5 Reasons You Need the Instant Pot Duo Nova

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Looking for Instant Pot Duo Nova reviews to see if this electric pressure cooker lives up to the hype? Instant Pot is the de facto pressure cooker brand because their units are powerful, versatile, and overall wonderful. But, does the newest Duo Nova deserve a place in your kitchen? Here’s five reasons you need the Duo Nova. We just compared it against another heavy hitter. Read about it here: Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL vs Instant Pot Duo Nova.

However, if you’re not convinced, then scroll all the way down and we’ll cover some other pressure cookers that might be better under certain circumstances.

Instant Pot Duo Nova

Reason 1: More Sizes

You can easily find an Instant Pot 6qt model. Almost all of their models come in 3 quart, 6 quart, and 8 quart sizes. Most people will be perfectly fine with one of these three sizes, but what is 8 quart isn’t enough? What if you have a big family or need a pressure cooker for large parties?

Then let’s talk about the Duo Nova. This is the first one to introduce a 10 quart size. This behemoth will cook almost unlimited amounts of food and it will do it quickly. If you need something huge, then the Duo Nova is exactly what you’re looking for. Other brands feature large pressure cookers as well. You can check them out in our head to head Instant Pot vs Ninja Foodi vs Crock-Pot article.

Reason 2: Seven Appliances in One

Here’s something typical of Instant Pot. If you already have one, then this may not sway you. However, this is a great reason to get the Duo Nova (or any other electric pressure cooker) if this is your first time buying one.

Our Instant Pot Duo Nova reviews found that this model packs seven different appliances in one. Of course it’s a pressure cooker, it’s also a rice cooker, slow cooker, saute pan, steamer, yogurt maker, and food warmer. Talk about versatility!

Reason 3: EasySeal Lid

Also called a Smart Lid or autoseal lid, this is a feature only found on newer and premium Instant pots. You must ensure the lid is properly sealed before pressure cooking, otherwise the hot steam can come out and cause burns along with improper cooking (now you tell me, which is really worse there?).

The EasySeal Lid makes this a problem of the past. The lid will automatically seal before cooking begins. Whether this is your first pressure cooker or you always forgot to do this with your other models, this lid will be your new favorite feature.

Speaking of easy, it also has an easy steam release that’s also perfect for pressure cooking. You’ll have no problem releasing the steam and pressure when you’re all done. No more problems, no more burnt hands, just easy, delicious food.

Reason 4: Smart Programs and Bright Display

Instant Pot is known for their Smart Programs. These are programs that perfectly cook chicken, rice, stew, meat, and so much more. Here’s a whole rundown of the Instant Pot Duo Nova Smart Programs:

  • Soup/Broth
  • Bean/Chili
  • Meat/Stew
  • Rice
  • Multigrain
  • Saute
  • Poultry
  • Yogurt
  • Porridge
  • Steam
  • Pressure Cook
  • Keep Warm
  • Slow Cook
  • Pasteurize

These programs change the time and temp as needed so your food is perfect. It’s a wonderful way to cook food and the Duo Nova has lots of options. On top of that, the bright blue LCD display makes it easy to read the selections. There’s no chance you’ll accidentally hit “Porridge” when you meant “Steam.”

Another benefit of the Duo Nova is the cooking indicator. Curious how much longer it’ll take before your food is ready? The cooking indicator gives you an accurate time along with a progress bar to show you how close you are to being finished. Whether you love accurate readings or are impatient when cooking (which is perfectly fine, we all want great food), this is a fantastic feature.

Reason 5: Perfect for Beginners and Professionals

Instant Pot is made for beginners who want great food without putting in lots of work (which, in my opinion, is this brand’s strongest selling point). The best thing we discovered during this Instant Pot Duo Nova review is how simple this unit was.

Lock the lid, push a button, and wait for the food to be done. It’s really that simple. The EasySeal lid ensures the lid is closed. The easy steam release is done with the push of a button. The Smart Programs adjust the time and temp as needed.

All you need to do is load the right food and ensure you don’t fill it too high (about two-thirds of the way is generally safe). Whether this is your first time cooking or you just don’t want to put in all the time and effort to do everything yourself, the Duo Nova has you covered.

Other Models

The Instant Pot family is a large one and it’s hard to stand as the best because each specializes in a different area. While the Duo Nova is safer, more beginner-friendly, and more innovative than most other pressure cookers, there might be another model that serves you better. Speaking of which, we just completed a whole series of Instant Pot Duo Nova compared to the other models, why don’t you check it out?

Less Money

Want a nearly identical pressure cooker that’s more affordable? What about the Instant Pot Duo? The Duo Nova is an upgrade of this model, but the Duo is a wonderful model that’s more affordable with only some minor differences.

Instant Pot Duo

It lacks the EasySeal lid, easy steam release, and cooking indicator bar, but it has the same smart programs and replaces the same appliances. It also doesn’t come in the 10 quart size. We actually did a whole comparison here: Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo (Which is Better?).

More Features

The Duo Nova doesn’t have enough features for you? Maybe you’ll like the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus. This is Instant Pot’s most feature-heavy model. It replaces 10 appliances, has 48 Smart Programs, an Easy-Grip Cooking Pot, Quick Cool Lid, and an even bigger blue LCD screen.

Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus

If you need a pressure cooker with the most options, then consider the Duo Evo Plus.

Air Frying

One feature missing with the Duo Nova is air frying. This is only found with certain Instant Pot models, like the Duo Crisp. Now, you are missing out on some cooking methods since this is geared more towards air frying, baking, and dehydrating, but it’s good if you want all your food crispy.

Instant Pot Duo Crisp

It’s not as head-to-head and more apples and oranges than the other two suggested models, but it’s worth checking out the Duo Crisp if you need an air fryer, pressure cooker combo. Speaking of air fryers, we just covered the Best Air Fryer: NuWave vs Cosori vs Ninja.

Final Thoughts

The Instant Pot Duo Nova deserves a spot on your kitchen counter. If you’re looking for a simple pressure cooker with lots of features and smart programs for perfect meals every time, then the Duo Nova is for you. While there are some other models that might be better in terms of features and affordability, the Duo Nova strikes the perfect balance between ease and options. Give it a try and you’re sure to love it.