Using my Nova in my RV, the only issue is there is no place to safely release pressure. My coach is older with lower ceiling which is some sort of fabric, and I can’t release pressure without unplugging and moving it to the table where there is nothing overhead but the ceiling. It’s a bit disconcerting but we are remodeling our kitchen instant vortex and it’s been a real godsend overall. When the weather improves I may use it outside on a sturdy table. Meanwhile I’m using it with only a couple inches between the top and the bottom of the microwave oven. I suppose I could close the folding top on the three burner stove and put it there but that defeats the purpose of having a stove.
In what we’ve found to be the most differentiating of our cooking tests, the saute test; the DUO Nova performed wonderfully. It got hot enough to easily brown eve hearty veggies like carrots and made quick work of diced onions. We believe this ability is crucial; to effectively saute right in the pot vastly increases the number of meals you can make with only one dish to clean at the end.
The Ultra line can offer as many as 10-in-1 multi-use capabilities. The Duo line provides 7- or 9-in-1 multi-use functions, and the Lux line offers 6-in-1 functionality. I agree with Barbara on her recommendation of the Duo Evo Plus. My first IP was an IP Duo and wasn’t even tempted to upgrade until the Duo Evo Plus.
The device features an LCD screen with a cooking indicator that keeps you updated throughout use from the preheating to the warming stages. There are up to 16 smart programs built-in, including multigrain, egg, cake, meat or stew, soup, and sauté. The number instant pot duo nova of programs and functions available on each Instant Pot depends on whether you choose the Duo, Lux, or Ultra. My thoughts…not disagreeing really just a bit of a different take. Though it’s the least expensive, the Lux is the only model I wouldn’t recommend.
We reluctantly accepted the offer and I have been studying like crazy to find out the what, where, why, and how of an insta-pot type attack on meals. It appears we have pretty much the same unit as your duo product. We cook mostly in cast iron or the slow cooker with a little cooking in the micro-wave though most of that is reheating, and the toaster oven gets a mention. The heavy lid of a Dutch oven makes its use almost a pressure cooker. Since I am only 78 years old I am anxious to meet the challenge of a new adventure and expect to produce many savory meals and delicious deserts in the years to com with my new skill set.
However, the DUO Nova is undoubtedly still in the minority, offering a pressure release button. The pressure release button is our absolute favorite thing about the DUO Nova’s user experience. This button sits about two inches from the pressure valve and allows you to open that valve without actually touching it. Thus, having a button that makes this process quicker, easier, and safer is a welcome addition. The number of Instant Pot models has grown over the years to the point that there’s almost a confusing number of these devices available. Some are more straightforward than others, like the Duo Crisp, which includes an air-fry mode and comes with the appropriate lid for it.