Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus Review

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The Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus is the latest and greatest in the Instant Pot line of pressure cookers. They’ve taken everything you love about the classic Instant Pot Duo, made some design improvements, and added several new features that I think you’ll love!

Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus sitting on a gray countertop with the InstaPot Evo packaging in the background.

The moment we heard about the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus, Barbara and I knew we had to get our hands on it. The product design team took feedback from actual users and redesigned the Duo based around the users’ needs!

Since Mom was out of town, I bought one and brought it home to test it out. And I liked it so much that I didn’t want to share it when she got back in town!

Here’s everything you need to know about the new Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus!

Right now the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus is available from Amazon, Williams Sonoma, Target, and Kohls.

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Review of the Evo Duo Plus

BOTTOM LINE

This Instant Pot Evo is a great pressure cooker. The handles make it easy to hold the cooking pot in place, and I love the redesigned lid.

At this point, the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus is my first-choice recommendation for cooks new to pressure cooking.

What Is the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus?

The Duo Evo Plus is the latest model of electric pressure cooker made by Instant Pot. It is currently available in the 6-quart and 8-quart size. (Right now, I can only find the 8-quart at Williams-Sonoma.)

It has eight preset buttons on the sides, and a dial you can use to set up to 48 customizable cooking programs. (Don’t get overwhelmed, though! The must-use buttons are the same as always: Pressure Cook and Saute.)

Many past models of the Instant Pot offered different button locations, additional presets, or tweaks to the lid, but all the machines operated really similarly. However, with this new Instant Pot Evo Plus, there are some major changes to the parts themselves.

What sets this model apart from past versions is that Instant Pot has redesigned this pressure cooker to include features that users have been begging for!

(To compare the Evo with other models, check out my other Instant Pot Reviews.)

Instant Pot Evo pressure cooker with user guide and trivet

See the Instant Pot Evo in Action

For a quick view, check out my video for Instant Pot Beef Stew to see the Evo in action. It really is a great machine.

For a more in-depth preview, check out my Facebook Live Duo Evo Plus Demo where I show you each bit of the machine as well as get cooking!

What Are the Specs for the Duo Evo Plus Pressure Cooker?

The Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus uses a sensor to toggle between 9.3 and 11.6psi on High pressure and between 4.35 and 7.25psi on the Low pressure setting.

The 6-quart Evo Plus is 1200 watts, 13 pounds, and 13.03″ × 12.68″ × 12.8″.

The 8-quart Evo Plus is 1400 watts, 15 pounds, and 14.37″ × 13.9″ × 14.2″.

What Comes with the Instant Pot Evo?

The Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus comes with one red and one clear silicone gasket. They recommend using one for savory and one for sweet. It also comes with a redesigned low steam rack with handles. If you want to use the rack but don’t want the handles up, you can fold them over flat and use it in your Instant Pot.

There are a large number of Instant Pot accessories available.

What You’ll LOVE about the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus

You can really tell the Instant Pot team researched what people loved and what people struggled with and tried to fix the bad without disrupting the good. For the most part, I think they really nailed it!

Here are a few of my favorite features:

An overhead view of the Instapot Evo Plus inner cooking pot with handles viiable inside the housing

Redesigned Inner Cooking Pot

The Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus has a redesigned inner cooking pot with a flat bottom, handles, and a Tri-Ply stainless steel that can transfer to the stovetop. (It works on electric, ceramic, gas, and induction cooktops.)

I really love the handles—they lock the cooking pot in place, so you don’t have to hold it while you’re stirring. Plus, the stay-cool handles make it much easier to have a good grip on the pot when you remove it. 

Overhead shot of the Evo Plus lid with steam release cover and pressure release switch.

Redesigned Pressure Cooking Lid

The new Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus lid has some of my favorite changes on it. They added a pressure release switch so that you can release the pressure while keeping your hand a safe distance from the steam. In addition, they added a steam release cover that helps to prevent quick pressure releases from spitting liquids as happens with high starch foods. Less need for intermittent pressure releases!

The stream release cover has the added benefit of dampening the sound when using a quick release.

One problem I have run into in my kitchen when I am trying to get dinner on the table quickly is forgetting to make sure the pressure release valve is in the sealed position. Having moved to the switch with the Duo Evo Plus, they solved this problem. The switch automatically resets to the sealing position when you open the lid. 

I also like it better than the quick release on the Instant Pot Max because I can easily switch it on and off for an Intermittent Pressure Release.

Updated lid fins. So the little lid holders that sit into the housing to hold the lid have been redesigned. They’re angled now and the holders have been moved from the sides to closer to the back. (Think 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock instead of 9 and 3.) This makes a big difference in keeping the lid out of the way when you’re stirring the pot.

Close up shot of the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus control panel in preheating mode

Large Digital Display

Love the new display that tells you where in the pressure cooking cycle it is. It says preheating and shows you with progress bar how much longer it will take to preheat. The display is angled so you can more easily read the display without having to bend over to catch the light just right.

Expanded Bake Setting

The Bake setting has been updated to work more like the Pampered Chef Quick Cooker. It has a Proofing setting, a Cheesecake setting, and a Cake setting, PLUS an all-new DRY BAKING option. (More on that below.)

That’s right, YOU CAN BAKE FOOD without using water in the bottom of the pot. Just select a temperature just like your oven.

While I don’t often use presets, I really like the proofing option! (Check out Barbara’s Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls from Barbara Bakes. They’re perfect to proof in your Evo Plus.)

Updated User Manual

Instant Pot has really come a long ways here! The user manual for the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus is clear and easy to understand. (the user manual is only available online; the machine itself just comes with a brief Safety & Maintenance guide and Getting Started Guide.)

The user manual differentiates between the various pressure and non-pressure settings and provides tips for getting the best cooking results.

One change to this manual from previous versions is that they specify the minimum cooking liquids for the 6-quart model is 1.5 cups of liquid. In our testing, we did not have any issues using recipes with only 1 cup of liquids (which is the specified minimum for other Instant Pot models).

The online manual provides lots of easy-to-understand instructions and illustrations and is text searchable.

Change Time and Level without Restarting

If needed, you can change the cook time and pressure level without canceling the process. Simply hold the center dial until it beeps. Spin the dial to change the cook time, or press the center once to adjust the pressure level.

Instant Pot Evo Duo Plus quick release showing with a jet of steam coming out against a black background

What You Should Know Before Purchasing the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus

If you have used any of the previous models of Instant Pot, there are a few things you’ll need to get used to.

New Start Button

Unlike previous models, you have to press the start button to get the pressure cooker going. (The original Duo starts on its own after selecting the function and setting a time.) This will be great for new cooks, but it’s another button to remember if you’re used to a previous model.

Attached Cord

I was disappointed that the cord is not detachable like it is in other Instant Pot models. (I like to detach my cords and store them in the pot to protect them.)

Fewer Accessories

The Instant Pot no longer comes with the rice cup, a rice paddle, or a ladle. Honestly, I don’t know anyone who actually used the rice cup, but I did like the ladle.

No Quick Cool Tray

The QuickCool Tray that’s talked about in the manual isn’t included with the pressure cooker and the Quick Cool Tray is now available to purchase. (Although for most things you’re cooking, a shortcut pressure release isn’t really necessary.)

While the sales page says the Evo Plus can cook up to 70% faster, keep in mind that 70% figure is compared to traditional cooking methods, not compared to previous Instant Pot models. In a side by side test with the classic Duo, the Evo plus did come to pressure 2 minutes faster when cooking my Pressure Cooker Spicy Chicken Soup the other day.

While it’s great to have the handles hold the pot in place, it also means that you’ll be unable to rotate the pan easily when sautéing. (For me, the trade off is worth it because I don’t have to hold it or worry about the pot spinning when I don’t want to.)

Saute Feature Issue

Sometimes when I use the Saute High setting, I get a burn notice or C8 notice. (Even though nothing has burned.) I’ve found it works best to not Saute on High; instead, I use Saute/Custom/Level 3 or 4, and I no longer get the error code. More info below in the error code section.

Center Dial

While I like the dial, Barbara has mixed feelings about it. She says “I like that the buttons are simplified, but I disliked the menu within a menu. It’s easy to get lost inside the menus until you’re familiar with it. You have to really watch to see what is flashing to see what menu you’re in.”

Warranty

The Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus has a 1 year limited warranty, but you have to register within 30 days of purchase to be eligible.

Dry Baking

It feels like you’re breaking the cardinal rule of pressure cooking when you use the dry baking option. I’m not sure I’m a fan yet. We followed the manual’s recommendations to the letter, but it took much, much longer for a pan of brownies to cook in the Evo than in the oven. We’re going to keep testing it and would love to hear if it works for you.

Close up of Evo Plus

What Are the Default Times for the Preset Buttons

Nearly all of the recipes on Pressure Cooking Today use the Pressure Cook button on high pressure. When using the Duo Evo Plus we pressed Pressure Cook and then used the dial and adjusted the time on the Custom setting, which is listed first.

Here’s a handy guide if you prefer to use the preset buttons. (The online manual does not list the pre-set times.)

Pressure Cook
Custom30 minutes
Soup30 minutes
Bean20 minutes
Egg5 minutes
Rib30 minutes
Poultry10 minutes
Chili30 minutes
Stew35 minutes
Beef30 minutes
Pork20 minutes
Seafood5 minutes
Broth2 hours
Sterilize10 minutes
Potato10 minutes
Broccoli1 minute
Rice/Grain
Custom12 minutes
White Rice12 minutes
Oatmeal12 minutes
Quinoa1 minute
Brown Rice30 minutes
Risotto8 minutes
Multigrain30 minutes
Porridge15 minutes
Steam
Custom30 minutes
Sterilize15 minutes
Potato20 minutes
Broccoli10 minutes
Saute
Custom30 minutes (six temperature levels 1–6)
Slow Cook
Custom4 hours
Rib4 hours
Poultry4 hours
Chili8 hours
Stew 6 hours
Beef6 hours
Pork4 hours
Sous Vide
Custom140°F
Egg145°F
Poultry140°F
Beef130°F
Pork140°F
Seafood130°F
Yogurt
Custom24 hours
Pasteurize3 minutes
Ferment8 hours
Bake
Custom10 minutes
Cake35 minutes
Cheesecake45 minutes
Pudding8 minutes
Proofing30 minutes
Instant Pot Evo inner pot with handles next to pressure cooker housing.

How to Turn Off the Sound on the Duo Evo Plus Instant Pot

Right after you turn on the Evo Plus and the display reads OFF, push the center dial until the little sound icon starts to flash. Turn the dial to switch the sound on and off.

Note that you can’t turn off the sound while a cooking function is enabled.

How to Use the Saute Function on the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus 

To adjust the heat level when sauteing, you first select saute, then you turn the dial – your choices are custom, low and high. Turn the knob and press in to select low or high. When Custom is flashing, push the knob in to select it, then you can choose 6 levels – 1 is the lowest and 6 is the highest – turn the knob to get to the level you want, and push the knob in to select it.
 
You can use low to simmer and high to brown meats. Typically I use Custom Level 4 for sauteing and browning most of the time.

How to Use the Yogurt Function on the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus

Collage of instructions on How To Make Yogurt in the Duo Evo Plus Collage

 

  • Press the Yogurt button then turn the knob to pasteurizing and press Start.
  • Across the top of the display are 3 sets of squares, the first set will begin blinking as it preheats. When that set switches to the second set – wait for the display to read HOT then it will quickly switch to the last set and read END.
  • Open and check the temperature for reading of 180° (if not, close the lid and start it again to reach that temp).
  • Move the Inner pot to sink to cool down to 110°-115°.
  • Add the starter (temper if it was frozen) Whisk in well.
  • Move the inner pot back to the IP.
  • Push the Cancel Button, Press the Yogurt button  TURN the knob to the ferment ( it will blink) and then press the Start button
  • Display reads 08:00 and begins the fermenting/incubation stage.
  • Leave it to incubate for 8 hours and then move the inner pot (covered) to the fridge for a minimum of 4 hours then (without scraping the bottom of the inner pot) pour the yogurt into the strainer and place back into the fridge for 8 hours or more.

What Do the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus Error Codes Mean?

There are six basic types of error codes you may see on your Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus.  The manual provides possible issues and solutions for each of the error codes (see pages 55–58 for more details.)

Why did I get a burn notice?

OvHt / BURN / FOOD BURN are all error codes that indicate burn notice for one of four reasons:

  • the inner pot is not positioned properly inside the outer housing
  • the temperature inside the pot is too hot
  • the inner pot does not have enough liquid
  • food deposits on the bottom of the inner pot may be preventing heat dissipation

The Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus automatically starts reducing the heat. If you’ve gotten the burn notice,

  • Remove the inner cooking pot from the base.
  • Check for debris inside the pressure cooker housing or on the outside of the stainless steel cooking pot. (Keep in mind that the cooker will be hot, so you may need to let it cool to thoroughly check.)
  • Then remove the cooking pot from the housing, along with any ingredients inside the pot. If food has burned onto the bottom of the cooking pot, soak and scrub off the burned foods.
  • Allow the pot to cool before pressure cooking again. Be sure to add more liquid to the pot and avoid ingredients containing thickeners like canned soups or prepackaged spaghetti sauces.

If you still have questions, here are more great tips on what to do if you get the Instant Pot Burn message.

Other Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus Error Codes

The other error codes are quite rare:

C1, C2, C6, C6H, C6L: These five errors don’t specify what exactly is wrong, just that your Instant Pot may have a faulty sensor and that you’ll need to contact customer support at 1-800-828-7280 or support @ instantpot.com.

C7 or NoPr indicates that the heat element has failed, there is not enough liquid, or the quick release switch is set to vent position. If you get the error after checking the vent release valve and checking to make sure there is the minimum amount of liquid required for pressure, you would need to contact Customer Support.

C8 indicates that you have placed the wrong inner pot in the housing. (This is useful if you have an older model of Instant Pot with the domed bottom pan.) The pots are not interchangeable. 

Additionally, my husband was sauteing on high and got the C8 error too even though we were using the correct pan. This happened several times. Since then I don’t use the Saute High setting on the Evo Plus, instead, I use Saute/Custom/Level 3 or 4 and it’s worked fine since with no error code. 

Lid indicates that the lid is not correctly positioned. Simply open the lid and replace it, ensuring it is properly placed.

PrSE indicates that pressure has accumulated during a non-pressure cooking program. You will want to use the quick release vent to reduce pressure in the pot.

(Note that this is NOT a sponsored post. I was not sent a Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus to review or giveaway. As always, my opinion is always my own.)

Note that the Giveaway has closed. Thank you to everyone who participated.

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