Instant Pot designs each of its electric pressure cookers to be convenient, safe, and dependable. In August 2019 they released a new model, the Duo Nova. Each Instant Pot model has some variations that might make you want to choose one over another. Let’s take at the Instant Pot Duo vs Duo Nova side by side.
What is the Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker?
One quick introduction to help you get started if you’re wondering what this is all about.
An Instant Pot® is a smart multi-use Electric Pressure Cooker designed to be convenient, dependable and most importantly safe. Pressure-cooking helps you prepare your meals faster. It’s an energy-efficient kitchen appliance.
There are multiple models available for you to choose from, with two new models released in 2019.
Specifically you may be considering the Instant Pot Duo vs Duo Nova and trying to figure out which one is better. Or maybe how they’re different if you already own a Duo.
And one more note: this post contains affiliate links. This means I may receive a small commission if you buy through my link. You won’t pay any more if you use this link.
The appliances combined in the Instant Pot Duo vs Duo Nova
Each Instant Pot combines multiple kitchen appliances into one, saving you counter and storage space. And of course money by having one appliance to cover multiple cooking methods.
Let’s take a look at the appliances combined in the Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo:
| Instant Pot Duo | Instant Pot Duo Nova | |
| Number of Appliances Combined | 7 | 7 |
| Pressure Cooker | Yes | Yes |
| Slow Cooker | Yes | Yes |
| Rice Cooker | Yes | Yes |
| Steam | Yes | Yes |
| Sauté/Searing | Yes | Yes |
| Yogurt Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Warmer | Yes | Yes |
The new Duo Nova combines the same appliances into one Instant Pot compared to the Duo.
Smart Programs available in the Instant Pot Duo vs Duo Nova
Instant Pot created smart programs to help the home chef be able to cook with the press of a button. The smart programs, created based on extensive testing, control heat intensity, temperature, pressure, and duration.
Aside from each Instant Pot series having different smart programs, not all of the sizes within a model will have all of the smart programs included. For example, the mini 3 quart models usually have a few fewer programs than its larger 6- and 8-quart siblings have.
| Instant Pot Duo | Instant Pot Duo Nova | |
| Number of Smart Programs | 14 | 13 |
| Soup/Broth | Yes | Yes |
| Meat/Stew | Yes | Yes |
| Bean/Chili | Yes | Yes |
| Sauté | Yes | Yes |
| Rice | Yes | Yes |
| Multigrain | Yes* | Yes* |
| Poultry | Yes* | Yes* |
| Porridge | Yes | Yes |
| Yogurt | Yes | Yes |
| Pressure Cook | Yes | Yes |
| Steam | Yes | Yes |
| Pasteurize** | Yes | Yes |
| Keep Warm | Yes | Yes |
| Slow Cook | Yes | Yes |
* These programs (Multigrain and Poultry) may not be available in the 3-quart versions of this Instant Pot.
** The Pasteurizing program is part of the Yogurt Smart Program. When you choose “More”, it will pasteurize milk. Be sure to check the temperature of the heated milk to ensure it reaches the proper temperature.
Neither the Duo or Duo Nova has the Cake Setting or egg program in any size. Don’t worry as you can still make hard-boiled eggs using the steam setting and cakes in any of the models pressure cook setting and adjusting the time.
Looking at the model sizes side-by-side, the models larger than the 3 quart have two additional smart programs: multigrain and poultry.
Which sizes are the Instant Pot Duo vs Duo Nova available in?
Many Instant Pot models are available in the core three sizes: 3 quart, 6 quart, and 8 quart. With the release of the Duo Nova, there is now a 4th size available. The Duo Nova is also available in 10 quarts!
| Instant Pot Duo | Instant Pot Duo Nova | |
| 3 Quarts | Yes | Yes |
| 6 Quarts | Yes | Yes |
| 8 Quarts | Yes | Yes |
| 10 Quarts | Yes |
If you’re looking for a larger Instant Pot, The Duo Nova 10 quart might be an option for you.
What’s the difference between the Duo vs Duo Nova compare? What’s new with Duo Nova model?
Looking at the Smart Programs in the Duo Nova vs Duo side by side, those are pretty much the same. And as we’ve seen with all 3 quart models, they usually have a smart program or two less than the larger models.
The new Instant Duo Nova has a backlist display similar to the Duo Plus and Ultra. Also in the Duo Nova is the auto sealing lid as an added safety feature.
How many times have you forgotten to flip the sealing knob to the wrong position on the other Instant Pot models? I love the auto sealing lid on the Ultra so I’m excited to see it here.
Compared to the Duo, this new model comes with two sealing rings, a steam rack, and a measuring cup.
When looking at the models side by side for each size, from a price perspective they’re generally similar. Keep an eye out for flash sales and deals as you may be able to save money on your purchase.
Ultimately, I think the largest (literally) difference between the two is the Duo Nova is the first Instant Pot model I’ve seen available at 10 quarts. If your cooking larger meals or frequently batch cooking, you may want to take a closer look at this model. It’s easy to miss online because it’s currently limited separately on Amazon from the other Duo Novas
One other thing I should notice after looking around online, you may need to contact Instant Pot for additional accessories including inner liners and sealing rings.
As of my last check, I’m not seeing them yet on the Instant Pot Store or Amazon. Given it’s a relatively new size that was recently released, I’m sure these will follow. In the meantime, try contacting Instant Pot directly for questions.
What are your thoughts on the New Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo?
Whenever you buy a new Instant Pot you need to decide which features and size make the most sense for your needs. If you already have a Duo, there are a few interesting features in the new Duo Nova that might make an upgrade attractive. I don’t know about you, but I am finding the need for more than one Instant Pot in my kitchen.
What about you? What are you looking for in an Instant Pot Duo vs Duo Nova? Are you trying to decide which one to buy?
Learn more about the Instant Pot Models
- Comparing the Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Plus
- Comparing the Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Lux
- Comparing the Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Ultra
- Comparing the Instant Pot Duo vs Lux
- Comparing the Instant Pot Ultra vs Duo
Pin for later
Is the Pasteurize feature available on the 6qt Duo Nova? And is it an important feature?
Hey Armand. Great question. I’m not seeing Pasteurize on the smart program list over at the Instant Pot site for the Duo Nova. I haven’t used the feature myself, but depending on the type of cooking you’re planning to do, the feature may be important to you or not. For example if you want to pasteurize raw milk that might be an interesting feature to have. But as with most things, there’s usually a workaround to accomplish the same task even if a smart program is not included.