Is it worth shopping around for an older Instant Pot model? (2010-2019ish)? Is build quality better?
I’m quite set on a 3-quart model (just for one person and limited living space). I found a 2018 unit that was made before Instant Pot was acquired by a private equity firm. From what I’ve read, quality may have declined somewhat in recent years and I prefer a sturdied model if possible. The 2018 one I found is actually new condition.
Both the older (Duo Mini) and newer (Duo Plus) models are 700W, and the price difference is negligible. The only potential trade-off I can think of is maybe there are better safety features on newer models.
Thoughts?
Bonus question: Does the "www.InstantPot.com" writing at the bottom of the button panel of the machine indicate it is older? (e.g., did new models go away with that writing)?
EDIT: IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN ONE, I FOUND A SECOND ON EBAY FOR THE YEAR 2018. It's a duo mini (3 quart). Around $38 USD at the time of writing this. They are really hard to find, I spent a long time looking. The older 6 quart models are much more common.