When looking for a high-performance Instant Pot, two advanced models that often catch the eye are the Instant Pot Pro and Instant Pot Pro Plus.
Both models come packed with a variety of functions that make meal preparation easier and more efficient, but they cater to slightly different needs.
The Instant Pot Pro offers a solid range of features, including customizable settings, faster cooking times, and enhanced safety features.
The Instant Pot Pro Plus, however, takes it up a notch with added functionality like smart Wi-Fi control, allowing users to manage cooking remotely.
In this article, we’ll compare the Instant Pot Pro and Pro Plus, breaking down their key differences to help you decide which model is best for your kitchen.
Instant Pot Pro vs. Pro Plus: Which Advanced Multi-Cooker Should You Choose?
The Instant Pot Pro and Pro Plus both offer advanced features, but the Pro Plus includes Wi-Fi connectivity. The Pro lacks this feature.
The Instant Pot Pro and Pro Plus are high-performance multi-cookers designed to simplify meal preparation.
Both models come with a range of smart cooking functions, making them versatile kitchen appliances.
The Instant Pot Pro Plus stands out with its Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control it remotely through a smartphone app.
This added convenience can make meal planning and cooking even easier.
On the other hand, the Instant Pot Pro offers many of the same features without the connectivity option, making it a solid choice for those who prefer manual controls.
Each model provides reliable performance, catering to different user needs and preferences.
Design And Build
The Instant Pot Pro and Pro Plus are two of the latest models in the Instant Pot lineup.
Both models bring convenience and efficiency to your kitchen.
One of the key aspects to compare is their design and build.
This includes the quality of materials, size, and weight.
Let’s dive into each of these features in detail.
Material Quality
The material quality of an Instant Pot can significantly impact its durability and user experience.
The Instant Pot Pro features a stainless steel inner pot with a tri-ply bottom. This ensures even heating and long-lasting performance.
The outer body is made of a brushed stainless steel finish that resists fingerprints and smudges.
- Inner Pot: Stainless steel with a tri-ply bottom
- Outer Body: Brushed stainless steel finish
- Lid: Made of durable plastic and stainless steel
The Instant Pot Pro Plus also boasts high-quality materials. It features a stainless steel inner pot with a tri-ply bottom similar to the Pro.
The outer body, however, is enhanced with a sleek matte finish. This gives it a modern look and makes it easier to clean.
The lid is also upgraded with a steam release cover that enhances safety.
- Inner Pot: Stainless steel with a tri-ply bottom
- Outer Body: Sleek matte finish
- Lid: Upgraded with a steam release cover for added safety
Size And Weight
The size and weight of your Instant Pot can affect where you store it and how easily you can move it around.
The Instant Pot Pro comes in a 6-quart size, making it perfect for medium-sized families. It weighs around 12 pounds, which is manageable for most people.
The Instant Pot Pro Plus offers more versatility with an 8-quart size option. This is ideal for larger families or meal prepping.
Despite its larger size, it weighs only 14 pounds, making it relatively easy to handle.
Model | Size | Weight |
---|---|---|
Instant Pot Pro | 6 Quarts | 12 Pounds |
Instant Pot Pro Plus | 8 Quarts | 14 Pounds |
Both models are designed to fit comfortably on your kitchen counter. They are also easy to store in a cabinet when not in use.
The slight difference in weight and size does not compromise their portability or usability.
Cooking Functions
The Instant Pot Pro and Pro Plus are popular choices for home cooks. They offer advanced cooking features.
Understanding their cooking functions can help you decide which one suits your needs.
Preset Options
The Instant Pot Pro and Pro Plus come with multiple preset options. These presets make cooking a breeze.
They save time and ensure consistent results.
Instant Pot Pro:
- 16 Smart Programs
- Pressure Cook
- Sauté
- Slow Cook
- Steam
- Sous Vide
- Yogurt
- Keep Warm
Instant Pot Pro Plus:
- 20 Smart Programs
- Pressure Cook
- Sauté
- Slow Cook
- Steam
- Sous Vide
- Yogurt
- Keep Warm
- Additional presets for grains, beans, and desserts
Both models offer a variety of preset options. The Pro Plus has more presets, making it more versatile.
This can be a deciding factor for those who cook diverse dishes.
Custom Programs
Custom programs allow for personalized cooking settings. Both Instant Pot Pro and Pro Plus excel in this area.
They offer the flexibility to tailor the cooking process to your needs.
Instant Pot Pro:
- 5 Custom Settings
- Adjustable temperature and pressure levels
- Programmable timer
- Save your favorite settings for future use
Instant Pot Pro Plus:
- 10 Custom Settings
- More adjustable temperature and pressure levels
- Advanced programmable timer
- Save and name your custom settings
The Pro Plus offers more custom settings. This is beneficial for users who enjoy experimenting with recipes.
The ability to name your custom settings is a unique feature of the Pro Plus. This adds convenience and helps in identifying saved programs quickly.
User Interface
The user interface of a kitchen appliance can make or break your cooking experience.
Comparing the Instant Pot Pro and Pro Plus, you’ll find notable differences in their user interfaces.
This section will delve into the control panel and display features of both models, helping you make an informed decision.
Control Panel
The control panel of the Instant Pot Pro is designed for simplicity and ease of use. It features a sleek black and silver finish, enhancing your kitchen’s aesthetic.
The buttons are large and clearly labeled, making it easy to select the desired cooking function.
- One-touch cooking: The Instant Pot Pro offers one-touch buttons for popular cooking programs like soup, meat, and rice.
- Customizable settings: You can adjust the temperature and pressure levels to suit your recipe.
- Delay start: This feature allows you to set a delay timer, so your meal is ready when you are.
In contrast, the Instant Pot Pro Plus has a more advanced control panel. It features a modern, streamlined design that will appeal to tech-savvy users.
The buttons are touch-sensitive and provide haptic feedback, adding a tactile element to your cooking.
- Smart cooking: The Pro Plus offers smart cooking functions, integrating with your smartphone for remote control.
- Preset programs: It includes more preset cooking programs than the Pro, offering greater versatility.
- Quick adjustments: Easily make adjustments on the fly with intuitive touch controls.
Feature | Instant Pot Pro | Instant Pot Pro Plus |
---|---|---|
Button Type | Physical Buttons | Touch-Sensitive |
One-Touch Programs | Yes | Yes |
Customizable Settings | Yes | Yes |
Smartphone Integration | No | Yes |
Display Features
The Instant Pot Pro features a classic LED display. It provides clear, concise information about cooking times, temperatures, and pressure levels.
The display is bright and easy to read, even from a distance.
The Pro’s display shows essential information in a straightforward manner.
- LED Display: Bright and easy to read.
- Cooking Indicators: Displays cooking time, temperature, and pressure.
- User-friendly: Simple and intuitive layout.
The Instant Pot Pro Plus, on the other hand, boasts a more advanced display. It features a high-resolution LCD screen that provides more detailed information.
The display is interactive and can be customized to show different metrics.
- LCD Screen: High-resolution and interactive.
- Detailed Metrics: Shows detailed cooking stats and progress.
- Customizable: Tailor the display to show your preferred metrics.
For those who appreciate advanced technology, the Pro Plus’s display offers a richer user experience.
The detailed information and customization options give you greater control over your cooking process.
Performance
When comparing the Instant Pot Pro and Pro Plus, one of the most crucial aspects to consider is performance.
Performance can make or break your cooking experience.
This section will delve into two key areas of performance:
- Cooking Speed and
- Consistency.
Cooking Speed
The Instant Pot Pro and Pro Plus both excel in cooking speed, but there are some differences.
The Pro Plus boasts a more advanced heating element, which can reduce cooking time by up to 20%. Here are some key points:
- Pro Plus: Faster preheating and cooking times.
- Pro: Slightly slower but still rapid cooking.
Let’s break this down further:
Feature | Instant Pot Pro | Instant Pot Pro Plus |
---|---|---|
Preheating Time | 10 minutes | 8 minutes |
Cooking Time for Rice | 20 minutes | 16 minutes |
Pressure Building | 12 minutes | 10 minutes |
For families who need to cook meals quickly, the Pro Plus stands out. Its faster cooking times make it ideal for busy schedules.
Both models are quick, but the Pro Plus edges out with its enhanced speed.
Consistency
Consistency is vital for any cooking appliance.
Both the Instant Pot Pro and Pro Plus deliver consistent results, but there are nuances worth noting:
- Pro Plus: More precise temperature control.
- Pro: Reliable but less precise.
Here are some detailed points:
- The Pro Plus features advanced sensors, ensuring even cooking.
- The Pro offers great consistency but can vary slightly with different recipes.
For example, consider cooking a stew:
Dish | Instant Pot Pro | Instant Pot Pro Plus |
---|---|---|
Beef Stew | Evenly cooked, slight variation in texture. | Perfectly even texture and flavor. |
Chicken Soup | Consistent but occasional undercooked veggies. | All ingredients evenly cooked. |
In terms of consistency, the Pro Plus slightly outperforms the Pro. Its advanced sensors and precise temperature control ensure every meal is cooked perfectly.
Both models are reliable, but the Pro Plus provides an edge with its precision.
Safety Features
The Instant Pot Pro and Pro Plus are both popular choices for home cooks. These devices promise to make cooking easier and faster.
Safety is a top priority for both models.
In this section, we will explore the safety features of the Instant Pot Pro and Pro Plus, focusing on pressure release and overheat protection.
Pressure Release
Both the Instant Pot Pro and Pro Plus have excellent pressure release mechanisms. These features ensure that the cooker safely releases steam.
This prevents accidents and keeps users safe.
Let’s dive into the details:
- Instant Pot Pro: The Pro model includes a manual pressure release valve. This feature lets users control the steam release. Users can choose between quick release, natural release, or pulse release.
- Instant Pot Pro Plus: The Pro Plus has an automatic pressure release system. This system is more advanced and user-friendly. It offers a hands-free steam release option. This reduces the risk of burns and makes it safer for everyone.
Here is a comparison table to highlight the differences:
Feature | Instant Pot Pro | Instant Pot Pro Plus |
---|---|---|
Pressure Release Type | Manual | Automatic |
Steam Release Options | Quick, Natural, Pulse | Hands-free |
Overheat Protection
Overheat protection is another critical safety feature. Both the Instant Pot Pro and Pro Plus include this feature.
This ensures that the cookers do not overheat, which can be dangerous.
Let’s examine how each model handles overheating:
- Instant Pot Pro: The Pro model has an overheat protection system. It automatically shuts off if the temperature gets too high. This prevents food from burning and reduces the risk of fire.
- Instant Pot Pro Plus: The Pro Plus takes overheat protection a step further. It has an advanced sensor system. This system monitors the temperature and adjusts it in real-time. This provides even better protection against overheating.
Here is a comparison table to highlight the differences:
Feature | Instant Pot Pro | Instant Pot Pro Plus |
---|---|---|
Overheat Protection Type | Basic | Advanced |
Temperature Monitoring | Automatic Shut-off | Real-time Adjustment |
Ease Of Cleaning
Cleaning can be a hassle, but not with the Instant Pot Pro and Pro Plus. Both models are designed to make your life easier, especially when it comes to cleaning.
In this section, we’ll dive into the ease of cleaning these two Instant Pot models, focusing on their removable parts and offering some handy maintenance tips.
Removable Parts
The Instant Pot Pro and Pro Plus feature several removable parts, making them easy to clean.
Both models have a stainless steel inner pot, a silicone sealing ring, and a steam rack, all of which are dishwasher safe.
Let’s look at these parts in detail:
- Stainless Steel Inner Pot: The inner pot is durable and resistant to stains. You can wash it by hand or place it in the dishwasher.
- Silicone Sealing Ring: This ring is crucial for maintaining pressure. It can be easily removed and cleaned with warm soapy water or in the dishwasher.
- Steam Rack: The steam rack also goes into the dishwasher, making it hassle-free to clean.
Here’s a quick comparison table for the removable parts:
Part | Material | Cleaning Method |
---|---|---|
Inner Pot | Stainless Steel | Hand Wash/Dishwasher |
Sealing Ring | Silicone | Hand Wash/Dishwasher |
Steam Rack | Stainless Steel | Hand Wash/Dishwasher |
Maintenance Tips
Maintaining your Instant Pot Pro or Pro Plus is simple if you follow these tips.
Regular maintenance ensures that your appliance remains in top condition.
- Clean the lid after every use: The lid accumulates food particles. Wash it with warm soapy water or place it in the dishwasher.
- Check the sealing ring: Inspect the sealing ring for cracks or food residue. Replace it every 12-18 months.
- Clean the anti-block shield: This shield prevents food particles from blocking the vent. Remove it and wash it regularly.
- Wipe the exterior: Use a damp cloth to wipe the outer surface of the Instant Pot. Avoid using abrasive cleaners.
- Descale the inner pot: If you notice mineral buildup, use a mixture of water and vinegar to clean the pot. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure your Instant Pot Pro or Pro Plus remains clean and functional for a long time.
Regular cleaning not only extends the life of your appliance but also ensures that every meal you prepare is safe and delicious.
Price Comparison
When comparing the Instant Pot Pro and Pro Plus, price is a key factor. Both models offer unique features, but their costs vary.
Understanding these differences helps make an informed decision.
Let’s dive into the price comparison of the Instant Pot Pro and Pro Plus.
Cost of Pro
The Instant Pot Pro is a popular choice for those seeking versatility and convenience. The price range for this model typically falls between $120 and $150.
Various factors influence the cost, including sales, discounts, and the retailer.
To break it down further, here’s a table detailing the average prices across different retailers:
Retailer | Price |
---|---|
Amazon | $130 |
Walmart | $125 |
Best Buy | $135 |
Apart from the base cost, consider additional expenses such as:
- Extended warranties – Can add $20 to $30 to the total cost.
- Accessories – Additional accessories like extra sealing rings or silicone lids might cost $10 to $20.
Overall, the Instant Pot Pro offers a balance of affordability and functionality, making it a great choice for many households.
Cost Of Pro Plus
The Instant Pot Pro Plus is the premium model, packed with more advanced features.
This model’s price usually ranges from $160 to $200, reflecting its enhanced capabilities.
Let’s take a look at the average prices from different retailers:
Retailer | Price |
---|---|
Amazon | $180 |
Walmart | $170 |
Best Buy | $190 |
Besides the base price, consider these additional costs:
- Extended warranties – Typically add $25 to $35 to your purchase.
- Exclusive accessories – Special accessories for the Pro Plus might cost $15 to $25.
The Instant Pot Pro Plus justifies its higher price with advanced features and enhanced performance. This makes it ideal for those who want top-tier functionality in their kitchen.
User Reviews
Instant Pot Pro and Pro Plus are popular models among kitchen enthusiasts.
User reviews offer valuable insights into their performance, features, and reliability. Let’s dive into what users have to say about these two models.
Pros
Users have highlighted several advantages of the Instant Pot Pro and Pro Plus.
These reviews shed light on the key benefits of these kitchen gadgets.
- Versatile Cooking Functions: Both models offer multiple cooking functions. Users love the ability to sauté, pressure cook, and slow cook in one device.
- Ease of Use: Many users praise the intuitive controls. The clear display and simple buttons make it easy to operate.
- Time-Saving: Instant Pot Pro and Pro Plus save time in the kitchen. Users appreciate the quick cooking times, especially for meals that usually take hours.
- Durability: Reviews often mention the robust build quality. Stainless steel components ensure longevity and reliability.
- Consistent Results: Users report consistent cooking results. The precise temperature control and even heating are standout features.
Feature | Instant Pot Pro | Instant Pot Pro Plus |
---|---|---|
Cooking Functions | 10-in-1 | 12-in-1 |
Display | LED | LCD |
Cooking Programs | 28 | 30 |
Cons
Despite the many advantages, there are some drawbacks noted by users.
These cons are important to consider before making a purchase.
- Learning Curve: Some users find the initial setup and learning process challenging. The numerous features can be overwhelming for beginners.
- Price Point: Both models are on the higher end of the price spectrum. Users mention that the cost might be a deterrent for budget-conscious buyers.
- Size: The Instant Pot Pro and Pro Plus are bulky. Users with limited kitchen space find storage an issue.
- Noise: There are mentions of noise during the pressure release. Some users find this bothersome.
- App Connectivity: Specifically for the Pro Plus, users report connectivity issues with the app. This affects the smart features and remote control capabilities.
Issue | Instant Pot Pro | Instant Pot Pro Plus |
---|---|---|
Learning Curve | Moderate | Moderate |
Price | High | Very High |
Size | Large | Large |
Noise | Noticeable | Noticeable |
App Connectivity | N/A | Inconsistent |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Main Differences?
The main differences include cooking programs, control panel design, and Wi-Fi capability.
Which Model Has Wi-fi Capability?
The Instant Pot Pro Plus includes Wi-Fi capability, allowing remote control and monitoring via a mobile app.
Is The Pro Plus Worth The Extra Cost?
Yes, if you need advanced features like Wi-Fi, additional cooking programs, and a more intuitive control panel.
Can Both Models Pressure Cook?
Yes, both the Instant Pot Pro and Pro Plus offer pressure cooking functionality.
Which Is Easier To Clean?
Both models have dishwasher-safe parts, making them equally easy to clean.
Do They Come With Accessories?
Both models come with essential accessories like a steam rack, but additional accessories may vary.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Instant Pot Pro and Pro Plus comes down to how much control and convenience you want in your kitchen.
The Instant Pot Pro offers excellent versatility, speed, and control over your cooking process, making it ideal for those who want advanced features without too many extras.
On the other hand, the Pro Plus adds a modern twist with Wi-Fi connectivity and app integration, offering even more convenience for busy households or tech-savvy home cooks.
Both models deliver on performance and flexibility, but if remote control and app integration are important to you, the Pro Plus is worth the extra investment.
Either way, both models will elevate your cooking experience with their impressive capabilities.
Resources
- https://www.reddit.com/r/instantpot/comments/17z1c9t/pro_plus_or_pro/
- https://www.wired.com/review/instant-pot-pro-plus/
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/article/instant-pot-pro-plus-review/
- https://reviewed.usatoday.com/cooking/content/instant-pot-pro-plus-review
- https://www.mumsnet.com/reviews/instant-pot-pro-plus-multi-cooker-review