Instant Pot - Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid

I had and instantpot with ultimate lid, it is similar to the foodi 14 in1 in that the same lid does pressur and airfrying. I loved it, especially for pressure cocking. There it has the advantage of a pulsed release. So you can set it and forget, it releases itself slowly. I miss this function on my Ninja. On the downside the instant pot had only one pressure setting. Even 0 min was too long for sensitive vegies. You would think you could do steaming instead, however it turns out that steaming is just another name for the same pressure function, so your only chance is learning to like overcoked broccoli. The other problem I had was when backing muffins etc. The baking funtion only uses the top element, like an airfryer, leading to burned tops and wet bottoms. This was the main reason I switched to the ninja ol650. The combi-steam functions allow you to use both, the top and bottom elements. And bakeries, even bread turn out great. I too heared that they might discontinue some models, and couldn't find an ol701 for a while. But then suddenly found new models (ol650 and ol750). I got mine with 3y manufacturers waranty and 2y extra extended waranty. I guess that should see me over. In summay, I would go with the Ninja (but your milage may differ).

Avoid Ultimate Lid since people have had SO MUCH problem with it refusing to open. 8qt is probably best if you just want one unit, because generally you want capacity with an air fryer. I never paid much attention to Foodie, but the adage was "Foodie is an air fryer that can pressure cook," and IP Crisp models are "Pressure cooker that can air fry." There are aftermarket air fryer lids that can be used on IPs of either 6 or 8qt capacity, or can also be used on a stock pot. I bought the Mealthy Crisp Lid, which is now discontinued, but others still exist. The Crisp Lid used halogen lights, like those glass "turbo convection" ovens. I only used it once, to make French fries, and it could really heat.

Whatever you do, don't buy the Ultimate Lid model. The black plastic tab that keeps the pressure lid on will break after using it a few times. Instant Pot doesn't sell replacement parts for it, they won't honor the warranty (even if you JUST bought the thing yesterday), and then they will ignore you when you reach out to them. They also deleted my comments on their Facebook page about it. I also noticed they changed tons of 1 star reviews on their website to 5 star. If you don't believe me, check it out here: https://instantpot.com/products/instant-pot-duo-crisp-6-5qt-ultimate-lid-smart-multi-cooker-and-air-fryer. They also messed with the 'Leave a Review' button and made it so it takes you to a bogus page. I envision a class action lawsuit over this. [Picture](https://imgur.com/MZjbHRw)

Instant pot Duo Crisp. It pressure cooks and also air fries. It also bakes, sous vides, etc. if you get the 8 qt one, it'll air fry a small chicken. The 6.5qt will do a pheasant, but just barely. Ninja also makes one that's a bit nicer and also more expensive.

I have an Instant Pot Duo Crisp, which is technically both (and then some), but not the best rice cooker OR the best air fryer either - as in, does the job but could be better. But i like the pressure cooker part - quickest way to make beans, stews, soup (i often make bone broth, it's done in 4 hrs instead of 12), etc. However, there are apparently problems with the brand, so it's not a recommendation. But if you're interested in checking it out, Ninja has the Foodi multicookers, it's similar.

I was going to get a Ninja, but realized at the last moment that the open lid wouldn’t fit on our counter top, so I went with the Duo Crisp instead. I don’t Air Fry much, but when I do I often end up using some of the custom inserts (racks, silicone trays) that you can buy anywhere these days - whatever seems to work best for what I’m making.

May I ask a question as you seem knowledgable. What is your view of my airfryer, the Instapot Duo Crisp (it is also a pressure cooker amoung other things) ? I don't know whether I simply need to get more use to it or it is not great. Thank you.

Thanks for the detailed reply. Yes there is airflow, the biggest downside imo is that removal of the partition between to food (the partition is so you have 2 baskets) is messy, it's not a simple thing. It also burns food whenever I have used it as a pressure cooker (no matter how much liquid in the food). Maybe I am just unskilled, idk, but it seems there are better options for airfryers now, and Crimbo is coming so...

I have the duo crisp (actually got two of them for 75% off when a store was going out of business) They kind of suck as an air fryer and I never use it that way. They work amazingly well as a pressure cooker, a stew pot, and a Sous Vide cooker however. But I would never recommend it as an airfryer

We're a 4 person family and I cook a lot. With an instant pot and airfryer combo I hardly use the oven. I only use the oven if I'm baking and that's because I don't really want to make smaller desserts.

Ah yes, I remember running into that issue with fries. That is a limiting factor. Actually it wasn't even enough for just two fry crazy family members (me being one of them). I use a instant pot Duo, so it's a regular instant pot with a lid to cinder convert into an air fryer. It's definitely smaller and not oven shaped or basket shaped like a dedicated air fryer. Even with that limitation, I can roast 1-2 lbs of green beans at once, since they aren't as fussy as French fries. Or roast 2-3 cubed sweet potatoes similarly. It does take working in stages, if I want a meat too. Something like pulled pork or ribs takes an hour anyway (pressure cook before air fry crisping) so I need to do that earlier or on another day. Then I have pounds of bbq for future meals, because I agree with you, I'm not much for full meal cooking every day. Steelhead trout/salmon I can cook 3-4 servings so quickly in the air fryer, I don't mind running it twice to cook everything and have leftovers for the next day.

I use mine (both of them) all the time and don’t have that issue. I think you may have a faulty lid.

I have two duo crisps... Helps if I need to make multiple batches, multiple dishes, or do one pressure cooked dish and another air fryer dish. It makes a huge difference, particularly at Thanksgiving.