Instant Pot Duo & Instant Pot Duo Nova Vs Other Instant Pot Models
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 youre looking to choose an Instant Pot but dont really know the exact features youll need.
So, besides running the Duo Classic vs Duo Nova comparison, I thought it would be best to talk about the other Instant Pot pressure cookers that are usually associated with the Duo and Duo Nova models.
Quick note: I already mentioned the Duo Plus and Duo Evo models in the reviews, so I wont include them here. In addition, the Air Fryer lid is more of an accessory , so if you want to learn more about it, please check my Air Fryer Lid review and read a bit more about the Duo Crisp.
Instant Pot Ultra is one of the electric pressure cookers that comes to mind when you want a modern product with lots of smart programs . Its most popular design is the 6 quart Instant Pot, but it also comes in the 3 qt and 8 qt sizes, just like the Duo and Duo Nova or Instant Pot Lux. What makes the Instant Pot Ultra more noticeable is the large display and selection system . Furthermore, Ultra also has a cooking progress indicator, which may earn some admiration from beginners who cant yet pressure cook or slow cook without worrying.
Now, if you want an even more modern pot with a cooking progress indicator, please have a look at the new Instant Pot Smart Wifi or check my Ultra vs Smart Wifi detailed comparison .
Calphalon Slow Cooker: Best Overall
This Calphalon Slow Cooker has a capacity of 5.3 quarts , so its big enough to easily feed a family of 4-5. It has a cooking pot with a ceramic non-stick coating.
The digital timer is easy to use, with a manual dial to determine heat settings. And if you prefer to use this ceramic cookware pot on the stove or in the oven?
No problem. The inner pot is oven-safe and compatible with all cooktops, including induction.
Cleanup is easy with the ceramic non-stick surface. But you will have to wash it by hand since this slow cooker isnt dishwasher-safe.
User reviews raved about this Calphalon crock pot. They loved the sleek, matte black stainless finish and the lightweight design.
They enjoyed using it to sauté food on the stovetop at higher temperatures, then slow cook the rest of the meal on low.
Users did caution that the pot is not the same diameter all the way down. It looks more funnel-shaped. Not a big deal, but you may not have the cooking surface area to brown as much meat on the stove.
Its a little pricey compared with other basic slow cookers, but its well worth the investment.
Pros
- Easy to clean, ceramic non-stick
- Great cooking performance
- Inner pot is hand-wash only
Basic Differences In Instant Pot Sizes
The basic Instant Pot guidelines say that the 3-quart is good for 1 or 2 people, the 6-quart is for up to 6 people, and the 8-quart is for large families or big batches. I think this is a good starting point, but there are exceptions.
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, Id recommend using a 6-quart.
Instant Pot accessories will also be easier to find in a 6-quart or 8-quart size.
Read Also: How To Hard Boil Eggs In Instant Pot
The Best Instant Pot To Buy In 202: Complete Buying Guide
As an Amazon affiliate, and affiliate with other businesses, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Cant figure out which Instant Pot to get? Theres SO MANY models and variations, its not surprising! Our 2022 Instant Pot Buying Guide will talk through the available options so you can feel confident choosing the Instant Pot size and model thats right for you.
The first Instant Pot pressure cooker came out in 2012. Since then, it feels like Instant Pot has released a zillion new models , and all with slightly different features.
It can be really hard to keep track, even for me!
Let me take away the guess work and point you towards the best Instant Pot to buy for your situation with this Instant Pot Comparison and Buying Guide, completely updated as of November 2021.
What Is The Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker
If youre not familiar with the Instant Pot®, it is a smart multi-use Electric Pressure Cooker designed to be dependable, convenient, and safe. It also speeds up the cooking time so your meals are available faster, making this kitchen appliance energy-efficient.
There are multiple models for you to choose from and Instant Pot released this new model in August 2019 that well take a look at here. Its available on Amazon for more information.
Read Also: How To Cook Tapioca Pearls In Instant Pot
What Size Of Instant Pot To Buy
Not sure how to choose an Instant Pot size for your circumstances? It can feel really intimidating!
Here are my recommendations for some common scenarios:
Best for Singles or Couples: If you dont want leftovers, go for the 3-Quart Instant Pot. However, if you like leftovers, cooking pot-in-pot , or two-fer meals , Id recommend the 6-quart.
Best for College Students: Instant Pot Duo 3-Quart Pressure Cooker.
Best for Small Families: If youre cooking for two adults and one or two kids, the 6-quart Instant Pot will have everything you need.
If youre a new parent, the Duo Plus has a sterilize button however, you can sanitize in any Instant Pot with a steam setting.
Best for Big Families: Honestly? It depends on how you want to use it. If you plan to cook big batches of dump-and-go meals, then Id recommend an 8-quart Instant Pot or even the new Instant Pot Duo Nova 10-quart.
However, if you typically cook a main dish and a side dish, you may be happier simply buying two 6-quart Instant Pots so you can cook both at the same time. Depending on what youre cooking, the 6-quart will fit a double or triple batch.
Best for Meal Preppers:Seriously, so much food fits in the Instant Pot Duo Nova 10-quart. But until now meal preppers have been using the 8-quart without any problems.
Best for RVs: Instant Pot 3-quart or 6-quart.
Best for Tech Lovers:Instant Pot Pro Plus Pressure Cooker.
Three New Cooking Programs
They have made some changes to Instant Pot DUO60s current cooking programs and introduced 3 new cooking programs.
*The following details & descriptions are straight from the manual.
1. Egg Program
- Less Mode Soft Boiled Eggs
- Normal Mode Medium Boiled Eggs
- More Mode Hard Boiled Eggs
*We still think Low Pressure is still the best way to cook Pressure Cooker Eggs in the Instant Pot.
2. Cake Program
- More ModeNew York Style Cheesecake
3. Sterilize Program
- Less Mode Pasteurization of dairy products
- Normal Mode Sterilization of utensils and canning of acidic fruits and vegetables. Not intended for meat canning.
- More Mode Sterilization of utensils and canning of acidic fruits and vegetables. Not intended for meat canning.
*This program can open a can of worms if users try to use it to replace a pressure canner. I would recommend using this program to sterilize utensils only.
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Thoughts On Other Instant Pot Models
Other Instant Pot models that weve reviewed but arent mentioned here include:
- Instant Pot Pro Plus: This model connects to your phone so that you can read more about whats going on inside the pot. While this is convenient, I dont love the full touch-screen display. But if you are shopping for a tech lover or see it for a great price, it could be a good choice for you.
- Instant Pot Max: This model can go up to 15psi, which can be used for canning under very strict conditions. However, I dont love the pressure release system in this model, especially for cooking pasta.
- Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus: This model has been discontinued and replaced with the Pro. I dont love it because it can be a little buggy and can overheat in saute mode, and we had a problem with the float valve breaking.
- Instant Pot Ultra: This is an older model, and I dont love the all-dial control. The Pro model, which uses a combination dial and button system, is much more user-friendly, in my opinion.
They Make Cleanup Easy
Cooking several types of food separately can create a lot of dirty dishes. And who wants to turn dinner prep and cleanup into a three-hour tour? No, thanks.
With a slow cooker, you have just one pot to clean. Thats it.
Need some easy tips on cleaning your slow cooker? Watch this short video for ideas:
Read Also: Instant Pot Pro 8 Qt Reviews
How Does The Duo Nova And Duo Compare What Changed With This Model
If you already have a Duo and thinking about purchasing a Duo Nova, or purchasing an Instant Pot for the first time, check out this comparison to help you understand the differences.
Overall, both models are very similar from a smart program perspective and the Duo Nova has a few changes, especially with an added safety feature compared to the original Duo.
The Instant Pot Duo Nova model has a backlit display and additional safety features of the auto sealing lid. The auto sealing lid is a feature I love in the Ultra so its great to see it here.
Also exciting to see with this new model is comes with two sealing rings, a steam rack, and a measuring cup.
Price-wise both models are about the same per quart size. With flash sales and deals you may be able to score some savings on your purchase.
And the largest difference is this is the first Instant Pot made as a 10 quart option. If youre looking for a larger electric pressure cooker, check out this model. If you didnt see it when the Duo Nova was released, it was probably because it was released later and listed separately from the other Duo Novas on Amazon.
And if youre trying to choose between a few other models, check out these additional side-by-side comparisons:
Instant Pot Pro Crisp + Air Fryer
The 8-quart Instant Pot Pro Crisp + Air Fryer is the Duo Crisp turned up to 11. This pro model has all the same functionality of the Duo Crisp, plus an upgraded lid with advanced heat protection, auto-sealing, and gentle pressure release. The sturdier stainless-steel inner pot is made to handle anything its stovetop friendly and oven safe up to 450ºF.
Year released: 2020Built-in smart programs: 11Cooking functions: Pressure-cooking, slow-cooking, steaming, sautéing, food-warming, sous videcooking, air-frying, roasting, baking, broiling, and dehydratingSizes available: 8-quart Instant Pot
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What Comes With The Instant Pot Pro
The Instant Pot Pro comes with one red and one clear silicone ring, which we generally separate for savory and sweet meals.
It also comes with a redesigned low steam rack with handles that can fold over flat.
It is also compatible with all standard pressure cooking accessories, including the Quick Cool Tray that came out for the original Duo Evo Plus.
For lots more details, check out our in-depth discussion on the Instant Pot Burn Notice: What to Do and How to Avoid It in the Future.
Ranking The Different Instant Pot Models
While people may rate each of the Instant Pot models differently, this is how I like to think of them.
High-End: Pro , Pro Plus
Specialty: Duo Crisp or Pro Crisp or Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid , Duo Max , Smart Wifi
Upgrade 2: Duo Plus, Duo SV
Upgrade 1: Duo Nova , Duo Viva
Standard Model: Duo
Budget Model: Lux
* * *
At this point, I want to include a brief introduction for new Instant Pot shoppers and a quick guide to the different Instant Pot models:
Recommended Reading: How Long To Cook Pasta In Instant Pot
Instant Pot Duo Nova: Quick Guide To The Model Series
Have you heard that the Instant Pot® released a new model, the Instant Pot Duo Nova? Lets take a look at whats new with this model and the sizes available.
Instant Pot designs each of its electric pressure cookers to be convenient, safe, and dependable. And they recently released a new model. As with each Instant Pot, they are mostly the same with slight variations that might make you choose one version over the other. Lets take a look at the new Instant Pot Duo Nova, now available in four sizes.
And one more note: this post contains affiliate links. This means I may receive a small commission if you buy through my link. You wont pay any more if you use this link.
Stainless Steel Slow Cooker: Best Stainless Steel Pot
For those looking to splurge, I suggest this 360 Stainless Steel Slow Cooker. Its on the smaller side, only holding 2.3 quarts , but this stainless steel cooker has a lot of utility.
The stainless steel pot is actually a casserole that also functions as a cookware piece. Its oven-safe up to 500°F and features a tri-ply construction with an aluminum core.
To use it as a slow cooker, simply place the stainless steel insert into the slow cooking base, plug in the base, select the desired heat setting, and youre good to go.
This 360 can function as waterless cookware. Essentially, the lid creates a vapor seal that allows you to heat your food from every angle. Foods cook in their own natural juices. If youre cooking something dry, like pasta, you will want to rinse it first.
Customers did say there is a slight learning curve to regulating temperatures. But they loved the results they got with this 360 slow cooker.
One of their favorite ways to use this pan was to sauté meat and vegetables on the stovetop, deglaze the pan, then finish the food by slow cooking it. And cleanup? Easy. This cooker is dishwasher-safe.
One complaint they had was that there is no off switch or indicator light. To make sure it was off, most people just unplugged it. Not a deal-breaker, but definitely problematic.
These 360 stainless steel slow cookers are proudly made in the U.S. But youll pay significantly more for the material and American manufacturing.
Pros
Also Check: How To Cook Chicken Instant Pot
Should I Get The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid
The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is sold separately and is compatible with 6-quart Instant models that dont already have air-frying capability . The Air Fryer Lid comes with a fry basket and other accessories and allows you to air-fry straight from your pressure cooker. In addition to air-frying, the Air Fryer Lid adds broiling, baking, roasting, reheating, and dehydrating functionality to compatible machines.
Instant Pot Pro Plus Smart
The defining feature of the new Instant Pot Pro Plus Smart is that you can pair it with your iPhone or Android to automatically engage the cooking functions from more than 800 smart recipes on the Instant Brands Connect app. This doesnt mean you can press Start while youre at the office and come home to your Instant Pot braising ribs , but you can control almost everything through the appincluding the steam release! The Pro Plus Smart also features a premium inner pot with easy-grab handles and comes with NutriBoost, a function that mimics the motion of boiling by moving food in the pot to enhance the flavor and texture.
Year released: 2021Built-in smart programs: Access 800+ smart recipes via the appCooking functions: Pressure-cooking, rice-cooking, slow-cooking, yogurt-making, steaming, sautéing, food-warming, sous videcooking, baking, sterilizing, and NutriBoostSizes available: 6-quart Instant Pot
Recommended Reading: How To Saute Vegetables In An Instant Pot
Instant Pot Duo Nova 7
The Instant Pot Duo Nova is available in three sizes: the 3-quart model is $69, the 6-quart model costs $89, the 8-quart model is $99, and the 10-quart model costs $221. Its widely available at online retailers and often on sale below the list price, though the 10-quart model is generally harder to find.
Overall, this model is considered the cheapest Instant Pot on the market for those on a budget or who simply need the basic requirements.
Instant Pot Duo 6 Quarts: Best Multipurpose Slow Cooker
Instant Pot Duo combines the best of pressure cookers and slow cookers in one nifty appliance. It has a capacity of 6 quarts , but there are also 3-quart and 8-quart options available .
This 7-in-1 Instant Pot functions as an electric pressure cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, rice cooker, and more. The stainless steel pots are lead-free, free of non-stick coatings, and dishwasher-safe.
There are several features to make cooking convenient. The delay timer allows you to set a later cooking time. The auto warming function keeps food warm after cooking. And the safety features can give you peace of mind, allowing you to set it and forget it.
One note, however. If you like to monitor food and cook by tasting, the Instant Pot isnt designed for that.
Users loved their Instant cookers. They could cook an infinite number of dishes with the press of a button. They loved the versatility and the ability to keep food warm after cooking.
There is a learning curve to this electric pressure cooker. Thats one of the biggest drawbacks, and some people dont want the hassle.
But there are literally thousands of reviews and recipes, so you can have all the help you need. In fact, it might be info overload!
You also might need to purchase a separate glass lid for the slow cook option. I personally havent had a problem, but some said the included lid doesnt work on the slow cooking mode.
The Instant Pot Duo is definitely the most multifunctional on my list. And its affordable, to boot.
Read Also: Instant Pot Target 6 Qt
