What’s the Difference between the Instant Pot Pro Crisp and Instant Pot Duo Crisp?
If you're deciding between the Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer and the upgraded Instant Pot Pro Crisp + Air Fryer, it’s important to understand the main feature differences to see if the upgrade is worth it. When I got the Instant Pot Duo Crisp in 2020, I was amazed at the difference the Air Fryer lid made. Soon I was cooking whole roast chickens with crispy skin, frying breakfasts, and making amazing chips. I recently upgraded to the Pro Crisp, so I aim to help you decide if either of these models is for you, using all I’ve learned along the way.
I’m not sponsored by Instant Pot and bought these with my own money. If you decide to get one, there are a couple of Amazon affiliate links at the bottom of this post. Thank you for your support.
Check out this YouTube video for a bird’s eye view of both models and my side-by-side video review.
Features
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp and the Instant Pot Pro Crisp come with a variety of features, including:
- Pressure cooking
- Air frying
- Sautéing
- Slow cooking
- Steaming
- Sous vide
- Dehydrating
Similarities.
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp and the Instant Pot Pro Crisp have several similarities:
- They both come with the air fryer lid. The air fryer lid is the same on both models.
- Both come in an 8-quart capacity (the Duo Crisp also comes in 6Q in some countries).
- They both have a dishwasher-safe stainless steel inner pot.
- They both come with a variety of accessories, including a trivet, an air fryer basket, and a grill plate.
- Neither has a yogurt button, but you can still easily make yogurt.
Differences
Key differences between the Instant Pot Duo Crisp and the Instant Pot Pro Crisp include:
- Price: The Instant Pot Duo Crisp is typically cheaper than the Instant Pot Pro Crisp, so if you're looking to save money, consider the Duo Crisp as a more entry-level machine.
- Design: The Instant Pot Duo Crisp has a silver finish, while the Pro Crisp comes in black. It's just a matter of choosing what you like and what fits best in your kitchen, since the sizes are the same.
- Inner Bowl: The Instant Pot Pro Crisp comes with an upgraded inner pot with a flat bottom. It’s hob and oven safe, including induction. This pot is better at searing and provides a consistent heat for slow sautéing. It also has stay-cool silicon-coated handles which prevent spinning when stirring and make it easier to lift.
- Control panel: The Instant Pot Duo Crisp has a simpler control panel, with buttons for functions. The Instant Pot Pro Crisp, on the other hand, has a digital display, a rotating dial, and a cooking progress bar. The Pro Crisp has more settings, notably the ability to set sauté to between 1 and 6 for a more controllable sauté/simmer/sear experience, while the Duo Crisp has just High and Low for sauté.
- Air Frying: The Pro Crisp cooks at a higher temperature, up to 232°C or 450°F. Instant Pot Duo Crisp goes up to 204°C, 400°F, which is fine, makes crispy chips and is standard for many air fryers. It has a slightly quicker preheat but not a significant difference.
- Steam release: The Instant Pot Pro Crisp has a more controlled steam release function called "Whisper Quiet" with a plastic cap that diffuses the steam and is quieter than the Duo Crisp, but there's still a burst of steam at the beginning of Quick Release. I've demonstrated both in my video, so check it out to see the ‘thar she blows’ moments.
Which one is right for you?
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp is a reliable multi-cooker with air fryer capabilities. It's available in a smaller 6L size, but I find larger models are better for air-frying and batch cooking. The Duo Crisp is a good choice for those on a budget who prefer 'dump and go' cooking.
The Instant Pot Pro Crisp is a good choice for those seeking an advanced multi-cooker with air-fryer capabilities. It is a great choice for home cooks who use the Instant Pot often, due to the ability to switch temperatures in sauté mode and the high-grade inner pot. When it’s time to replace your old Pot, Duo Crisp owners may enjoy the upgraded features on the Pro Crisp.
Conclusion
The best Instant Pot for you depends on your needs and preferences. Check current costs when making your decision, as prices vary and many surprise you.
For a closer look at both models, check out my video below.
Watch the Video on YouTube
Amazon Shopping Links for these two Instant Pot Models
These are Amazon affiliate links which means that if you click on one of the product links below, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my work and allows me to continue to make reviews like this. Thank you for your support.
Here are links to the two models in the 8Q size:
