How to Use the Instant Pot Duo Nova Beginner’s Manual

Doing the water test will pinpoint whether there’s something about the recipe that’s causing your sealing issues. A majority of the recipes that you encounter will use High pressure. If a recipe doesn’t state whether to use high or low pressure, you can probably assume it’s high pressure. Instead, instant vortex once you program the Instant Pot, it automatically starts after a few seconds. Some other models such as Ultra, Duo Evo Plus, and Max require you to press Start after programming the Instant Pot. If you’ve had experiences, like I, with stovetop pressure cooker mishaps in the past, fear no more.

They’re a good starting point but you’ll need to be comfortable with a bit of trial and error in the first few weeks of using any Instant Pot. The Nova pressure cooker create a closed environment where steam builds up in a tightly sealed pot. This, in turn, causes the internal temperature to rise and pressure to increase. According to the brand, quart size reflects how many people you can feed. If you regularly cook for the entire family, the 10-quart size allows you to meal prep and feed large crowds.

But, if you’re looking to do a lot of air frying or air fry meals for a large family, you may find yourself disappointed. Most importantly, it can cook pretty much cook anything you might consider cooking in the slow cooker in a fraction of the time. The Instant Pot can replace several appliances, so if you’re not a fan of having clutter on your counter, the Instant Pot is a big win.

” With the progress indicator, you never have to worry what stage you are in. You know when it is building pressure, when it is cooking, and when it is naturally releasing. 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. It’s also the most widely-used size, so many Instant Pot recipes are written with this one in mind.

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. If you’re a beginner to the world of Instant Pots, it’s worthwhile reading the manual first just to get you familiar with the settings. Program buttons are well-laid out and easy to use, while the Keep Warm function and quick release button are handy features. Once you press the program of your choice, just remember to adjust the pressure that you need before it automatically sets the cooking time. When cooking has finished, it automatically sets to Keep Warm until you’re ready to dish out your delicious meal, so you’ll never have to reheat anything.

instant pot duo nova

Both Instant Pot Duo and Duo Nova are available in three convenient sizes (3-, 6-, 8-quart). But the newer version boasts one extra option (10-quart) to help you accommodate a wider variety of cooking styles. The Auto feature shuts off the cooker after a period of time, usually 30 minutes. This makes sure nothing is overcooked, or that the instant pot doesn’t overheat.

This will help keep your hands clear of the superheated steam that escapes when you release the pot’s internal pressure. With revolutionary smart multi-cookers featuring new functions and uses constantly in development, it can be hard to tell Instant Pot products apart — especially the Instant Pot Duo and Duo Nova. An instant pot is a pressure cooker with a bunch of added features, making it more versatile than the traditional pressure cooker. Dealing with the pressure release valve manually can be scary and even cause injuries when done wrong. The automatic feature is a much safer option if you’re not sure about the pressure release system. Both units have 13 programmable functions that make them super useful for inexperienced cooks and busy people.

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 instant pot duo nova can be a little dangerous. This is 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.

And between these two models and the occasional promotions, it may be difficult to choose. Let’s take at the Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus side by side. It’s pretty simple to figure out the settings and get cooking shortly after removing it from the box and the preset programs are a good starting point for common foods and meals. There’s no recipe book or cooking charts included though, so you’ll have to head to the website or app for these. We found plenty of slow cook and pressure cook recipes but it can be tricky to find exact guidance for more simple tasks like steaming and cooking rice. With different sizes available, this is a useful multi-cooker no matter what size your family or household.