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 which is a multi function cooker, and it also has an additional air fryer lid that comes with the newer models.
Pretty nifty device all around
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.
Top Air Fryers on Reddit
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Ninja
Foodi Dual Zone Series
86% positive of 228 users
Dual zones for smart cooking, but baskets are small.
mekkelrichards
