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. Make your favorite slow cooker recipes in your Instant Pot. With the Slow Cook function with three settings , 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 Duo Nova is equipped with dual-pressure settings, giving you the option to cook at Low or High pressure.
Low pressure is useful for pressure cooking delicate foods such as eggs, seafood, and pasta. Don’t worry, you don’t need a special “egg” button to pressure cook eggs as long as you have a model that also lets you choose low pressure, you can just follow our instructions. Instant Pot Duo is a basic, medium-quality pressure cooker, but it looks solid, does a good job of pressure cooking, and is simple to operate. I’ve been cooking a lot more recently and plan to cook even more into the holidays. I’ve been looking for ways to still make the same delicious food, while making my life a little easier. With the Duo Nova, you can cook just about anything and through several different methods.
It can hold 77 degrees for hours (a cool environment preferred for yeasted bread that’s lower than many traditional ovens go) or spike the temperature on command for searing. The number in each Instant Pot’s title, e.g. “6-in-1” describes the number of kitchen appliances instant pot duo nova it claims to replace. A great high-end alternative to the Evo Plus, the Ultra button lets you control all parts of the cooking process. If you already have an air fryer, the Instant Pot Pro covers bases from yogurt-making to sous vide to baking for just over $100.
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 a tough brisket cut into a tender and enjoyable feast. If you’re after a simple, no-fuss multicooker, the Instant Pot Duo Nova is a good option for beginners. 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. Although the inner pot is dishwasher safe, it didn’t quite fit snugly in my dishwasher, so I had to handwash it in soapy water.
Families of four require at least a 6-quart pot, while larger families will probably prefer 8 quarts. Additionally, 3-quart pots are usually the best option for one or two people or for preparing side dishes. To avoid risk of personal injury and/or property damage, do not pour food or liquid into cooker base. Each Instant Pot model combines multiple kitchen appliances into one, saving you counter and storage space. You also save money by using one appliance for multiple cooking methods.
This model doesn’t go on sale as often as some of the other IP models. Sound On/Off – When in Standby, press and hold “+” key until display indicates “S On”. When in Standby, press and hold “–” key until display indicates “SOFF”.
This is the top-of-the-line Instant Pot, and while it does not come cheap, you’ll eliminate the need for many other kitchen appliances with this bad boy. However, most recipes call for high pressure anyways, and if you don’t care about making your own yogurt, then the Lux is a great value. Plus, there are workarounds for making yogurt in the Lux if you search around the Internet. Six-quart large capacity cooks for up to 6 people—perfect for families, but also great for meal prepping and batch cooking. And, when the food is done, you can use the Keep Warm module to keep it ready for eating until everyone is seated at the dinner table. Some odors, especially from intense recipes, stick to the sealing ring.
However, being an upgraded version of the Duo, the new Duo Nova has some improvements, allowing it to provide users with better cooking experiences. Featuring a backlit display that provides a luminous look and high visual impact, the Duo Nova makes it easier for users to see what’s on the screen, especially in a dark kitchen. The Duo Nova is only slightly more expensive than the Duo. So we don’t think this will factor into many people’s decisions.
We suggest using a spatula or wooden spoon to release this, wearing an oven mitt, or opting for a newer model that has the automatic sealing lid and steam release button. Keep in mind that the 3-quart size doesn’t have the poultry or multigrain smart programs, while the other sizes do. The rest of the features on all of the sizes are the same. I myself have been an Instant Pot user for years, and it’s easily the one kitchen appliance I use the most, with the exception of my coffee maker.
The 8-quart is best for roasts or prepping a few days’ worth of meals for large families. Instant Pots occasionally come in a 10-quart size, which is probably overkill unless you frequently cook for groups or are renovating your kitchen and won’t have access to your large appliances for months. One of the most difficult things to decide when buying an Instant Pot Duo Nova is which size you’ll need for your family. The 6-quart size is the most popular one and many recipes are written for this Instant Pot size as well. This size is big enough to make a meal for around 3-6 people.