Instant Pot Pro Plus Review 2026: Worth Your Money?

You clicked on this review for a reason. Maybe you are tired of juggling five kitchen gadgets. Maybe your old pressure cooker finally gave up. Or maybe you just want a single appliance that does it all without eating up your counter space.

The Instant Pot Pro Plus has been a hot topic among home cooks for good reason. It packs Wi-Fi connectivity, a touchscreen display, 10 cooking programs, and a max pressure setting into one sleek unit.

But does it actually deliver? I spent weeks testing this cooker with real meals, real messes, and real frustrations. This review covers every detail you need before you spend your hard-earned money.

Key Takeaways:

• The Instant Pot Pro Plus is a 6-quart, 10-in-1 smart multi-cooker that handles pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, sous vide, canning, rice, yogurt, NutriBoost, and keep warm functions all in one device. It replaces multiple kitchen appliances and saves serious counter space.
• Wi-Fi connectivity and the Instant Brands Connect app let you control the cooker from your phone, monitor cooking progress remotely, and access over 2,000 guided recipes. This feature sets it apart from most other electric pressure cookers on the market right now.
• The 1,200-watt heating element and Max pressure (15 psi) cook food significantly faster than standard 1,000-watt models. However, the extra heat can occasionally trigger the burn notice, especially with thick sauces or starchy foods.
• The touchscreen display looks premium but has a learning curve. The combination of touch controls and a physical dial can confuse first-time users. It takes a few cooking sessions to feel comfortable with the interface.
• Build quality is strong with a flat-bottom stainless steel inner pot, dual silicone sealing rings, and an auto-sealing lid. The inner pot works on stovetops and in ovens up to 400°F, which adds real versatility.
• The main downside is the 1-year limited warranty, which feels short for a premium-priced appliance. Some users have also reported Wi-Fi connectivity issues and occasional error codes after extended use.

Instant Pot Pro Plus: What Is It Exactly?

The Instant Pot Pro Plus is a 6-quart electric multi-cooker made by Instant Brands. It combines 10 cooking functions into a single countertop appliance. You can pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, make rice, prepare yogurt, cook sous vide, can foods, use the NutriBoost feature, and keep meals warm.

This model stands out from other Instant Pot versions for two big reasons. First, it includes Wi-Fi connectivity that pairs with the Instant Brands Connect app on your smartphone. Second, it offers a Max pressure setting at 15 psi, which is the highest pressure available in any Instant Pot model. This higher pressure means faster cooking times and the ability to attempt home canning.

The unit runs at 1,200 watts and weighs about 15.8 pounds. Its dimensions are 13.2 inches long, 13 inches wide, and 12.7 inches tall. It fits comfortably on most kitchen counters, but you need overhead clearance for steam release. The exterior has a black stainless steel finish that looks modern and resists fingerprints fairly well.

This cooker targets home cooks who want a single, smart appliance that handles nearly every cooking method. It is currently only available in the 6-quart size, which serves roughly 4 to 6 people per batch.

Unboxing Experience: What Comes in the Box?

Opening the Instant Pot Pro Plus box feels like a solid first impression. The packaging is sturdy and well-organized. Everything sits snugly in molded cardboard inserts, so nothing rattles around during shipping.

Inside the box, you will find the main cooker base with the touchscreen panel, the stainless steel inner cooking pot with handles, and the pressure cooking lid with the auto-seal mechanism. Instant Pot also includes two silicone sealing rings, one red and one clear. The idea is to use one for savory dishes and the other for sweet recipes, so flavors do not cross over.

You also get a stainless steel steam rack with foldable handles. This trivet sits inside the pot and elevates food above the liquid for steaming. A quick start guide, a full user manual, and a power cord round out the contents. The user manual for this model is noticeably better than previous Instant Pot manuals, with clear step-by-step instructions for every cooking function.

One thing missing from the box is a measuring cup or any extra accessories. You will need to buy those separately. The condensation collector is built into the unit, which is a nice touch. Overall, the unboxing experience feels premium and organized. The included dual sealing rings are a thoughtful addition that most competitors skip.

The Touchscreen Display: A Mixed Bag

The Instant Pot Pro Plus features a large glass touchscreen on its front panel. It looks sleek and modern, similar in feel to a smartphone screen. When you plug the unit in, a simple tap anywhere on the display wakes it up. Cooking functions appear on the left and right sides, while time, pressure level, and progress indicators show in the center.

The screen is easy to read even from across the kitchen. A pressure indicator light confirms the lid is locked and sealed. Progress bars show you the pre-heating and cooking stages, which helps when you are impatiently waiting for a meal. You can toggle the sound on or off by pressing and holding the speaker icon for two seconds.

Here is where the frustration starts. The Pro Plus uses a combination of touch controls and a physical center dial. The dial only adjusts time and temperature up or down. Everything else requires touching the screen. If you have used a previous Instant Pot with a dial that selected and confirmed functions, this shift feels confusing at first.

In practice, you tap the screen to choose Pressure Cook, tap the minutes section, then spin the dial to set your time. It takes about three or four cooking sessions to feel natural. I would have preferred a fully touch-based interface with simple plus and minus buttons. The hybrid approach adds an unnecessary learning curve to an otherwise smart design.

Top 3 Alternatives for Instant Pot Pro Plus

1. Ninja OL501 Foodi 6.5 Qt. 14-in-1 Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer

2. Breville Fast Slow Pro Multicooker 6 Qt.

3. COSORI 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker 6 Qt.

Wi-Fi Connectivity and the Instant Brands Connect App

The Wi-Fi feature is the headline attraction of the Instant Pot Pro Plus. You connect the cooker to your 2.4GHz home Wi-Fi network through the Instant Brands Connect app, available on both iOS and Android. Setup is straightforward. You open the app, select “Add an Appliance,” pick the Pro Plus, and follow the on-screen prompts.

Once connected, the app lets you start, stop, and monitor cooking remotely. It knows whether the lid is on or off. If the lid is locked correctly, you can start a pressure cooking cycle from anywhere. You do not need to be on your home Wi-Fi to send commands. The app also offers over 2,000 guided recipes with step-by-step instructions.

One genuinely useful app feature is pressure release control. Setting a timed natural release followed by a quick release is much easier through the app than through the touchscreen. This alone makes the app worth using for pressure cooking.

However, the connected cooking has practical limits. You cannot load raw meat in the morning and start cooking from work because food safety rules apply. Meat cannot sit at room temperature for hours. Grains would absorb the water before you start cooking. The Wi-Fi feature works best for short-term remote monitoring, not all-day delayed starts.

Some users have reported occasional Wi-Fi disconnection issues and the C10 error code related to connectivity. These problems are not universal, but they are worth noting.

Cooking Performance: Pressure Cooking and Beyond

The Instant Pot Pro Plus cooks noticeably faster than standard 1,000-watt Instant Pot models. The 1,200-watt heating element preheats about 20% faster and cooks up to 70% faster than slow cooking methods. The three pressure levels give you flexibility: Low (5.8 to 7.2 psi), High (10.2 to 11.6 psi), and Max (15 psi).

For everyday pressure cooking, the High setting handles most recipes perfectly. Chicken breasts come out tender in about 8 minutes. A pot roast reaches fork-tender perfection in under an hour. Rice turns out fluffy and consistent every single time. The dedicated rice program takes the guesswork out of water ratios and timing.

The sauté function heats up quickly thanks to the flat-bottom inner pot. You can get a proper sear on meat before switching to pressure cooking, all in the same pot. The sous vide function maintains a steady temperature for precise cooking. Slow cooking works fine, though it does not outperform a dedicated slow cooker.

The NutriBoost feature releases puffs of steam during the last 15 minutes of cooking to simulate boiling and stirring. It works well for bone broth and soups. However, you should avoid using NutriBoost with starchy foods like pasta or oatmeal. These can foam up and clog the float valve, creating a mess and a safety concern.

The Inner Pot: A Real Upgrade

The flat-bottom stainless steel inner pot on the Pro Plus is one of its best features. Unlike older Instant Pot models with slightly domed bottoms, this pot sits flat. That flat surface provides better heat distribution for sautéing and searing. You get a proper brown crust on meat instead of uneven spots.

The pot has built-in handles that serve two purposes. They lock the pot in place inside the cooker housing so it does not spin when you stir. They also make it much easier to lift the hot pot out of the base. If you have ever tried to remove a full, steaming pot with oven mitts from an older Instant Pot, you understand how valuable handles are.

This inner pot is oven-safe up to 400°F and works on electric, ceramic, gas, and induction cooktops. I have used it on the stovetop for boiling pasta and reheating soups. It transfers directly from the pressure cooker to the stove without needing a separate pot. This versatility is genuinely useful.

The stainless steel material is durable and dishwasher-safe. It does not have a nonstick coating, which means food can stick during high-heat sautéing. A quick soak and some Barkeeper’s Friend cleaner handle any stubborn spots. The lack of nonstick coating is actually a benefit for health-conscious cooks who want to avoid chemical coatings.

Canning Capabilities: Proceed with Caution

The Instant Pot Pro Plus includes a dedicated canning function and the Max pressure setting at 15 psi. This combination makes it one of the few electric pressure cookers that even attempts home canning. The user manual provides detailed instructions for canning on pages 33 and 34.

Here is the important disclaimer. The USDA has not approved any electric pressure cooker for home canning, including the Instant Pot Pro Plus. The official recommendation is still to use a stovetop pressure canner or a boiling water bath for approved recipes. Instant Pot includes the function, but the safety certification gap remains.

Some experienced home canners have used the Max pressure setting for canning with reported success. Others remain cautious and stick to USDA-approved methods. The decision is a personal one based on your comfort level with the current guidelines.

Instant Pot also warns against using the canning function at altitudes above 6,600 feet. At higher elevations, the pressure may not reach the levels needed for safe food preservation. If you live in a mountainous area, this limitation matters. For most home cooks, the canning function is a nice bonus but not a primary reason to buy this model.

Lid Design and Safety Features

The Pro Plus lid borrows its design from the Instant Pot Pro, and it is one of the best lid designs in the Instant Pot lineup. A cover sits over the steam release valve. This cover diffuses the steam and sends it outward instead of straight up. The result is a quieter, gentler pressure release that will not blast your cabinets with hot steam.

The auto-seal feature is a real convenience. Every time you lock the lid in place, it automatically returns to the sealed position. You never need to remember to flip the valve to “Sealing” before starting a pressure cook cycle. This eliminates one of the most common mistakes new pressure cooker owners make.

The lid includes three pressure release options: Natural, Quick, and Pulse. Natural release lets the pressure drop on its own over time. Quick release vents all the steam rapidly. The Pulse option releases steam in short bursts every 15 seconds, which is useful for foods that foam.

One small detail to note: the float valve has a black silicone cover that hides it from direct view. You cannot visually confirm when the float valve drops. You need to feel or listen for it. This cover and the small gasket underneath it must be removed and cleaned separately. Be careful not to lose these tiny pieces during washing.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning the Instant Pot Pro Plus is straightforward but requires attention to details. The stainless steel inner pot is dishwasher-safe. A cycle in the dishwasher handles most meals without scrubbing. For stuck-on food, a 10-minute soak with warm soapy water loosens everything.

The lid needs hand cleaning. You should remove the silicone sealing ring after each use and wash it separately. Sealing rings absorb food odors over time, especially from strong spices and curries. Having two sealing rings, one for savory and one for sweet, helps manage this issue. Placing the ring in direct sunlight for a few hours also reduces lingering smells.

The float valve, its silicone cover, and the anti-block shield underneath the lid all need regular cleaning. Food particles can get trapped in these small parts and affect sealing performance. A small brush or toothpick works well for clearing debris. Neglecting these parts is the most common cause of sealing failures.

The exterior wipes clean with a damp cloth. The touchscreen picks up fingerprints but cleans easily. The condensation collector on the back of the unit should be emptied and rinsed after every use. Overall, maintenance takes about 5 extra minutes compared to washing a regular pot, which is a fair trade for the cooking versatility you get.

Known Issues and Honest Complaints

No product is perfect, and the Instant Pot Pro Plus has real drawbacks you should consider. The most common complaint from users is the burn notice (FOOD BURN). Because the 1,200-watt element runs hotter than standard models, thick sauces, tomato-based recipes, and starchy foods trigger this error more often.

The fix is usually simple. Check for stuck food on the pot bottom, add more liquid, and restart. But it can be frustrating when it interrupts a meal you expected to be hands-off.

Wi-Fi reliability is another sore point. Some users experience the C10 error code, which indicates a Wi-Fi failure. Reconnecting usually solves it, but repeated disconnections have pushed some owners to skip the app entirely. The cooker only connects to 2.4GHz networks, which can be an issue in homes where the router defaults to 5GHz.

The 1-year limited warranty feels inadequate for a premium-priced cooker. Competitors like Breville offer longer warranty periods. If something goes wrong after 12 months, you are on your own. Register your product within 30 days of purchase to stay eligible.

Some users on community forums have reported repeated error codes (C1, C3, C6) that required contacting customer service. These errors suggest sensor failures and typically mean you need a replacement. This is not widespread, but it is a pattern worth mentioning.

Who Should Buy the Instant Pot Pro Plus?

The Instant Pot Pro Plus is ideal for tech-savvy home cooks who want app-controlled cooking and smart recipe guidance. If you like the idea of starting dinner from your phone or following step-by-step guided recipes on a screen, this model delivers that experience better than any other Instant Pot.

It is also a strong pick for experienced pressure cooker users who want the Max pressure setting. The 15 psi option cooks food faster and opens the door to home canning experiments. If you already own a basic Instant Pot and want an upgrade with more power and features, the Pro Plus is a logical next step.

Families of 4 to 6 people will find the 6-quart capacity sufficient for most meals. It handles batch cooking, meal prep, and weeknight dinners with ease. The flat-bottom pot and powerful sauté function make it suitable for one-pot meals where you brown meat first and pressure cook everything together.

However, this cooker is not the best choice for beginners who feel overwhelmed by technology. The touchscreen-and-dial combo has a learning curve. A simpler model like the Instant Pot Duo would serve first-time users better. It is also not ideal for large families or big batch cooking since it only comes in a 6-quart size. If you need 8 quarts, look elsewhere.

Instant Pot Pro Plus vs. Instant Pot Pro: Key Differences

The Instant Pot Pro and the Pro Plus share the same core cooking functions and 1,200-watt heating element. They look similar and perform equally well for standard pressure cooking. The differences come down to smart features and pressure range.

The Pro Plus adds Wi-Fi connectivity and the touchscreen display. The standard Pro has a traditional button-and-dial interface without any app control. If you never plan to use an app or control your cooker remotely, the Pro gives you the same cooking performance at a lower price.

The Max pressure setting (15 psi) is exclusive to the Pro Plus. The standard Pro tops out at High pressure (10.2 to 11.6 psi). This means the Pro Plus cooks slightly faster and is the only option if you want to try home canning with an electric pressure cooker.

The Pro Plus also has the NutriBoost feature that pulses steam during cooking. The standard Pro does not offer this. For soups and bone broths, NutriBoost adds noticeable richness. For everyday cooking, you may never use it.

The Pro has 28 preset smart programs with subcategories like Chicken, Beans, and Pasta. The Pro Plus simplifies this to 8 main categories without subcategories. Most experienced users prefer the simpler layout because they set custom times anyway. If you like preset options, the Pro has more of them.

Build Quality and Long-Term Durability

The Instant Pot Pro Plus feels well-built in hand. The black stainless steel exterior is sturdy and resists minor dents. The glass touchscreen is durable and similar in quality to smartphone glass. After weeks of use, it shows no scratches or wear.

The inner pot is the highlight. Its thick aluminum core sandwiched between stainless steel layers provides even heat distribution. The flat bottom will not warp over time like thinner pots. The handles remain cool enough to touch even right after cooking, though I still recommend using pot holders for safety.

The lid mechanism operates smoothly. The auto-seal feature has not failed in my testing. The sealing ring maintains its shape and elasticity after repeated high-pressure cycles. Instant Pot recommends replacing sealing rings every 12 to 18 months, which is standard for silicone pressure cooker rings.

Long-term durability concerns center on the electronics. The touchscreen, Wi-Fi module, and digital sensors are more complex than a simple button interface. More electronics means more potential failure points. User reports of sensor-related error codes (C1, C3, C6) support this concern. The 1-year warranty does not inspire confidence for a product with this many electronic components. If Instant Pot extended the warranty to 2 or 3 years, it would ease a lot of buyer hesitation.

Final Verdict: Is the Instant Pot Pro Plus Worth It in 2026?

The Instant Pot Pro Plus remains a capable and feature-rich multi-cooker that earns its spot among the top electric pressure cookers available. The 10-in-1 cooking functions cover nearly every method you need in a home kitchen. The 1,200-watt element and Max pressure deliver fast, consistent results. The flat-bottom inner pot is a genuine upgrade that improves sautéing and stovetop versatility.

The Wi-Fi and app features work well enough to add value, especially for pressure release control and guided recipes. They are not game-changers, but they make the cooking experience more convenient for those who use them.

The downsides are real but manageable. The touchscreen learning curve fades after a few uses. The burn notice issue requires minor recipe adjustments. Wi-Fi connectivity is not bulletproof. And the 1-year warranty remains a disappointment for a premium appliance.

If you are upgrading from an older Instant Pot and want smart features plus Max pressure, the Pro Plus is a worthwhile investment. If you are a first-time buyer looking for simplicity, a more basic model will serve you better. At its current price point, the Instant Pot Pro Plus offers strong value for cooks who will actually use its advanced features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Instant Pot Pro Plus have an air fry function?

No. The Instant Pot Pro Plus does not include an air frying function. It focuses on pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, sous vide, rice, yogurt, canning, NutriBoost, and keep warm. If you want air frying combined with pressure cooking, consider the Ninja Foodi OL501, which includes both functions in one unit.

Can I use old Instant Pot accessories with the Pro Plus?

Yes. The Instant Pot Pro Plus is compatible with all standard Instant Pot 6-quart accessories. This includes steamer baskets, egg racks, springform pans, and silicone molds. The Quick Cool Tray from the Duo Evo Plus also works with the Pro Plus.

Is the Instant Pot Pro Plus safe for canning?

The Pro Plus includes a canning function and a 15 psi Max pressure setting. However, the USDA has not officially approved any electric pressure cooker for home canning. Some users report successful canning with this model, but it does not carry official food safety certification for that purpose. Instant Pot also advises against canning at altitudes above 6,600 feet.

How do I fix the burn notice on the Instant Pot Pro Plus?

First, cancel the cooking cycle. Remove the inner pot and check the bottom for stuck food. Scrape off any burned residue, add more liquid, and restart. Avoid thick sauces and starchy ingredients sitting directly on the pot bottom. Layering these on top of thinner liquids prevents most burn notice occurrences.

Does the Wi-Fi feature require a subscription?

No. The Wi-Fi connectivity and the Instant Brands Connect app are completely free. There is no subscription or monthly fee. You just need a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network at home and a smartphone running Android 5.0 or later, or iOS 12.0 or later.

How loud is the Instant Pot Pro Plus during pressure release?

The Pro Plus is quieter than older Instant Pot models during pressure release. The lid cover over the steam release valve diffuses the steam outward instead of shooting it straight up. The quick release produces a steady hiss rather than a loud burst. The Pulse release option is even quieter since it vents in short, controlled bursts.