This large pro model has all the same functionality of the Duo Crisp, plus an upgraded lid with advanced heat protection, auto-sealing, and gentle quick release. The sturdier stainless-steel inner pot is made to handle anything; it’s stovetop friendly and oven safe up to 450ºF. It also comes with a handful of accessories, including a versatile stainless-steel rack, a multi-level air fryer basket with a instant pot duo nova tray for broiling and dehydrating, and a protective pad and storage cover. I gave the nod to the Pro Crisp because I prefer the pot, display, and redesigned pressure cooking lid of the Pro Crisp model. However, the Duo Crisp offers the same cook settings for pressure cooking and air frying at a lower price point. The control panel makes navigating its multiple cooking features and settings quite easy.
Instead, once you program the Instant Pot, it automatically starts after a few seconds. Some other models such as Ultra, Duo Evo Plus, and Max require you to press Start after programming the Instant Pot. If you’ve had experiences, like I, with stovetop pressure cooker mishaps in the past, fear no more.
Other Instant Pots you have to turn the valve to venting which can be a little dangerous. This is because your hand is right where the steam releases, and there have been many times I’ve burnt my hand by not placing it properly. With the Duo Nova, you simply push the button and it does it for you. What also makes this lid smart is that the steam release is much safer than on older models. All you have to do to release the steam is press this button, that’s it. Be aware that different Instant Pot sizes cook differently, but most online instructions are designed for 6-quart models.
With a large, easy-to-use LCD display, IQ coupling and a pressure release button, the Instant Duo Nova 7-in-1 pressure cooker is a must-have for every busy home chef. The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is sold separately and is compatible with 6-quart Instant models that don’t already have air-frying capability (the Duo, Duo Nova, Duo Plus, Duo Gourmet, and Ultra). The Air Fryer Lid comes with a fry basket and other accessories; it allows you to air-fry straight from your pressure cooker. In addition to air-frying, the Air Fryer Lid adds broiling, baking, roasting, reheating, and dehydrating functionality to compatible machines. And 15 customizable one-touch smart programs make it easy to prepare oatmeal, eggs, cakes, beans, and more with the push of a button. The has 15 one touch preset programs covering off the main foods you’re likely to cook in the multi-cooker, as well as various manual settings for the different functions.
By explaining how the Instant Pot Duo and Duo Nova compare in terms of size, capacity, price, and functionality, we hope to provide everything you need to know in order to choose the right cooker for your household. For example, some Instant Pots include a rice cooker, whereas others swap that out for a yogurt maker. It’s important to think about which features and cooking modes you are going to use when choosing which is best for you. That said, the Instant Pot Duo is still completely safe to use – you just have to make sure that you follow the instructions carefully, especially when releasing the chamber after pressure cooking. All Instant Pots are pretty easy to use, but the Duo really takes it to the next level. Despite its simple design and intuitive processes, the device is absolutely packed with cooking features.
Today’s pressure cookers use a sealing system that keeps contents safely inside, then release steam gradually. They’re so easy to operate, even a novice can handle them safely. Even though the Instant Pot Duo doesn’t come in the larger 10 qt size like the Duo Nova, there are still 3 different sizes to choose from. This is particularly great when compared to instant pot pressure cookers from other brands, which often take a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Before we get into our comparison, it’s probably best to take a look at what Instant Pot actually is. Although the term “instant pot” is often used in place of products such as “slow cooker” or “pressure cooker”, Instant Pot is also the name of one of the most popular worktop cooker brands.
The DUO Nova provides most of the basic pressure cooking functions and some more advanced options. Essentially, unless you’re looking for some specific specialty functions like air fry or dehydrate, it will likely meet your needs. This gully almost inevitably gathers some crumbs or condensation or whatnot during the stirring and serving process and can be a bit difficult to clean.