting features in the new Duo Evo Plus that could make it an attractive upgrade.
I can usually find a bit more space in my kitchen for another Instant Pot when the features look really interesting. Or 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 Plus vs Duo Evo Plus? Are you trying to decide which one to buy?
Compare other Instant Pot Models compared
- Compare the Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Plus
- Compare the Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Ultra
- Compare the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus vs Duo Nova
