Choosing the right Instant Pot can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re torn between two powerhouse models like the Instant Pot Pro Plus and the Duo Evo Plus. Both promise to make your cooking faster, easier, and more delicious, but they differ in key ways—from smart tech integration to how they handle pressure release.
If you’re wondering “Which Instant Pot should you buy?”, you’re not alone. These two models are among the most searched and highest rated for good reason. The Duo Evo Plus has long been a fan-favorite for its reliability and performance, while the Pro Plus is the brand’s most advanced cooker yet, with app control, voice assistant compatibility, and sleek touchscreen controls.
In this in-depth comparison, we’ll break down everything you need to know—features, ease of use, cooking performance, smart functions, and price—to help you decide which model fits your kitchen and lifestyle. Whether you’re a tech-loving home chef or a budget-conscious meal prepper, this guide will help you make the right call.
Instant Pot Pro Plus vs Duo Evo Plus
Key Features & Specifications (Quick Comparison)
📱 Smart Features: Modern vs Manual
One of the biggest differences between these two models is how they handle connectivity and control.
The Instant Pot Pro Plus is built for smart kitchens. With built-in WiFi and app control, you can monitor and manage your cooking directly from the Instant Brands Connect app. This includes starting or pausing a cook cycle, adjusting time and temperature, and even releasing steam remotely. It also works with voice assistants like Alexa and Google, allowing for hands-free operation—a useful feature for multitaskers or busy households. This is an ideal for a busy person, a tech-savvy cook or a working mom who are having multi-tasks at once.
In contrast, the Duo Evo Plus skips all smart integrations. It operates using a manual control dial and LED display, giving users direct, hands-on control without the need for WiFi setup or app installation. It’s a straightforward, user-friendly design for those who prefer a more traditional experience in the kitchen. It’s an ideal for a full-time chef like us because we stay in the kitchen all the time. So, modern tech appliance is great, but not really necessary.
✅ Choose the Pro Plus if smart features like app control and voice assistant integration are important to you.
🧩 Choose the Duo Evo Plus if you prefer manual control and a simpler, no-fuss setup.
🔥 Cooking Functions: Same Core Power, Different Experience
When it comes to versatility in the kitchen, both the Instant Pot Pro Plus and the Duo Evo Plus are top-tier multi-cookers. Each model offers 10-in-1 cooking functions, allowing you to replace several countertop appliances with one reliable machine.
Here’s what both models can do:
✅ Pressure Cook – Cuts cooking time dramatically for meats, stews, beans, and more
✅ Slow Cook – Ideal for tenderizing tough cuts and making soups and casseroles
✅ Steam – Perfect for vegetables, dumplings, and seafood
✅ Sauté – Brown or sear directly in the pot before switching to another mode
✅ Sous Vide – Cook meats and proteins to precise doneness in a temperature-controlled water bath
✅ Rice/Grain Cooking – Fluffy rice, quinoa, and other grains, done automatically
✅ Yogurt – Easily culture homemade yogurt with minimal effort
✅ Bake, Ferment, and Keep Warm – Additional settings for creative and convenient cooking
Where They Start to Differ:
While both models perform these functions consistently and effectively, the Instant Pot Pro Plus introduces a few enhancements that may elevate your overall experience.
One standout feature is the automatic steam release. Instead of manually turning the valve to release pressure (a step that can be intimidating for new users or inconvenient in busy kitchens), the Pro Plus allows for hands-free steam release—either scheduled in the app or triggered at the end of the cook cycle. This adds a layer of safety and convenience, especially for high-pressure recipes like beans, roasts, or soups.
The Duo Evo Plus, while still efficient and powerful, uses a manual quick-release button, requiring your presence to safely depressurize the cooker. It’s still easy to use, but doesn’t offer the same hands-off advantage.
✅ Choose the Pro Plus if you value added safety features and prefer more automation during pressure cooking.
🧩 Choose the Duo Evo Plus if you’re comfortable with manual controls and want the same core performance at a lower price.
🧼 Ease of Use & Cleaning: Thoughtful Design, Different Interfaces
Whether you’re a first-time Instant Pot user or a seasoned home cook, both the Pro Plus and Duo Evo Plus are built with usability in mind. From the layout of the controls to how easy they are to clean after dinner, both models check the right boxes—but with slightly different approaches.
🧽 Cleaning Made Simple
Both cookers feature:
-
A premium stainless steel inner pot that is durable, non-reactive, and resistant to staining
-
Flat bottoms that allow for better heat distribution, especially when sautéing or browning
-
Stay-cool silicone handles on the inner pot that make it easy to lift and carry, even when hot
-
Dishwasher-safe components, including the inner pot and steam rack, for quick cleanup
These features are nearly identical between the two models, so you can count on easy cleanup no matter which one you choose.
🧠 User Interface: Touchscreen vs. Dial
Where things begin to differ is in the control panel and user interface:
-
The Instant Pot Pro Plus uses a sleek, full touchscreen interface that feels modern and intuitive. The display is clean, responsive, and easy to navigate—even for beginners. It also gives you clear access to smart features, recipes, and real-time updates through app connectivity.
-
The Duo Evo Plus features a more traditional LED display paired with a central control dial and labeled buttons. It’s simple, reliable, and functional—but feels more like a classic appliance than a smart device.
Both interfaces work well, but if you’re used to smartphones or smart kitchen gadgets, the Pro Plus may feel more natural and future-forward. If you prefer tactile buttons and a no-fuss approach like us at Economical Chef, the Duo Evo Plus holds its own.
💰 Price & Value: Is Smart Worth It?
Between the two models, the Instant Pot Pro Plus is priced higher due to its advanced features, while the Duo Evo Plus is more budget-friendly thanks to its more manual operation.
That said, the Duo Evo Plus offers fantastic value if you don’t need smart features. On the other hand, the Pro Plus is more future-forward—ideal for tech-savvy cooks or multitaskers who want added convenience and control.
The price might be changed from time to time as well. Thus, we would recommend you to check the latest price below before your purchase.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Buy?
Buy the Instant Pot Pro Plus if:
✅ You want full app and voice control
✅ You like hands-off cooking with auto steam release
✅ You’re upgrading and want the latest model
Buy the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus if:
✅ You’re budget-conscious
✅ You prefer traditional, manual cooking
✅ You want the larger 8-quart option
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main difference between Instant Pot Pro Plus and Duo Evo Plus?
The Pro Plus includes smart features like WiFi connectivity, app control, and voice assistant compatibility. The Duo Evo Plus focuses on manual controls with no smart tech but delivers the same core 10-in-1 cooking functions.
2. Does the Instant Pot Pro Plus work with Alexa or Google Assistant?
Yes, the Pro Plus can be controlled using Alexa or Google Assistant for hands-free operation through the Instant Brands Connect app.
3. Is the cooking performance the same between both models?
Yes, both cookers offer strong performance across all 10 functions, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and sous vide. However, the Pro Plus includes an automatic steam release feature for added safety and convenience.
4. Can I use the Instant Pot Pro Plus without the app?
Yes, you can use the Pro Plus without the app, but to unlock all smart features—like remote control and steam release scheduling—you’ll need to connect it to the Instant Brands app.
5. Which model is better for beginners?
The Duo Evo Plus is often preferred by beginners who want a straightforward, manual experience. The Pro Plus is also beginner-friendly but may appeal more to those comfortable with smart technology.
6. Are the inner pots the same?
Both models come with a stainless steel inner pot featuring flat bottoms and stay-cool silicone handles. They are also dishwasher-safe, making cleanup easy.
7. Can both the Pro Plus and Duo Evo Plus make yogurt?
Yes, both models include a yogurt function, allowing you to ferment and prepare homemade yogurt with customizable time and temperature settings.
8. Which Instant Pot model is quieter during operation?
Both models operate at similar noise levels during cooking, but the Pro Plus tends to be a bit quieter during steam release thanks to its automatic venting system, which reduces the sudden bursts of pressure.
9. Is one model faster at cooking than the other?
Cooking times are generally comparable, as both models use the same pressure and heating technologies. However, the Pro Plus may feel more efficient due to remote preheating and automation features that allow you to start cooking sooner.
10. Do both models come with the same accessories?
Both typically include a stainless steel inner pot, steam rack, and user guide. However, accessory kits may vary slightly by seller, so it’s best to check what’s included before purchasing.
11. Can I use third-party accessories with both models?
Yes, most accessories like silicone lids, extra sealing rings, and steamer baskets that are compatible with 6-quart Instant Pots will work with both the Pro Plus and Duo Evo Plus.
12. Is the touchscreen on the Pro Plus difficult to use?
Not at all. The Pro Plus touchscreen is intuitive and user-friendly, with clear icons and guided cooking steps. It may take a moment to get used to if you’re coming from button-based models, but most users find it easy to navigate.
13. Which Instant Pot is better for multitasking?
The Pro Plus is better suited for multitasking, thanks to its smart features like remote control, voice commands, and scheduled steam release. It’s ideal for busy cooks who want to manage meals without constantly hovering over the pot.