Instant Pots have become one of the most popular kitchen appliances in recent years. With their ability to pressure cook foods up to 70% faster, while also offering other cooking functions like slow cooking, sautéing, and more, it’s easy to see why they are so loved. Two of the most popular Instant Pot models are the Duo and the Nova. But what exactly sets these two models apart?
In this comprehensive comparison guide, we will look at the key differences between the Instant Pot Duo and the Instant Pot Nova across various categories like size options, features, controls, accessories, and more. We’ll also provide pros and cons for each model to help you determine which may be the better fit for your needs. Whether you are trying to decide between the Duo and Nova for your first Instant Pot purchase, or are considering upgrading from one to the other, this guide has all the details to inform your buying decision.
Size Options
One of the first differences between the Duo and Nova is the available size options.
The Instant Pot Duo comes in 3 quart, 6 quart, and 8 quart size options. The 3 quart size is good for singles or couples who cook smaller batches. The 6 quart is the most popular size for families, while the 8 quart is ideal for larger households or meal prepping big batches.
The Instant Pot Nova is only available in a 6 quart size. So if you need a larger or smaller capacity, the Duo would be the better choice.
| Model | Available Sizes |
|---|---|
| Instant Pot Duo | 3 quart, 6 quart, 8 quart |
| Instant Pot Nova | 6 quart |
Features
The Instant Pot Duo and Nova share many of the same core functions, like pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and yogurt making. However, there are some differences when it comes to extra features:
– The Duo has 7 functions – pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté, yogurt maker and warmer.
– The Nova has 6 main functions – pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, sauté, yogurt maker and warmer. Noticeably missing is the rice cooking function.
– The Nova has an additional sterilize program, which allows you to sterilize items like baby bottles, utensils and jars. The Duo does not have this program.
– The Nova offers 48 preset cooking programs for one-touch cooking of popular dishes like ribs, chili, oatmeal and more. The Duo has no preset programs.
– Both have delay start and keep warm functions, allowing you to time when cooking starts and keeping food warm after cooking completes.
| Feature | Instant Pot Duo | Instant Pot Nova |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure Cooking | Yes | Yes |
| Slow Cooking | Yes | Yes |
| Rice Cooking | Yes | No |
| Steaming | Yes | Yes |
| Sauté | Yes | Yes |
| Yogurt Making | Yes | Yes |
| Warming | Yes | Yes |
| Sterilize | No | Yes |
| Preset Programs | No | 48 |
| Delay Start | Yes | Yes |
| Keep Warm | Yes | Yes |
So in summary, the Nova has a few extra programs like sterilize and presets, but lacks the rice cooking function found in the Duo. The Duo offers more versatility with its 7 functions, but the Nova simplifies cooking with its 48 preset programs.
Controls and Interface
The control panels and interfaces on the Duo and Nova also show some key differences:
– The Duo has a simple control panel with manual buttons for each function and +/- keys for adjusting time and pressure. The small screen displays your settings.
– The Nova has a much more advanced full color LCD touchscreen interface. All cooking program selections are made by touching the screen. The screen also displays timers, pressure indicators and more.
– The Nova’s touchscreen makes one-touch cooking easier for its preset programs. But the Duo’s manual buttons give you more direct control.
– Both Instant Pots have dial knobs for sealing the lid and adjusting the pressure release valve. But the Nova adds a quick release button for fast pressure release.
| Control Feature | Instant Pot Duo | Instant Pot Nova |
|---|---|---|
| Control Panel | Manual Buttons | Touchscreen |
| Adjustment Controls | +/- Time & Pressure Buttons | Touchscreen Selection |
| Display | Small Screen | Full Color LCD |
| Preset Selection | None | Touchscreen |
| Release Valve | Dial | Dial + Quick Release Button |
The Nova’s high-tech touchscreen makes one-touch cooking very convenient. But the Duo’s classic buttons let you manually customize time and pressure settings on the fly.
Size Footprint
While both pots are the same 6 quart capacity, there are some subtle differences when it comes to their overall size and footprint on your kitchen counter:
– The Duo has a more rounded shape with dimensions of 14.25 x 14.5 x 13 inches (WxHxD).
– The Nova has a more oval shaped housing, measuring 12.5 x 14 x 12.2 inches (WxHxD).
– The Nova is about 2 inches shorter from front to back, giving it a slightly smaller footprint.
– The Nova also has a handle on the top of the lid, allowing you to lift it vertically. The Duo’s lid lifts off horizontally.
So the Nova is a little more compact and takes up less space when stored. The Duo’s traditional shape makes it a little easier to access the inner pot.
| Size/Footprint | Instant Pot Duo 6 Qt | Instant Pot Nova 6 Qt |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 14.25 x 14.5 x 13 in | 12.5 x 14 x 12.2 in |
| Shape | Rounded | Oval |
| Footprint | Larger | More Compact |
| Lid Removal | Sideways | Vertical Handle |
The Nova’s sleeker design gives it a smaller footprint that takes up less valuable real estate on your kitchen counters.
Accessories
The available accessories can also differ between the Duo and Nova models:
– The Duo comes with a condensation collector and rice measuring cup.
– The Nova comes with a stainless steel steam rack and condensation collector.
– Both are compatible with Instant Pot’s range of accessories like extra sealing rings, stainless steel inner pots, glass lids, air fryer lids, specialty cookware and more.
– But the Nova is not compatible with Instant Pot’s glass lid accessory due to differences in the lid design and handling.
| Accessories | Instant Pot Duo | Instant Pot Nova |
|---|---|---|
| Included | Rice Measuring Cup, Condensation Collector | Steam Rack, Condensation Collector |
| Optional Accessories | Sealing Rings, Inner Pots, Air Fryer Lids, Specialty Cookware, etc. | Sealing Rings, Inner Pots, Air Fryer Lids, Specialty Cookware, etc. |
| Compatibility with Glass Lid | Yes | No |
While core accessories like sealing rings work on both models, the Nova’s unique lid design limits compatibility with some extras like the glass lid.
Pressure Settings
Here is an overview of the pressure settings on the Instant Pot Duo vs Nova:
– The Duo has 3 pressure levels – Low Pressure (5.8-7.2 psi), High Pressure (10.2-11.6 psi) and Manual/Custom Pressures
– The Nova adds an extra Ultra High Pressure level of 11.6-13 psi, providing even faster cook times.
– The Duo lets you manually set custom pressures while the Nova’s pressures are pre-programmed.
– The Nova’s Ultra High setting allows you to pressure cook foods up to 40% faster compared to traditional high pressure.
| Pressure Settings | Instant Pot Duo | Instant Pot Nova |
|---|---|---|
| Low Pressure | Yes | Yes |
| High Pressure | Yes | Yes |
| Ultra High Pressure | No | Yes |
| Manual/Custom Pressures | Yes | No |
The Nova’s Ultra High setting allows for faster cook times, though the Duo provides more custom pressure flexibility.
Safety Features
Instant Pot is known for their rigorous safety testing and built-in safety features, which are consistent across both the Duo and Nova models:
– 10 proven safety mechanisms and UL safety certification
– Lid safety lock prevents opening while pressurized
– Leaky lid smart detection
– Automatic pressure and temperature monitoring
– Anti-block shield prevents food particles from blocking vent
– Overheat protection and auto shut-off
Warranty
The Instant Pot Duo and Nova come with slightly different warranties:
– The Duo has a 1 year limited warranty.
– The Nova comes with an extended 2 year limited warranty.
So the Nova offers an extra year of warranty coverage from the manufacturer.
| Warranty | Instant Pot Duo | Instant Pot Nova |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Length | 1 Year Limited | 2 Year Limited |
Prices
MRP wise, the Nova sells for $10 to $20 more than the equivalent Duo model. Here are the typical MRP prices:
– Instant Pot Duo 6 Qt – $99.95
– Instant Pot Nova 6 Qt – $119.95
However, both models can often be found on sale, especially during holidays like Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday. The Duo in particular is frequently discounted.
| Model | Typical MRP |
|---|---|
| Instant Pot Duo 6 Qt | $99.95 |
| Instant Pot Nova 6 Qt | $119.95 |
So while the Nova retails for a bit more, smart shopping can help you find either model at a discount.
Conclusion
The Instant Pot Duo and the Instant Pot Nova share many similarities, but have some key differences when it comes to size options, features, controls, accessories, pressure settings, and more.
Here is a quick summary of the key pros and cons of each model:
Instant Pot Duo Pros:
- Comes in more size options – 3qt, 6qt, 8qt
- Has rice cooking function
- Lets you set custom manual pressures
- Compatible with more accessories like glass lid
- Frequently on sale for lower prices
Instant Pot Duo Cons:
- No ultra high pressure setting
- Less presets for one-touch cooking
- Smaller screen with manual buttons
- 1 year limited warranty
Instant Pot Nova Pros:
- Ultra high pressure provides fastest cooking
- Large touchscreen with 48 presets
- More compact shape with smaller footprint
- Comes with steam rack
- 2 year limited warranty
Instant Pot Nova Cons:
- Only available in 6 quart size
- No rice cooking function
- Not compatible with some accessories like glass lid
- Typically more expensive
Overall, the Duo offers more flexibility and customization for advanced users, while the Nova provides ultra-convenience with its presets and touchscreen. The Nova is the better choice for simpler one-touch cooking, while the Duo is preferred for manual control and rice cooking ability. Both are quality multi-cookers, so your needs will determine if the Duo or Nova is the better fit for your kitchen!