Instant Pot Ultra Vs Duo Gourmet Pressure Cooker: Key Differences Explained!

As someone who enjoys cooking, I’ve always been on the lookout for efficient kitchen appliances that make meal preparation easier and quicker. That’s why I decided to compare two popular Instant Pot models, the Instant Pot Ultra and the Instant Pot Duo Gourmet Pressure Cooker. In this post, I’ll share my personal experience and insights on the differences between the two models.

First, let’s talk about the Instant Pot Ultra. It’s a 10-in-1 electric pressure cooker that offers a range of functions, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, sautéing, and more. One of the standout features of the Ultra is its customizable settings, allowing you to adjust temperature, pressure, and cooking time to your specific needs. Additionally, it has a large LCD screen that displays cooking progress and settings, making it easy to keep track of your meal’s progress. On the other hand, the Instant Pot Duo Gourmet Pressure Cooker is also a versatile 10-in-1 electric pressure cooker. It offers most of the same functions as the Ultra, with the main difference being the addition of a sous-vide function. This function allows you to cook food in a temperature-controlled water bath, resulting in perfectly cooked meats and vegetables.

Overall, both the Instant Pot Ultra and Duo Gourmet Pressure Cooker are excellent choices for busy home cooks looking for an efficient and versatile kitchen appliance. In the following sections, we’ll delve deeper into the features and benefits of each model to help you decide which one is right for you. So, without further ado, let’s compare the Instant Pot Ultra Vs Duo Gourmet Pressure Cooker.

Instant Pot Ultra Vs Duo Gourmet Comparison Chart

FeaturesInstant Pot UltraInstant Pot Duo Gourmet
Dimensions13x12.5x12.5 Inches13.8x12.4x12.4 Inches
Weight11.83 lbs14 lbs
Size6 Quarts6 Quarts
ColorStainless Steel / BlackChrome / Black
Control PanelDigital Display / DialTouch / Buttons
Cooking Functions10 Cooking Functions9 Cooking Functions
Smart Cooking MenuPressure Cook, Soup/Broth, Meat/Stew, Bean/Chili, Steam, Slow Cook, Saute, Warm, Rice, Porridge, Multigrain, Cake, Egg, Sterilize, Yogurt & UltraPressure Cook, Soup/Broth, Meat, Stew, Sterilize, Slow Cook, Saute, Rice, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Bean, Chili, Yogurt & Sous Vide
Available Sizes3, 6, 8 Quarts6 Quarts
Wattage & Power1000W1000W
Altitude AdjustmentYesNo
Cooking Progress indicatorYesNo
Quick Release ButtonYesYes
Cooking PotStainless SteelStainless Steel
Recipe AppYesYes
Included AccessoriesInner pot, Steam rack, two sealing lidsInner pot, Steam rack, two sealing lids
User Rating4.7/5 Star3.9/5 Star
Check Latest PriceBuy on AmazonBuy on Amazon

Instant Pot Ultra, 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker 

If you’re looking for a versatile, easy-to-use pressure cooker, the Instant Pot Ultra is a great option. With 10 different cooking functions, including pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, and more, you’ll be able to create a wide range of meals with ease. Plus, the digital display and dial make it easy to set the cooking time and temperature, and the cooking progress indicator lets you know exactly how far along your meal is.

One standout feature of the Instant Pot Ultra is the altitude adjustment setting, which ensures that your food is cooked properly even if you live at a high altitude. This is a great feature for anyone who lives in a mountainous area and has struggled to get their pressure cooker to work correctly in the past.

Instant Pot Ultra, 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Cooker, Yogurt /Cake Maker, Egg Cooker, Sauté, and more, Includes Free App with over 1900 Recipes. Stainless Steel, 6 Quart
  • 10-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, sous vide, sauté pan, sterilizer, yogurt maker, food warmer, cake baker and steamer.
  • IMPROVED STRESS-FREE VENTING: Intuitive and simple, our improved easy-release steam switch makes releasing steam easier than ever, and it automatically resets when the lid is closed.

Another great feature of the Instant Pot Ultra is the quick-release button, which allows you to release the pressure quickly and safely when you’re done cooking. This is a particularly handy feature if you’re in a hurry and need to get dinner on the table fast.

In terms of size, the Instant Pot Ultra comes in 3, 6, and 8 quart sizes, making it a great option for families of all sizes. And with the included accessories, including an inner pot, steam rack, and two sealing lids, you’ll be ready to start cooking right out of the box.

Overall, we found the Instant Pot Ultra to be an excellent pressure cooker that offers a wide range of cooking functions and useful features. The digital display and dial make it easy to use, and the cooking progress indicator and quick-release button make it a safe and convenient option for busy families. If you’re in the market for a new pressure cooker, we highly recommend giving the Instant Pot Ultra a try.

Things We Like √

  • Versatile cooking functions.
  • Altitude adjustment feature.
  • Easy-to-use digital display.
  • Quick release button.
  • Available in various sizes.

Things We Didn’t Like ×

  • Higher price point.
  • Steep learning curve for some functions.
  • Can be heavy to lift.
  • Some accessories sold separately.

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Instant Pot 6qt Duo Gourmet Multi-Use Pressure Cooker 

Instant Pot has been a go-to brand for kitchen appliances, and the Duo Gourmet Multi-Use Pressure Cooker is no exception. This 6-quart model has a sleek chrome and black design, making it a great addition to any kitchen. We’ve tested this product and here’s our detailed review.

The Duo Gourmet has 9 cooking functions, including pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, and more. While it doesn’t have as many functions as the Instant Pot Ultra, it still covers the essential cooking needs. The touch/button control panel is straightforward and easy to use, making it perfect for beginners. The included recipe app provides a range of cooking ideas and inspiration.

One of the best features of the Duo Gourmet is the sous vide function, allowing you to cook restaurant-quality meals at home. The quick release button is a handy feature when you need to quickly stop the cooking process. The stainless steel cooking pot is durable and easy to clean.

Instant Pot 6qt Duo Gourmet Multi-Use Pressure Cooker
  • 9-In-1 Pressure Cooker and Slow Cooker
  • 15 Smart Programs You Can Customize

However, there are some downsides to this model. The lack of altitude adjustment means that cooking at high altitudes may require some additional adjustments to the cooking time. The absence of a cooking progress indicator can make it difficult to know when the food is ready. Additionally, the user rating for this model is lower compared to the Instant Pot Ultra.

Overall, the Instant Pot 6qt Duo Gourmet Multi-Use Pressure Cooker is a solid choice for those looking for a reliable and functional pressure cooker. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the Ultra, it covers the essential cooking needs and is more affordable.

Things We Like √

  • Sous vide cooking function for precise temperature control.
  • Large 6-quart size accommodates big meals.
  • User-friendly touch control panel.
  • Quick-release button for safety and convenience.
  • Comes with recipe app and accessories.

Things We Didn’t Like ×

  • No cooking progress indicator.
  • No altitude adjustment for high altitude cooking.
  • Lower user rating compared to other Instant Pot models.
  • Couldn’t impress in terms of cooking performance.

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Differences Between Instant Pot Ultra Vs Duo Gourmet

When it comes to choosing between the Instant Pot Ultra and the Instant Pot Duo Gourmet, there are several differences that can impact your decision. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the key differences between the two models.

Cooking Functions

One of the main differences between the Instant Pot Ultra and the Instant Pot Duo Gourmet is the number of cooking functions they offer. The Ultra offers 10 cooking functions, while the Duo Gourmet offers 9. The Ultra includes a Cake and Egg function, which are not available on the Duo Gourmet. On the other hand, the Duo Gourmet has a Brown Rice function, which is not included on the Ultra. Additionally, the Duo Gourmet offers a unique Sous Vide function, which is not available on the Ultra.

Control Panel

The control panel is another area where the Instant Pot Ultra and Duo Gourmet differ. The Ultra has a digital display and a dial, allowing you to easily select cooking functions and customize settings. The Duo Gourmet, on the other hand, has a touch panel with buttons, making it easier to navigate and select cooking functions. If you prefer a more tactile interface, the Ultra’s dial may be more appealing. However, if you prefer a modern touch panel, the Duo Gourmet may be a better option.

Altitude Adjustment

Another key difference between the two models is the altitude adjustment feature. The Instant Pot Ultra offers an altitude adjustment feature, which allows you to adjust the cooking time and pressure based on your elevation. This can be particularly useful if you live at a higher altitude, as it can help prevent undercooked food. However, the Duo Gourmet does not offer this feature.

Cooking Progress Indicator

The Instant Pot Ultra offers a cooking progress indicator, which displays the cooking progress and remaining time on the digital display. This feature can be helpful for keeping track of your meal’s progress and ensuring it’s ready on time. Unfortunately, the Duo Gourmet does not offer this feature, which may be a downside for some users.

User Rating

Finally, it’s worth noting that the user ratings for the two models differ significantly. The Instant Pot Ultra has a high rating of 4.7/5 stars on Amazon, while the Instant Pot Duo Gourmet has a lower rating of 3.9/5 stars. While user ratings are not the only factor to consider when choosing a kitchen appliance, they can provide insight into how satisfied users are with a particular model.

Conclusion: Instant Pot Ultra vs Duo Gourmet

After thorough analysis and comparison what we found out is that, the Instant Pot Ultra and Duo Gourmet are both excellent multi-use pressure cookers that offer a range of cooking functions and features. However, the Instant Pot Ultra stands out as the better model due to its additional cooking functions, digital display with a dial, altitude adjustment, and cooking progress indicator. Its sleek stainless steel design and user-friendly interface also make it a more attractive option for many users. Additionally, the Instant Pot Ultra is available in multiple sizes, including 3, 6, and 8 quarts, giving users more flexibility in choosing the right size for their needs.

While the Instant Pot Duo Gourmet does offer a few unique features such as sous vide cooking and a touch control panel, it falls short in comparison to the Instant Pot Ultra in terms of cooking functions, user convenience, and overall user rating. Its heavier weight, lack of cooking progress indicator, and limited cooking functions may make it less appealing to some users. Ultimately, the Instant Pot Ultra is the more versatile and convenient option for those looking for a high-quality multi-use pressure cooker.

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