Instant Pot Duo Nova 3 Quart: Meet the newest mini model
Instant Pot is an electric pressure cooker designed to be dependable, safe, and convenient. And in 2019 they released a new 3 quart model as part of the new Duo Nova series. With each Instant Pot series there are slight variations between the features and functions included. Here’s a look a the new Instant Pot Duo Nova 3 quart to help you with your research.
And one more note: this post contains affiliate links. This means I may receive a small commission if you buy through my link. You won’t pay any more if you use this link.
What is the Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker?
If you’re new to Instant Pot or heard about it in passing, it’s a smart multi-use electric pressure cooker designed to be convenient, dependable, and most importantly safe. By speeding up your cooking time, this energy-efficient kitchen appliance is a great way to keep on track with eating healthy.
You have multiple 3 quart models to choose from and Instant Pot released this new mini model in August 2019.
Instant Pot Duo Nova 3 Quart combines multiple appliances into one
One of the benefits of an Instant Pot is that it combines multiple appliances into one appliance. Save counter space, storage space, and money by having one kitchen appliance to use for multiple cooking needs.
While a 3 quart model might not be for everyone, they’re great when you only want to cook a smaller meal or side dish. If you have a smaller kitchen, the mini model helps you take advantage of electric pressure cooking without worrying about it being too big.
Storage space is at a premium for this kitchen appliance as well as being able to reduce a few other things you might have in your kitchen.
Let’s take a look at the 7 appliances combined in the Instant Pot Duo Nova Mini:
- Pressure Cooker
- Rice cooker
- Steamer
- Slow Cooker
- Yogurt Maker
- Sauté/Searing
- Warmer
Smart Programs available in the Instant Pot Duo Nova 3 Quart
Instant Pot designed smart programs using a lot of testing to help you cook at a press of a button. The smart programs control the pressure, temperature, heat intensity, and duration.
The Instant Pot Mini smart programs are usually a subset of the programs available in the larger models usually have a subset of the programs.
The Instant Pot Duo Nova 3 qt includes 11 smart programs:
- Pressure Cook
- Soup/Broth
- Meat/Stew
- Bean/Chili
- Rice
- Porridge
- Yogurt
- Steam
- Sauté
- Slow Cook
- Keep Warm
The larger 6 quart, 8 quart, and 10 quart models also have two additional smart programs: multigrain and poultry.
The Duo Nova series does not include the Cake, Egg, or Pasteurize features if you’re thinking about that smart program.
You can still make hard-boiled eggs, an Instant Pot favorite, using the steam setting. And honestly, that’s the setting you’ll hear frequently in the Facebook groups.
And you don’t have to miss out on cheesecakes without a cake setting either. Most recipes will refer to high pressure with the time needed to make this Instant Pot favorite as well.
Speaking from experience I made a few cheesecakes in 3 quart mini. They were easier to make than I expected and came out amazing!
How does the Mini Duo vs Mini Duo Nova compare? What’s new with this model?
If you already have an Instant Pot Mini Duo and thinking about purchasing a Mini Duo Nova, or are looking to buy your first Instant Pot mini, let’s take a quick look at the differences.
Both models are very similar in terms of the smart programs included. For the new Duo Nova Mini, it has the auto seal lid as an added safety feature. The Duo Mini has a manual close steam release value.
The auto sealing lid is a feature I love in the 3 quart Ultra so it’s great to see it here.
The new Instant Pot Mini Duo Nova also has a backlit display like you’ll see in the Duo Plus and Ultra.
Also with the new model, they changed the accessories slightly by including two sealing rings. If you haven’t started cooking in an electric pressure cooker yet, make sure you have more than one sealing ring to avoid having your cheesecake taste like chicken or another savory disk you make.
Both models are similar in price since they have similar smart programs and features. Keep an eye out for flash sales and deals to help you save money when you decide to buy an Instant Pot.
What are your thoughts on the Instant Pot Duo Nova Mini?
When you buy a new Instant Pot you need to decide which features are most important to you in addition to the size. The new 3 quart Duo Nova has a few interesting options that make a great option to buy.
What features are important to you as you decide with one to buy? Or are you considering what to do if you already have a Mini Duo?
And one additional thing to note with the new Instant Pot Duo Nova series. In addition to 3 quarts, the Duo Nova is also available in 6 quarts, 8 quarts, and 10 quarts. This is the first model to be available at a new larger size.
