I just said that one of the benefits of the Duo is how easy it is to use, but now I’m saying that it’s not beginner-friendly – what gives? Well, in my opinion, most Instant Pot models have a pretty steep learning curve and it takes a while to get to grips with how they work. The Instant Pot Duo is packed with functionality to make your cooking sessions as straightforward as possible. The device has 13 customizable modes built-in, which can be set up to make a huge variety of dishes.
The Instant Pot Duo SV is another Costco-exclusive Instant Pot model. It has been replaced by the Duo Gourmet and is in the process of being phased out. Seriously, so much food fits in the 10-quart. But until now meal preppers have been using the 8-quart without any problems.
But it’s also excellent for more advanced cooking projects that involve tougher cuts of meat like baby back ribs or other proteins that usually require a long cook time. And while you can find an Instant Pot recipe for nearly anything online, many other recipes instant vortex can be adapted for the Instant Pot. Generally speaking, when adapting for pressure-cooking, the liquid and cook time will need to be cut and adjusted from those of a manual pressure cooker. For slow-cooking, you’ll need to adjust for less liquid and more time.
Anti-block shield prevents food particles from coming up through the steam release pipe, assisting with pressure regulation. While float valve is up, the contents of the cooker are pressurized. Refer to the “Venting Methods” section in this Guide for information on releasing pressure. Similarly to the Instant Pot Duo, this new model combines multiple appliances into just one.
All products featured on Epicurious are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. You need to clean the anti-block shield periodically, especially after you’ve cooked frothy or starchy foods. As I mentioned above, Instant Pots are a learning curve and they can be quite confusing when you first start using them. The Duo Nova is actually one of the simplest Instant Pot products to use, which is definitely a big benefit.
Prior to cleaning, ensure the cooker is unplugged and has cooled down. The Instant Pot Smart WiFi pairs with your smartphone, so you can see what’s going on in your Instant Pot from anywhere! My favorite thing about using it is being able to tell exactly how hot it is inside the pot.
What makes the Instant Pot Ultra more noticeable is the large display and selection system (not as common on other Instant Pots). Furthermore, Ultra also has a cooking progress indicator, which may earn some admiration from beginners who can’t yet pressure cook or slow cook without worrying. Cooking is made easier with the Instant Pot® Duo™ Nova multi-cooker.
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. This isn’t the only model available with a pressure release button. In fact, other machines place their buttons on the main control panel, even farther away from the assault of steam that accompanies depressurizing a pressure cooker. However, the DUO Nova is undoubtedly still in the minority, offering a pressure release button.