The Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid has earned near-universal praise from verified buyers, with countless
reviewers calling it a genuine kitchen game-changer. Across hundreds of reviews, owners consistently highlight the
appliance’s remarkable versatility, time-saving pressure cooking, and the convenience of having 13 cooking functions
unified under a single innovative lid. Whether you’re a beginner who’s never touched a pressure cooker or a seasoned
home chef looking to consolidate appliances, this multi-cooker delivers on its ambitious promises—though it comes
with a learning curve and some quirks worth understanding before you buy.
Design and Build Quality That Impresses
The stainless steel construction immediately stands out to owners who appreciate durability and easy cleaning.
According to multiple verified purchasers, the inner pot is dishwasher-safe and notably heavier than previous
Instant Pot models, signaling premium build quality. One reviewer noted, “The inside pot is heavy stainless steel.
Very glad I switched to this Instapot from the Ninja.”
The signature “Ultimate Lid” design represents a significant improvement over earlier dual-lid models. Instead of
juggling separate lids for pressure cooking and air frying, this integrated approach means one hinged lid handles
everything. As one owner explained, “I love the new hinged lid and removable insert inside the lid. What a space
saver.” The lid tips up rather than requiring you to lift off a heavy component each time you check your food—a
small but meaningful ergonomic improvement.
Size and weight remain consistent concerns across reviews. Multiple owners describe the unit as “HUGE” and “heavy
heavy heavy,” recommending buyers measure their storage space carefully. However, many argue the consolidation of
multiple appliances justifies the footprint. One practical user observed, “It is slightly wider so it is more suited
for whole chickens, more air fryer foods” while acknowledging it “fits easily in the corner on my counter.”
Pressure Cooking Performance Exceeds Expectations
The pressure cooking function receives the most enthusiastic praise across reviews. Owners consistently report
dramatically reduced cooking times while achieving tender, flavorful results that rival slow-cooked dishes.
According to one verified buyer, “A whole frozen 3-4 pound pork tenderloin, 15 minutes & GRAVY SAUCE!!!” captures
the excitement many first-time pressure cooker users experience.
Reviewers particularly appreciate how the appliance transforms cheaper, tougher cuts of meat. As noted by one
practical cook, “With the price of meat going up, I wanted to find a product that would help me use the cheaper and
less tender cuts. This Instapot does just that.” Another confirmed making “fall of the bone ribs, and fall of the
bones chicken drumsticks” with consistently impressive results.
The automatic pressure release feature earns specific praise from safety-conscious users. Unlike models requiring
manual valve operation, this Ultimate Lid version controls release from the front panel. One longtime Instant Pot
owner highlighted this improvement: “The manual valve for the pressure cooker was difficult to read if it was set to
open or release. The pressure cooker release value setting is now controlled from the front panel.”
- Minimum Liquid Requirement
- Multiple reviewers emphasize you MUST use at least 2 cups of water for pressure cooking. One owner learned this
the hard way: “In my old pot I could cook cabbage with only 1/2 cup of water. In this pot I tried this and ended
up with burnt cabbage and it never reached pressure.” - Cooking Time Adjustment
- The Ultimate Lid model appears to cook faster than previous generations. As one experienced user warned, “Baby
carrots took 4 minutes in my old pot. This pot the carrots are mushy after 2 minutes under pressure.” When in
doubt, reduce cooking times from older Instant Pot recipes. - Reheating Trick
- Several owners discovered that setting zero minutes cook time works perfectly for reheating soup—”the mere act
of the pressure building up is enough to heat it up.”
Air Frying Delivers Solid Results with Some Caveats
The air frying capability receives generally positive reviews, though owners with dedicated air fryer experience note
some differences. Most reviewers report crispy, satisfying results across various foods including french fries,
chicken wings, and even whole chickens. One satisfied owner shared, “I’ve made toast, chicken soup, rice, potatoes,
hard boiled eggs (perfect), short ribs in there and everything comes out great.”
The halfway cooking notification earns consistent praise. As one reviewer explained, “Air fryer tells you when to
flip food mid-way and just resumes cooking”—a convenient feature that helps ensure even browning without constant
monitoring.
However, some reviewers offer realistic expectations about air frying performance. According to one analytical user,
“If you are interested in this model for the Air Fry function, I recommend you get a different unit. While it can
technically be considered an air fryer, it appears to be engineered to maximize dehydration.” This same reviewer
noted the 400°F temperature limit and suggested the device excels at dehydrating food and canning rather than
matching dedicated air fryer crispiness.
For families primarily wanting air frying capability, several owners recommend evaluating whether the multi-function
approach suits their needs. One honest assessment: “The air fryer feature is really good” but noted capacity
limitations—”good for maybe a family of 2-3.”
Versatility That Actually Gets Used Daily
Perhaps the most compelling endorsement across reviews is how frequently owners actually use all 13 functions. Unlike
kitchen gadgets that gather dust, verified buyers report reaching for this appliance “multiple times per day,
sometimes, and definitely at least 4-5 days per week.”
The sauté function receives specific praise for its heat output and flat-bottom pot design. Owners appreciate being
able to brown meat directly in the pressure cooker before switching modes. As one reviewer noted, “It’s so nice that
I could brown stuff and then cook it cuz acts like a little frying pan.”
Beyond pressure cooking and air frying, reviewers highlight successful experiences with:
- Sous vide: “The sous vide feature alone is worth the purchase—I’ve bought standalone sous vide
machines that cost about the same.” - Yogurt making: “We are now saving a TON of money on yogurt in our house and our homemade yogurt
tastes much better than the expensive name brand.” - Dehydrating: “At 140 degrees for 5hrs, it turned out so perfect” for homemade beef jerky.
- Bread proofing: Multiple owners mention using the proofing function for dough with excellent
results. - Slow cooking: Comparable to traditional Crock-Pot performance according to longtime slow cooker
users.
One young owner offered particularly relatable praise: “I’m single and 23 and can’t cook. This has taught me how to
cook.” The intuitive controls and abundant online recipes help beginners build confidence quickly.
The Learning Curve Every New Owner Should Expect
Nearly every positive review acknowledges an initial learning period. According to verified buyers, understanding
pressure cooker timing, liquid requirements, and lid mechanics takes experimentation. As one honest reviewer
admitted, “There is a learning curve and I’d recommend getting a general book on it.”
The most common frustration involves the lid-opening mechanism. Some owners report difficulty opening the lid
immediately after cooking, though experienced users share solutions. According to one helpful reviewer, the internal
valve may stick in the upward position due to condensation: “You just whack it with your hand which causes it to
drop. Then you should get the ‘open lid’ message.”
A few reviewers mention the removable pressure-cook lid clip requires careful handling. One user cautioned, “Be
careful with the little plastic piece that attaches the pressure cooker lid into the main lid, as if the piece gets
broken off you cannot get a replacement part.” Taking time to align the clip properly—and pressing the red button
when inserting or removing—prevents frustration.
Sound settings also matter for proper operation. As one owner discovered, “You have to have the sound enabled to use
it and this is for safety reasons.” This requirement trips up users who prefer silent appliances.
Real-World Value Assessment from Verified Buyers
The consolidation factor drives purchasing decisions for many owners. Reviewers consistently mention eliminating slow
cookers, standalone air fryers, rice cookers, and other single-purpose appliances. One enthusiastic owner declared,
“The only downside is you’ll be either donating or selling a bunch of kitchen appliances…as you won’t really need
them anymore.”
Cost savings extend beyond appliance consolidation. Multiple reviewers report reduced grocery bills and takeout
spending. As one young professional calculated, “This has taken my grocery bill and cut it in half because I have
stopped ordering take-out as much.” The ability to cook quick, satisfying meals from frozen ingredients makes home
cooking practical even for busy schedules.
The app with 800+ recipes adds value for owners who appreciate guided cooking. According to one reviewer, the app
“automatically sets the cooking mode/temperature/time for you,” simplifying meal planning and execution. Wi-Fi
enabled models allow remote monitoring—”monitoring it remotely with phone from anywhere is a plus.”
Long-term durability reports remain positive, with multiple owners confirming daily use over extended periods. One
year-in reviewer updated their rating to 5 stars: “I’ve been using the Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid for a
while now…I reach for it constantly, and the food turns out perfect every single time.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid easy to clean?
According to verified owners, cleaning is straightforward. The stainless steel inner pot is dishwasher-safe and
handwashes easily. The lid assembly requires occasional attention—the silicone gasket should be kept free of dried
food residue. Some owners note the air fryer rack “can be difficult to clean” compared to the main pot, though
overall maintenance is described as “quick and easy.”
How does it compare to the previous Duo Crisp with separate lids?
Owners who upgraded consistently prefer the Ultimate Lid design. The single hinged lid eliminates storage challenges
and the risk of dropping heavy components. As one upgrader explained, “Had the 2 lid one pot air fryer w pressure
cooker lids which made storage very difficult. THIS HOWEVER is sooo much easier!”
Can this really replace my air fryer, slow cooker, and pressure cooker?
For most owners, yes. Reviewers confirm eliminating multiple appliances while maintaining comparable or better
results. However, air frying enthusiasts seeking maximum crispiness may want to keep a dedicated air fryer. As one
practical reviewer noted, the device “excels at vacuuming” space while delivering “very good” results across all
functions—though dedicated appliances may edge it out in specific categories.
Is the 6.5-quart size enough for a family?
Most reviewers find the 6.5-quart capacity adequate for families of 3-4 people. Owners report fitting whole chickens,
large batches of chili, and multiple servings of air-fried foods. One family user confirmed, “The 6.5-quart size is
perfect for my family of four.” Larger families or those who frequently batch cook may wish the 8-quart option
existed for this model.
What’s the biggest surprise for new owners?
Speed consistently surprises first-time pressure cooker users. Reviews overflow with amazement at cooking frozen
chicken breasts in 7 minutes or transforming tough cuts into tender meals in under an hour. However, the requirement
for at least 2 cups of liquid and the slightly faster cooking times compared to older models catch some owners off
guard initially.
The Bottom Line
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid 13-in-1 delivers on its ambitious promise of consolidating a kitchen’s worth
of appliances into one capable unit. Verified buyers consistently praise the pressure cooking performance,
appreciate the improved single-lid design, and report actually using the diverse cooking functions daily rather than
letting them gather dust. The learning curve exists but proves manageable for patient owners willing to experiment.
This appliance earns its strongest recommendation for anyone who values kitchen efficiency and counter space, wants
to explore pressure cooking, and appreciates having air frying capability in the same device. Those seeking the
absolute crispiest air fryer results or cooking for large families may want to consider alternatives. But for the
vast majority of home cooks looking for a versatile, well-built multi-cooker that genuinely gets used, the Instant
Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid represents a smart investment backed by overwhelmingly positive owner experiences.
