Today’s pressure cookers use a sealing system that keeps contents safely inside, then release steam gradually. They’re so easy to operate, even a novice can handle them safely. Even though the Instant Pot Duo doesn’t come in the larger 10 qt size like the Duo Nova, there are still 3 different sizes to choose from. This is particularly great when compared to instant pot pressure cookers from other brands, which often take a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Before we get into our comparison, it’s probably best to take a look at what Instant Pot actually is. Although the term “instant pot” is often used in place of products such as “slow cooker” or “pressure cooker”, Instant Pot is also the name of one of the most popular worktop cooker brands.
It also cooks a little faster than older models of Instant Pot, like the Duo, so be aware that you may need to adjust your recipes accordingly. The Ultra setting gives you the ability to have more control over what you’re cooking. The Instant Pot Duo is the most popular, best-selling Instant Pot of all time. It’s a step up from the base model Lux because it cooks at High and Low Pressure. Instant Pot accessories will also be easier to find in a 6-quart or 8-quart size.
Instead, once you program the Instant Pot, it automatically starts after a few seconds. Some other models such as Ultra, Duo Evo Plus, and Max require you instant pot duo nova to press Start after programming the Instant Pot. If you’ve had experiences, like I, with stovetop pressure cooker mishaps in the past, fear no more.
Still, it’s important to mention that none of these two Instant Pot models have a sous vide function nor can they make air fries (usually an air fryer function). If sous vide is important for you, it’s best to choose an Instant Pot Duo Plus or an Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus. It’s pretty simple to figure out the settings and get cooking shortly after removing it from the box and the preset programs are a good starting point for common foods and meals. There’s no recipe book or cooking charts included though, so you’ll have to head to the website or app for these.
The brand’s 11-in-1 pressure cooker and air fryer which normally sells for $199.99 has been slashed to just $129.99, while the Instant Vortex Plus air fryer is 35 percent off. Instant produces both oven and basket-style air fryers, and has two primary air-fryer lines—the Instant Vortex and the Instant Omni. In fact, the Instant Vortex Plus 4-quart model usurped the Ninja AF101 as the best budget pick in our best air-fryer testing. We specifically liked the Vortex’s basket shape, as well as its reminders for preheating and flipping.