Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo
Instant Pot is the USA’s most popular pressure cooker brand, and it is easy to see why. All Instant Pot models are straightforwardly easy to use and offer a wide range of capabilities, replacing numerous other kitchen appliances. These multi-function pressure cookers have become indispensable for many users. Instant Pot has a wide range of different models, so it can be hard to pick out the right one for you. So let’s take a look at the Instant Pot Nova vs the Duo and see if there is much difference between the two.
Instant Pot Nova
The Instant Pot Nova is part of the Duo range, and according to the sales information, it is a new upgraded version of the Duo that will suit beginners to pressure cooking.
The Nova is available in three sizes; the mini pot – the 3 qt size, the most popular 6 qt model, and the 8 qt, the largest in the range. The 6 qt is the most popular and will suit you if you cook for up to 6 people on a regular basis.
The Nova is easy to use and very versatile, offering 7 separate cooking functions. These are; pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, food warmer, and yogurt making.
There are also 14 one-touch pressure cooking settings, meaning that you can cook a range of different types of food under pressure including, beans/stew, meat, porridge, poultry, and meat.
If you are new to pressure cooking, using the preset options makes it very simple, and of course, with Instant Pot, you have access to a vast resource of cooking tips and recipes via the Instant Pot App and website. This is the same for all Instant Pot customers, not just people who buy the Nova!
The Nova does have a simplified lid. There is an EasySeal lid that seals the Pot automatically and is easy to release with the one-touch release button.
The Nova has added safety functions too, 10 in total, and it fully complies with UL certification — an industry global standard safety certification that tests and certifies electric equipment by testing and identifying potential hazards.
Other features of the Nova include a blue LED display, a stainless steel detachable pot that is easy to remove and clean, and a sophisticated microprocessor that controls the temperature.
Customer feedback is good, rating highly on heat distribution, the locking and safety features, and versatility. There are, however, a few complaints about the durability of the Nova.
Pros
- The new locking system is good
- Increased safety features
- Attractive blue LED display board
- 83% of customers gave the Nova 5-star rating on Amazon
Cons
- More expensive than the Duo
- Not as popular
- There are some complaints that it does not work
Instant Pot Duo
The Instant Pot Duo is the best-selling model in the range, and in truth, it looks very similar to the Nova. It is available in the same size range; 3 qt, 6 qt, and 8 qt, and like the Nova offers 7 different cooking methods; pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker and warmer. It also has 14 one-touch preset pressure cooking settings so that you can cook in a variety of ways under pressure just at the press of the button.
In most ways, the Nova and the Duo are identical. Both models have 10 built-in safety features, including an overheat protection safety lock. However, the lid is not quite as easy to lock safely (the Nova has a new easy lock lid), and there does not appear to be a one-touch quick-release button.
The appearance of the Duo is also slightly different. The LED interface features red on black lettering on the LED display – it looks OK, but we prefer the blue. Otherwise, both models feature a stainless steel detachable inner pot that can be washed in the dishwasher. And of course, all Instant Pot customers have access to the customer website and App which provides thousands of recipes and some greater user tips.
Customer ratings for the Instant Pot Duo are mostly positive. There are more than 60 000 customer reviews left on Amazon alone, and the percentage of positive comments is 92%, which is slightly better than the Nova. That said, the Duo has been on the market for much longer than the Nova, so, unsurprisingly, more Instant Pot Duos have been sold.
As with the Nova, most negative feedback is due to the Instant Pot Duo developing technical issues and not working.
The Instant Pot Duo is slightly cheaper than the Nova – on average, around $20 cheaper depending on the seller.
Pros
- The most popular model in the range
- Slightly cheaper than the Nova
- Safe and easy to use
Cons
- The lid is not as easy to lock as the Nova
- The LED display does not look as stylish as the Nova
- There are some negative feedback
In conclusion
The sayings go that if something is not broken, why fix it? But we do like the upgraded Nova, and there is nothing wrong with developing a product and making it better as has happened here.
Instant Pot Nova vs Duo: They are essentially much the same; they have the same functionalities and specifications, and it seems unlikely that you will notice any difference in the results of the food. However, for a slight difference in price (around $20 extra), the Nova comes with an improved lid, and quick-release function and a smart new blue LED interface.
If you are considering buying a pressure cooker, we would certainly opt for the Nova over the Duo. Still, these small changes are certainly not worth getting rid of your Instant Pot Duo and replacing with the newer model.
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