Wondering what is the difference between the Instant Post Mini Duo vs Lux? Regardless of if you’re trying to buy your first Instant Pot Mini or buying a second one for side dishes, this comparison will help you decide.
The Instant Pot Mini Duo and Lux are just two of the 3qt models available. And depending on where you’re shopping or your available budget these may be on the top of your list to consider. Let’s take a look at how the Instant Pot Mini Duo vs Lux compare.
Honestly when I started looking at Instant Pots I didn’t know much about them, but realized I probably wanted something smaller, and budget friendly, as a starting point. So let’s take a closer look at the Instant Pot Mini Duo and Lux models.
The Instant Pot Mini is great for cooking for a person or two (like I do) and have limited counter space. You can also use it for making a side dish, or even while traveling (camping, RV’ing, in a hotel, etc).
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Appliances combined into the Instant Pot Mini Duo vs Lux
Let’s take a quick look at the appliances that are combined into the Mini Duo vs Lux. Being able to use one kitchen appliance for multiple purposes is a great way to both save on storage space and money!
Instant Pot Mini Lux (v2) | Instant Pot Mini Duo | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Combined Appliances | 6 | 7 |
| Pressure Cooker | Yes | Yes |
| Slow Cooker | Yes | Yes |
| Rice/Porridge Cooker | Yes | Yes |
| Sauté | Yes | Yes |
| Steamer | Yes | Yes |
| Warmer | Yes | Yes |
| Yogurt Maker | Yes | |
| Prices and Reviews | Prices and Reviews |
Neither of these two modules have the sterilizer or ultra program buttons. Check out the other models if you’re looking for those features.
Smart Programs for the Instant Pot Mini Duo vs Lux
As part of developing the Instant Pot, they created smart programs that control the cooking process in terms of heating intensity, temperature, pressure and duration. For best results, ideally you would use a smart program for the type of dish you’re making. With each model of Instant Pot Mini, not all smart programs are available. Most recipes will have directions for cooking without a smart program (i.e. cook on high pressure for a set time), so you don’t have to worry too much about missing out.
| Instant Pot Mini Lux (v2) | Instant Pot Mini Duo | |
|---|---|---|
| Built-In Smart Programs | 10 | 11 |
| Soup/Broth | Yes | Yes |
| Meat/Stew | Yes | Yes |
| Slow Cook | Yes | Yes |
| Bean/Chilli | Yes | |
| Rice | Yes | Yes |
| Porridge | Yes | Yes |
| Steam | Yes | Yes |
| Keep Warm | Yes | Yes |
| Pressure Cook | Yes | Yes |
| Sauté | Yes | Yes |
| Yogurt | Yes | |
| Egg Maker | Yes | |
| Prices and Reviews | Prices and Reviews |
Don’t worry if you think you’ll miss out on one of the smart pressure cooking programs. You can create the same thing using the Pressure Cook (or Manual) button to start your own. The Instant Pot manual or recipe that you’re following should tell you pressure level and time needed.
If the ability to make yogurt is important to you, there are recipes available to help you if your Instant Pot doesn’t have that program. And generally we use the Steam program for hard boiled eggs. Both of these are favorites among the Instant Pot community.
A few more comparisons of the Instant Pot Mini Duo vs Lux
And let’s take a look at a few more comparsions between these two Instant Pot 3 quart models.
| Instant Pot Mini Lux | Instant Pot Mini Duo | |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure Cooking Time | Up to 4 hours | Up to 4 hours |
| Pressure Settings | High | High and Low |
| Heating Element Power | 700W | 700W |
| Voltage | 120V~60Hz | 120V~60Hz |
| Lid Holder (in the handles) | Yes | |
| Other features | Automatic keep warm up to 10 hours | Automatic keep warm up to 10 hours |
| Prices and Reviews | Prices and Reviews |
Most pressured cooking recipes call for high pressure, so you generally won’t have an issue with most dishes.
Other nifty feature of the Duo is that you can rest the lid in the handle. That may seem a little odd (and honestly be careful not to knock it off) but if you’re crunched for counter space, this can be helpful than trying to figure out where to put the top once you’re done. While I wasn’t necessary convinced about this feature, I recently used this trick for the first time. WOW was that helpful especially when you’re trying to figure out how to manage the condensation in the lid after cooking.
Pricing of the Instant Pot Mini Duo vs Lux
This one can be a little difficult to say exactly because with sales, coupons, and the occasional amazing find at your local charity shop, this is easily subject to change. Assume you’ll probably pay about $20 more for the Mini Duo versus Mini Lux for the added features.
So over to you. Are you thinking about an Instant Pot Mini? Which one?
I ultimately purchased the Instant Pot Mini Duo after doing my research. It felt like the right features and price for me to start experimenting with electric pressure cooking. The nifty handles on the side that hold the lid are helpful when counter space is tight.
How are you deciding between Instant Pot 3 quart models? What additional questions do you have?
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