The cookware-grade stainless-steel inner pot is oven-and-stovetop safe and has easy-grip handles as well as a thick aluminum layer for quick heating and advanced searing and sautéing. Let’s help you find the right sizes kitchen appliances for your small kitchen so it can live up to its full potential. Multiple models and sizes of Instant Pots are available so you can choose the best version for your needs. The company releases new models from time to time including a few new models in 2019. In designing the DUO Nova, Instant Pot took an already user-friendly machine and added a convenient pressure release button. If you ever end up having tough greases after using your pressure cooker, soaking it overnight always does the trick.
The only downside is that it’s quite heavy and bulky, and can take up a fair bit of countertop space. And, this model has fewer preset programs compared to the more advanced Instant Pot models, such as the lack of a Bake program. However, the Duo Nova has an upgraded lid and a better-looking control panel, which is why many beginners would rather choose it for their first pressure cooking experience. On the other hand, a seasoned cook may feel more at home with the classic Duo since it’s already been cleared by thousands of users from all over the world. Lastly, in terms of accessories, the Instant Pot Duo Nova comes with the same stainless steel inner pot and trivet (both are dishwasher safe) that are somewhat standard with Instant Pots (no measuring cup though).
This is a great thing, but it also makes choosing which one is best for you more difficult. Most pressure cooker models are available in similar sizes, and it is the additional features that set them apart. Aside from the 7 base cooking modes on the Instant Pots, they are each packed with a range of additional features to improve the user experience and make food even tastier. For example, the Instant Pot Duo Nova and the Duo both have 13 “Smart Touch” customizable programs for bespoke pressure 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 moosoo air fryer 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.
Therefore, it’s ideal for getting extra sealing ring(s) for different tastes (mild and strong). On the other hand, cooking basmati rice was average and not as impressive. The texture of the rice was soft but not as fluffy as a dedicated rice cooker would offer. In addition, some parts of the rice were not cooked consistently, so there would be rice stuck inside the inner pot – which could have been avoided if the pot had been non-stick.
Despite the lack of ‘fluffiness’, the rice rated average for its aroma and taste. The Instant Pot Duo Nova 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?