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What’s the difference between Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus? The Duo Nova is the best for beginners while Duo Evo Plus is Instant Pot’s most innovative and feature-rich pressure cooker. Which is best? While that largely depends on what you’re looking for, let’s break it down and see if the newer Duo Nova 6qt or other size is right for you, or if you need the laundry list of features found with the Duo Evo Plus.
Instant Pot Duo Nova | Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus |
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What is the Instant Pot Electric Multicooker?
Instant Pot creates a whole range of pressure cookers and multicookers, but what are these exactly? If you’ve already used a pressure cooker before, then feel free to skip down to the Instant Pot review. If not, then let’s take a second to talk about what these are.
Every model here combines multiple kitchen appliances into one handy unit. Some have more appliances than others (be sure to read on to see which has the most here). The main feature is pressure cooking and this delivers cooked-all-day flavors in 70% less time than oven cooking. Many also slow cook, roast, make yogurt, and much more. You can easily make a whole range of pressure cooker recipes from rice and cake to ribs and whole chicken.
While Instant Pot tops the charts as the best reviewed pressure cookers, there are other brands as well. We even covered some of the best with our Best Pressure Cooker: Instant Pot vs Ninja Foodi vs Crock-Pot review, but time and again people love Instant Pot.
Some of you might have your own pressure cooker already and want to know if it’s time for an upgrade. Others might be curious about entering this field for the first time and seeing if it’s worth it.
Keep reading and you’ll see which is best here.
Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus: Appliances
Every Instant Pot electric pressure cooker combines multiple appliances together. Not only does this save you counter space (no reason to store seven or more appliances), but it’s convenient to use a single appliance. Just push the right button and you’re ready to go.
Let’s start by comparing Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus and seeing what each one offers.
Appliance | Duo Nova | Duo Evo Plus |
Pressure Cooker | Yes | Yes |
Steamer | Yes | Yes |
Rice Cooker | Yes | Yes |
Slow Cooker | Yes | Yes |
Warmer | Yes | Yes |
Yogurt Maker | Yes | Yes |
Saute/Searing | Yes | Yes |
Sous Vide | No | Yes |
Bake | No | Yes |
Not a massive difference, but you can see that the Duo Evo Plus pulls ahead with two extra functions.
Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus vs Duo Nova: Smart Programs
Here’s where things take a huge turn. Instant Pot’s smart programs are amazing. This uses a microprocessor planted in the pressure cooker and it changes time and temp as needed for perfect food. This means you can expect amazing rice, beans, soups, meats, and more as long as you’re using the right smart program.
The Duo Nova is nothing to sneeze at. It has over a dozen programs and covers most of the major meals you’ll be making. However, be aware that the Duo Nova 3qt model has fewer programs than the Duo Nova 6qt, Duo Nova 8qt, or Duo Nova 10qt.
However, there’s no contest here because the Duo Evo Plus has 48 smart programs. About four times as many as the Duo Nova. Also, it doesn’t matter if you’re getting the Duo Evo Plus 6qt or Duo Evo Plus 8qt, both are the same in this regard.
Usually I would list all the programs, but do you really want to see all 48? If you do, it’d be better to check out the product listing.
Just know that while the Duo Nova can cook most recipes, the Duo Evo Plus can cook nearly every recipe you can think of.
As a side note, smart programs are great, but you can cook manually as well. With the right time and temp settings you can make anything. You don’t need smart programs, but they are helpful.
Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus: Sizes
Duo Evo Plus was the decided winner when it comes to preset cooking programs, but what about sizes? Duo Nova counters the Duo Evo Plus with twice as many sizes, which makes it the best pressure cooker for large families or individuals.
The Duo Evo Plus pressure cooker comes in two sizes: 6 quart and 8 quart. However, the Duo Nova comes in four sizes: 3 quart, 6 quart, 8 quart, and 10 quart. Not only that, but the Duo Nova is currently the only 10qt pressure cooker in the Instant Pot lineup.
If you were interested in a small or large model, then Duo Nova has you covered.
But, let’s be fair. Our Instant Pot review noted that the most popular sizes are the 6 and 8 quart models. If you were looking for a standard size, then these are tied in this respect.
What’s the Difference Between the Duo Nova and Duo Evo Plus?
We recently did a comparison of Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo. Both of these models were nearly the same with some small differences here and there. We also compared Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Plus. These two models are completely different.
- Duo Nova vs Duo
- Duo Nova vs Lux
- Duo Nova vs Ultra
- Duo Nova Vs Duo Plus
- Duo Nova vs Duo Mini
- Duo Nova vs Duo Crisp
- Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus
Instant Pot themselves dubs the Duo Nova as ideal for beginners and the Duo Evo Plus as their most innovative model. Those titles ring true.
The Duo Nova has lots of features, don’t get us wrong, but it’s best for newcomers and those who want an affordable pressure cooker with all the major appliances and preset programs. While it’s unique when it comes to both small and large sizes, that’s the only advantage it has compared to the Duo Evo Plus (and being more affordable, but you probably expected that).
However, the Duo Evo Plus wins in every other category. It has two more appliances and about three dozen more smart programs. Plus, it has a bright blue LCD screen that looks amazing.
Aside from that, these two have very similar features. They both have the easy-seal lid and this prevents steam from escaping while pressure cooking. They also both have an easy-release valve so you don’t burn yourself. Both also come with an extra sealing ring.
How about accessories? They’re tied there, too. Both come with the two sealing rings, a steamer basket, and the stainless steel cooking pot. The only difference is that the Duo Evo Plus has handles on its cooking pot while the Duo Nova doesn’t.
Final Thoughts
Both of these pressure cookers are great, so it comes down to what you need. If you want the most feature-rich pressure cooker on the market with 48 preset cooking programs, 9 appliances, and lots of safety features, then the Duo Evo Plus is for you.
However, if you want a reasonably priced pressure cooker with good features and flexible sizing, then the Duo Nova is right for you.
It largely becomes a matter of price against features. If you don’t mind paying a little more (and it honestly isn’t that much), then go for the Duo Evo Plus. If you don’t mind skipping some bells and whistles to save a few bucks, then the Duo Nova is a great choice.