Instant Pot Duo vs Duo Nova: Which One Should You Choose?

Each Instant Pot model has variations that can make it difficult to choose between them. To help you decide, here’s a quick rundown of the key difference between the company’s classic and best for beginners models in a side by side review of the Instant Pot Nova Duo vs Duo. The main functions are pressure cook, steam, slow cook, saute and keep warm, rice cooker and yogurt maker, and also has 14 one touch preset programs. Pressure cookers have come a long way in recent years. Although pressure cooking is certainly nothing new, traditional cookware could be dangerous.

The first Instant Pot pressure cooker came out in 2012. Since then, Instant Pot has released at least 15 new models , and all with slightly different features. Overall these Instant Pot models are very similar from the smart programs to the price. For example, the Poultry program is a preset that pressure cooks at high pressure for 15 minutes. To duplicate the Poultry program, you can use the Pressure Cook program at High pressure for 15 minutes.

The Duo Crisp does not have the Yogurt function nor some of the other shortcut buttons like rice, brown rice, etc. It works similarly to any other pressure cooker, and all of my pressure cooker recipes are designed to work in your Instant Pot. In designing the DUO Nova, Instant Pot took an already user-friendly machine and added a convenient pressure release button. They’re similar in so many ways, but to me, that easy steam release is definitely worth the extra cost. It’s difficult because it comes down to price vs safety functions. Both Duo and Duo Nova have almost all the same features, and Duo is even better in some ways .

Similar in versatility but safer to use, the Instant Pot Duo Nova comes with more advanced features to provide its users with a superior cooking experience. Thanks to Barbara for this article on choosing an Instant Pot model. The plethora of Instant Pot models sold by the Instant Pot Company make choosing one a frustrating nightmare.

Outside of the display design, the additional cooking programs, and of course, the price, the Duo and Duo Plus are very similar. Of all the things you can do from your phone, the remote steam release is the most clutch. While the other pots require you to be present to hit the steam release button, the Pro Plus can be vented through the app. Where the Ninja Foodi’s crisping lid once had a leg up is no longer Instant Pot’s blind spot. The fall 2019 collection brought the first Instant Pot Duo Crisp, which opened the door for a collection of other air-frying Instant Pots with Pro, Plus, or both tacked onto the end of the name.

instant pot duo nova

Hold it in that position while firmly pressing the silicone cap on to the valve pipe protruding from the underside of the lid. Do not attempt to operate the pressure cooker without the float valve or silicone cap properly installed in the cooker lid. Steam Release Valve The Steam Release Valve opens to allow the release of pressure within the cooker when the Quick Release Button is pressed. The Steam Release Valve will also open automatically to regulate and maintain optimal pressure while cooking.

The Instant Pot Max can pretty much do it all, and it’s ideal for chefs or those who do a lot of pressure cooking. The Instant Pot Duo has a place to store the lid on the instant pot duo nova side of the pot. It comes with a steaming rack with handles on the 6-quart and higher sizes. Like the Ninja Foodi, the Pro Crisp comes with two interchangeable lids.

Overall, there’s no significant difference between these two models in terms of functions and cooking presets. The newer version does not cook faster or more efficiently than its older counterparts. Be aware that different Instant Pot sizes cook differently, but most online instructions are designed for 6-quart models. As a result, you’ll have to learn how to properly scale the recipes if you choose a different size.

Lastly, another great product that’s worthy of your attention is the Instant Pot Max. This pot is great for pressure cooking and slow cooking, has a wide range of cooking programs, and it can support up to 15 psi of pressure . This pot would be great for a smooth and textured bean instant pot duo nova chili, but it’s amazing for lighter dishes as well. Another critique is that the ‘slow cook’ temperature is too low… I think its missing the temperatures between high slow cook and low saute. It doesn’t retain smells or flavour after use when given a clean with detergent.