Many models also have additional Smart Programs that take the guesswork out of specific items like cake, yogurt, eggs, brown rice, and more. The buying guide below details which and how many functions and Smart Programs are available in each model. According to the Instant Pot manual you need to use 3 cups of water but I’ve found that using 2 cups of water is adequate. The advantage of using 2 cups is that it takes less time for the Instant Pot to come to pressure. The Duo Nova is equipped with dual-pressure settings, giving you the option to cook at low or high pressure. High pressure can reduce the cooking time by 2 to 6 times, while low pressure prevents delicate foods from overcooking.
Over 135,000 shoppers have left the pressure cooker a five-star rating, emphasizing that it “deserves every bit of hype” and is “worth every penny.” No Instant Pot qualifies as basic, but the Duo is technically the most basic model you can buy. That makes it the perfect starter Instant Pot, especially if you’re on a budget or you just don’t want to invest in something more complicated right now. It’s not too big (though you can buy this model in the 8-quart size), not too small (though the 3-quart is great for dorm rooms), and not quite as complicated as some of the more expensive models. You’ve heard the hype, read the articles, perused the recipes, and have come to the conclusion that you absolutely need an Instant Pot (true!).
On the other hand, stainless steel has a long and proven pedigree of being dishwasher safe and thus doesn’t elicit the same debate. Instant Pot has come down firmly on the “stainless is better” side of the conversation, using stainless pots in all of their pressure cookers. instant vortex 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).
Be aware that different Instant Pot sizes cook differently, but most online instructions are designed for 6-quart models. As a result, you’ll have to learn how to properly scale the recipes if you choose a different size. Another thing that’s worth bearing in mind is the fact that the Duo Nova is a newer product than the Duo, and hasn’t yet been put under the same scrutiny.
As a result, it can be hard to find the Duo Nova when you’re shopping online. As the popularity of this product increases, it’s probably going to get even more difficult to get your hands on one. When comparing the Instant Pot Duo vs Duo Nova, the price is a clear difference. The Duo Nova is more expensive than the Duo across all the different pot sizes. This might not sound like a big thing, but sealing rings are essential to the operation of an Instant Pot, and they need replacing fairly regularly. 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.
This isn’t necessarily a big disadvantage if you know that these features are going to be worthwhile to you. Moreover, some of the extra cost is recuperated by the additional measuring cup and sealing ring that are included in the Duo Nova package. The Duo Nova also comes with extra accessories, some of which aren’t included with the standard Duo.