Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus vs Duo Nova: What’s the same and what’s different
Instant Pot designs each of its electric pressure cookers to be dependable, safe, and convenient. In 2019 they released two models, the Duo Evo Plus and the Duo Nova. Each Instant Pot model has some variations that might make you want to choose one over another. And between these two models and the occasional promotions, it may be difficult to choose. Let’s take at the Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus side by side.
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What is the Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker?
If you’re new to Instant Pots, welcome! and here’s a quick review of what at the chatter is about.
An Instant Pot® is a smart multi-use Electric Pressure Cooker designed to be convenient, safe, and dependable. Of course safety is one of the most important aspects when it comes to pressure cooking.
The Instant Pot is an energy-efficient kitchen appliance. With pressure cooking you’re able to prepare your meals faster and using less energy.
And by being energy efficient, you can cook hot meals in the summer without adding heat to your kitchen.
The Duo Nova and Duo Evo Plus are just two of the many models the company sells. Both of these models are newer to the Instant Pot line up, and were introduced in 2019.
Specifically, you may be considering the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus vs Duo Nova and trying to figure out which one is better. Or maybe how they’re different if you already own another Instant Pot.
What is the difference between the Duo Evo Plus vs Duo Nova?
The Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus is the most innovative electric pressure cooker version they’ve released. And the Instant Pot Duo Nova is the model they call the best for beginners. Here’s a look at the key differences between the innovative Instant Pot model and one designed for new pressure cooker chefs.
The inner liners are completely different, and not interchangeable
The Duo Evo Plus has a redesigned liner with two new features that make it exciting.
This liner has a flat bottom making it stove-top friendly! If you’ve read anything previously about the liners not being able to use them on the stove has been a pain point mentioned over and over.
The new liner also had heat-resistant handles making it a lot easier to pick up.
With these two features in the new design, these liners are not usable with other models.
If you already have one of the other same-sized Instant Pots, you will need to buy separate inner pots for this model if you want to have spares.
The liners are available for purchase through
The Duo Nova technically has more smart programs but the Duo Evo Plus has 48 presets
With most of the Instant Pots, you can simply compare them side by side based on smart programs. So while it may look like the Evo Plus has fewer cooking options, it actually has a lot more.
With the Duo Evo Plus, the presets and customization options add a whole new level of taking the guesswork out of cooking.
The control panels are different between the two models
The Instant Duo Evo Plus has a backlit display with a turn dial similar to the Ultra. The Duo Nova also has a backlit display but uses buttons similar to the classic Duo model.
The turn dial on the Duo Evo Plus allows you to choose between the presets within a smart program and adjust the cooking settings. And similar to the Ultra, don’t forget to hit the start button.
The Duo Nova will automatically start cooking after a few seconds of pressing the program buttons.
The Duo Evo Plus has a controlled steam release feature
In addition to a new inner liner design, the Duo Evo Plus lid has a few interesting features. It has a controlled pressure release knob.
In addition to releasing pressure quicker with the QuickCool technology, it also manages the pressure steam better. It’s a really nice feature to reduce the amount of steam hitting your ceiling or possibly cabinets.
The Duo Nova also has an auto-seal lid but uses a push button to release the pressure. The quick-release on this model is more forceful. If you’ve seen a quick-release demo on an electric pressure cooker and felt a bit scared, check out this model instead.
The Duo Nova is also available as a 3 quart and 10 quart
The Duo Nova is available in 4 sizes: 3 quart, 6 quart, 8 quart, and 10 quarts which gives you a lot of flexibility depending on your needs. If you typically cook for one person or have a smaller kitchen, a Duo Nova 3 quart model might be a better option for you.
Or if you need to cook for a very large family, take a closer look at the 10 quart model. It is a large electric pressure cooker so you may want to check your storage space as well before buying.
The Duo Evo Plus is available in 6 quart and 8 quart sizes. 6 quarts is the most popular size out of the models, and what most recipes are written for. And the 8 quarts gives you flexibility if you like the other features and frequently cook larger meals.
For example, the 8 quart models give you more room to cook a large package (5 pounds) of chicken breasts at one time.
The accessories included are a little different between the models
The Duo Nova comes with two sealing rings, a steam rack, and a measuring cup.
The Duo Evo Plus comes with two sealing rings and a trivet. So it comes with fewer accessories but the added sealing ring is one that really counts.
Regardless, between the two models having 2 sealing rings is a great thing because the silicone has a tendency to pick the smell of what you’re cooking. Imagine an onion-flavored cheesecake if you’re not careful.
With the added features, the Duo Evo Plus will typically cost more
Compared to the Duo Nova model, the newer Duo Evo Plus will typically cost a little bit more per size. But always keep an eye out for flash sales and deals. You never know when you’ll be able to save money on your purchase, even with the newer models.
The Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus and Duo Nova compared side-by-side
To go deeper on each model, here are the appliances combined included smart programs, and available sizes compared side-by-side. Aside from looking at a summary of the differences, looking at each element in detail can be helpful to your decision-making process.
The appliances combined in each model
Each Instant Pot combines multiple kitchen appliances into one, saving space on your counters and in your cabinets. And of course, you save money by having one appliance to cover multiple cooking methods.
Let’s take a look at the appliances combined in the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus vs Duo Nova:
| Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus | Instant Pot Duo Nova | |
| Number of Appliances Combined | 10 | 7 |
| Pressure Cooker | Yes | Yes |
| Slow Cooker | Yes | Yes |
| Rice Cooker | Yes | Yes |
| Steamer | Yes | Yes |
| Sauté/Searing | Yes | Yes |
| Yogurt Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Sous Vide | Yes | |
| Warmer | Yes | Yes |
| Cake Maker | Yes | |
| Stock Pot | Yes |
The new Duo Evo Plus combines a few more appliances into one Instant Pot compared to the Duo Nova.
Smart Programs included in the Duo Nova and Duo Evo Plus
Instant Pot created smart programs to help the home chef be able to cook with the press of a button. The smart programs were created based on extensive testing, control heat intensity, temperature, pressure, and duration.
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. The smaller models have a smaller front panel for the buttons.
One thing to highlight with the Duo Evo Plus is the number of included smart programs is a bit deceiving. The Duo Evo Plus has a large number of presets to further control time and temperature. So while chili isn’t a stand-alone smart program, it is a preset program within both the Pressure Cook and Slow Cook functions. For chili, you can then cook it with and without pressure.
| Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus | Instant Pot Duo Nova | |
| Number of Smart Programs | 9 | 14 |
| Soup/Broth | Yes | |
| Meat/Stew | Yes | |
| Bean/Chili | Yes | |
| Sauté | Yes | Yes |
| Rice | Yes | Yes |
| Multigrain | Yes* | |
| Poultry | Yes* | |
| Porridge | Yes | |
| Yogurt | Yes | Yes |
| Pressure Cook | Yes | Yes |
| Steam | Yes | Yes |
| Keep Warm | Yes | Yes |
| Slow Cook | Yes | Yes |
| Pasteurize** | Yes | Yes |
| Bake | Yes | |
| Sous Vide | Yes |
* These programs (Multigrain, Poultry, and Pasteurize) may not be available in the 3-quart versions of the Duo Nova.
** Pasteurize is a program that’s included in the Yogurt Smart Program
While the Duo Nova does not have the Cake Setting or egg program in any size. Don’t worry as you can still make hard-boiled eggs using the steam setting and cakes using the pressure cook setting and adjusting the time.
Looking at the model sizes side-by-side, the models larger than the 3 quart have two additional smart programs: multigrain and poultry.
Don’t forget the accessories! Regardless of which Instant Pot you buy, don’t forget the accessories. Most of the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus accessories will also work for the Duo Nova, except for the inner liner. Make sure you buy the right one for your Instant Pot Model
Which sizes the Duo Evo Plus and Duo Nova available in?
Many Instant Pot models are available in the core three sizes: 3 quart, 6 quart, and 8 quart. With the introduction of the Duo Nova, a forth size was added as a 10 quart Duo Nova.
Currently, the Duo Evo Plus is available in 2 sizes: 6 quarts and 8 Quart.
If you’re looking for the mini 3 quart model, take a closer look at the Duo Nova.
| Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus | Instant Pot Duo Nova | |
| 3 Quarts | Yes | |
| 6 Quarts | Yes | Yes |
| 8 Quarts | Yes | Yes |
| 10 Quarts | Yes |
If you’re looking for a larger Instant Pot, The Duo Nova 10 quart might be an option for you.
What are your thoughts on the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus vs Duo Nova?
Whenever you buy a new Instant Pot you need to decide which features and size make the most sense for your needs. And with promotions running for multiple models of Instant Pots at the same time it can be difficult to decide between the two.
The Duo Nova is made for the beginner and has a lot of the core features. The Duo Evo Plus is the company’s most innovative model to date. And the controlled pressure release on the Duo Evo Plus is a really nice feature.
I don’t know about you, but I have found the need to have more than one Instant Pot in my kitchen. It’s also nice to have different sizes, which if you’re going to do, consider trying a different model so you have the best of both worlds.
What about you? What are you looking for in an Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus? Are you trying to decide which one to buy?
Learn more about the Instant Pot Models
- Compare the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus vs Ultra
- Compare the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus vs Duo
- Compare the Instant Pot Duo vs Duo Nova
