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Article by Brooke Shoupe, RN
Key Points
- This is the only 10-quart Instant Pot Pressure Cooker, but unfortunately, it is no longer being offered as a new item. The Instant Pot Duo Plus is available new with very similar features but has a smaller capacity.
- The only thing the Instant Pot Duo Nova doesn’t have that is found on the more available Duo Plus is that the newer model has the up-to-date vent release knob, which is safer.
- The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid does not work with the Duo Nova pressure cooker, but if you get the 6-quart Instant Pot Duo Plus model in a 6-quart capacity this accessory adds air fryer capabilities.
Table of Contents
- Clean and simple design
- 7-in-1 appliance
- Easy to use with 14 smart programs
- Adjustable pressure, temperature, and duration
- Delay cooking + keep warm
- Separate quick release valve/button and automatic sealing
- Long-lasting stainless steel pot
- Compatible with the air fryer accessory
- BPA-free
- Dishwasher safe lid and pot for easy cleaning
- 1-year warranty
- Requires significant space on your countertop
- Sautéing in Instapot is a little awkward unless you have a lower counter space
The Instant Pot Duo Nova 10-quart model has been discontinued by the brand and is only available as a used product at Amazon. If you’re looking for a newer and more up-to-date multicooker, check out the Instant Pot Duo Plus. You can still get the Instant Pot Duo Nova in a 6-quart or 8-quart model, both of which have essentially the same features.
The Instant Pot Duo Nova, or the Duo Nova Pressure Cooker, Instapot Duo Nova, or simply the IP Duo Nova, was released in 2019 as an upgrade to the original Instant Pot Duo.
However, the company seems to have abandoned this model in favor of the classic ones which they have been keeping up to date with the latest features.
If you’re still interested in this product, it’s 99% identical to the current Instant Pot Duo. The seven cooking functions and the thirteen smart programs are pretty much the same.
I love my Instant Pot Duo Nova, but when I have to get an upgrade, it will be to the Instant Pot Duo. In the meantime, let’s take a look at this older model in case you find yourself with a used Duo Nova Pressure Cooker.
Here are all the size options for the Duo Nova Pressure Cooker.
| Instant Pot Name | 3 Qt Duo Nova | 6 Qt Duo Nova | 8 Qt Duo Nova | 10 Qt Duo Nova |
| Photo |  |  |  |  |
| Price Range | $ | $ | $ | $$ |
| Other names | Duo Nova Mini, Duo Nova 30 | Duo Nova 60 | Duo Nova 80 | Duo Nova 100 |
| Number of Smart Programs | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Compatible with the Air Fryer Lid | No | Yes | No | No |
| Wattage rating | 700 watts | 1000 watts | 1200 watts | 1440 watts |
| Get at Amazon → | Get at Amazon → | Get at Amazon → | Get at Amazon → |
In summary, there’s no difference between the four models other than the pot capacity. So it’s just a matter of how much cooking volume you’ll need and if you’re considering getting the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid later.
Features of the Instant Pot Duo Nova Pressure Cooker
The Instant Pot Duo Nova pressure cooker has all the great features you would expect from the brand. There are 13 preset cooking programs and many available accessories to allow you to get the most out of this easy-to-use countertop appliance.
Smart Lid
The original Instant Pot Duo had a pressure release system that often led to burns. The Smart Lid on the Instant Pot Duo Nova is similar to that of the Instant Pot Ultra. The pressure release button is located further away from the steam release valve so that it is easier to keep your hands out of the way while you are releasing steam.
10 Safety Features
All Instant Pots have numerous safety features to prevent the appliance from overheating and to prevent injury. If you make a mistake, the worst thing that can happen is that you will get an error message and will need to correct the error and reset the instant pot. These usually occur when you first start cooking and are related to not having the lid lined up properly or valves in place correctly.
It is important to read your manual for all of the safety features and concerns for operation. Any time you are dealing with steam it is important to follow safety precautions, such as opening the lid away from you and keeping your hands and face away from the steam release valve while it is releasing steam.
13 Cooking Functions
The Instant Pot Duo Nova is considered a 7-in-1 appliance, but there are actually 13 cooking functions available. It can be an electric pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, saute, yogurt maker, sterilizer, and warmer.
One of the nice things about these presets is that if you adjust the time, the Instant Pot Duo Nova will remember that time for subsequent use. This way, if you frequently cook the same things, you don’t have to set the time manually for every cook.
Here are all the built-in cooking functions of the Instapot Duo Nova.
Pressure Cook Functions
The pressure cook presets are just time settings, similar to your microwave. I use the pressure cook setting most of the time rather than the individual food presets, but all of the pressure cook presets allow for time adjustments.
Pushing the preset or pressure cook buttons more than once will toggle between less, normal, and more. These are just different preset times based on the amount or type of food you are cooking.
The presets for the pressure cook functions are:
| Preset | Less | Normal | More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soup/Broth | 20 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 hours |
| Meat/Stew | 20 minutes | 35 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Bean/Chili | 25 minutes | 30 minutes | 40 minutes |
| Poultry | 25 minutes | 30 minutes | 40 minutes |
| Rice | 8 minutes | 12 minutes | 15 minutes |
| Multigrain | 20 minutes | 40 minutes | 1 hour (with 45 minute soak time) |
| Porridge/Oatmeal | 5 minutes | 20 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Steam | 3 minutes | 10 minutes | 15 minutes |
| Pressure Cook | 20 minutes | 35 minutes | 45 minutes |
It is important to note that the poultry button’s preset times are loosely based on how long it should take to cook chicken on average. It doesn’t differentiate between pieces or a whole chicken. I find it easiest to use the pressure cook function and set the time manually based on the recipe.
Slow Cook
The Slow Cook button turns your instant pot into a slow cooker. Like the pressure cook presets, you can toggle between less, normal, and more. In this case, these correlate to the low, medium, and high settings on a slow cooker.
Saute
Use the saute feature to brown meat, pan-sear meat, or saute ingredients for sauce and other recipes before pressure cooking. The saute feature also toggles between less, normal, and more.
For this feature, “less” is for simmering, thickening sauces, or reducing liquids. “Normal” is for pan-searing or sauteing ingredients for sauces. “More” is for stir-frying and browning meat.
Yogurt
The yogurt setting allows you to pasteurize milk and make your own yogurt. Toggling between less, normal, and more allows you to do different things, but these time settings cannot be changed like the others.
Less is for lower-temperature fermentation, which is called for in some yogurt recipes. The more setting is for pasteurizing milk, and the normal setting is where you want it to be when you are fementing after adding the culture to the milk. It is important to bring the milk to a boil with the more setting before lowering to the normal setting for fermenting.
Keep Warm
The keep warm setting allows you to keep food warm after it is finished cooking. You can turn this feature on before you start cooking to have it kept warm automatically, or you can start the keep warm function after cooking is complete. The function won’t turn on or off during cooking.
The nice thing about the keep warm feature is that it has a timer that counts up, letting you know how long the food has been sitting since it finished cooking. This can be important, because some foods will dry out or stick to the bottom of the inner pot if you leave them sitting for too long.
Technical Specifications
| Type | Pressure Cooker / Multi-Cooker / Slow Cooker |
| Brand/Series | Instant Pot by Instant Brands |
| Model # | Duo Nova 30/ Duo Nova Mini (3-quart), Duo Nova 60 (6-quart),Duo Nova 80 (8-quart), Duo Nova 100 (10-quart) |
| Price | $$ |
| Rating | 4.3 out of 5 |
| Pressure | 11.6 psi |
| Wattage | 700w, 1000w, 1200w, 1440w respectively |
| Functions | 7-in-1: Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Sauté Pan, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Yogurt, and Warmer |
| Pot | Stainless Steel |
| Capacity | Duo Nova Mini: 3 quarts (946 mL) Duo Nova 60: 6 quarts (5.7 L) Duo Nova 80: 8 quarts (7.6 L) Duo Nova 100: 10 quarts (9.46 L) |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| BPA Free | Yes |
| Color | Stainless Steel/Black |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 3-qt Duo Nova Mini: 11.5 x 10.2 x 11 inches (29.2 x 25.9 x 27.9 cm) 6-qt Duo Nova 60: 13.2 × 12.2 × 12.5 inches (33.5 × 31 × 31.7 cm) 8-qt Duo Nova 80: 14.8 × 13.6 × 14 inches (37.6 × 34.3 × 36.8 cm) 10-qt Duo Nova 100: 16.8 x 15.31 x 16.34 inches (42.67 x 38.89 x 41.5 cm) |
| Cord Length | 2.9 ft. (0.9 m) |
| Application | Home and Personal Use |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
| Related Products | Instant Duo, Instapot Duo Plus, Instant Pot Duo Crisp Plus Air Fryer, Instant Duo SV, Instapot Duo Evo Plus, Instant Pot IP Lux 60 |
What comes with your Instant Duo Nova pressure cooker depends on the seller and whether the accessories are included. Since they are only available used, some Duo Nova pressure cookers may come with more or fewer accessories than those that were originally found in the box.
Here are some of the accessories that may be available for your 10-quart Instant Pot Duo Nova.
Inner Pot
Model # IP-POT-SS304-60
I highly recommend getting an extra pot. It’s more convenient when making both the primary and side dishes in your pressure cooker. Instead of cleaning the same pot after cooking, you can prepare the next dish and cook it right away.
Instant Pot Transparent Lid
Model # 213-0201-01
Another excellent accessory to buy is a transparent lid. It’s exceptionally helpful when slow cooking as you can see the contents. However, if you already have a transparent cover that fits, you don’t need to get another one.
Extra Sealing Ring
Model # 211-0007-01
Some odors, especially from intense recipes, stick to the sealing ring. Consequently, milder recipes might pick up some of the odor/flavors if you use the same sealing ring. Therefore, it’s ideal for getting extra sealing ring(s) for different tastes (mild and strong).
Steamer basket
Model # 5252247
Here’s the deal: Some ingredients don’t fit well with the included steamer rack. Therefore, if you’ll frequently steam, getting a steamer basket with small holes is more advantageous.
Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid
Model # 140-3003-01
By having so, your Instant Pot will work as an air fryer. Therefore, you get 6 more functions for another set of “endless” recipe possibilities.
You can learn more about the Air Fryer Lid here.
*only compatible with selected 6-quart Instant Pots
*Product Images and Video Courtesy of Instant Brands
What can you cook with the Instant Pot Duo Nova 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker?
The Instant Pot Duo Nova’s seven core functions include pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, and a keep-warm button.
Despite advertising seven capabilities, all in all, it comes with 13 convenient smart programs that can replace multiple kitchen appliances.
For the most part, the Instant Pot Duo Nova is a pressure cooker, meaning you can make any recipe that calls for such an appliance. The time settings are adjustable so you can follow every recipe to a tee.
The saute feature is great to prevent dirtying another pan while preparing ingredients for a pressure cook or slow cook, but you probably don’t want to use it to saute when you aren’t going to be following up with those functions. This isn’t a replacement for a burner.
The rice function is excellent! I love that it makes perfect rice every time with the factory presets. Just a few buttons, and the rice is ready in minutes.
You can also make any recipe designed for a slow cooker using the slow cook feature. Instant Pot also provides many recipes on its website and through its app to get you started, including yogurt recipes.
If you opt for the 6-quart model, it’s compatible with the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid, which will open up to six more cooking techniques.
Is Duo Nova Instant Pot easy to use?
All multicookers, including the Duo Nova, have a moderate learning curve. Even Gordon Ramsey will have difficulty operating the Instant Pot without looking at the product manual.
Still, it’s pretty easy to use. The float valve pops up when the pressure has been achieved, and there are arrows on the lid and base to help you ensure everything is lined up correctly for pressure to build.
Checking the Inner Seal
If you notice steam coming from around the edges of the lid, you probably don’t have the gasket in place correctly. This round piece must be pressed tightly into the inside of the lid for pressure to build correctly.
Heating Element Indicator
There is an indicator light that looks like a little flame. This does not mean that your food is burning! It is just an indicator that the heating element is heating up. If the light goes off, it means that the cooker has reached temperature and the heating element has disengaged to prevent it from getting too hot.
This indicator will turn on and off during cooking. If you are burning your food, the display will show “BURN,” which usually shows the time left to cook.
Saute requires additional effort
When sauteing butter or sauce ingredients, these can run into the sides of the instant pot and away from the center, where the inner pot comes into contact with the heating element. You can lift the inner pot out and give it a swirl to bring the ingredients back to the center, but be careful because this can be hot.
You may also need to lift away the inner pot from the heating element if your ingredients are getting too hot. There isn’t a way to change the temperature on the Instant Pot Duo Nova.
Other Considerations
Unless you’re taking a multicooker master class, it will take a couple of weeks or a month to master your Instapot. Try different recipes each time. Once you’ve tried all its 13 functions, you’ll be confident with your brand new cooking companion.
The good news is the brand has thousands of recipes that you can try out. Through the smartphone app from Instant Pot, you can access many recipes and adapt your own easily for use with the pressure cooker. Still, there might be some trial and error when working with your own recipes or unusual ingredients.
One advantage this machine has over its predecessor is the location of the pressure release knob from the vent. It’s slightly farther away, so you won’t have to worry about accidentally burning your fingers.
It is important to use enough water when using the pressure cook settings. You’ll need at least one cup of water for any recipe. Without appropriate liquid pressure cannot build, and your food will not cook. Make sure you follow recipes exactly.
The Water Test
A good way to get used to your Instant Pot Duo Nova is by doing a water test. The water test allows you to play with the functions without wasting food. It also helps you see that your Instant Pot is working correctly, which is important if you are getting this product used or it has been in the box since you got it.
To do a water test, you simply pour 3 cups of water into the Instant Pot Duo Nova and let it run on pressure cook for 5 minutes. This is a great way to practice using the steam release valve.
How to clean the Instapot Duo Nova?
Here’s a short video demonstration on how to clean your Instant Pot.
Thankfully, cleaning up your electric pressure cooker is relatively easy. It only takes me a few minutes to bring it back to its mint condition. However, that will depend on the recipe you’re making.
According to the manufacturer, all parts of the Instant Pot pressure cookers, other than the base, are dishwasher safe. However, these parts do not have a nonstick coating, and you may need to do some scrubbing before you put them in the dishwasher.
I have found that it can be tough to get rid of grease, especially if it becomes caked or you have something spill over. Soaking it overnight always does the trick, and keeps me from having to scrub away.
Small Lid Parts
It is important to clean the small parts of the lid after each use. Small particles of food can get into these crevices and cause mold or mildew between uses.
This is easy to do. The silicone gasket pulls free easily for cleaning. The anti-block shield on the inside of the lid can be tight to pull off at first, but it loosens over time. Don’t be afraid to be firm with it. If it sticks I use a butter knife to pry it loose.
Another trick I’ve found is that you can get covers for the ends of chair legs cheap at your local hardware store, and this is just the right size to fit over the anti-block shield. Once on there, you can easily pull it free.
To remove the gasket for the float valve, you must remove the seal from the inside of the lid and the valve will pop out.
Besides that, you must pay close attention to the small parts of your lid. Losing any of it means you’ll have to replace it with a new one. For this reason, I don’t recommend putting the smaller Instant Pot pieces into your dishwasher, where they might be blown out of the rack and lost.
Condensation Collector
The condensation collector is at the back of the unit. Most of the time, there won’t be anything in there, but it is still a good idea to give it a good rinse and dry it thoroughly between uses. I usually have to empty condensation from this container when cooking pasta.
See the 10-Quart Instapot Duo Nova in Action
Don’t take my word for it, here’s a short video demonstration of the Instant Duo Nova.
The Instant Pot Duo Nova is a 7-in-1 pressure cooker. On top of its core function, it can also slow cook, replace your rice cooker, sauté, steam, make yogurt, and keep your food warm. The Duo Nova Pressure cooker is available in 3-qt, 6-qt, 8-qt, and 10-qt cooking capacities.
Is the Instant Pot Duo Nova worth it?
I would recommend the 7-in-1 Instant Pot Duo Nova Pressure Cooker back when it was launched, especially if you’re looking for a generous pot capacity. The brand’s only product line offers a 10-quart cooking pot.
However, since it’s no longer sold as a new item, I would point you to the newer Instant Duo Plus.
