No need to worry about the knob in the wrong position when you start cooking. We also had great luck prepping various grains, including rice and quinoa, in the DUO Nova. Things generally came out a bit more moist and sticky rather than fluffy, but we generally enjoyed the texture. It also performed well in our meat cooking tests, successfully rendering instant vortex a tough brisket cut into a tender and enjoyable feast. If we really split hairs, there are other models we’ve tested that can create a bit more tenderness in meat, but the differences are minor and would likely only be noticed by the most discerning barbeques aficionados. It’s exceptionally helpful when slow cooking as you can see the contents.
Despite the lack of ‘fluffiness’, the rice rated average for its aroma and taste. The instant vortex is a mix between the Instant Pot Duo and Instant Pot Ultra. Do you have less time in your day, but still want to make your family a wide variety of healthy and delicious homemade meals?
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. But the Duo Nova remains a solid option for newbies as it combines the convenience of a pressure cooker with a bunch of other functions in a relatively counter-friendly appliance. You may need to make a bit more space for the 8-quart model in your kitchen, but it’s a small price to pay for all of the cooking time you’ll get back while using it. Instant Pots are beloved because of their ability to cook foods quickly using pressure.
The Meat/Stew Smart Program cooks beef and pork anywhere from rare to fall-off-the-bone. Three customizable temperature settings across each Smart Program let you program your Duo Nova to your preferences. For example, with the Saute function, you can set to simmer, sear or thicken pressure cook your dish to completion — all in one easy-to-clean pot. With the Slow Cook function with three settings (low, medium and high heat), you no longer need an extra slow cooker. Easy-to-use controls and new easy-to-read icons that indicate cooking progress make selecting Smart Programs and making adjustments simple — even during cooking.
The main difference is that it gives the cook custom control over all settings, so you can warm, slow-cook, and pressure-cook based on your own preferences for meat, veggies, grains, desserts, and more. Though the Max (below) is supposed to be the fastest, in a side-by-side comparison, we found that the Ultra was faster at both reaching pressure and cooking chickpeas. The Pro Plus Smart also features a premium inner pot with easy-to-grab handles and comes with NutriBoost, a function that mimics the motion of boiling by moving food in the pot. The 8-quart Instant Pot Pro Crisp + Air Fryer is the Duo Crisp turned up to 11. This large pro model has all the same functionality of the Duo Crisp, plus an upgraded lid with advanced heat protection, auto-sealing, and gentle quick release. The sturdier stainless-steel inner pot is made to handle anything; it’s stovetop friendly and oven safe up to 450ºF.
It has an easy-seal lid that gives you one less thing to worry about because it automatically seals your Instant Pot. The simple, safe push of the quick-release button ensures minimal mess and easy clean-up. At around 10% cheaper, the basic Duo, meanwhile, is not a very fancy pressure cooker (at least as far as Instant Pots go).
Due to its contents, this product cannot be shipped via our Priority Service or sent to Alaska, Hawaii, P.O. We recommend you follow current government guidance on cleaning surfaces when you receive your product. I love all the amazing features of the Instant Pot Duo Nova, but there are a few things I really find great not only for me, but for anyone else looking for an Instant Pot. With the Lux, Duo, Duo Plus, Ultra, and Smart Bluetooth being the most common models.
The Instant Pot has become so popular in recent years that Instant Pot is being used by some as a generic name for pressure cookers of any brand. Another feature of the steam release valve is that it has a button you can push to quickly release the pressure. Other Instant Pots you have to turn the valve to venting which can be a little dangerous. This is instant pot duo nova because your hand is right where the steam releases, and there have been many times I’ve burnt my hand by not placing it properly. Combining many of the most popular features from Instant Pot, it offers a range of functions to meet your different needs and cooking styles. If you’re looking for nothing more than basic functions, go for this multi-cooker.
Some of the design requirements of pressure cookers almost inevitably lead to some cleaning challenges. However, the DUO Nova navigates these challenges better than most, making its cleaning process about as easy as one could hope. It also has an updated steam release valve and a progress indicator to show when the Instant Pot is coming up to pressure, during cooking, and when it’s finished.