The Duo, Lux, Nova, Viva, Smart Wifi do not have a Start button. Instead, once you program the Instant Pot, it automatically starts after a few seconds. Some other models such as Ultra, Duo Evo Plus, and Max require you to press Start after programming the Instant Pot. instant pot duo nova The Steam Release Valve– a safety mechanism that allows steam to escape and maintains the correct pressure level. It sits loosely on the lid and can be removed to be cleaned. Ensure anti-block shield, float valve, and steam release pipe are clean and not clogged.
You may also want to read up a bit about the differences between the Instant Pot Duo vs Duo Nova. The best Instant Pot® for beginners, with upgraded lid and display.
With flash sales and deals you may be able to score some savings on your purchase. Also exciting to see with this new model is comes with two sealing rings, a steam rack, and a measuring cup. Overall, both models are very similar from a smart instant vortex program perspective and the Duo Nova has a few changes, especially with an added safety feature compared to the original Duo. I agree with Barbara on her recommendation of the Duo Evo Plus. I think it’s a game changer for the Instant Pot.
But until now meal preppers have been using the 8-quart without any problems. If you plan to cook big batches of dump-and-go meals, then I’d recommend an 8-quart Instant Pot or even the new Instant Pot Duo Nova 10-quart. Honestly, there’s a reason the Instant Pot Duo is a best-seller. I absolutely still recommend the Instant Pot Duo, even with all of the newer models on the market. I’ve had mine for seven years and it’s still working just as well as the day I bought it. However, both share the improved auto-seal lid that makes them worth the extra expense.
Our 2022 Instant Pot Buying Guidewill talk through the available options so you can feel confident choosing the Instant Pot size and model that’s right for you. If you only need a cooker for one or two or don’t plan to meal prep, then the Instant Pot DUO Mini can save you some money with the same functions and performance, just a smaller quantity. If you want the best option with a good capacity, then the Instant Pot Duo Plus 6 Quart is a higher ranking option that offers the same cooking performance that is easier to use.
Most recipes online are written for 6-quart pressure cookers. You may need to add more liquid for some recipes with 8-quarts and larger. So if you feel really nervous about going off recipe, I’d recommend using a 6-quart. Some of the design requirements of pressure cookers almost inevitably lead to some cleaning challenges.
When the Instant Pot Nova isn’t under pressure, the float valve goes back down and is level with the lid. You should clean the float valve periodically, especially after cooking frothy or starchy foods. Under high pressure, the fiber in the food is tenderized and flavors develop in a very short time. Nutrient-rich steam condenses in the pot instead of evaporating and nutritional value is retained because of the speed of cooking. The Instant Pot Company started out with one product – the Instant Pot – and now makes a wide range of kitchen appliances including air fryers, blenders, and toaster ovens.
We’ve always Instant Pot models because the lid can be stored upright in either of the handles on either side of the machine. This allows you to put the lid out of the way, no matter which hand you like to stir with, without setting it down on a potentially dirty countertop. The anti block shield and float valve rarely need to be washed.
This way, you don’t have to wonder if the Duo Nova is building pressure or not. Also, there is a quick-release button that you can use to release steam faster, without getting your hands near the hot steam. Although there are cook times and plenty of recipes available online, they don’t always work the same for all the Instant Pot models. They’re a good starting point but you’ll need to be comfortable with a bit of trial and error in the first few weeks of using any Instant Pot.
The Keep Warm function can be used with or without the lid closed. You can also use an optional glass lid for this function. When the Keep Warm function finishes, the cooker beeps and goes into standby mode.