When it comes to using the pressure cooker, the Instant Pot has an “easy seal lid” that automatically seals, and a quick pressure release button to release the steam once cooking is complete. 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.
If you plan to make items like cheesecakes in your pressure cooker, you’ll also need a special type of pan, so purchase that along with your pressure cooker. We assess the performance of multi-cookers by cooking chilli shredded beef and lamb shanks on both slow and pressure cooker settings. We look for good flavour development, rich and fully flavoured sauce, tender beans and meat that falls apart. The Instant Pot Duo Nova is like many other multi-cookers we’ve tested – it pressure cooks, slow cooks and sears as well as incorporating a range of pre-programmed settings.
You will notice that when there is no pressure in the IP the valve is down. The float valve is what builds and maintains the pressure in the IP. Right away I was able to notice the size difference of the 8-quart vs my 6-quart. I liked the idea that the buttons were the same on the Duo Nova as they were on the Duo. This sous vide upgrade of the Duo is interesting, but not widely available. With the Lux, Duo, Duo Plus, Ultra, and Smart Bluetooth being the most common models.
One advantage this machine has over its predecessor is the location of the pressure release knob from the vent. It’s slightly farther away, so you won’t have to worry about accidentally burning your fingers. The good news is the brand has thousands of recipes that you can try out. The only advantage it has to the older model is the up-to-date vent release knob, which is a tad safer. As the Homes Content Editor, Cynthia Lawrence covers all things homes, interior decorating, and garden-related.
However, the company seemed to have abandoned this model in favor of the classic ones which they have been keeping up to date with the latest features. Since this was the 10 quart capacity, the largest pot around, I found this quite heavy and cumbersome to lift. Another good thing about the Instant Pot Duo Nova is it doesn’t get too hot around the sides if you need to move it around. The Instant Pot Duo Nova has many buttons that may appear confusing and complicated. In my experience, the condensation collector rarely fills up but I have found that when I cook pasta, in particular, liquid tends to collect and it can get messy! Get into the habit of checking for liquid in the condensation collector after every use.
I guess even Gordon Ramsey will have a hard time operating the Instant Pot without looking at the product manual. 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. In designing the DUO Nova, Instant Pot took an already user-friendly machine and added a convenient pressure release button. If you’re after a simple, no-fuss multicooker, the moosoo air fryer is a good option for beginners.
As a result, it can be hard to find the Duo Nova when you’re shopping online. As the popularity of this product increases, it’s probably going to get even more difficult to get your hands on one. This isn’t necessarily a big disadvantage if you know that these features are going to be worthwhile to you. Moreover, some of the extra cost is recuperated by the additional measuring cup and sealing ring that are included in the Duo Nova package. When comparing the Instant Pot Duo vs Duo Nova, the price is a clear difference.