Is Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Good for Making Bone Broth?

The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 is a programmable electric pressure cooker that replaces multiple countertop appliances. Its 13 one-touch programs include Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Rice, Sauté, Steam, Yogurt, and Keep Warm. The 6-quart model features a 1000-watt heating element and can reach high pressure (10–11.6 PSI) or low pressure (5.8–7.2 PSI) for versatile cooking. The machine includes a 3-ply stainless steel inner pot with an anodized aluminum base, which ensures even heat distribution and is safe for all cooktops. The lid has a steam release valve with two positions (venting and sealing), and the pressure release mechanism can be set to rapid or natural. An integrated safety system protects against overheating and overpressure. The Duo series is renowned for its reliability and ease of use. It comes with 14 accessories, including a steam rack, recipe booklet, measuring cup, and rice paddle. Regular firmware updates via the companion app add new recipes and smart functions, though the app is optional for basic use. While the Duo is a versatile all-in-one appliance, it's the pressure cooking function that makes it particularly interesting for bone broth enthusiasts. The ability to sauté directly in the pot is another major advantage, as it eliminates the need for a separate pan when roasting bones.

Making bone broth is a culinary practice rooted in tradition and increasingly popular among health-conscious eaters. The process begins with bones—roasted or raw—combined with water, vegetables, herbs, and often a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to help draw minerals out of the bone. The mixture is simmered at just below a boil for hours, with foam and impurities periodically skimmed off the top. The ideal temperature is around 195–205°F (90–96°C), hot enough to break down collagen but not so hot that it turns the broth cloudy or bitter. Slow cooking allows the gelatin to extract fully, which gives the cooled broth a jelly-like texture that is seen as a sign of quality. Traditionalists use a stovetop stockpot or a slow cooker for 12–24 hours. The main challenges are constant attention (to maintain the temperature), energy costs, and the sheer time required. Many home cooks are looking for a faster method that still produces a high-quality broth, which is why the pressure cooker method has gained traction. Pressure cooking at 15 PSI can raise the extraction temperature to 250°F (121°C), which speeds up collagen breakdown significantly. In just 60–120 minutes, you can achieve results that rival a day-long simmer. However, the violent, rapid boiling under pressure can also incorporate more fat and sediment into the liquid, potentially affecting clarity. The debate between pressure and slow cooking for bone broth is ongoing, and part of this analysis is to help you understand where the Instant Pot Duo falls in that spectrum.

Does the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 make the cut for bone broth? Based on hundreds of user reviews and comprehensive product testing, the answer is a resounding yes for most home cooks. The secret lies in the combination of sauté and pressure cooking in one sealed pot. You can roast chicken bones right in the stainless steel insert, then add water and cook under high pressure for 90 minutes. When the cooking cycle ends, you let the pressure release naturally (NPR) for 20–30 minutes, which allows the broth to settle without stirring up sediment. User feedback on Amazon and cooking forums consistently praises the Instant Pot for producing beautifully golden, deeply flavorful broth in a fraction of the time. Many reviewers mention that the broth solidifies into a jiggly gel after refrigeration—proof that collagen extraction is working. One common tip from experienced users is to use the "Sauté" function to bring the broth to a boil and then switch to high pressure, which helps render fat and prevents scaling. The Duo's low-pressure setting can also be used for more delicate fish broths, and the programmable timer allows you to walk away and do other things. The keep-warm function maintains a safe temperature for up to 10 hours, so you can start the broth before work and come back to perfectly finished stock. For those who want to incorporate the traditional slow-simmer method, the Duo's slow cooker function covers that too, although it only goes up to 24 hours on low. However, there are undeniable trade-offs. Pressure cooking at high temperatures tends to produce a cloudier broth compared to a low-simmered slow-cooker product. The agitation of vigorous boiling can emulsify fat and suspended proteins, resulting in a slightly hazy appearance. This is purely aesthetic for most broth users, but it matters if you're preparing a clarifying consomme or wanting a mirror-clear broth for photography. Additionally, the 6-quart pot can be tight when using large beef femur bones or a whole chicken carcass; you may need to break bones into smaller pieces, which increases preparation time. The Duo also lacks a dedicated "broth" program. You have to manually select high pressure and adjust the time in 1-minute increments, which is easy enough but not as push-button as a specialty broth cooker. Finally, the sealing rings tend to absorb odors from curries or garlic, so you may want a dedicated ring for sweet dishes; this is more of a kitchen hygiene quirk than a serious drawback. Compared to a stovetop pressure cooker, the Instant Pot is safer and more automated, with built-in timers and no need to watch the flame. Compared to a slow cooker, it's significantly faster—a 24-hour slow-cooker broth can be replicated in 2 hours. For most home cooks, the speed and convenience of the Instant Pot far outweigh the clarity issue, especially when you can fix cloudiness by straining through a fine-mesh cloth after cooking. There are also some unique workarounds that users have developed to optimize broth quality: using the "Manual" mode at high pressure for 120 minutes, adding a tablespoon of black peppercorns and bay leaves, and using a fat separator before storing. The Duo's stainless steel insert cleans bone and collagen easily with a little soap and water, and it's safe for the dishwasher. Overall, the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 offers an excellent balance of speed, convenience, and quality for home bone broth makers.