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Instant Pot Pro vs Pro Plus​ – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Instant Pot Pro Plus & Instant Pot Pro share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Instant Pot Pro Plus rather than the Instant Pot Pro.

Why Do I Recommend The Instant Pot Pro Plus?

  • The Instant Pot Pro Plus has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity for remote monitoring and control from anywhere through a smartphone, while the Instant Pot Pro uses offline-only operation with no network access.
  • Instant Pot Pro Plus comes with mobile app control to start, stop, and adjust cooking programs without being in the kitchen, whereas the Instant Pot Pro comes with on-device controls only.
  • It supports remote start and stop for managing cooking sessions when multitasking or away from home, while the Instant Pot Pro supports local-only start and stop at the cooker.
  • The Instant Pot Pro Plus features app-guided cooking workflows that reduce errors by providing step-by-step prompts and timing cues, while the Instant Pot Pro features fully manual program selection.
  • Instant Pot Pro Plus includes in-app recipe integration to simplify meal planning by syncing predefined settings directly to the cooker, whereas the Instant Pot Pro includes no recipe synchronization capability.
  • It supports firmware updates over Wi-Fi for improving stability and adding refinements over time without replacing hardware, while the Instant Pot Pro supports no software updates.
  • The Instant Pot Pro Plus features multi-phone access for allowing multiple household members to monitor and control the same cooker, whereas the Instant Pot Pro features single-user physical interaction only.
  • Instant Pot Pro Plus comes with smart notifications to alert in real time when cooking stages change or finish, while the Instant Pot Pro comes with basic audible alerts limited to the device itself.

Maybe the Instant Pot Pro can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Instant Pot Pro Plus. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureInstant Pot Pro PlusInstant Pot Pro
Product typeSmart electric pressure cookerElectric pressure cooker
ConnectivityWi-FiNone
App supportInstant Brands appNo app
Remote startYesNo
Remote stopYesNo
Remote monitoringYesNo
Push notificationsYesNo
Guided cookingApp-guidedManual only
Recipe integrationIn-app recipesNo recipe platform
Recipe sync to cookerYesNo
Firmware updatesOver-the-airNot supported
Control interfaceFull touchscreenButtons + dial
Physical controlsMinimalExtensive
On-device programmabilityLimitedFull local control
Multi-phone accessSupportedNot supported
Cloud dependencyRequired for smart featuresNone
Away-from-home controlSupportedNot supported
Status visibilityApp + displayDisplay only
Smart automationEnabledNot available
Software lifecycleUpdateableStatic
PriceCheck Pot Pro Plus PriceCheck Instant Pot Pro Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Cooking capacity: Both models use a 6-quart capacity that is well suited for families, meal prep, and batch cooking without taking up excessive counter space.
  • Pressure cooking: Each cooker supports electric pressure cooking, allowing food to cook faster while retaining moisture and flavor compared to traditional stovetop methods.
  • Slow cooking: Both models include a slow cook function, making them suitable for long, low-temperature recipes such as stews, chili, and braised dishes.
  • Rice cooking: Each unit includes a rice cooking mode that simplifies preparing white or mixed rice with consistent texture and doneness.
  • Steaming: Both cookers support steaming, which is useful for vegetables, seafood, dumplings, and reheating foods without drying them out.
  • Sauté function: Each model includes a sauté mode that allows browning, simmering, and reducing directly in the pot before pressure cooking.
  • Keep Warm mode: Both automatically switch to Keep Warm after cooking, helping maintain serving temperature until food is ready to be eaten.
  • Adjustable pressure levels: Each cooker supports both high and low pressure settings, giving flexibility for delicate foods or tougher cuts of meat.
  • Temperature adjustment: Both models allow temperature control within supported programs, enabling more precise cooking results.
  • Delay Start: Each unit includes Delay Start, allowing cooking to begin automatically at a later time for better meal planning.
  • Stainless steel inner pot: Both use stainless steel inner pots, which are durable, non-reactive, and safe for a wide range of ingredients.
  • Inner pot handles: Each inner pot includes silicone handles, making it easier and safer to lift the hot pot out of the cooker.
  • Lid type: Both models use an advanced steam-release lid design that simplifies sealing and venting compared to older Instant Pot lids.
  • Steam release methods: Each supports quick release and natural pressure release, giving flexibility based on recipe requirements.
  • Safety mechanisms: Both cookers include multiple built-in safety systems, such as pressure regulation and fault detection, to ensure safe operation.
  • Overheat protection: Each model automatically protects against overheating, reducing the risk of damage or unsafe conditions.
  • Lid lock safety: Both prevent opening the lid while pressure is present, ensuring user safety during operation.
  • Dishwasher-safe parts: The inner pot and lid components on both models are dishwasher safe, simplifying cleanup.
  • Power rating: Each operates at 1200 watts, providing similar heating performance and pressure build-up speed.
  • Countertop footprint: Both models have a similar physical size, making them equally suitable for standard kitchen countertops and storage.

Common Features

FeatureInstant Pot Pro PlusInstant Pot Pro
Cooking capacity6-quart6-quart
Pressure cookingYesYes
Slow cookingYesYes
Rice cookingYesYes
SteamingYesYes
Sauté functionYesYes
Keep Warm modeYesYes
Adjustable pressure levelsHigh / LowHigh / Low
Temperature adjustmentYesYes
Delay StartYesYes
Stainless steel inner potYesYes
Inner pot handlesSilicone handlesSilicone handles
Lid typeAdvanced steam-release lidAdvanced steam-release lid
Steam release methodsQuick / NaturalQuick / Natural
Safety mechanismsMultiple built-in protectionsMultiple built-in protections
Overheat protectionYesYes
Lid lock safetyYesYes
Dishwasher-safe partsInner pot & lidInner pot & lid
Power rating1200 W1200 W
Countertop footprintSimilar sizeSimilar size
Price Check Pot Pro Plus Price
Check Instant Pot Pro Price

FAQ

What is the main difference between Instant Pot Pro Plus and Instant Pot Pro?
The main difference is that the Instant Pot Pro Plus includes built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and app-based smart controls, while the Instant Pot Pro is a fully manual model with no internet or app features.

Do both Instant Pot Pro Plus and Instant Pot Pro cook food the same way?
Yes, both models use the same pressure cooking technology and heating system, so the core cooking results for pressure cooking, sautéing, slow cooking, and steaming are very similar.

Can I use the Instant Pot Pro Plus without the mobile app?
Yes, the Instant Pot Pro Plus can be used directly from its control panel, but many advanced features such as guided cooking and remote control are designed to work through the app.

Does the Instant Pot Pro require any internet connection?
No, the Instant Pot Pro does not require Wi-Fi, an app, or an internet connection, and all functions are controlled directly on the unit.

Are the inner pots interchangeable between Instant Pot Pro Plus and Instant Pot Pro?
Yes, both models use the same 6-quart stainless steel inner pot with silicone handles, making them interchangeable.

Do both models support high and low pressure cooking?
Yes, both the Instant Pot Pro Plus and Instant Pot Pro support high and low pressure settings for greater recipe flexibility.

Is guided cooking available on both models?
Guided cooking is only available on the Instant Pot Pro Plus through the mobile app, while the Instant Pot Pro relies entirely on manual setup.

Can I start or stop cooking remotely on either model?
Remote start and stop are only available on the Instant Pot Pro Plus using the app, while the Instant Pot Pro must be operated in person.

Do both models include the same safety features?
Yes, both models include multiple built-in safety mechanisms such as lid locking, pressure regulation, and overheat protection.

Is there any difference in power or cooking speed between the two?
No, both models operate at approximately 1200 watts and have similar pressure build-up and cooking performance.

Can multiple people control the Instant Pot Pro Plus from different phones?
Yes, the Instant Pot Pro Plus allows multiple phones to connect through the app, while the Instant Pot Pro does not support phone control at all.

Are the lids the same on both Instant Pot Pro Plus and Instant Pot Pro?
Yes, both models use the advanced steam-release lid design with quick and natural pressure release options.

Do both models support Delay Start and Keep Warm functions?
Yes, Delay Start and automatic Keep Warm are available on both models for meal planning and serving convenience.

Is software or firmware updating possible on either model?
Firmware updates are possible on the Instant Pot Pro Plus through Wi-Fi, while the Instant Pot Pro does not support software updates.

Which model is better for users who prefer simple, manual controls?
The Instant Pot Pro is generally better for users who prefer tactile buttons, dials, and fully offline operation without relying on apps or connectivity.