Every Instant Pot has smart programs that allow you to perform a cooking function with just the press of a button. Additionally, the quick steam release switch is separate from the steam valve, and ensures you can force the pressure to be released in a safer way. There’s also a progress bar on the LCD display screen to indicate the cooking status but these are minimal differences and this is reflected in the similar price tags. But before we start, I just want to make sure everyone knows I absolutely adore all Instant Pot models.
Each Instant Pot model has variations that can make it difficult to choose between them. To help you decide, here’s a quick rundown of the key difference between the company’s classic and best for beginners models in a side by side review of the Instant Pot Nova Duo vs Duo. The Instant Pot Duo Nova main functions are pressure cook, steam, slow cook, saute and keep warm, rice cooker and yogurt maker, and also has 14 one touch preset programs. Pressure cookers have come a long way in recent years. Although pressure cooking is certainly nothing new, traditional cookware could be dangerous.
I find it intuitive to use, there are 12 preset functions with adjustable pressure settings & a delay timer. Unlike other multi-cookers we’ve tested, the Instant Pot has a stainless steel bowl. While that means it’s dishwasher safe and you won’t have to worry about scratching the surface, it also means it can be trickier to clean if food becomes baked on.
Personally I like Duo Nova better, but Duo’s fine if you want to save some cash and still get nearly all the same features. Ultra vs Smart Wifi detailed comparison (I’m sure you’ll enjoy the smart programs these pots have to offer). Results seemed the same on a few tries, despite reducing the water content. In this case, you may need to manually adjust the cooking time to your preferred setting.
It’s a bit disconcerting but we are remodeling our kitchen and it’s been a real godsend overall. When the weather improves I may use it outside on a sturdy table. Meanwhile I’m using it with only a couple inches between the top and the bottom of the microwave oven.
The Instant Pot Max can pretty much do it all, and it’s ideal for chefs or those who do a lot of pressure cooking. The Instant Pot Duo has a place to store the lid on the instant pot duo nova side of the pot. It comes with a steaming rack with handles on the 6-quart and higher sizes. Like the Ninja Foodi, the Pro Crisp comes with two interchangeable lids.
It’s an upgraded version of the Instant Pot Duo, adding a lid that automatically seals shut when you close it. It’s a 7-in-1 device, combining a pressure cooker, yogurt maker, rice cooker, cake maker, slow cooker, egg cooker and sauté machine into one. And with the 8-quart model, you’ll be able to prepare a lot of food — it’s arguably the best size for large families and those who entertain often. Instant Pot is the most recognizable instant pot duo nova brand name in the pressure cooker space for a reason, and the DUO Nova delivers on that pedigree by offering exceptional performance at a reasonable price. There are very few situations where the DUO Nova wouldn’t be our top pressure cooker recommendation. The first is for those that mainly want to cook meat, as we’ve found some other cookers that can retain just a bit more tenderness in specific cuts than this machine.