The Instant Pot Duo Nova is one of the most popular models of electric pressure cookers. With its 7-in-1 functionality, this versatile kitchen appliance can be used as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, and food warmer. One of the key specifications of any pressure cooker is its capacity, which determines how much food it can cook at one time. For the Duo Nova, the capacity is measured in quarts. Knowing the quart capacity allows you to gauge what size recipes you can make and how many servings it will yield. In this article, we will provide a quick answer on the quart capacity of the Instant Pot Duo Nova and explore the details further.
Quick answer
The Instant Pot Duo Nova has a capacity of 6 quarts or 5.7 liters.
What is a quart?
To understand quart capacity, it helps to first review what a quart is. A quart is a unit of volume equal to one quarter of a gallon. One quart equals 57.75 cubic inches or about 946 milliliters. In cooking, a quart is commonly used to measure liquids like broths, oils, and wet ingredients. The quart is handy because it translates to about 4 cups.
When discussing the capacity of a pressure cooker, quart refers to the maximum volume of food and liquid that can be added. However, it doesn’t necessarily translate to how many cooked cups of food it yields. The food compresses down and shrinks during pressure cooking.
What is the Instant Pot Duo Nova quart capacity?
The Instant Pot Duo Nova has a 6 quart capacity. Specifically, it holds:
- 6 quarts
- 5.7 liters
- 1700 watts
The interior cooking pot has dimensions of 8.5 inches in diameter by 7.5 inches deep. With a 6 quart capacity, the Duo Nova is a good mid-sized model, designed for cooking for 3-6 people. It’s an ideal size for most families.
What can you cook in a 6 quart Instant Pot?
With 6 quarts capacity, the Duo Nova can accommodate most standard recipes. Here are some examples of dishes you can make:
Chili
You can cook a batch of chili for 4-6 servings. The liquid from the tomatoes usually prevents overflow. Use 1 1/2 to 2 pounds of meat.
Soup
The Duo Nova can make a good sized pot of soup to feed 6-8 people. Go for broth-based soups rather than creamy ones more prone to foaming up.
Stews
Hearty beef, chicken, or vegetable stews work well. Cook 1 1/2 to 2 pounds of meat or poultry.
Pasta dishes
Cook pasta casseroles or dishes like macaroni and cheese. Use about 1 pound dry pasta.
Rice dishes
The Duo Nova can cook 2 to 3 cups of dry rice or grains for main dishes, sides, rice pudding, etc.
Beans
Fit 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of dry beans to cook chili, hummus, bean soups, etc. Add plenty of liquid.
Pork
Cook a 2-3 pound pork shoulder roast or 3 to 4 pork chops.
Chicken
Cook a whole 3 1/2 to 4 pound chicken. Or cook 4 to 6 boneless chicken breasts.
Ribs
Cook up to 2 racks of baby back pork ribs or beef ribs.
Pot roast
Cook a 2 1/2 to 3 pound chuck roast with vegetables.
What are the quart sizes for Instant Pot models?
Instant Pot offers various models in different quart capacities. Here is an overview:
3 quart
The 3 quart size includes the Duo Mini and Lux Mini models. With a capacity of 3 quarts or 2.8 liters, this compact size is good for cooking 1-2 servings or side dishes.
6 quart
The 6 quart capacity includes popular models like the Duo, Duo Plus, Duo Evo Plus, Lux, Ultra, Nova Plus, and Viva. With room for 5.7 liters, the 6 quart can feed most families.
8 quart
The 8 quart models consist of the Duo, Duo Plus, Ultra, Lux, Smart WiFi, Nova Plus, and Viva. The 8 quart size can cook food for up to 8 people, with a capacity of 7.6 liters.
| Quart Size | Instant Pot Models |
|---|---|
| 3 quart | Duo Mini, Lux Mini |
| 6 quart | Duo, Duo Plus, Duo Evo Plus, Lux, Ultra, Nova Plus, Viva |
| 8 quart | Duo, Duo Plus, Ultra, Lux, Smart WiFi, Nova Plus, Viva |
Other sizes
There are a few other capacities available including a 5 quart Duo Crisp and 10 quart Max. The majority of models though come in 3, 6, or 8 quarts.
Tips for cooking in a 6 quart Instant Pot
Here are some tips for success when cooking in the 6 quart Duo Nova:
- For dishes like rice, beans, or chili, don’t fill over 2/3 full for room to expand.
- Allow space at the top for foaming or bubbling when cooking foods prone to that like pasta, oatmeal or creamy soups.
- Cut large pieces of meat to maximize capacity.
- Adjust cooking time when adapting larger recipes to fit the 6 quart size.
- Use a cooking rack or steamer basket if cooking stacked foods.
- Add extra liquid to dishes containing little natural liquid.
Conclusion
The Instant Pot Duo Nova has a 6 quart capacity, which equates to about 5.7 liters or 6 standard quarts. This versatile mid-sized model can accommodate recipes to feed most families of 4-6 people. With proper planning and cooking technique, the 6 quart Duo Nova can be used to prepare a wide variety of everyday dishes. Understanding the quart capacity helps you adapt recipes and get the most out of your Instant Pot.