(The regular Instant Pot Pro is the same thing, sans the crisping lid.) One transforms the pressure cooker into an air fryer, with one lid dedicated to EvenCrisp technology. instant vortex Unlike the Ninja Foodi, the crisping lid is completely detachable. The Pro Crisp covers 11 functions total, with lid-specific functions lined up on the same side.
Meat/ Normal Very soft texture Stew Allow meat to “rest” for 5–30 minutes, depending on size. It will retain cook- More Fall-off-the-bone texture ing juices for tender, succulent meat. Choose setting based on bean Less Firmer texture texture desired, or adjust cook time manually. The Instant Pot Pro is a modest step up from the Duo Plus. The Pro enjoys a baking mode which gives it an edge, but an optional air fryer add-on is available for the Duo Plus.
It’s exceptionally helpful when slow cooking as you can see the contents. However, if you already have a transparent cover that fits, you don’t need to get another one. If you ever end up having tough greases after using your pressure cooker, soaking it overnight always does the trick. All multicookers, including the Duo Nova, have a moderate learning curve. I guess even Gordon Ramsey will have a hard time operating the Instant Pot without looking at the product manual.
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. Unlike other Instant Pots, it has a simple control panel, with the standard program buttons and a blue-lit, LED screen. Programs range from Slow Cook and Saute to Poultry and Pressure Cook.
That being said, we thoroughly enjoyed the food made by the DUO Nova, with it earning superlatives in most of our cooking tests. I do like having an extra sealing ring to use when I’m cooking desserts. However, extra sealing rings are available for purchase for less than ten dollars. So I don’t think this accessory should be a factor in your decision-making. 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.
Less – Normal – More indicate the selected Smart Program cooking time or temperature. Pressure Level Indicator shows the selected Smart Program pressure level. Smart Program Settings Keys −/+ keys – adjust Delay Start, cooking and Keep Warm times.
The VAST majority of recipes online or in books are written for 6 qt. Also you may initially THINK you aren’t going to make some of the recipes that require a 6 qt but may soon really “get into” pressure cooking and wish you had the 6 quart. The only time I recommend a 3 quart is as a second pressure cooker. There are only two of us and our primary Instant Pot is a 6 quart.
Smart programs are presets that are programmed for the pressure level and cooking time for certain foods, just like the presets on a microwave. Most presets can be duplicated with the Pressure Cook button. The following table compares all the important features and smart programs of the Duo and Duo Nova.