Instant Pot Duo60 6 qt 7-In-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker Review

A pressure cooker is a sealed pot that comes with a valve to control the pressurized steam inside. When the pot heats up, steam will be formed to raise the pressure in the pot. This high-pressure steam can get as high as 250 degrees F, which helps to cook food faster.

Since steam is highly efficient in transferring heat, it also helps to quickly push the extra moisture into the food to cook our favorite meals. Gone are the days when we have to wait for hours to enjoy a homemade stew; high-quality pressure cookers can save lots of time and energy.

2. How to use a pressure cooker

An Instant Pot Duo 6 quart is easy to use; follow these simple steps:

• Add food and liquid to the pot, then close the lid. It’s essential to ensure that the valve is in the right position for safety reasons.
• Select a pressure cooking program and wait for the heat and pressure to build up inside the pot.
• Now you’ll only need to wait. Like the Instant Pot Duo 60, electric pressure cookers are equipped with screens that will display the cook time countdown.
• Once it’s finished cooking, you only need to release the pressure by gradually turning the program selector to the steam position. Alternatively, you can also use the fast release method by placing the pressure cooker under a cold tap.

Since you can’t taste or adjust your food flavor while cooking in an Instant Pot, I recommend new users to closely follow Instant Pot recipes for accurate timing and desired results.

Instant Pot Recipe App is easy to download Via: Amazon

3. What types of food can you cook in a pressure cooker?

You can cook almost any food in a pressure cooker. However, they are commonly used for foods that cook with traditional cooking methods such as stews, beans, beef, pork, artichokes, lentils, mashed potatoes, and the like.

A pressure cooker is versatile; you can use it to boil, steam, steam roast, stew, and braise food. Multi-functional pressure cookers can even let you bake, make yogurt, or cook cheesecakes in a short time.

Instant Pot6qt review

Pros, cons, and specifications - A quick guide

Pros

• Made of stainless steel
• Reliable automatic function
• Cooks food quickly
• Easy to clean
• One-touch cooking program
• Multiple functionalities
• Can make Greek-style yogurt

Cons

• The aluminum heat-distributing disk is thin
• Can be difficult for new users to adapt to the original recipes
• Its round shape might not be convenient to cook oval-shaped foods like duck or chicken

Specifications

• Dimensions: 13.38'' x 12.2'' x 12.48''
• Weight: 11.8 pounds
• Capacity: 1.5 gallons (5.68 liters)
• The stainless steel inner pot has a 3-ply bottom
• Available sizes: 3, 6, and 8 quarts
• Dual pressure settings: High 10.2 - 11.6PSI, Low 5.8 - 7.2PSI
• Automatic keep warm: yes, for up to 10 hours
• 14 one-touch smart programs
• 10+ built-in safety features
   

Construction 

This Instant Pot pressure cooker 7-in-1 is made of stainless steel - a preferred material in many kitchen appliances for its low maintenance, corrosion resistance, and durability. It’s important to note that not all stainless steel pressure cookers are made equally, so it’s best to choose 18/10 or 18/8 stainless steel cookware to ensure that they will last.

The Instant Pot Duo 6qt is sturdy and durable Via: Amazon

If you’re wondering what these numbers mean, here is a quick explanation: 18/10 stainless steel is made of 18% chromium and 10% nickel. Similarly, 18/8 stainless steel is made of 18% chromium and 8% nickel. These two types of stainless steel are considered very durable, and the difference between them is negligible.

Chromium protects stainless steel from stains and rust, thus, increasing oxidation resistance. Nickel not only gives your cookware a shiny look but also forms another protection layer for your pots and pans, as it’s a type of heat-resistant steel. The Instant Pot 7 in 1 is made of 18/8 stainless steel, so you know that it won’t wear down anytime soon.

Well-built functions 

The Instant Pot Duo 6 quart is versatile as it combines seven appliances in one: pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, saute pan, rice cooker, yogurt maker, and warmer.

I like the idea of having a multi-functional pot that can help me cook main dishes and desserts quickly after a long day at work. Even if I don’t have time to prepare dinner before rushing to work in the morning, I only need to spend about half an hour after work to get a delicious and healthy dinner ready.

The Instant Pot duo 6 quart is easy to use Via: Amazon

Steamed veggies take me less than five minutes, whereas steamed cod with ginger scallion sauce takes me 30 minutes. The creamy chicken pasta with cremini mushroom is even easier and faster to make. During the colder months of the year, I love a warm bowl of butternut squash soup, as I only need to spend 30 minutes on this dish thanks to the help of my Instant Pot.

This Instant Pot 7 in 1 is equipped with 14 built-in smart programs that let you cook ribs, beans, rice, poultry, and desserts with consistently tasty results. For sauté mode, you can choose three different settings: browning, simmering, and thickening. This Instant Pot’s slow cook mode also lets you choose three different settings: high, low, and warm.

Timer setting

When it comes to user convenience, this pressure cooker surpasses other types of Instant Pots and cookers in the market. All of its built-in smart programs come with a timer setting, allowing you to press a few buttons to let it cook your favorite dishes and come back to enjoy your meals after a short while.

Although some best pressure cooker reviews might underestimate this function, I believe this feature makes the Instant Pot Duo 60 stand out from other traditional stove-top pressure cookers.

Aside from the timer setting, this Instant Pot also has the delay timer function that lets you prepare your meals up to 24 hours in advance. I find this feature very helpful as it allows me to delay the cooking of non-perishable items until just before I plan to eat. I sometimes put some sweet potatoes, beans, corn, or butter squash in it and use the delay timer function to have my steamed starchy vegetables ready right after I get home from work.

Better yet, this instant pot’s automatic keep-warm feature can also hold the temperature of the food for up to 10 hours. If you are usually in a rush for work in the mornings, you can plan ahead what you’re going to have for breakfast and let the pressure cooker warm your food right after you wake up.

   ➜ RELATED: Presto 6 Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker: A Must-Have Pressure Cooker For All Families

Time and energy-saving

Cooking our foods with an Instant Pot is two to ten times faster than using traditional cooking methods, so I can quickly feed my hungry self right after I get home from work.

Pressure cooking delicious dishes is quick and easy Via: Amazon

The way we cook our food can affect its nutrient content since vitamins can be lost in the water. Many scientific studies have shown that the longer you cook your food, the more nutrients are lost, and the more chemical reactions can occur. Pressure cooking preserves nutrients better as it uses very little water and less time.

Pressure cooking is considered the best cooking method as it can retain 90-95% of the vitamins in our food, whereas steaming is the second best as it keeps 75-90% of the vitamins. Boiling will maintain the least nutrients at only 40 to 75%. Roasting is a little better as it can retain 53-90% of the vitamins.

Now, you have a lot of good reasons to invest in a reliable pressure cooker like the Instant Pot Duo 6 quarts to cook healthy meals for yourself and your family. 

Easy to clean

I love cooking and creating new recipes, especially during weekends, but I wouldn't say I like dishwashing. So my partner usually takes care of this tedious task unless he’s busy with something else. Since I purchased a pressure cooker, I find myself cleaning up after dinners more often.

This change is simply because the Instant Pot pressure cooker is not a challenge to clean. The cooking bowl is easy to clean, and all of the accessories are dishwasher safe.

I love the fingerprint and smudge-proof exterior as it’s easy to take care of. I only need to wipe it down using a soft cloth and a little bit of mild washing liquid to keep it free from food residue.

Safe to use

Many people love the benefits of a pressure washer, but they are still reluctant to purchase one because of safety concerns. If this sounds familiar, the Instant Pot 7 in 1 is your ideal choice as it comes with many advanced safety features to ensure that you can pressure cook safely:

• The safety lid lock does not open accidentally while you are pressure cooking.
• A pressure regulator makes sure that the working pressure is always under the 15PSI limit.
• A smart detection ensures that the lid does not leak.
• An anti-blockage vent prevents food from damaging the vent.
• An excess pressure protection controller releases extra pressure into an internal safety chamber.
• A high-temperature monitor keeps food from burning.

Ideal size and compact design

This Instant Pot 7 in 1 comes in three different sizes: 3, 6, and 8 quarts. If you’re cooking for a family of 4 people or less, the 6-quart is a perfect size. However, if you have a larger family or you would like a large-sized pressure cooker for bigger roasts or batch cooking, the Instant Pot 8 quart might be a better choice.

The 6-quart cooker is the most popular size as it fits many households. Additionally, it has a compact design that doesn’t take up much of your kitchen space. The lid makes a little beep sound when you open and close it. Even though it is pleasing to your ears, you can hear it beeping from another room when it finishes cooking your food. I notice that this is another feature that adds to the users' convenience while using this appliance.

Alternatives

1. Instant Pot Duo Nova - An upgraded version with a new lid design

If you’re looking for a new level of convenience and do not mind spending a little more on a pressure cooker, the Instant Pot Duo Nova is worth your consideration. It comes at about the same measurement and weight but features a new lid design, ensuring you will not forget to seal the steam valve.

Instant Pot Duo Nova 7-in-1 Via: Amazon

Also, the new status indicator keeps you informed about your food's status every step of the way. You can press a few buttons for the settings and then come back for a delicious meal within 30 to 45 minutes — no need to instantly check on the food inside like you used to with the older version anymore.

The following comparison chart will help you make a well-informed decision. You’ll be able to decide whether the Instant Pot Duo Nova is worth the extra spend.

Aside from the lid design that gives users better safety and usability, the Instant Pot Duo Nova also features two sealing rings, withstanding high-pressure force better than its older sibling. This model is best for beginners.

2. Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus 9-in-1 - An innovative pressure cooker with a large bright green display

The Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus is one of Instant Pot’s newest models. It was launched in 2019 with a large display screen and a redesigned inner cooking pot that can quickly transfer to a stove-top. If you’re looking for a versatile instant pot with a flat bottom that works on electric, ceramic, gas, and induction cooktops, do not underestimate this model.

Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus 9-in-1 Via: Amazon

But is the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus an attractive upgrade? Is it worth the extra spend? In this brief Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus review, I’ll compare the Instant Pot Duo and Duo Evo Plus side by side to hopefully help you decide whether you should add this appliance to your kitchen.

The Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus 9-in-1 has a bright and easy to see display screen, allowing you to watch its cooking progress from a far distance. Plus, it’s the only model with handles on the inner pot so that you can lift the pot out easily, and hold the pot inside firmly when you stir or sauté.

This modern Instant Pot also features a built-in Sous Vide smart program, so you do not have to spend extra money purchasing an immersion circulator. Additionally, you can make yogurt and cake in this small appliance as well. The Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus is a perfectly-designed pressure cooker for experienced Instant Pot owners.

Conclusion

Key considerations to buy a good pressure cooker are sizes, material, safety features, and price points.

While the 6-quart Instant Pot is the most popular size for small families of 4 or less, larger families might need bigger sizes like the 8-quart or 10-quart models. It’s best to keep in mind that you should fill about two-thirds of the pressure cooker for most dishes. For foods that tend to produce foam while cooking, you should fill only half of the pot to allow for a little extra cooking room.

I would recommend you choose an electric pressure cooker made from stainless steel as it’s dishwasher safe and holds up to repeated use. Also, these cookers should have some safety features in place. Locking lids and a valve stem that releases steam when there’s too much pressure are must-haves. Ideally, your pressure cooker should have handles made of heat-resistant material as well.

I hope my Instant Pot 6qt review has equipped you with ample information to make a well-informed decision. The Instant Pot Duo 6 quart is a well-rounded, affordably-priced pressure cooker for new users with seven appliances built-in to quickly and healthily cook your favorite dishes.