Other than that, it can do everything the Instant Pot Duo can do. Since then, it feels like Instant Pot has released a zillion new models (some with different versions), and all with slightly different features. But before we start, I just want to make sure everyone knows I absolutely adore all Instant Pot models. They all have something that makes them incredibly useful in the kitchen, which is why I can’t choose just one best Instant Pot.
Lastly, another great product that’s worthy of your attention is the Instant Pot Max. This pot is great for pressure cooking and slow cooking, has a wide range of cooking programs, and it can support up to 15 psi of pressure (for safe home pressure canning). This pot would be great for a smooth and textured bean chili, but it’s amazing for lighter dishes as well. The list of Instant Pot pressure cookers is long and diverse, which is why the brand is so famous. However, this can also lead to confusion when you’re looking to choose an Instant Pot but don’t really know the exact features you’ll need. Lastly, in terms of accessories, the Instant Pot Duo Nova comes with the same stainless steel inner pot and trivet (both are dishwasher safe) that are somewhat standard with Instant Pots (no measuring cup though).
The device has a fraction of the customer reviews that the Duo has, so it’s not as clear how the pressure cooker has been performing. Aside from the 7 base cooking modes on the Instant Pots, they are each packed with a range of additional features to improve the user experience and make food even tastier. For example, the Instant Pot Duo Nova and the Duo both have 13 “Smart Touch” customizable programs for bespoke pressure cooking.
I find this Instant Pot to be very user friendly because of the self sealing aspect. We’re not quite sure why you need the QuickCool Technology when you could simply use the quick release switch. When you use it, you have to place ice on the tray, which seems like another chore. However, being an upgraded version of the Duo, the new Duo Nova has some improvements, allowing it to provide users with better cooking experiences. On the whole, though, the classic LCD of the old Duo is still elegant enough to intuitively indicate the cooking process in its own right. Offering a higher level of convenience, the Nova’s intuitive status indicator also keeps you informed at every step of the cooking process.
Its updated lid means you never have to worry about whether or not you remembered to close the steam release valve again, because when you close the Duo Nova lid it automatically seals the pressure valve! To release the steam faster, just push the quick-release button to let the pressure out. Its updated lid means you never again have to worry about whether or not you remembered to close the steam release valve because when you close the Duo Nova lid it automatically seals the pressure valve! All Instant Pots can pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, cook rice, steam, and warm. As you climb the ladder of different models, buttons for things like cake making, roasting, and sous vide appear.
First up, slow cooked chili, the sauté function comes in handy here, allowing you to brown your meat and soften onions in the Instant Pot instead of having to use a separate pan or stove top. Despite the pot not having a non-stick coating there was no sticking during the sauté stage. We slow cooked our beef chili for six hours on the ‘more’ setting and the result was a delicious meaty chili instant pot duo nova with soft beef. The Instant Pot beeps to alert you that cooking has finished and the temperature of the chili at the end of cooking was 176 F/ 80 C. The chili wasn’t thickened to our liking but by switching back to saute it was easy to reduce it to the perfect consistency. During slow cooking the handles and sides all stayed cool, the lid reached 113 F/ 45 C which isn’t too warm to touch.
Fancier models tack on additional cooking methods like yogurt-making, sous vide cooking, broiling, and even air-frying. The pressure release button is our absolute favorite thing about the DUO Nova’s user experience. This button sits about two inches from the pressure valve and allows you to open that valve without actually moosoo air fryer touching it. Most pressure cookers force you to timidly bat at the pressure valve with a wooden spoon to release it without getting your fingers uncomfortably close to the jet of steam that suddenly bursts forth. Thus, having a button that makes this process quicker, easier, and safer is a welcome addition.
However, both share the improved auto-seal lid that makes them worth the extra expense. Here are all the built-in cooking functions of the Instapot Duo Nova. If you opt for the 6-quart model, it’s compatible with the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid that will open up to six more cooking techniques.
After I took this picture I went to put my lid on and it would not go on. After checking the seal ring, I did notice it wasn’t instant pot duo nova pushed down under the bar correctly. If food gets in and around the pin there is a chance that pressure will not build.