When shopping for kitchen appliances, you cannot forget about an electric pressure cooker. They are dependable, convenient, and safe, making kitchen life easier. To give buyers the luxury of choice, there are a lot of different cooker options available. However, for first-time buyers, this is all the more confusing.
So, bearing that in mind, we have put together this detailed article featuring the difference between instant pot duo and duo nova for you to use as a guide. In the next few minutes, you will find an overview of each cooker and a comparison section looking at the similarities and differences. Hopefully, by the end, you will be able to use what you have read to make a final call.
Contents
Overview Of Instant Pot Duo & Duo Nova
Instant Pot Duo
The Instant Pot Duo is a classic 7-in-1 pressure cooker. More specifically, it can be used as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, saute pan, steamer, and food warmer. It provides “one-touch” cooking with 13 customizable smart programs for various foods, such as soups, beans, ribs, poultry, etc.
Users can rely on the friendly interface in the front panel to operate the cooker. It is possible to make pressure adjustments from low-medium-high. There is an option to set the cooking time as well.
More experienced users can select their own settings in the cooker’s manual mode. However, the presets are preferred to avoid the risk of overcooking or undercooking.
Instant Pot Duo Nova
Like the Instant Pot Duo, this is a 7-in-1 appliance that can function as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, rice cooker, saute pan, steamer, and food warmer. It is marketed as the “upgraded” version with more innovative features.
The Duo Nova comes later in the brand’s product lineup, providing the same “one-touch” cooking with 13 customizable smart programs, but directed more towards beginner users and those who are just stepping into the kitchen.
Similarities Of Instant Pot Duo & Duo Nova
Performance
Both the Instant Pot Duo and the Duo Nova deliver 70% faster cooking than other cooker appliances. This is thanks to either models’ internal microprocessor, which perfectly sets up the pressure, temperature, heat, and time.
Users will be able to enjoy food quickly and worry-free. Even if traditional recipes are used, the time it takes to get good food is 70% faster than conventional ways of cooking. Furthermore, the results are always consistent due to the cookers’ systematic cooking method.
Care & Maintenance
Both cooker models guarantee minimal mess, and thus, easy clean-ups. They are made of materials that can simply be wiped down, and the accessories that are included can all be thrown into the dishwasher for stress-free cleaning. So, users rest assured that it takes just as little time to clean as it does to cook!
Both models’ build is of food-grade stainless steel. Therefore, it is very durable. Users do not have to worry about its service life or having to replace or repair it anytime soon.
Add-On App
The Instant Pot Duo and Duo Nova are both from the same brand/manufacturer, so they are both linked to the free Instant Pot recipes app that is available on iOS and Android. Users can explore more than 1,000 recipes there and connect with other users to share not only their love of cooking but also other technical support and guidance.
Instant Pot Duo Vs. Duo Nova: 2 Main Differences
Sizes & Versions
The Instant Pot Duo model is available in three sizes: three-quart, six-quart, and eight-quart. Each size caters to a particular user segment. The three-quart is for couples or singles, the six-quart is for mid-sized families, and the eight-quart is for large families.
Meanwhile, the Duo Nova is available in four sizes: three-quart, six-quart, eight-quart, and ten-quart, compared to the Instant Pot Duo, which offers only three sizes.
The fourth size is perfect for extra-large families or groups of friends. Generally, it is ideal for places that need to feed many eaters at once. Therefore, it is not a bad option for cafeterias, dorms, clinics, offices, or hosting parties, gatherings, meetings, and reunions.
Accessories
The Pot Duo comes with a stainless steel inner pot, steam rack, and condensation collector. Plus, it has a dishwasher-safe lid and finger-print-resistant steel sides. The accessories also feature built-in safety features, like an overheat protection function and a safe-locking lid. They also do not have harmful chemical coatings.
Regarding the Duo Nova, one of its “upgrades” is the smart lid. This automatically seals the Instant Pot to provide users with optimal convenience. It also has a “steam release” function, which works with a push of the quick-release button. On top of that, there is a bonus sealing ring and measuring cup that users can avail of.
Beyond the Instant Pot Duo, the Duo Nova is equipped with a “cooking progress indicator,” making the user experience even better. Users can easily keep track of their cooking and “check back” if they need to. The indicator is on a bright blue display that is user-friendly and easy to read.
These added features in the accessories make it beginner-friendly and very safe for users, especially those who want to “set it and forget it” when it comes to meal-making.
Instant Pot Duo vs. Duo Nova: Which Should You Get?
Now that you have read and looked at the two cookers side by side, you can decide which to get. Just make sure you carefully consider your own cooking needs. Below is our recommendation on which you should get.
The Instant Pot Duo is a better choice if:
- You do not have to feed more than six people at once
- You are an experienced user and do not need a sealing ring
- You already have or do not need a measuring cup
- You do not need a cooking progress indicator
- You do not care about releasing steam from the cooker
- You do not like a bright, blue interface
The Duo Nova is a better choice if:
- You have to feed many people at once
- You need the help of a smart lid and sealing ring
- You want to get a measuring cup as an accessory
- You want the help of a cooking progress indicator
- You care about releasing steam from the cooker
- You like a bright, blue interface
Conclusion
With that, you have grasped all our details about the difference between the Instant Pot Duo and Duo Nova. While both are great appliance options, now you know the specifics of what they each offer to make a final decision.
Were you able to choose one using the information that we have provided? If yes, let us know the model that you chose in the comments below. We look forward to hearing from you. Also, you are welcome to reach us with any follow-up questions or thoughts!
