One of the most common questions I get asked is ‘which Instant Pot do I need’ and specifically with regards to Instant pots…which is best, Instant Pot Lux60 vs Duo60? Which will work best for me and my family. This article is designed and written to help you make that decision.
This review is looking at two specific models… Instant pot lux60 vs duo60. More on this later but it’s important that you have an overall view on what’s available and what you may need to consider.
What sizes do Instant Pots come in?
Essentially, the Instant Pots come in three sizes. They are 3, 6 and 8 quarts.
3 Quart
Let me first address the 3 quarts. The 3-quart Instant Pot is perfect for a single person or a couple. They may work for a very small family too depending on what you want to cook in them. If you are making food with small servings, then this could work for you.
The three quart is obviously the smallest out of the sizes on offer. This means it takes less space on your counter and is easiest to store away.
If you do want the smallest Instant Pot, you my have to think a littamazonle more about the recipes. Since most are designed for a 6-quart Instant pot, you will have to readjust them. This is not always as simple as you may think.
6 Quart
The most popular choice is the 6 quart…the medium version if you like. It is generally accepted that it can feed between 4 – 6 people…again depending on what you are cooking and the serving sizes.
As I mentioned above, even if you have a small family, this size offers more versatility and flexibility.
It is also simple to follow recipes online since most are designed for this version. No math or calculations involved…simply follow the recipe for great meals.
Obviously, it is not as small as the three quart, but they are still relatively compact. They can easily sit on kitchen counters without being overbearing and you won’t have any issues fitting them in your cupboards.
8 Quart
This is the largest on offer and it is quite sizable in terms of capacity. This is the version you need if you cook for a large family or you want the maximum amount of flexibility.
The obvious benefit is that it can feed a lot of people. If capacity is your main driver, this is the one for you.
Obviously, it is the largest of them in terms of footprint, so make sure you have the cupboard space. This isn’t something that you want sat on your counter if you have a small to medium sized kitchen. If you scroll to the bottom of the page, download the size chart which gives you the dimensions.
What size would I recommend?
Personally, just like when I choose and recommend Dutch ovens, I always tell people that they should consider the next size up to what they think they need. This is a life saver when you have guests coming but also, it lets me cook food and freeze it. Since I am making it anyway, I just think it is efficient to cook more and freeze it.
Trust me when I say that this can make your life so much easier…especially if you work and have a family.
Instant pot Lux60 vs Duo60
Since most people are considering these two models…Instant Pot lux60 vs duo60, let’s explore these a little further. In this review, I wont detail the technical details, since you can read these on the download below.
Instant Pot Lux60 unboxing & review
The Lux model is the cheaper one out of the two and it is considered the entry level option, the more basic one of the two. For those new to Instant Pot cooking, that is not a bad thing, it just means that it is…well…just a bit more basic.
If you are following recipes…simple pressure cooking, the Lux model is more than capable and perfect for your needs. The fact of the matter is, for its core functions, you do not need to be spending lot’s more on a premium model…especially if you don’t want to spend the money. It does the basics perfectly well.
In terms of temperature, it can go from 410F down to 158F.
The best part of anything you buy is always getting it…and opening it. I have to say that the Instant Pot Lux60 comes in a beautiful box. I will post some images below to see what you can expect.
In terms of what you actually get in the box, you get the following;
- Cooker
- Manual
- Warranty
- Recipe book
- Spoon & Ladle
- Trivet
- Measuring cup
Control panel
The front panel is well laid out…albeit it, it doesn’t look as modern as some of the cookers you now see. We can forgive this though as it is an entry model and actually, simplicity can be attractive too. Saying that, everything is well laid out and easily readable.
Functions of the Instant Pot Lux60
The Instant pot Lux 60 essentially has a number of functions…namely;
- Slow cooker
- Egg cooker
- Sauté
- Pressure cooker
- Food warmer
- Steamer
- Rice cooker
- Cake maker
Lid
In terms of the lid, lets talk about the handle. Well, lack of a handle to be precise. It is more of a slot, which although doing its job, I feel a handle is always better…something to really grip onto.
Build quality
The Instant Pot Lux60 build quality is better than I expected. It felt well made and the quality control looks good. Everything is where it should be and everything sits perfectly. Given Instant Pots strong record in this market, you should not have any concerns. Even if you did, Instant Pot have a strong customer support function so everything can get resolved quite quickly.
Accessories
You pretty much get the same accessories in all cookers. A point to note is the trivet or steam rack. It does not have any integrated handles or mechanism to lift it out of the pot. This is not great since actually giving us a trivet with some kind of handle wouldn’t cost them much but would make it much safer for us.
The inner pot is stainless steel. Obviously, it does not have a non-stick coating which some prefer. I am one of those that doesn’t want a non-stick coating. I prefer the robustness of the stainless steel. Over time, the non-stick surfaces get scratched and they do erode. One thing for sure, I don’t want to be eating any of that.
Price
This is an entry model so the price reflects that. However, there are other multi-cookers that offer more functions at the same price. However, those manufacturers may not have the brand identity of Instant Pot nor the same level of service. You have a choice of what you buy…but sometimes it is worth paying a little extra for the peace of mind.
The price…we are talking around $80 but it is worth checking the latest price below.
Advantages – Instant Pot Lux60
- Price
- Does the core functions
- Simplicity – Easy to use
- Clear display
Disadvantages – Instant Pot Lux60
- Limited presets
- Lower number of core functions
- Handle…or lack of it
- No low pressure setting
Instant Pot Duo60
The Duo is a mid-ranger that sits between the Lux and the Ultra lines. For most people, this is more than adequate, performing most the functions that they will ever need.
It is one of Instant Pots best selling items and for good reason, it ticks most peoples ‘needs’ boxes and it is priced very competitively.
If you are sitting on the fence about which one to get, I would push you in this direction.
These are the functions that the Duo does;
- Slow cooker
- Egg cooker
- Sauté
- Pressure cooker
- Food warmer
- Steamer
- Rice cooker
- Cake maker
- Yogurt
It also has a number of preset buttons that make it simple to cook those dishes. I know that most people prefer to use the manual modes, but the presets can be quicker to use.
The presets on the Instant Pot Duo60;
- Soup
- Meat
- Bean/chili
- Poultry
- Rice
- Multigrain
- Porridge
- Steam
One of the key differences wit the Lux model is the Yogurt function…if you like to make yogurt, this is the model for you.
Control panel
I think it is fair to say that Instant Pot originally set the standard. The display is clean and the functions are simply laid out. If you want simple design, then this is perfect for you.
If you are one of those that want a ‘wow’ factor, this isn’t going to do it for you. This is not cutting-edge design…however, not everybody cares.
Lid
The lid is what you would expect to see. A nice solid design with a handle…that’s right a handle…something the Lux version is missing. It completely detaches from the cooker when it is removed but you can slot it into the handle to rest it…a nice design feature.
It also has an integrated pressure valve which lets you know if the inside is pressurized. Something that the Lux version is missing too.
The Duo version also has an integrated lid lock. When it is locked into place, it cannot be opened accidentally. It is a nice safety feature.
One nice feature I should add is the indicating noise it makes when you open and lock the lid…it’s just a nice touch. If the id is not on properly, it tells you on the display…again a nice safety feature.
Build quality
The build quality on the Instant Pot Duo 60 is great, everything that it should be and more. I wouldn’t necessarily say that the build quality is better than the Instant Pot Lux, but that was a great standard too.
Everything, is where it should be and everything fits perfectly. It’s clear that Instant Pot have no issues with quality control.
One thing is for sure, they have taken a nice approach with their design. It is simple yet effective…pretty much setting the standard for others to follow.
Accessories
Similar to the Lux version, you essentially get the same things. The only real difference is the trivet. The Duo version comes with integrated handles that let you lift it in and out safely. The is no reaching into the base of a hot pot with your hands. This is what all manufacturers should supply and they should seriously consider this on the Lux version too.
Again, the inner pot is stainless steel…something I prefer as it stands the test of time. The inner pot is a quality item and the base is thick and heavy, like what you would find on a quality pan.
Price
The price is one of the attractive things about the Instant pot Duo 60. Given the functions it has, the brand and the customer support available, it is more than fairly priced.
The price the last time I checked is around $99…but check the latest price below.
I should also mention at this point that there is an Instant Pot Duo Plus model that is available. This is an upgrade to the Dou60 model and in terms of the Instant Pot product offering, sits between the Duo and the Ultra models.
It has more functions and has a nicer display. I suspect that this will become the standard model when the Duo gets removed from the market.
Advantages of the Instant Pot Duo60
- Range of functions
- Presets
- Can cook at low pressure
- Build quality
- Clear display
- Safety features
- Great customer support
Disadvantages of the Instant Pot Duo60
- Wont suit everybody’s design style
- Less famous competitors such as Cosori offer more function at same price
- Consider the next level product offering if you want more functionality
How are they different…Instant pot Lux60 vs Duo60
What makes this different to the Duo model? There are a few minor things, so let’s get into those.
In terms of the lid, there is a little button on top of the Duo version which tells you if the Instant Pot is pressurized. Many people find this useful…but it is something that you can live without. It is not a deal breaker.
On the Lux version, it does have a manual button which is the same as the Pressure cooker button on the Duo. It is not that big of a deal…since both can pressure cook manually. Most recipes and most users will use the manual function.
I should also point out that the Duo model has a low pressure setting. This means you can cook at a lower pressure but essentially, it gives you more control when cooking. Some recipes may call for a low pressure setting.
The Duo models has more smart programs built into the model…four more to be precise. Again, its not a huge issue since you can program them manually. The difference is still there in any case.
The keep warm settings on the Duo are significantly better than the Lux…ten times better to be precise. The Instant Pot Duo keeps food warm for ten times longer.
The Lux is a 6-1 multi cooker…so they are saying that you can replace six appliances with the Instant pot Lux60. This Duo version I have here is a 7-1 version…hence replacing seven appliances. If you are looking at them, make sure you are looking at the right one as there are other Duo versions that do 9-1. So, if you are comparing prices, check you are comparing the same thing.
One major thing that is different between the Instant pot Lux60 vs Duo60, there is no yogurt button the Lux version. Again…not a deal breaker unless you want to make yogurts.
The Duo has an integrated lid holder whilst the Lux does not. Not such a big deal you may think but when the lid is hot, you need to put it somewhere safe or out of the way. Not having a lid holder may mean that you need to clear some space. Obviously, this won’t be an issue to everybody.
In terms of the accessories, the Duo comes with a much better trivet that has handles integrated. This makes lifting things in and out very simple and safe. The Lux version is a flat trivet that performs its basic function.
So, lets summarize the differences;
Differences between Instant pot lux60 vs duo60
- Handles
- Lid holder
- Pressure valve
- Duo has more core functions
- Duo can cook at lower pressure
- Lux is the cheaper version
- Better accessories with the Duo
- Lux cannot make yogurt whereas the Duo can
Which should I choose…Instant Pot Lux60 or the Instant Pot Duo60
This is a difficult question to answer as it is always subjective. It really comes down to personal preference and what is your motivational factor.
If you are conscious of the price, then the Instant Pot Lux is the model for you. As I discussed in detail above, it does the vast majority of things that the Instant Pot Duo does. So basically, pretty much the same function at less cost. Lets also put it into some perspective, the difference in price is $25 – $30…so not massively significant.
If functionality is your main driver, then you should opt for the Duo model. It does more as we discussed and it is generally a better offering. The main thing that it does and is worth paying the money for, is cooking at low pressure. This opens up the number of things you can do in it.
So, this concludes my Instant pot lux60 vs duo60 review. I guess at the end of the day, it comes down to price vs functionality.