Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Lux: Comparing what’s the same and different
Instant Pots are electric pressure cookers designed to be dependable, safe, and convenient. The new Duo Nova joined the Instant Pot family in August 2019. Here’s a look at the Instant Pot Lux vs Duo Nova side by side as each model series has a different combination of features.
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What is the Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker?
If you’re wondering what all the conversation on Facebook is about, here is a quick introduction to this specific electric pressure cooker.
The Instant Pot is a smart electric pressure cooker designed for multiple uses and to be dependable, safe, and convenient. Pressure-cooking prepares your meals quicker in an energy-efficient kitchen appliance. And the bonus is that it won’t heat up your kitchen in the hot summer.
You can choose from multiple Instant Pot models and sizes based on your needs and cooking plans. New models are added to the lineup from time to time including several that were released in 2019.
You may be trying to decide which is better for your needs between the Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Lux. Or maybe how the new Duo Nova is different if you already own a Lux.
The appliances combined in the Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Lux
One benefit of the Instant Pot is it combines multiple kitchen appliances into one, saving you storage and counter space. And by needed to buy fewer kitchen gadgets, you’ll also save money.
Let’s take a look at the appliances combined in the Instant Pot Ultra vs Duo Nova:
| Duo Nova | Lux | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Appliances Combined | 7 | 8 |
| Pressure Cooker | Yes | Yes |
| Slow Cooker | Yes | Yes |
| Rice Cooker | Yes | Yes |
| Steamer | Yes | Yes |
| Sauté/Searing | Yes | Yes |
| Yogurt Maker | Yes | |
| Warmer | Yes | Yes |
| Cake Maker | Yes* | |
| Egg Maker | Yes |
The Lux is technically considered the 6-in-1 as the cake maker and egg maker aren’t on the official list. With the latest version of the Lux, the cake program was added to the model. If you have an older model of the Lux, it might have fewer features than the current model.
The Lux actually combines a few additional appliances into one Instant Pot compared to the Duo Nova.
* The Cake Maker feature is not available in the 3 quart Instant Pot Lux Mini. But don’t worry you can still make cakes in a Mini without the specific cake smart program.
Smart Programs included with each model
The Instant Pot smart programs help you cook at the press of a button. Smart programs were created through extensive testing to control pressure, heat intensity, duration, and temperature.
Smart program combinations are different in each Instant Pot series and sometimes within different sizes, not all of the smart programs are included. The mini 3 quart models will have a few fewer programs than its larger 6- and 8-quart siblings.
If you’re looking for a specific smart program, double-check the model you’re buying before completing your purchase. Instant Pot has released new versions of models over time, which can include changing up the smart program combination.
| Duo Nova | Lux | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Smart Programs | 13 | 12 |
| Pressure Cook | Yes | Yes |
| Soup/Broth | Yes | Yes |
| Meat/Stew | Yes | Yes |
| Bean/Chili | Yes | |
| Sauté | Yes | Yes |
| Rice | Yes | Yes |
| Multigrain | Yes* | Yes* |
| Poultry | Yes* | |
| Porridge | Yes | Yes |
| Yogurt | Yes | |
| Cake | Yes* | |
| Egg | Yes | |
| Steam | Yes | Yes |
| Slow Cook | Yes | Yes |
| Pasteurize** | Yes | |
| Keep Warm | Yes | Yes |
* These programs (Multigrain, Poultry, and Cake) are not currently available in the 3-quart versions of this Instant Pot.
** The Pasteurizing program is part of the Yogurt Smart Program. When you choose “More”, it will pasteurize milk. Be sure to check the temperature of the heated milk to ensure it reaches the proper temperature.
While the Duo Nova doesn’t 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 in any of the models using the pressure cook setting and adjusting the time.
Which sizes are these models available in?
Many Instant Pot models are available in the core three sizes: 3 quart, 6 quart, and 8 quart. With the addition of the Duo Nova series, Instant Pot now has a 4th size available. The Duo Nova is available in 10 quarts!
| Duo Nova | Lux | |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Quarts | Yes | Yes |
| 6 Quarts | Yes | Yes |
| 8 Quarts | Yes | Yes |
| 10 Quarts | Yes |
If you’re looking for a larger Instant Pot, check out the Duo Nova 10 quart.
What’s the difference between the Instant Pot Duo Nova and Lux?
Looking at the Smart Programs in the Duo Nova vs Lux side by side, there are some differences. The Duo Nova has the yogurt program while the Lux has the cake and egg smart programs.
And as usual with the 3 quart models, they continue to have a few fewer smart programs compared to the larger models.
The older Lux model has 1 pressure cooking level (high) and the newer models including the Duo Nova have both high and low-pressure cooking levels. It’s rare to find a recipe that calls for cooking on low, so for the most part it’s not been an issue. Make sure to check any of the recipes you think you’ll want to cook to confirm if “low pressure” is a must-have for your cooking plans.
The new Instant Duo Nova has the backlit display the Lux has the original display. The Lux has a manual lid sealing knob and the Duo Nova has the auto sealing lid as an added safety feature.
The auto sealing lid is one of my favorite features. No need to worry about the knob being in the wrong position when you start cooking.
Compared to the Lux, this new model comes with two sealing rings, a steam rack, and a measuring cup. The Lux comes with a few additional tools and one sealing ring.
When looking at the models side by side for price, keep an eye out for flash sales and other deals. You may be able to save money on your purchase.
Smart programs and feature aside, the largest (literally) difference between the two is the Duo Nova is the first Instant Pot model I’ve seen available at 10 quarts. If you need to cook larger meals, you may want to take a closer look at this model. The 10 quart is easy to miss because it’s currently limited separately from the other Duo Novas on Amazon.
Don’t forget the accessories! Regardless of which Instant Pot you buy, don’t forget the accessories. These Instant Pot Duo Nova accessories will also work for the Lux.
What are your thoughts on the New Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Lux?
Whenever you buy a new Instant Pot you need to decide which features and size best fit your cooking plans. If you already have a Lux, there are a few interesting features in this model that might make an upgrade attractive, especially if you want the largest Instant Pot available.
What about you? What are you looking for in an Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Lux? Are you trying to decide which one to buy?
Learn more about the Instant Pot Models compared to the Duo Nova
- Comparing the Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Plus
- Comparing the Instant Pot Duo vs Duo Nova
- Comparing the Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Ultra
