Instant Pots are electric pressure cookers designed to be convenient, safe, and dependable. In August 2019 the company released a new Instant Pot series, the Duo Nova. Each Instant Pot model has variations that can make it difficult to choose between them. To help you decide, here’s a quick rundown of the key difference between the two models and a side by side review of the Instant Pot Nova Duo vs 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.
A quick overview of the Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker
If you heard about the chatter and wondering what an Instant Pot is, let’s start with a quick introduction.
Instant Pots are smart multi-use electric pressure cookers designed to be dependable, convenient, and most importantly safe kitchen appliances. You prepare your meals faster while using less energy. Not only are you saving counter space, but you’re also spending less money on electricity too.
And in the summer, you don’t have to worry about adding more heat to your already hot kitchen.
Typically Instant Pot releases one or two new models each year. In 2019 the company added several new models including the Duo Nova.
If you are shopping for your first or you want to add another one to your kitchen, a side-by-side comparison of the Instant Pot Duo vs Duo Nova will help you figure out which one is better for you
What are the differences between the Instant Pot Duo and Duo Nova?
Overall the two Instant Pot models are very similar from the smart programs to the price.
The smart programs in the Duo Nova vs Duo side by side are pretty much the same. And as you’ll notice with the other 3 quart models, it has a few fewer smart programs compared to the larger models.
From a price perspective, the cost of each model is generally similar when you look size by size. Be sure to keep an eye out for flash sales and deals to save money on your purchase.
To help you decide between these models, let’s highlight the differences.
Each model has a different display
These two models have different displays on their front panels. The new Instant Duo Nova has a backlit display similar to the Duo Plus and Ultra. The Duo has the classic LCD display you’re familiar with from the Lux.
One has a manual sealing knob and the other is auto sealing
The new Duo Nova has an auto sealing lid as an added safety feature that’s available on the Ultra. Have you ever forgotten to flip the sealing knob to the closed position when starting to cook? The auto sealing lid is a great feature because it makes it harder to forget to seal in the pressure when you start cooking.
The Duo has the manual sealing knob. While the auto sealing knob is great for starting to cook, it’s easier to do a controlled manual release with a Duo as you can tap to release pressure in smaller bursts. The auto sealing lid as a button to release pressure.
With both lids, a controlled manual pressure release takes some practice to get right without covering your ceiling in steam.
The accessories included changed with the Duo Nova
If you’ve purchased previous Instant Pot models, you’re probably used to receiving one sealing ring, a steam rack, a measuring cup, and a few stirring spoons.
The new model comes with two sealing rings, a steam rack, and a measuring cup.
If you’re new to Instant Pots, extra sealing rings are a must-have accessory and the newer models are starting to include two sealing rings instead of one.
The Duo Nova has an additional size option available
The biggest difference between the Duo Nova and Duo (literally) is the Duo Nova is the first Instant Pot model to be offered in a 10 quart option. If your cooking for larger groups of people or frequently batch cooking for meal prep, take a closer look at this model.
Get more information on the 10 Quart Duo Nova
If you decide to buy the largest Instant Pot model, check with the company for additional accessories as inner liners and sealing rings as they’re not something currently available on Amazon or even the Instant Pot store directly. I’m sure these will follow at some point. In the meantime, try contacting Instant Pot directly for questions.
Side by Side comparison of the Instant Pot Duo vs Duo Nova
To help you go deeper in your research into the Duo Nova and Duo, here is a side by side comparison of the two models. Included are the appliances combined in each model, smart programs, and size options
The kitchen appliances combined each model
Each Instant Pot combines multiple kitchen appliances into one, saving you counter and storage space. You also save money by being able to use one appliance for multiple cooking methods.
When looking at the Duo Nova vs Duo, overall both Instant Pot models combine the same seven kitchen appliances. Both Instant Pot can take the place of a:
- Pressure Cooker
- Slow Cooker
- Rice Cooker
- Steamer
- Saute/Searing Pan
- Yogurt Maker
- Warmer
Here is a view of the appliance side-by-side for the Instant Pot Duo Nova and 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 |
| Steamer | Yes | Yes |
| Sauté/Searing | Yes | Yes |
| Yogurt Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Warmer | Yes | Yes |
Smart programs and functions compared side by side
Instant Pots include smart programs to help you cook your meals at the push of a button. Each smart program controls heat intensity, temperature, pressure, and cooking duration. The company designed each program based on extensive testing to help you create amazing results.
It’s also important to note when you’re comparing the smart programs included in each Instant Pot series is that not all of the sizes within the series will have all of the same functions. If you’re considering a mini 3 quart model, those usually have a program or two less than its larger 6- and 8-quart siblings.
| 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 |
* The Multigrain and Poultry smart programs not not currently available in either of these 3-quart Instant Pots.
** 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.
If you’re looking for the Cake Setting or egg program, neither of these models at any size have these features. Don’t worry as you can still make hard-boiled eggs using the steam button and cakes using the pressure cook button. All you need to do is adjust the time based on the recipe you’re following.
The sizes available for Instant Pot Duo and Duo Nova
The primary Instant Pot sizes are: 3 quart, 6 quart, and 8 quart. Most of the core series have in each of the three options.
If you’ve been interested in something larger than the 8 quart, the good news is the Duo Nova is now available in a 4th size. The Duo Nova is also available in 10 quarts!
That is literally the biggest difference between these two Instant Pot models as both are available in the 3 standard sizes.
| 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.
Get more information on the 10 quart Duo Nova
What other questions do you have about the differences between the Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo?
When you’re shopping for a new Instant Pot you need to decide which features and size make the most sense for your needs.
If you’re looking for an additional Instant Pot because you already have a Duo, there are a few interesting features in the new Duo Nova that make an interesting upgrade. If you spend time in the Facebook groups you’ll notice many people have found room in their kitchen for more than electric pressure cooker.
What features and functions are you considering for an Instant Pot Duo vs Duo Nova?
Compare the Duo Nova with other Instant Pot Models
And to help you in your Instant Pot research, here is the Duo Nova compared to the Duo Plus, Lux, and Ultra models.
- Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Plus side-by-side
- Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Lux side-by-side
- Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Ultra side-by-side
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.