We suggest using a spatula or wooden spoon to release this, wearing an oven mitt, or opting for a newer model that has the automatic sealing lid and steam release button. The Instant Pot’s heart is a microprocessor aided by built-in temperature sensors that give Instant Pots the ability to 1. Mimic the cooking functions of multiple different appliances and 2.
While that means it’s dishwasher safe and you won’t have to worry about scratching the surface, it also means it can be trickier to clean if food becomes baked on. The 20-cup Zest Plus is where you can really add some zest to your meals. Mixed grains, barley, couscous, bulgur oatmeal and risotto are added to the lineup, plus four smart programs for sauté, steam, slow cook, and keep warm. You can even cook quinoa on the bottom while using the steam basket simultaneously. Dairy can also get tricky — the high heat is just begging for milk-heavy ingredients to curdle.
Not only do you get a sleek, stainless-steel finish, you get 25 smart programs, as well as a far less nerve-wracking way to release steam and open the lid. The new-and-improved steam release on this model allows the machine to diffuse steam more quietly than ever. It also gives you the option to use a remote button so you can open the cooking pot at a distance for an added layer of safety. The Duo Nova is very similar to the instant vortex Duo, but with a few user-friendly upgrades like an LED display with a cooking progress indicator, as well as built-in safety features. Like the Duo, the Duo Nova has 13 one-touch Smart Programs, but this one also features an easy-seal lid with simple pressure release. Many people, and some manufacturers, maintain that it’s completely fine to put non-stick cookware in the dishwasher, while others find that blasphemous.
This collection of programs can be tweaked and tailored to perform super-specific tasks that you may have struggled with pre-Instant Pot (e.g., the perfect way to cook rice). The Duo Nova for all sizes does not include the Cake Setting, egg, or pasteurize features if you’re interested in that particular smart program. But don’t worry as you can still make hard-boiled eggs using the steam setting and cakes in any size Duo Nova by using the instant pot duo nova pressure cook setting and adjusting the time. If the yogurt button is a deal-breaker for you, the all-in-one Ultimate Lid is the only air frying pressure cooker that has that option. Keep in mind that the Ultimate Lid model is heavier than either the Duo Crisp or the Pro Crisp. Additionally, we found many meat-based pressure cooker recipes suggest significantly longer cooking times than Instant Pot suggests for the same cut of meat.
If you have a large family, the 10-quart capacity is perfect for cooking up a storm, although you still have the smaller options to suit your needs. In terms of accessories, the Instant Pot Duo comes with the standard inner pot and steam rack (in my opinion, they should add a measuring cup as well). Both accessories are dishwasher safe and don’t have any chemical coating. A glass lid with a venting hole (purchased separately) may be used.
I have since learned the Instant Pot Max is the appropriate device for “Pressure Canning”; however, it will only pressure can 4 pints at a time and cannot accommodate quarts. My personal experience to date tells me the Instant Pot is highly overrated. However, other injuries linked to pressure cookers have included eye injuries, broken bones and other complications that resulted from electrocutions, spills or explosions. The Duo Nova isn’t the only deal you can grab from Instant Pot during Prime Day.