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Reddit Reviews
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)
I have the 6 quart duo crisp. I use it as a regular instant pot and never as an air fryer. It is more convenient to have my separate Ninja air fryer. The second lid with air fryer accessories mean you don't save counter/cabinet space and the inner space for air frying in it is too small. A basket-style air fryer is easier to use too.
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've got the Instant Pot Duo Crisp with air fryer lid. It works well enough for each job, but I've found that I very often wish I had separate appliances to use at the same time. It doesn't save much kitchen space, because you still have to store whichever bulky lid you're not using. As an air fryer, it's small and not as easy to handle as a drawer type fryer. As a pressure cooker, it's excellent. No complaints there. But in the last few years the Instant Pot brand is enshittified (see recent posts on this subreddit). If buying now, I'd look for an electric pressure cooker from another brand, and a separate air fryer. Use case: Enthusiastic home cook, usually making 4 portions from fresh ingredients.
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.
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 instapot duo crisp air fryer, with pressure cooker function etc. It's a crap pressure cooker, food always sticks to the bottom regardless of the amount of liquid added. it works ok for me as an air fryer though, but only ok. Next time I'll get a dedicated air fryer.
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
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.
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Best for Single person households

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