Instant Pot Lux and Ultra are two popular pressure cookers and multicookers in the market. Both of them have a number of similar features. They have some dissimilarities as well. In this article, I am going to differentiate the features and specifications of Instant Pot Ultra and Lux. After the read, you will understand which one is a better choice for you.
Specification Comparison
| Features | Instant Pot Lux | Instant Pot Ultra |
| Model | 6 in 1 | 10 in 1 |
| Capacity variants | 3, 6, 8 Quarts | 3, 6, 8 Quarts |
| Dimension (inch) | 14.5 x 13.18 x 13.5 | 14.8 x 13.5 x 14.2 |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs | 15.7 lbs |
| Power | 1000W | 1200W |
| First Arrival | Nov-2016 | Jan-2018 |
| Cooking Presets | 6 | 10 |
| Color Varients | S/S + Black | S/S + Black |
| Control Panel | Digital + push button | Digital + push button |
| Suitable for | 8 persons | 8 persons |
Comparison of cooking functions
Cooking functions that are common
| Cooking Functions | Instant Pot Lux | Instant Pot Ultra |
| Pressure Cooker | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rice cooker | ✓ | ✓ |
| Slow cooker | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steamer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Warmer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Saute | ✓ | ✓ |
Instant Pot Lux and Ultra both have 6 cooking functions in common including saute, rice cooker, slow cooker, warmer, and so on. All these functions are common to almost all other Instant Pot models such as Instant Pot Duo and Duo Nova.
Cooking functions that are absent in both
| Cooking Functions | Instant Pot Lux | Instant Pot Ultra |
| Sous Vide | X | X |
| Broil | X | X |
| Dehydrate | X | X |
| Roast | X | X |
| Air Fry | X | X |
| Stock Pot | X | X |
| Soup | X | X |
| Canning | X | X |
| Ultra Program | X | X |
None of these Instant Pot models does have a number of cooking functions such as dehydrate, air fry, sous vide, roast, and so on. If any of the functions is important to you, then none of these models is suitable. You should look for other Instant Pot models. For example, if air frying is important to you, then Instant Pot Pro Crisp or Duo Crip will be good options.
Cooking functions that are different
| Cooking Functions | Instant Pot Lux | Instant Pot Ultra |
| Yogurt Maker | X | ✓ |
| Sterilize | X | ✓ |
| Bake | X | ✓ |
Instant Pot Ultra has three more cooking functions than Lux. The functions include yogurt, sterilize and bake. Therefore, if you choose the Ultra model, then you will enjoy the additional functions.
Features that are similar
Both of the models have three different capacity variants – 3, 6, and 8 quarts. Therefore, both models are suitable for small and large families.
The size, shape, and weight of these units are also similar. Therefore, they will consume almost the same amount of space on the countertop.
Features that are different
The price of these units is not similar. The power of the heating elements of these units is not the same. Lux has a more powerful heating element.
The control panels of these units are not similar. Instant Pot Ultra is more customizable. Therefore, the control panel of this unit is better.
Advantages of Instant Pot Lux ( over Ultra)
We can not find any competitive advantage of Instant Pot Lux over Ultra. Even the price of Lux is more. Although it has a number of advantages, all the benefits are common to the competing model. Therefore, I’m not mentioning these in this section.
Advantages of Instant Pot Ultra ( over Lux)
- Ultra is more customizable than Lux.
- The control panel of Instant Pot Ulta is more sophisticated.
- The price of Instant Pot Ultra is less than Lux.
- Ultra is a later version of Instant Pot. Therefore, we expect advanced technology in this model.
- It has more cooking functions than Lux.
- The heating element of Ultra is more powerful than that of the Lux.
Lux or Ultra – Which one is the winner?
Instant Pot Ultra is the winner by a mile. It has more cooking functions, a better control panel, and a powerful heating element. All of these added functions are for a less price than Instant Pot Lux. Therefore, if I were to make a decision, I’d definitely decide on Instant Pot Ultra.