Its function is to prevent small food particles from getting into the pressure release valve. The medium-sized 6-quart Instant Pot can feed six people at a time. It’s also the most widely-used size, so many Instant Pot recipes are written with this one in mind. Both Instant Pot Duo and Duo Nova are available in three convenient sizes (3-, 6-, 8-quart). But the newer version boasts one extra option (10-quart) to help you accommodate a wider variety of cooking styles.
The condensation collector catches any moisture that builds up on the rim. This usually comes from moisture dripping from inside the lid into the rim of the Instant Pot base, when the lid is propped open. You need to clean the anti-block shield periodically, especially after you’ve cooked frothy or starchy foods.
Meals can be prepared in a matter of minutes – all there is to do is chop up your ingredients and select the cooking process that you want to use. Once you know what you’re doing, Instant Pots are an absolute dream, but understanding the different modes and experimenting with recipes can take some time. To make your life easier, we’d recommend starting out by using recipes shared online by other moosoo air fryer Instant Pot users. Although the price difference between the Instant Pot Duo and the Duo Nova isn’t huge, it’s still worth remembering that the Duo is going to be the cheaper option. The Instant Pot Duo is packed with functionality to make your cooking sessions as straightforward as possible. The device has 13 customizable modes built-in, which can be set up to make a huge variety of dishes.
I am the creator, photographer, and author of recipes and tips at Paint the Kitchen Red. I live in the glorious west in Salt Lake City, Utah with my family. I love all the amazing features of the Instant Pot Duo Nova, but there are a few things I really find great not only for me, but for anyone else looking for an Instant Pot.
In this case, you may need to manually adjust the cooking time to your preferred setting. There is also a Manual module, but I only recommend it for more experienced users. In Manual mode, you get to select your own moosoo air fryer settings (like manual pressure setting), but if you don’t know how the pot works, there’s the risk of the food coming out over- or under-cooked. You may encounter Instant Pot recipes that tell you to press Start.
They’re true multi-cookers that can be used to braise, sauté, steam, and so much more. But all Instant Pots are not created equal—er, not every model can perform every function, and they’re billed accordingly (7-in-1, 9-in-1, etc.). All Instant Pots can pressure-cook, slow-cook, sauté, and keep warm.
Sure, you can find some models that sell for less, but those models generally lack a saute function and thus, sacrifice quite a bit of the convenience that makes pressure cookers so attractive. The Crock-Pot competitor-turned-cult classic has been a staple in foodie kitchens since 2018(opens in a new tab). The collection of three or four models has grown into an army of pressure cookers, toaster ovens, air fryers, blenders, and coffee makers. Google autofills “Instant Pot” over “slow cooker” after typing in “potato soup.” When you consider the time, effort, and counter space that these powerhouses save, it makes total sense. Instant Pots are beloved because of their ability to cook foods quickly using pressure. But they’re also wildly popular in part because of their versatility.
There’s not much else that differentiates this model from the Duo. After all, the best pressure cooker for you is the one that’s most conducive to your lifestyle and budget. Overall, there’s no significant difference between these two models in instant vortex terms of functions and cooking presets. The newer version does not cook faster or more efficiently than its older counterparts. Choosing the right Instant Pot size depends on the demands of your household and the size of your intended meals.