Instant Pot Duo Plus Review: The Kitchen Workhorse Every Canadian Home Needs
The Bottom Line
After three years of daily use, this is still my most-used kitchen appliance. Perfect for busy Canadian families.
$89 - $149
When I first heard everyone raving about the Instant Pot, I was skeptical. Another kitchen gadget to collect dust? But after three years of almost daily use, I can honestly say this is the single best kitchen purchase I've ever made.
What it actually does
The Duo Plus does everything — pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice, yogurt, steaming, and more. What I love most is coming home on a cold Canadian winter day and having a hearty beef stew ready in 45 minutes instead of 8 hours. The "set it and forget it" nature means I can prep dinner, help the kids with homework, and not worry about burning anything.
Sizing it right
The 6-quart size is perfect for a family of four with leftovers. If you're feeding more, consider the 8-quart. For couples or singles, the 3-quart Mini works great.
When to buy
Pro tip for my fellow deal hunters: the best Instant Pot sales happen during Prime Day (usually July) and Black Friday. I've seen the Duo Plus drop to $69.99 from its regular $129.99. If you miss those, keep an eye out for random flash sales on Amazon.ca — they happen more often than you'd think.
What I Love
- Replaces multiple appliances (slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer)
- Dramatically cuts cooking time on tough cuts of meat
- Set-it-and-forget-it convenience
- Energy efficient compared to oven cooking
- Huge online community with free recipes
Things to Consider
- Learning curve for pressure cooking
- Takes up counter space
- Sealing ring can absorb smells — buy extras
The Verdict
This one's a keeper. If you're on the fence, wait for a sale and take the plunge — it'll change how you cook.