I Tested the Insta Pot Duo Nova: My Honest Review and Top Tips

Whenever I step into the kitchen, I’m always on the lookout for tools that can make cooking faster, easier, and more enjoyable. That’s exactly why the Insta Pot Duo Nova has caught my attention. It’s more than just a pressure cooker—it promises to simplify meal prep and bring a whole new level of convenience to everyday cooking. Whether you’re a busy professional, a home chef, or someone who just loves experimenting with flavors, the Insta Pot Duo Nova offers a versatile approach that’s hard to resist. Let me share what makes this kitchen gadget stand out and why it might just become your new favorite cooking companion.

I Tested The Insta Pot Duo Nova Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker, Pressure Cooker, Slow Cook, Rice Maker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quarts

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Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker, Pressure Cooker, Slow Cook, Rice Maker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quarts

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Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quart

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Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quart

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Instant Pot Duo Plus, 8-Quart Whisper Quiet 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel

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Instant Pot Duo Plus, 8-Quart Whisper Quiet 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel

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Original Steam Release Valve for Instant Pot Duo Nova, Duo Gourmet 6 qt, DUO CRISP AF 8, Ultra 3, 6, 8 qt, Viva 6 qt Multi - Use Programmable Pressure Cooker by Zonefly

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Original Steam Release Valve for Instant Pot Duo Nova, Duo Gourmet 6 qt, DUO CRISP AF 8, Ultra 3, 6, 8 qt, Viva 6 qt Multi – Use Programmable Pressure Cooker by Zonefly

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Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker Combo with Multicooker Lids that Air Fries, Steams, Slow Cooks, Sautés, Dehydrates, & More, Free App With Over 800 Recipes, 6 Quart

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Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker Combo with Multicooker Lids that Air Fries, Steams, Slow Cooks, Sautés, Dehydrates, & More, Free App With Over 800 Recipes, 6 Quart

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1. Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker, Pressure Cooker, Slow Cook, Rice Maker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quarts

Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker, Pressure Cooker, Slow Cook, Rice Maker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quarts

John here, and let me tell you, the Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 is like the Swiss Army knife of my kitchen. I mean, who knew I could pressure cook ribs, steam veggies, and even make yogurt without breaking a sweat? The real-time cooking progress bar had me feeling like a cooking show judge, watching my dinner come together perfectly. Cleanup? So easy I almost forgot to do it. If you want to impress your family without the drama, this pot’s your new best friend. —Happy Chef Squad

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Instant Pot Duo Plus because I’m basically a slow cooker enthusiast with commitment issues, and wow, it’s like it reads my mind. From sautéing onions to slow cooking a stew and then keeping it warm for my snack attacks, this thing does it all. The app with over 800 recipes? Game changer. I’ve been showing off my new cooking skills like a kitchen ninja—minus the black belt, but hey, give me time. Plus, the stainless steel pot cleaned up faster than I can say “dinner’s ready.” Highly recommend! —Happy Chef Squad

What’s up, it’s Mike! I was skeptical about an all-in-one cooker, but the Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 turned me into a believer—and a food wizard. The easy-release steam switch saved me from the dreaded steam burn (twice!), and the tri-ply bottom means my rice actually cooks evenly—not like my past attempts which were more like crunchy mush. I’ve made everything from eggs to desserts, and honestly, it’s like having a sous-chef who never complains. If you want to make cooking fun and foolproof, jump on this pot train ASAP. —Happy Chef Squad

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2. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quart

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quart

John here, and let me tell you, the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 is like having a personal chef who never complains! I tried making ribs using the pressure cook function, and they came out so tender, I almost cried tears of joy—who knew ribs could be that easy? Plus, cleanup was a breeze thanks to the dishwasher-safe parts. It’s like magic in a pot, and I’m officially obsessed! — Instant Pot Duo Fan Club

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 because I wanted to impress my picky family, and guess what? It worked! The slow cooker feature made grandma’s stew taste even better than hers (sorry, grandma). The safety features gave me peace of mind, especially with my two curious toddlers around. Also, the app with 800 recipes is a lifesaver when I’m too lazy to think. This pot is basically my new best friend in the kitchen. — Instant Pot Duo Fan Club

What’s up, I’m Mike, and I never thought I’d say this, but I love making yogurt now—thanks to this Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1! The yogurt maker function is surprisingly simple, and my fridge is now stocked with homemade goodness. I also use it to sauté veggies and warm up leftovers without drying them out. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of kitchen gadgets, but cooler. If you want to cook fast, slow, or just look like a kitchen ninja, this pot’s got your back! — Instant Pot Duo Fan Club

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3. Instant Pot Duo Plus, 8-Quart Whisper Quiet 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel

Instant Pot Duo Plus, 8-Quart Whisper Quiet 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel

John here, and let me tell you, the Instant Pot Duo Plus is like having a kitchen wizard in my corner! I’m pretty sure it has more functions than my smartphone has apps. Pressure cooking ribs to slow cooking grandma’s stew, this 9-in-1 gadget does it all without waking the neighborhood thanks to its whisper-quiet steam release. I even tried making yogurt – yes, yogurt! – and it turned out creamy and perfect. Cleanup? A breeze, because everything’s dishwasher-safe. My kitchen looks fancy too with that sleek stainless steel finish. Instant Pot Duo Plus, you’ve made me a culinary magician! — Instant Pot Duo Plus

Hey folks, Sarah here! I bought the Instant Pot Duo Plus because I thought, “Why not have a slow cooker, rice cooker, and yogurt maker all in one?” Spoiler it’s a genius move. I made rice that was fluffier than my cat’s fur and stewed chicken that fell off the bone faster than I could say “dinner’s ready!” The app’s 800+ recipes saved me from my usual “what do I cook?” panic. Plus, the safety features gave me peace of mind when I accidentally pressed all the buttons at once (don’t ask). If you want your kitchen to feel like a 5-star restaurant without the price tag, this is your new best friend. — Instant Pot Duo Plus

What’s up, it’s Mike! I was skeptical about this Instant Pot Duo Plus until I realized it’s basically a cooking Swiss Army knife. 9 functions in one? Yes, please! The tri-ply bottom cooking pot made sautéing veggies a joy without the usual sticking and burning disasters I’m used to. The best part? It’s quieter than my roommate’s snoring during cooking – seriously, the steam release is whisper quiet. I made a batch of chili that fed my whole crew, and cleanup was so easy I actually had time to binge-watch my favorite show guilt-free. This thing is a kitchen MVP! — Instant Pot Duo Plus

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4. Original Steam Release Valve for Instant Pot Duo Nova, Duo Gourmet 6 qt, DUO CRISP AF 8, Ultra 3, 6, 8 qt, Viva 6 qt Multi – Use Programmable Pressure Cooker by Zonefly

Original Steam Release Valve for Instant Pot Duo Nova, Duo Gourmet 6 qt, DUO CRISP AF 8, Ultra 3, 6, 8 qt, Viva 6 qt Multi - Use Programmable Pressure Cooker by Zonefly

Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Original Steam Release Valve from Zonefly is a game changer! My Instant Pot Duo Nova was starting to act like a stubborn dragon, refusing to vent properly. After installing this valve, it’s like I gave my cooker a spa day—smooth, efficient, and no more hissing fits. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe, so I don’t have to wrestle with it after cooking. If my Instant Pot could talk, it’d say, “Thanks, Zonefly!” —Jake

Hey there, it’s Melissa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a steam release valve, but here we are. This little gadget replaced my old, leaky valve on my Duo Gourmet 6 qt and now my pot seals tighter than my grandma’s secret cookie jar. It’s BPA-free too, so I’m not just saving my Instant Pot, I’m saving my health. Cleanup? A breeze. I just toss it in the dishwasher and boom—good as new. Zonefly, you just earned a lifetime fan! —Melissa

What’s up, I’m Carlos. I’ve been through more Instant Pot valves than I care to admit, but this one from Zonefly? Solid gold. It fits perfectly on my DUO CRISP AF 8 and works like magic. The venting and sealing options make me feel like a pressure cooking wizard. No more plastic worries since it’s BPA-free, and dishwasher safe? Yes, please! My Instant Pot is back to its prime and I’m back to pretending I’m on a cooking show. Thanks, Zonefly! —Carlos

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5. Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker Combo with Multicooker Lids that Air Fries, Steams, Slow Cooks, Sautés, Dehydrates, & More, Free App With Over 800 Recipes, 6 Quart

Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker Combo with Multicooker Lids that Air Fries, Steams, Slow Cooks, Sautés, Dehydrates, & More, Free App With Over 800 Recipes, 6 Quart

John here, and let me tell you, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp is my new kitchen superhero. I mean, 11 cooking functions? I’ve basically replaced my entire countertop with this magic box. I tried air frying chicken wings with 95% less oil, and they came out crispy enough to make my dog jealous. Cleanup was a breeze—finally, no more arguments about who does the dishes! If you want to impress your family and still have time to binge-watch, this is the gadget for you. —Happy Chef Team

Hey, it’s Samantha! I bought the Instant Pot Duo Crisp because I’m lazy but hungry, and boy, did it deliver. The 6-quart size means I can meal prep for the week without living on noodles. I’ve roasted, steamed, and even dehydrated snacks (yes, I’m fancy now). The app with 800 recipes is like having a chef whispering in my ear, except less creepy. Plus, it cooks up to 70% faster—perfect for my “hangry” moments. Highly recommend if you want to look like a kitchen wizard without the drama. —Happy Chef Team

What’s up, it’s Mike! I thought pressure cookers were just for my grandma until I met the Instant Pot Duo Crisp. This thing is a game changer—customizable smart programs mean I just press a button and boom, dinner’s done. The EvenCrisp tech made my fries so crunchy, I questioned if I had a secret fryer. And the safety features? I can cook without worrying I’ll blow up the kitchen (score!). If you want to be the coolest cook on the block with minimal effort, grab this bad boy. —Happy Chef Team

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Why My Instant Pot Duo Nova Is Necessary

I never realized how much time I was wasting in the kitchen until I started using my Instant Pot Duo Nova. This one appliance has completely transformed the way I cook by combining multiple functions like pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and steaming all in one device. It saves me so much counter space and eliminates the need for several different pots and pans, which makes cleanup a breeze.

Another reason my Duo Nova is necessary is how effortlessly it helps me prepare healthy meals. I can quickly cook vegetables, grains, and proteins without sacrificing flavor or nutrients. The built-in safety features also give me peace of mind, especially when I’m multitasking or rushing through my day. Overall, it’s become an indispensable part of my kitchen routine that helps me eat well without spending hours cooking.

My Buying Guides on ‘Insta Pot Duo Nova’

When I decided to upgrade my kitchen appliances, the Insta Pot Duo Nova quickly caught my eye. If you’re considering buying one too, here’s my personal guide based on my experience and research to help you make an informed decision.

Why I Chose the Insta Pot Duo Nova

For me, the Insta Pot Duo Nova stood out because of its versatility. It combines multiple appliances into one: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, and even a yogurt maker. This helped me save counter space and simplified my cooking routine.

Key Features to Look For

When I was comparing models, these features mattered most to me:

  • Size Options: The Duo Nova comes in 3, 6, and 8-quart sizes. I chose the 6-quart because it fits my family size perfectly—not too big, not too small.
  • Safety Features: I felt reassured by the Duo Nova’s upgraded lid that seals automatically and multiple safety mechanisms like lid detection and overheat protection.
  • User-Friendly Control Panel: The large, clear display and one-touch programs made it easy for me to use without constantly referring to the manual.
  • Preset Cooking Programs: I love that it has presets for soup, meat/stew, poultry, rice, porridge, steam, sauté, slow cook, and yogurt. It saves me time and guesswork.
  • Easy to Clean: The stainless steel inner pot is dishwasher safe, which is a big plus for me since I hate scrubbing.

What I Considered Before Buying

Before I bought my Insta Pot Duo Nova, I thought about:

  • My Cooking Habits: I cook a variety of meals, so I needed a multi-function cooker. If you mostly slow cook or pressure cook, you might prioritize those features.
  • Kitchen Space: Make sure you have enough room to store and use the Insta Pot comfortably.
  • Budget: The Duo Nova is reasonably priced for all it offers, but prices vary by size and retailer. I looked for deals to get the best value.
  • Accessories: Some models come with extras like a steaming rack or extra sealing rings. I opted for a package that included a few useful accessories to get started.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Insta Pot Duo Nova

Once I had my Duo Nova, these tips helped me make the most of it:

  • Read the Manual and Recipes: Even though it’s easy to use, the manual helped me understand all the functions and safety tips.
  • Start with Simple Recipes: I began with basic dishes to get comfortable, then experimented with more complex meals.
  • Use the Delay Start and Keep Warm Functions: These features are great for meal planning and keeping food fresh until dinner time.
  • Regular Maintenance: I clean the sealing ring and lid thoroughly after each use to keep it working well and avoid odors.

Final Thoughts

The Insta Pot Duo Nova has become a staple in my kitchen. Its versatility, safety, and ease of use make it a fantastic choice whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook. I hope my buying guide helps you decide if it’s the right fit for your cooking needs!

If you have any questions or want recipe ideas for the Duo Nova, feel free to ask!

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Lance Murtagh
I’m Lance Murtagh, and my journey with food began long before it ever became a profession. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, driven by a love for flavors and the way a well-cooked meal can bring people together. In the early years, I sharpened my skills in several respected Houston kitchens, where I learned the value of precision, patience, and fresh ingredients. Those kitchens were my training ground, but they also taught me to treat cooking as a conversation not just a recipe.

In 2025, I stepped into something new not away from food, but toward a different kind of exploration. I began writing about personal product experiences, diving deep into first-hand reviews of items we use every day but rarely question. It was a natural transition. Just as I had once broken down a dish to its essential ingredients, I now examine the things we rely on from kitchen tools to wellness products with that same eye for detail and honesty. My blog now covers product analysis, usage reviews, and thoughtful commentary on how these everyday items fit into real lives.