This was purchased as an upgrade from the 6qt Duo model. TOTALLY worth it and I've only used a single mode on each lid (Pressure Cook and Air Fry) so far. I didn't use other modes on the 6qt either including the pre-programmed settings. This is pretty much apples to apples comparison. Overall a complete win and would recommend it to others.
Benefits:
1. Handles on the inner pot. This keeps the pot from spinning during saute mode and makes it easier and safer to remove the pot when it's full of food. I can do this even after a wrist injury.
2. Flat bottom on the pot. Makes any added oils spread evenly instead of running to the edge and enables #3 below.
3. Pot is stove-top safe. Even more versatility! I tried this today and the handles did get a bit too warm to touch from the gas heat flowing up the sides of the pot, but it enabled me to quickly control the temperature and still pressure cook the results in the same pot.
4. Air Fryer : I've not had an air fryer before and this definitely works well. The AirFry lid is simple to put on and take off, and doesn't require it's own cord. Results have been excellent for the chicken nuggets, fries and frozen battered fish I've tried. All in less time than the standard oven method
5. Replaced a 6qt slow cooker. I'm betting on this one a bit. My slow cooker use in the past years has primarily been to keep chili warm. Most recently, I used the 6qt duo since it travels more safely to the party/pot luck location with the pressure lid locked on. Now the Air Fry lid is stored where the slow cooker resided. And yes, the Duo also could do this, but I'd not done it based on the slow cooker function testing/reviews as not getting hot enough. The Pro test/reviews were better for slow cooking function.
6. It's a 2qt larger capacity while not that much bigger of a footprint. Yes it's bigger, but it's not as much larger than the 6 qt than I thought it may be. The Saute surface is larger by 2 chicken thighs from 4 to 6 (crowded).
7. Pressure lid doesn't build up water spots. The Duo lid has areas on top where the metal is exposed. That started getting calcium deposits around the edge starting after the 2nd washing and air drying. The 8qt pro is completely covered in plastic with a removable door over a cooling area. It's not built up the water deposits after ~20 uses even in there because it's curved.
8. The base lid lip is easier to clean: The area where the lid seals onto the base is wider on the Pro version making it easier to get a cloth and finger in there to clean the splatters from sauteing.
9. The drip catcher is easier to remove. The clear plastic cup under to back ledge that catches fluids from the lip is a drawer on the Pro. This is much easier to remove and insert than the squeeze and clip version on the Duo.
10. Auto Sealing/pressure switch: The lid automatically seals when it's turned so you don't end up wondering why the pressure hasn't built up after you forgot to turn the weight from the vent position.
11. Steam Diffusion and easy venting: The switch to vent is away from the steam so no risk of burns, but also doesn't complicate cleaning. And the the steam diffuser cap (which is called whisper quiet) contains any spitting of starches while is removable for cleaning.
12. The AirFry lid storage tray attaches and also works as a trivet while using it.
13. There are lines on the front of the Pro and pressure lid indicating the starting position for attaching it. No more fumbling to get the lid lined up.
14. Improved cord management: The cord isn't removable. This makes the connection to the base more streamlined allowing it to get closer to a wall. To compensate, there is a slot to hold the wrapped cord when it's not plugged in. It's also not at risk of getting lost.
Suggested improvements:
1. The inside surface of the stainless pressure pot isn't as polished as the 6qt duo pot so it's a bit tougher to get fully clean. We use it to make rice and also saute chicken without oil as a step in broth making (then deglaze). Both of these stick to the pot a bit and require scrubbing. The new pot is less polished so it needs a cleanser step nearly every time to get all the bits off even after soaking. The 6qt pot didn't need this and the only thing that we can perceive as different is the pot internal texture.
2. The air fry pot also doesn't get fully clean with hand scrubbing. Seems to always take more than one hand wash cycle. It may be the texture or color or both, but inevitably, the thing still looks greasy after it's dried. We've not put it in the dishwasher which might do better.
3. The bottom ring for the air fry multipot arrived with a tab broke off so it doesn't stay attached to the pot. Customer service has responded in a timely manner (not yet finished the resolution). I mention it because it may be a weakness in the design.
4. The air fry lid and storage tray is always a challenge to line up for joining. If there's an indication like the pressure lid to base, I've not found it.
5. No pot lid accessory available for the 8qt pot which is sad since the pot can be used on the stovetop. This would make the item even more versatile. I never wanted one for the Duo.
Reviews with images
Happy and unhappy
It looks great and very practical and user friendly! However, this is the second time I have purchase a pressure cooker from Amazon and it is kinda damaged! The first order was an “excellent” refurbished one which I had to return the item due to broken bottom! This time it’s only damaged a little bit and I wanna keep it cause I like it and need it, but not quite happy with seeing this on my purchase!
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Top reviews from other countries
Ricardo M
Muy versátil
Reviewed in Mexico on July 26, 2024Size: 8 QuartsStyle: Pro CrispVerified Purchase
Silvia
Muy útil y práctico. Funciona excelente
Reviewed in Mexico on February 14, 2024Size: 6QTStyle: Duo CrispVerified Purchase
Vitamin B
You need an air fryer in your life.
Reviewed in Canada on April 15, 2021Size: 8 QuartsStyle: Pro CrispVerified Purchase
Vitamin B
Reviewed in Canada on April 15, 2021
I like the new pot with handles, much easier to take it out after cooking. It cleans very easily too. Just pour some water in it and clean it right away, or let the water sit and clean it later - don't let the food weld itself into the pot!
It comes with an additional inner pot for air frying, but I never use it...don't see the point. All it does is reduce the internal volume of the main pot and it's one more extra thing to clean. Instead I use a steam basket...or simply throw food right in the main pot. However, if you throw it straight in the pot, it will fry in its own juices and won't come out as crispy (but will come out more juicy)..which might not be a bad thing, it really depends on what you're going for. I enjoy doing it both ways.
The new pressure cooking release valve is A LOT quieter than the one on the Duo. It doesn't shoot up into the air like a raging locomotive anymore. That's nice if you cook late at night and don't want to wake anyone up in the house.
Yes, you do need to mix food for more even frying, but you do that usually just once. Ideally, you don't want to overload it with so much food that it stacks on top of itself. You can still do, but might need to mix it an extra time.
It can also dehydrate, but I don't care for this as I already have a dedicated, proper dehydrator. Keep in mind that when you dehydrate, you absolutely can't stack food on top of itself, or else it will never fully dehydrate. With the Pro Crisp you can only dehydrate a tiny amount as you only get a single tray to lay your food on.
This air fryer looks beautiful and modern. It's seems to be the same size as the Duo 8qt, except that it's quite a bit taller with the air fryer lid.
It's very easy to use, I just really wish they would have the 3 different time adjustments for each program, as they do on the Instant Pot Duo. If I'm pressure cooking beans, the time will depend on the type of bean it is. With this I need to constantly set the time manually, where with my Instant Pot Duo I can just cycle through 3 preset times I have set. I don't feel it's big enough of a problem to take down a star overall, but something to be aware of.
Once you buy it, you will be experimenting a ton with all your regular meals. In the picture I have pressure cooked quinoa (in the 6qt Duo) and air fried (separately) mushrooms and tofu, topped with some greens. Barely use the stove/oven anymore. Even microwave sees less action as you can easily reheat food in the air fryer AND fry something fresh at the same time!
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Stephania orozco
Excelente
Reviewed in Mexico on August 7, 2024Size: 8 QuartsStyle: Pro CrispVerified Purchase
Clair Chávez
Lo más útil de mi cocina
Reviewed in Mexico on December 26, 2023Size: 6QTStyle: Duo CrispVerified Purchase
