We love the way the new lid seals automatically and how easy it is to release the pressure. The steam release cover does minimize spitting and the sound of escaping steam, but it is another little part to keep track of. To help you make a smart buying decision, we looked at three of the latest multicooker models added to Instant Pot’s popular Duo line. We’ll be testing them in-depth instant vortex against our other favorite multicookers later this year, but for now, here are the features that set these models apart—and which are worth your investment. Combining many of the most popular features from Instant Pot, it offers a range of functions to meet your different needs and cooking styles. If you’re looking for nothing more than basic functions, go for this multi-cooker.
The Instant Pot Duo SV is another Costco-exclusive Instant Pot model. It has been replaced by the Duo Gourmet and is in the process of being phased out. The Instant Pot Duo’s exterior is has been available in mint, white, and coral. You can also get the Duo in the exclusive Pioneer Woman floral design and in black or red stainless steel through Walmart.
In summary, it’s clear that the Duo Nova has some advantages over the Instant Pot Duo when it comes to extra features. The Duo Nova does everything that the Duo can but adds some nice quality of life improvements. In this article, we’re going to compare two of the brand’s most popular models. The Instant Pot Duo vs Duo Nova match-up is sure to be an exciting battle, so make sure to stick around to find out who wins. Leah is a shopping reporter at Mashable, where she covers shopping trends, gift ideas, and products that make life easier. She graduated from Penn State University in 2012 and is watching horror movies or “The Office” when she’s not shopping online herself.
The brand’s 11-in-1 pressure cooker and air fryer which normally sells for $199.99 has been slashed to just $129.99, while the Instant Vortex Plus air fryer is 35 percent off. Instant produces both oven and basket-style air fryers, and has two primary air-fryer lines—the Instant Vortex and the Instant Omni. In fact, the Instant Vortex Plus 4-quart model usurped the Ninja AF101 as the best budget pick in our best air-fryer testing. We specifically liked the Vortex’s basket shape, as well as its reminders for preheating and flipping.
They’re not overly expensive but they’re not cheap either, so it’s definitely a benefit to have an extra one included in the package. The Duo Nova also comes with extra accessories, some of which aren’t included with the standard Duo. You can expect the usual measuring cup, paddle spoon, and ladle, but Instant Pot throws in an extra sealing ring with the Duo Nova. Just like the Duo, the Duo Nova is incredibly easy to use once you get the hang of it.
Rice is one of the easiest side dishes to pair with a meal and, coincidentally, one of the easiest dishes to screw up. The Instant Pot Zest could save you from a lot of overcorrections to sticky rice, as well as add perfect quinoa, couscous, steamed veggies, and dumplings to your home menu. Just press the white or brown rice button, close the lid, and come back when it beeps. I bought this Instant Pot Duo Nova 8 quart Multi-Use Pressure Cooker for my wife. I tried buying an Instant Pot for her years ago, but she wouldn’t let me, saying she didn’t need 1 more thing taking up counter space.
This new model has an Easy Seal Lid, which automatically sets to seal when you close it. It comes with an Easy Steam Release Button, which sits an inch or two away from the steam nozzle, that you can press. We really like this new feature because it keeps our fingers out of the way of the hot steam. When it comes to cleaning, the Instant Pot can be fiddly – you’ll need to remove, clean and replace the rubber seal after each use. Food spills can also be difficult to clean as they can become trapped around the edge where the lid locks in. The unit has cracks and crevices that can accumulate residue and regular maintenance is needed to clean the silicone rubber gasket and the steam release mechanism.
In addition to that, it also has settings that allow it to widen the realm of possibilities. Your Instant Pot can serve not only as a pressure cooker but also as a warmer, steamer, rice cooker, slow cooker, sous vide, and much more. Though its price is slightly higher than a comparable pressure cooker, the value it brings is exceptional, and in our opinion, totally worth it. Although pressure cooking is certainly nothing new, traditional cookware could be dangerous.