Instant produces both oven and basket-style air fryers, and has two primary air-fryer lines—the Instant Vortex and the Instant Omni. In fact, the Instant Vortex Plus 4-quart model usurped the Ninja AF101 as the best budget pick in our best air-fryer testing. We specifically liked the Vortex’s basket shape, as well as its reminders for preheating and flipping. We also tried out the Instant Omni Pro for our best toaster oven testing—you can read our review of that here. This Costco exclusive debuted in 2020, but is no longer available for purchase. The mid-level model was most similar to the Instant Pot Duo Plus, but came with a different control panel, a sous vide function, and extra accessories.
The main difference is that it gives the cook custom control over all settings, so you can warm, slow-cook, and pressure-cook based on your own preferences for meat, veggies, grains, desserts, and more. Though the Max (below) is supposed to be the fastest, in a side-by-side comparison, we found that the Ultra was faster at both reaching pressure and cooking chickpeas. The Pro Plus Smart also features a premium inner pot with easy-to-grab handles and comes with NutriBoost, a function that mimics the motion of boiling by moving food in the pot. The 8-quart Instant Pot Pro Crisp + Air Fryer is the Duo Crisp turned up to 11. This large pro model has all the same functionality of the Duo Crisp, plus an upgraded lid with advanced heat protection, auto-sealing, and gentle quick release. The sturdier stainless-steel inner pot is made to handle anything; it’s stovetop friendly and oven safe up to 450ºF.
You may also want to read up a bit about the differences between the Instant Pot Duo vs Duo Nova.
Since the moosoo air fryer features an auto-sealing lid, the designs here are slightly different. Anyone who has used other Instant Pot models in the past will feel at home with either of these devices. Again, you can’t really separate the two Instant Pot models in this category.
Due to its contents, this product cannot be shipped via our Priority Service or sent to Alaska, Hawaii, P.O. We recommend you follow current government guidance on cleaning surfaces when you receive your product. I love all the amazing features of the Instant Pot Duo Nova, but there are a few things I really find great not only for me, but for anyone else looking for an Instant Pot. With the Lux, Duo, Duo Plus, Ultra, and Smart Bluetooth being the most common models.
Therefore, it’s ideal for getting extra sealing ring(s) for different tastes (mild and strong). On the other hand, cooking basmati rice was average and not as impressive. The texture of the rice was soft but not as fluffy as a dedicated rice cooker would offer. In addition, some parts of the rice were not cooked consistently, so there would be rice stuck inside the inner pot – which could have been avoided if the pot had been non-stick.
The cookware-grade stainless-steel inner pot is oven-and-stovetop safe and has easy-grip handles as well as a thick aluminum layer for quick heating and advanced searing and sautéing. Let’s help you find the right sizes kitchen appliances for your small kitchen so it can live up to its full potential. Multiple models and sizes of Instant Pots are available so you can choose the best version for your needs. The company releases new models from time to time including a few new models in 2019. In designing the DUO Nova, Instant Pot took an already user-friendly machine and added a convenient pressure release button. If you ever end up having tough greases after using your pressure cooker, soaking it overnight always does the trick.
The only downside is that it’s quite heavy and bulky, and can take up a fair bit of countertop space. And, this model has fewer preset programs compared to the more advanced Instant Pot models, such as the lack of a Bake program. However, the Duo Nova has an upgraded lid and a better-looking control panel, which is why many beginners would rather choose it for their first pressure cooking experience. On the other hand, a seasoned cook may feel more at home with the classic Duo since it’s already been cleared by thousands of users from all over the world. Lastly, in terms of accessories, the Instant Pot Duo Nova comes with the same stainless steel inner pot and trivet (both are dishwasher safe) that are somewhat standard with Instant Pots (no measuring cup though).
Tidying up after cooking can sometimes take as long as making the food itself. If you have a busy lifestyle, then this is yet another thing that you have to make time for during your day. An Instant Pot can save you a ton of time, and give you more chance to rest and relax. Now that I’ve given a brief overview of the key similarities and differences between the Instant Pot models, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each one.
Though it is functionally similar to all other Instant Pots, it is obviously the better cooker for creative chefs than its previous generations. One cool thing that the moosoo air fryer has is an auto-sealing lid. When pressure cooking, having a strong seal is absolutely essential for proper cooking and kitchen safety.