Instant Pot Aura Pro vs Instant Pot Ultra Comparison Guide

While modern electric pressure cookers still use the same basic principle that was used in old school pressure cookers, multicookers have added a few additional features that make them even more versatile. For one thing, most multicookers come with multiple cooking settings, so you can use them for things like slow cooking, sautéing, baking, roasting, yogurt making and more.

If you are brainstorming over replacing your weary and tattered stovetop pressure cooker with an advanced electric pressure cooker that can do about anything, Instant pot is the name to look out for.  In this blog pot, we are comparing Instant Pot Aura Pro vs Instant Pot Ultra, two of the best electric pressure cookers, slow cookers and more in the market. Read on to find out which of these two incredible machines will fit your countertop. Let’s get to the business!

Instant Pot Aura Pro Vs Instant Pot Ultra Comparison

Instant Pot Aura Pro Vs Instant Pot Ultra: Key Difference

Instant Pot Aura and Ultra come from same brand, and both being multicooker have similar functions however, there are a number of differences that you might want to know before you make a purchase. The main differences between Instant Pot Aura and Ultra are the appearance, cooking pot material, availability of size, cooking functions, weight, control panel and power. Let’s discuss in detail!

Appearance

Both Instant Pot Aura Pro and Ultra has eye catching and modern looking design that can uplift overall aesthetics of any kitchen. However, when it comes to personal choices, you may find one more appealing than the other.

Instant Pot Aura Pro measures at 16.8×11.6×11.3 Inches while Instant Pot Ultra measures at 13×12.5×12.5 inches. The Aura Pro has an oval shape design while IP Ultra has more traditional round shape just like any other instant pot multicooker. When it comes to occupying space, IP Aura Pro might take slightly more space on the counter while Ultra can be a space saver.

Furthermore, Instant Pot Aura Pro has easy to read white control panel with one touch buttons and a digital timer. On the other hand, Instant Pot Ultra has a blue LCD with a start and cancel button and a turn and press dial to navigate through the settings. We find Aura pro’s one-touch buttons to be quite intuitive and easy to use for novice whereas Ultra’s dial controls might be slightly tricky to get right.

Also, Instant Pot Aura Pro boasts a silver finished exterior whereas Instant Pot Ultra has a Stainless Steel/Black exterior.

Although both electric cooker / slow cookers are made of durable food-grade stainless steel however, Instant Pot Aura Pro weighs about 16.5 pounds whereas Instant Pot Ultra weighs 11.83 pounds which is pretty lightweight in comparison to Aura Pro. It can be easily transported from countertop to dining table thanks to IP Ultra for being lightweight, portable and compact.

Cooking Capacity

There is an instant pot for everyone!

Instant Pot Aura Pro features an 8 Quart cooking capacity while Instant Pot Ultra is available in 3 Quart, 6 Quart and 8 Quart cooking capacity. If you are just a couple living together, a small 3 Quart slow cooker would suffice, for medium family a 6 Quart and for large families an 8 Quart electric pressure cooker is the way to go.

Inner Pot Material

Inner pots are made of variety of materials such as ceramic, aluminum, stainless steel and more. Instant Pot Aura Pro has a Bi-ply (Dual layer) inner cooking pot with stainless steel interior and aluminum exterior. Aluminum is known for superb heat conductivity whereas stainless steel ensures exceptional heat retention. On the other hand, Instant Pot Ultra has a stainless-steel inner cooking pot.  

Cooking Functions

Instant Pot Aura Pro and Ultra are a combination of multiple cooking appliances into one compact yet powerful multicookers. You can not only slow cook but also sauté, sear, bake and more.

Instant Pot Aura Pro is packed with 11 cooking functions listed below:

• Saute/Sear
• Slow Cook
• Stew
• Roast
• Rice
• Bake
• Steam
• Sous Vide
• Yogurt
• Multigrain
• Warm

On the other hand, Instant Pot Ultra has 10 cooking functions as follow:

• Pressure cooker
• Slow Cooker
• Rice/Porridge
• Cooker
• Yogurt Maker
• Cake Maker
• Egg Cooker
• Sauté/Searing
• Steamer
• Warmer
• Sterilizer

Aside from having an additional cooking function, Instant Pot Aura Pro is a powerful 1500W cooking appliance in comparison to 1000W Instant Pot Ultra.

Altitude Adjustment

Pressure cookers work different on varying altitudes. If you are living on high altitude Instant Pot Ultra has an altitude adjustment setting in order to get you perfect cooking results. On the other hand, Instant Pot Aura Pro has no such settings since it’s not a pressure cooker but a slow cooker.

Similarities: Instant Pot Aura Pro Vs Instant Pot Ultra

Here are the similar features that both instant pot models share.

• Both electric cookers are made of durable stainless-steel material to ensure longevity.
• Both models have digital timer and delay timer functions.
• Both Instant Pot models are backed with one-year limited warranty.

Instant Pot Aura Pro 11-in-1 Multicooker Slow Cooker

Instant Pot Aura 10-in-1 Multicooker Slow Cooker, 10 One-Touch Programs, 6 Qt, Silver (AURA 6Qt)

• Multi Use Programmable Slow Cooker, 6 Quart; Capacity oval design, ceramic coated non stick aluminum removable cooking pot
• The Aura does not have a pressure cooker function

Buy on Amazon

Pros √

• 11 in 1 multifunctional slow cooker
• Large cooking capacity
• Bi-ply inner cooking pot construction
• 1500W for powerful performance
• 24-hours delay timer
• Automatic keep warm feature
• Intuitive and easy to navigate controls
• No intimidating bells and whistles

Cons ×

• No pressure Cooking
• Cheaper options available

Instant Pot Ultra 60 Ultra 6 Qt 10-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker

Sale

21,288 Reviews

Instant Pot Ultra, 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Yogurt Maker, Cake Maker, Egg...

• 10-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, sous vide, sauté pan, sterilizer, yogurt maker, food warmer, cake baker and steamer.
• IMPROVED STRESS-FREE VENTING: Intuitive and simple, our improved easy-release steam switch makes releasing steam easier than ever, and it automatically resets when the lid is closed.

$101.14

Buy on Amazon

Pros √

• 10 in 1 cooking functions
• Available in 3, 6 and 8Qt sizes
• Altitude adjustment settings
• Multiple preprogrammed cooking settings
• Easy spin and press dial controls
• Large blue LCD display
• Cooking progress indicator
• 11 safety features

Cons ×

• Reports on faulty seal
• Large footprint
• Quick release button is not well thought out

Verdict: Instant Pot Aura Pro Vs Instant Pot Ultra

Instant pot Aura pro Vs instant pot ultra is a weird competition to my opinion since Aura pro is not a pressure cooker at all.

If you need a pressure cooker, you will have to go with Instant Pot Ultra 60 Ultra 6 Qt 10-in-1 Multi- Use Programmable Pressure Cooker while for just a multicooker (Without pressure cooking function) Instant pot Aura pro will do a great job.

What are you choosing and why? We’d love to know your thoughts on the products. If you have anything to add to our post, leave us a comment down below!

Related: Instant Pot Aura Vs Aura Pro | Instant Pot Gem vs Aura | Instant Pot 9 in 1 vs 11 in 1 |  Instant Pot Duo Plus 9 in 1 Vs 7 in 1 | Instant Pot Max vs Duo Evo Plus | Instant Pot Aura Pro vs Crock-Pot