Instant Pots have become one of the most popular kitchen appliances in recent years. With their ability to perform multiple cooking functions like pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and more, Instant Pots offer a convenient “all-in-one” solution for home cooks. Two of the most popular Instant Pot models are the Instant Pot Duo Plus and the Instant Pot Duo Mini. But what exactly are the size differences between these two models?
Instant Pot Duo Plus Size
The Instant Pot Duo Plus is one of the standard sized Instant Pot models. It measures approximately 12.5 inches wide x 12.5 inches deep x 12 inches tall. With a 6 quart capacity, the Instant Pot Duo Plus is a great option for families or those who regularly cook larger batches of food. Some key details on the Instant Pot Duo Plus size:
- Width: 12.5 inches
- Depth: 12.5 inches
- Height: 12 inches
- Internal cooking capacity: 6 quarts
- External dimensions: Approximately 14.8 x 14.2 x 13.2 inches (width x depth x height)
With its 12 inch height, the Duo Plus model can fit on most kitchen countertops underneath cabinets. The 6 quart capacity is able to accommodate most recipes and ingredients for 4-6 people. Overall, the Duo Plus offers a nice balance of size and capacity for most households.
Instant Pot Duo Mini Size
As the name implies, the Instant Pot Duo Mini is the smaller, more compact version of the standard Duo model. With its petite footprint, the Duo Mini is ideal for smaller households, kitchens, or anyone who wants a more conveniently sized Instant Pot. Here are the key size details on the Duo Mini:
- Width: 10.5 inches
- Depth: 10.5 inches
- Height: 10.5 inches
- Internal cooking capacity: 3 quarts
- External dimensions: Approximately 12.1 x 11.41 x 12.2 inches (width x depth x height)
With its 10.5 inch cube design, the Duo Mini has a smaller footprint and takes up less counter space than the standard sized models. The 3 quart capacity can comfortably cook meals for 1-3 people. The more compact Duo Mini is great for smaller cooking needs.
Instant Pot Duo Plus vs Duo Mini Size Comparison
To visualize the size differences between the Instant Pot Duo Plus and Duo Mini models, here is a comparison table:
| Model | Width | Depth | Height | Internal Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duo Plus | 12.5 in | 12.5 in | 12 in | 6 quarts |
| Duo Mini | 10.5 in | 10.5 in | 10.5 in | 3 quarts |
As you can see, the Duo Mini is over 2 inches smaller in each dimension compared to the Duo Plus model. The Duo Mini is much more compact and portable, while the Duo Plus has the larger capacity and footprint.
Uses for Each Size
The size you choose depends on your cooking needs and preferences. Here are some of the ideal uses for each Instant Pot size:
Instant Pot Duo Plus (6 quarts)
- Cooking for 4-6 people
- Making large batches of soups, stews, chilis
- Meal prepping several servings at once
- Cooking large cuts of meat
- Accommodating most standard recipes
- Good size for most households
Instant Pot Duo Mini (3 quarts)
- Cooking for 1-3 people
- Making individual servings or side dishes
- Fitting in smaller kitchens
- Traveling or camping
- Dorm room cooking
- Test driving Instant Pot before committing to larger size
Conclusion
The Instant Pot Duo Plus standard 6 quart size is better for larger households and batch cooking. Its 12 inch width footprint fits well on most countertops. The Instant Pot Duo Mini 3 quart model has a smaller 10.5 inch cubic size that’s ideal for portability and cooking for 1-3 people. Both models share the same versatile pressure cooking and sautéing functions. Just choose the size that best fits your cooking needs.
Instant Pots are one of the hottest kitchen tools around. With the Duo Plus and Duo Mini models, you have two great options depending on your preferences. The Duo Plus allows you to cook larger meals and batches efficiently. But the Duo Mini’s compact size makes it perfect for small spaces or mobile use. Whichever you choose, enjoy the convenience of a multi-use pressure cooker than can sauté, steam, warm, and more!
