But all Instant Pots are not created equal—er, not every model can perform every function, and they’re billed accordingly (7-in-1, 9-in-1, etc.). All Instant Pots can pressure-cook, slow-cook, sauté, and keep warm, and fancier models tack on additional cooking methods like yogurt-making, sous vide cooking, broiling, and air-frying. The Instant Pot’s heart is a microprocessor aided by built-in temperature sensors that give Instant Pots the ability to 1. Mimic the cooking functions of multiple different appliances and 2.
This is a more secure safety mechanism, and it’s wise to ensure as much protection as possible when pressure cooking. With one touch, the buttons on the front panel allow cooks to select their favorite smart program and make adjustments for pressure and cooking time. Slow cook, steam, yogurt production, rice cooking, pressure cooking, and Keep Warm functions are all available on the Duo. The Duo Nova has an easy-to-read LCD with a new progress indicator, auto-sealing lid, and smart pressure release button. I myself have been an Instant Pot user for years, and it’s easily the one kitchen appliance I use the most, with the exception of my coffee maker. From beef stews to baked potatoes, steamed corn, mac and cheese and even dessert, there’s nothing I haven’t tried to make in my Instant Pot that hasn’t come out perfect.
Helen is a freelance writer who specializes in kitchen appliances and has written for some of the biggest home-related titles around. She has been reviewing small appliances, including blenders, juicers, and multi-cookers, for more than 8 years, and also upholsters furniture when she’s not testing the latest food tech gadgets. The Duo Nova comes with a stainless moosoo air fryer steel inner pot with sealing ring, steam rack and extra seal ring, which is handy as the silicone tends to pick up odors. The only downside is the inner pot doesn’t come with handles, like other Instant Pots, so you’ll need to lift it out carefully. It also doesn’t come with a handy recipe book, however, you can download the app on your smartphone.
These multi-cooking machines are a great way to downsize if you have several different appliances crowding your kitchen. For most people, the Instant Pot can easily replace the pressure cooker and slow cooker because it can do both those jobs. It’s also excellent for other things, like steaming, roasting and sautéing.
Ultra vs Smart Wifi detailed comparison (I’m sure you’ll enjoy the smart programs these pots have to offer). Pressure is constantly being let out through pressure release valve and cooking pot is extremely instant vortex warped after 3rd use. The Duo and the Duo Nova have most programs in common but the Duo has a couple more programs than the Duo Nova. Please note that the 3 quart may be missing some smart programs.