Most recipes online are written for 6-quart pressure cookers. You may need to add more liquid for some recipes with 8-quarts and larger. So if you feel really nervous about going off recipe, I’d recommend using a 6-quart. Some of the design requirements of pressure cookers almost inevitably lead to some cleaning challenges.
There’s no recipe book or cooking charts included though, so you’ll have to head to the website or app for these. We found plenty of slow cook and pressure cook recipes but it can be tricky to find exact guidance for more simple tasks like steaming and cooking rice. First off, the rubber gasket on the lid is easily removable, and the lid itself is a single piece. This makes cleaning and drying easier than some other models that use two-piece lids designs that introduce nooks and crannies where water and gunk can hide. This makes it a bit harder to scrub clean than many of its non-stick counterparts but also means it can unequivocally go in a dishwasher.
The Instant Pot Duo SV is another Costco-exclusive Instant Pot model. It has been replaced by the Duo Gourmet and is in the process of being phased out. The Instant Pot Duo’s exterior is has been available in mint, white, and coral. You can also get the Duo in the exclusive Pioneer Woman floral instant vortex design and in black or red stainless steel through Walmart. While people may rate each of the Instant Pot models differently, this is how I like to think of them. If I were to buy just one in each size, I’d have a 3-quart Duo Mini, a 6-quart Duo Evo Plus, and the 8-quart Duo Crisp.
If you already have a Duo and thinking about purchasing a Duo Nova, or purchasing an Instant Pot for the first time, check out this comparison to help you understand the differences. Costco used to offer an exclusive Instant Pot Nova. (Not to be confused with the Duo Nova released in 2019.) It has since been replaced with the Duo Gourmet, discussed above. Past retailers have offered a vibrantly colored exterior. The Viva has also offered the stainless steel body in several colors. These colorful editions appear to be getting phased out, so stock will be limited.
This way, you don’t have to wonder if the Duo Nova is building pressure or not. Also, there is a quick-release button that you can use to release steam faster, without getting your hands near the hot steam. Although there are cook times and plenty of recipes available online, they don’t always work the same for all the Instant Pot models. They’re a good starting point but you’ll need to be comfortable with a bit of trial and error in the first few weeks of using any Instant Pot.
I believe both the Nova and the Pro are the same in terms of pressure level. I’m sorry you’ve had such a frustrating experience. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if I can help you troubleshoot why a recipe didn’t work.
ProgressThere is no indicator of cooking progress.Status indicator icons tell you what stage of the cooking process the Nova is at. SizeThe Duo comes is 3 qt, 6 qt and 8 qt.The Instant Pot 10 qt is only available in the Nova model. 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. For most folks, even families, a 6 quart will make a dish that will feed even a pretty large family.
With different sizes available, this is a useful multi-cooker no matter what size your family or household. I use this method to steam Indian rice cakes called idli. Hope that helps and let me know if you have further questions. Even for singles or couples I still think a 6 qt is the best choice for one’s first or only IP.
Instant Pot Duo Crisp 8-quart Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer. If you don’t have a lot of space in your kitchen, this 8-quart is two great moosoo air fryer appliances in one. Instant Pot Duo Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot Duo Gourmet, whichever is better priced when you’re ready to buy .
I’m Cara and I’ve been cooking in a condo kitchen for years. Let’s help you find the right sizes kitchen appliances for your small kitchen so it can live up to its full potential. Price-wise both models are about the same per quart size.