As promised, I will try and define a category of best users for each of these two Instant Pot models . In my opinion, they both do an amazing job, especially since there is no fancy interface to decipher. The Instant Pot Duo is considered a classic among all the Instant Pot products. On the other hand, the Instant Pot Duo Nova is the new kid on the block and comes with a few flashy features that make it more suitable for beginners (hence the name – Duo Nova). There are icons at the top of the Duo Nova display panel that show what stage of the cooking process it is . It’s nice to know what the cooking progress is and I feel this is a worthwhile feature to take into account in your decision-making.
If you need recipe inspo for all the fuss-free meals you can make in your new Instant Pot, check out Good Housekeeping’s Instant Pot Cookbook. Instant Pots come with a stainless steel inner cooking pot, but if you’re partial to cooking with nonstick pots and pans, you may want to snag one of these inserts as well. It’s ceramic-coated nonstick exterior cleans up beautifully and can go in the dishwasher and the oven (up to 680°F).
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. The instant pot duo nova is a great choice if this is your first time delving into multi-cookers. We say this because it offers a great entry point into the pressure-cooking market as it’s easy to use.
Nova has all the functionality of the best-selling Instant Pot Duo, but with an improved display and button configuration on the housing. The Instant Pot Pro is approaching the higher end of the lineup. Its major contribution is a baking function, so you can make cakes of all kinds. It also upgrades the number of cooking programs to 28, the most of any Instant Pot family. Anti-block shield prevents food particles from coming up through the steam release pipe, assisting with pressure regulation.
Note that throughout our Kitchen Appliances and Technology Lab’s testing, we evaluated models in the 6-quart size. We think the 6-quart Instant Pot is the most practical option because it’s big enough for a decent-size batch of chicken soup or chili without hogging instant vortex too much counter space. That being said, the 8-quart model is great for large families or for those who love to meal prep. Exclusively available at Costco since its introduction in 2020, the Instant Pot Duo Gourmet is very similar to the Instant Pot Duo Plus.
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.
I hope the instant pot can add function for Activated brown rice. With a familiar design, the Duo Nova is instantly recognizable as an Instant Pot and as we’ve said in previous reviews, multi-cookers are not the most attractive of the kitchen counter appliances. Having said that, the stainless-steel finish gives it a reassuringly robust look. Results seemed the same on a few tries, despite reducing the water content.
To install the Condensation Collector, align and slide the grooves on either side of the top of the reservoir over the tabs in the reservoir holder at the back of the cooker. Do not operate the pressure cooker without the Condensation Collector installed. Page 25Pressure Control Features Anti-Block Shield The Steam Release Valve includes an Anti-Block Shield located on the underside of the lid. The Anti-Block Shield prevents food particles from entering the Steam Release Valve and affecting the performance of the cooker. Remove by pressing firmly against the side of the Anti-Block Shield until it pops off of the spring tabs. Reinstall the Anti-Block Shield by centering it over the spring tabs and pressing down firmly until it snaps into place.
The quick release switch will automatically set to Seal when the lid is closed. The major differentiator of the Instant Pot Pro Plus is its access to your home Wi-Fi network. This lets you schedule cooking, remotely control it, and beam recipes directly to the Instant Pot. The two are available in the same capacities and are otherwise highly comparable in their features.
With the appliance in Standby mode (Display reads “Off”), press and hold the “−“ for 5 seconds to turn all sounds except error alerts OFF. Press and hold the “+“ for 5 seconds to turn all sounds ON. Control Panel Duo Nova Multi-Use Pressure Cookers feature an intuitive control panel with LED display to help make cooking fast and easy.