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Ninja and Instant Pot are two innovative brands at the top of their game. Here we compare two of their newest pressure cooker models: Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL vs Instant Pot Duo Nova. They’re both at very different price points, yet you can expect a strong showing from both brands. Our Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL review found that this model is made for those who expect the best power and versatility, while our Instant Pot Duo Nova review found that this is a good all-arounder at a comfortable price.
Read on to see which is the best. Speaking of Ninja vs Instant Pot, we’ve covered these brands in detail in our article Best Instant Pot: Ninja vs Instant Pot vs Crock-Pot.
Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL vs Instant Pot Duo Nova Highlights
Pressure Cookers |   |   |
Appliances | More overall, includes air fryer and dehydrator | Replaces 7 appliances, includes rice cooker |
Control Panel | Simplified and easy | Includes Smart Programs |
Sizes | 5qt, 6.5qt, 8qt | 3qt, 6qt, 8qt, 10qt |
Major Focus | Crispy food | Smart Programs and easy cooking |
Appliances
Both of these electric pressure cookers replace multiple appliances. This makes them highly versatile in the kitchen. Their main function, pressure cooking, allows you to finish meals 70% faster with that cooked-all-day flavor. Here’s how the two compare in terms of appliances:
Appliance | Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL | Instant Pot Duo Nova |
Pressure Cooker | Yes | Yes |
Slow Cooker | Yes | Yes |
Rice Cooker | No | Yes |
Steamer | Yes | Yes |
Broiler | Yes | No |
Saute Pan | Yes | Yes |
Yogurt Maker | Yes | Yes |
Food Warmer | Yes | Yes |
Air Fryer | Yes | No |
Dehydrator | Yes | No |
It’s very close, but the Ninja Deluxe XL wins by including a broiler, air fryer, and dehydrator. Speaking of air fryers, we covered the best models with our recent article: Best Air Fryer: NuWave vs Cosori vs Ninja. While there are some Instant Pots with air frying action, it’s not a feature they’re known for. You also get the Ninja TenderCrisp lid for crispy chicken, veggies, and anything else.
Ninja wins when it comes to crispiness, but the Duo Nova isn’t far behind when it comes to overall functions. Plus, at less than half the price, the Instant Pot is an attractive buy with plenty of features and lots of power.
Control Panel
If this were two Instant Pots against each other, then this is when we would compare Smart Programs. Every Instant Pot, from the most affordable to the most expensive, has a microprocessor that adjusts time and temp for perfect meals. Unfortunately, Ninja Foodi doesn’t include this feature.
However, that’s not to say that the Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL can’t cook many different meals and foods. Ninja decided to go with a more simplified control panel.
Instant Pot Duo Nova makes it easier to choose exactly what type of meal you want, and that makes it much easier for any home chef to create the meal of their dreams. At the same time, The Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL comes with a recipe book that tells you the exact time and temp for anything you can think of.
It’s all a matter of putting in the right settings. Instant Pot gets the win here, but Ninja Foodi isn’t that far behind.
Duo Nova Vs Foodi Deluxe XL Sizes
What is the best pressure cooker size? That all depends on how many people you’re cooking for. In general, a 3qt pressure cooker is good if you’re cooking for yourself and someone else, 5-6qt pressure cookers are good for smaller families, 8qt pressure cookers are good for larger families, and 10qt pressure cookers are best for large families or hosting dinner events at home.
They are available in the following sizes:
Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL Sizes
- 5 Quarts
- 6.5 Quarts (with or without dehydrator)
- 8 Quarts (with or without dehydrator)
Instant Pot Duo Nova Sizes
- 3 Quarts
- 6 Quarts
- 8 Quarts
- 10 Quarts
The most popular size in general would be 6 quart pressure cookers and you can get that with their Ninja or Instant Pot. I like how Instant Pot spread out their sizes. You can find a model regardless of whether you’re buying for yourself, a family, or for hosting (with the 10 quart Duo Nova).
The Ninja Deluxe XL pressure cooker offers many sizes as well, but they’re all geared towards families. The 5 quart size is good for a hungry couple or small family while the other two sizes are good for medium to large families.
However, you should have no problem finding a size that works for you with either model.
Accessories
What do you get with the pressure cooker? Let’s compare the Instant Pot Duo Nova accessories vs Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL accessories to see which gives you the most. While accessories aren’t always needed, it’s better to get more than less.
Here’s what they offer:
Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL Accessories
- Cook & Crisp Basket
- Deluxe Reversible Rack
Instant Pot Duo Nova Accessories
- Steam Rack with Handles
- Two Sealing Rings
While neither give you a ton of accessories, it’s hard to say which is better. The Foodi improves the crispiness of your meals with the Cook & Crisp Basket while the Instant Pot makes it easier to steam and seal the pressure cooker.
Since I love crispy food (who doesn’t?), I’ll give the win to the Foodi, but this is pretty close.
Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL vs Instant Pot Duo Nova Major Differences
We’ve gone through many different aspects, features, sizes, and so on. So, what are the major differences between these two electric pressure cookers? This is very apples and oranges because they serve different purposes.
When it comes to Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL vs Instant Pot Duo Nova, Ninja Foodi prioritizes crispiness. They have TenderCrisp technology along with the Cook & Crisp Basket and an air frying feature. This allows you to make any food crispy. It also has a simplified interface and lots of power. It also replaces a few more appliances than the Duo Nova (notably the air fryer and dehydrator).
In terms of Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL, the Duo Nova has Smart Programs for perfect meals, more sizes (notably the 3-quart and 10-quart), and it’s at a more budget-friendly price point. Other Instant Pots have this feature as well. You can read more about it with our Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo article.
If crispiness and power are what you’re looking for, then the XL Foodi Deluxe is right for you. Our Foodi Deluxe XL review found the food to be extremely crispy whether it’s fried, baked, or anything else. However, our Instant Pot Duo Nova review found the Smart Programs to be a wonderful feature for making perfect meals when it comes to veggies, rice, chicken, and more.
Final Thoughts
These are two spectacular pressure cookers that each serve very different purposes. If you love crispy food, then I highly suggest the Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL. Not only does it make food crunchy and crispy, but it’s got many wonderful features and replaces numerous appliances.
If you want a smaller or larger pressure cooker and love the idea of it cooking for you by adjusting the time and temp, then the Instant Pot Duo Nova is a better pressure cooker. Not only that, but it’s more affordable and a little easier to use.
However, both are great and it really depends on what you’re looking for. Let me know which one you pick!