Instant Pot Gem vs Duo
Multi-cookers come in all shapes and sizes, and although they are often based around the functions of a pressure cooker, this is not always the case. The Instant Pot Gem, for example, is a multi-cooker that can be used in 8 different ways for cooking but cannot be used for pressure cooking. So what can it do? Instant Pot Gem vs Duo; who wins if compared? We take a look.
Instant Pot Gem
The Instant Pot Gem is a 6 qt multi-cooker that is similar to a slow cooker but can perform a wide range of extra functions. It is a good-looking kitchen appliance. More rectangular-shaped than a pressure cooker, it has all the appeal of the Instant Pot range including a clear control interface and the usual easy to use functionality that you can access at the touch of a button.
The 8 different functions are; sear/sauté, stew, slow cook H (high), slow cook L (low), bake, steam, roast, and rice. There is also a timer/delay button and a keep-warm function. Theoretically, you could use the Instant Pot Gem to replace your oven, and this could be useful if you are trying to save money or do not want the hassle of using your oven, such as in times of hot weather.
As with all Instant Pot appliances, the Instant Pot Gem seems very easy to use. You can sear your food – when cooking meat and then put the lid on and continue cooking by roasting or as a casserole. It also works as a steamer, so it is ideal for fish or for cooking vegetables – there is a detachable rack provided for this. Baking food is convenient too.
The ceramic liner pot is easy to remove and wash, and of course, if you are going to be using this multi cooker for a range of different dishes and cooking methods, you will need to wash it in between functions. Luckily this is easy to do.
The Instant Pot Gem is also a slow cooker. There are two slow-cook settings; high or low, so you can choose how long you want to cook for. Some users say that switching to the sauté mode at the end of cooking time and adding cream or cornstarch, is a great way to thicken the consistency of casseroles.
Overall we really like the Instant Pot Gem. However, its functions are not really any different from that of the Instant Pot Duo, with the main differences being the shape of the pot and the lack of pressure cooking abilities. Price-wise the Gem is slightly more expensive than the basic Duo pressure cooker. The Gem costs around $90, depending on the retailer.
Pros
- The rectangular shape is pleasing
- Easy to use – comes with instruction manual and recipe book
- 8 in 1 appliance
- You can use it for baking
Cons
- You can’t use it for pressure cooking
- Very little customer feedback available
- Expensive
Instant Pot Duo
The Instant Pot Duo is one of the most popular models in the Instant Pot range and has clocked up over 50,000 customer reviews on Amazon alone. It is easy to see why. This multi-purpose electric pressure cooker can be used in so many ways that even if you did not use the pressure cooking function, it would still be useful.
The Instant Pot Duo functions as a slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and warmer. These are many of the same features of the Gem, and although the basic Duo may be slightly limited, the Duo Plus enables you to bake as well.
Of course, the pressure cooking function is the one that most people use most. This enables you to cook 70% faster than conventional cooking and has many advantages for health and convenience. For example, you can cook pulses and beans without the need for overnight soaking. Also, pressure cooking seals in nutrients so you can enjoy the improved flavor as well as improved nutritional content.
Pressure cooking has had a slightly scary reputation over the past decades and still, some customers may be deterred for this reason. However, Instant Pot belongs to the new generation of pressure cooking and you can be confident that the Duo, as well as all Instant Pot pressure cookers, are extremely easy and safe to use. You can cook at the press of a button and the built-in safety features make this type of cooking as safe as any other method.
Instant Pot Duo is available in a couple of options. You can choose from a range of sizes and there are two models available; the Duo and the Duo Plus, which has added functionalities.
Price-wise, the Duo is inexpensive at around $79 for a 6 qt model, making it around 11$ cheaper than the Gem.
Pros
- Fantastically popular with customers
- A well-established brand is easy to use
- Carries out a wide range of functions
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Not everyone wants to pressure cook, so this appliance will not suit everyone.
- You might not use all of the functions
- You cannot use the Duo for baking
Instant Pot Gem vs Duo: What Can We Conclude?
We like the Instant Pot Gem. If you have no interest in pressure cooking, you will probably find this multi-use kitchen appliance really useful. However, it is nice to have a choice of functions and even if you don’t want to pressure cook all the time, the Instant Pot Duo does most of what can be achieved by Instant Pot Gem plus more. Besides, the Instant Pot Duo is cheaper. It seems to be crazy to choose an appliance that does less but actually costs more, so for this reason, we think that the Instant Pot Duo is the better deal.
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