If you have a large family, the 10-quart capacity is perfect for cooking up a storm, although you still have the smaller options to suit your needs. In terms of accessories, the Instant Pot Duo comes with the standard inner instant vortex pot and steam rack (in my opinion, they should add a measuring cup as well). Both accessories are dishwasher safe and don’t have any chemical coating. A glass lid with a venting hole (purchased separately) may be used.
For example, if you regularly cook for a large number of people, then you might need the 10 qt sized pressure cooker, which is only available in the Duo Nova line. The most obvious advantage of the Duo Nova slow cooker is that it’s available in 4 different sizes, rather than the Duo’s 3. The Duo Nova is available in a larger 10 qt size, which wouldn’t be an option if you picked the Duo. One of the biggest upgrades on the moosoo air fryer over the Duo is the inclusion of an automatic seal and steam release valve.
I absolutely still recommend the Instant Pot Duo, even with all of the newer models on the market. I’ve had mine for seven years and it’s still working just as well as the day I bought it. Both the Duo Plus Whisper Quiet and the Duo Nova hit a sweet spot of offering some of the newer, more convenient features without a high-end price.
If a recipe doesn’t state whether to use high or low pressure, you can probably assume it’s high pressure. Under high pressure, the fiber in the food is tenderized and flavors develop in a very short time. Nutrient-rich steam condenses in the pot instead of evaporating and nutritional value is retained because of the speed of cooking. By pushing the pressure level, I’m able to adjust to low or high pressure.
I have since learned the Instant Pot Max is the appropriate device for “Pressure Canning”; however, it will only pressure can 4 pints at a time and cannot accommodate quarts. My personal experience to date tells me the Instant Pot is highly overrated. However, other injuries linked to pressure cookers have included eye injuries, broken bones and other complications that resulted from electrocutions, spills or explosions. The Duo Nova isn’t the only deal you can grab from Instant Pot during Prime Day.
Traditional water bath canners can only reach temperatures of 212 degrees Fahrenheit, which isn’t hot enough to kill off bacteria that grows in foods with low acid levels. Pressure canning takes care of that, keeping you and your loved ones safe. An automatic seal makes an Instant Pot even easier to use and is considered to be the safer option when pressure cooking. As a result, it’s fair to say that the manual seals on the Instant Pot Duo are a bit of a drawback. However, The Instant Pot Duo Nova also comes in an extra special 10 liquid quartz size. This huge Instant Pot is absolutely ideal if you’re cooking for a large family or need to cater for a party.
You may also want to read up a bit about the differences between the Instant Pot Duo vs Duo Nova. The best Instant Pot® for beginners, with upgraded lid and display.
While that means it’s dishwasher safe and you won’t have to worry about scratching the surface, it also means it can be trickier to clean if food becomes baked on. The 20-cup Zest Plus is where you can really add some zest to your meals. Mixed grains, barley, couscous, bulgur oatmeal and risotto are added to the lineup, plus four smart programs for sauté, steam, slow cook, and keep warm. You can even cook quinoa on the bottom while using the steam basket simultaneously. Dairy can also get tricky — the high heat is just begging for milk-heavy ingredients to curdle.
As such, the pot can be used to cook soups (or a soup broth), beef stew, bean chili, and more. In addition, it is equipped with several other cooking functions like slow cook, steam, yogurt making, rice making, pressure cook, and Keep Warm module. If you don’t already have an Instant Pot, the Duo Evo Plus is a strong contender.