Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus: My Honest Verdict
Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus– my honest review. If you’re standing in the kitchen aisle (or hovering over the Amazon “Buy Now” button) trying to decide between the Instant Pot Duo Nova and the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus, let me help. I’ve cooked with both. I’ve made dinner for two, prepped meals for five, and tested nearly every button on each model. And after weeks of pressure cooking, sautéing, and yes even yogurt making I have thoughts.
This isn’t just a spec-by-spec rundown. I’m talking about real-life, counter-space-limited, dinner-time-is-in-30-minutes usage. Whether you’re a college student, a working parent, or someone who just wants to cook smarter, this comparison is going to give you the full picture first-hand. Let’s dive deep into Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus: Which one actually earns a spot in your kitchen?
Is the Instant Pot Duo Nova Good? My Experience After a Year of Cooking With It
If you’re scrolling through product pages, watching YouTube reviews, and asking yourself, “Is the Instant Pot Duo Nova actually good?” I’ve got a real, honest answer for you. Not the kind you get from a marketing blurb or a tech spec sheet, but from a home cook who has used this machine day in and day out for over a year.
I’m Jessica, based in Charlotte, North Carolina. I cook a lot especially in the fall and winter months when my kitchen becomes my favorite room in the house. The Instant Pot Duo Nova was my first pressure cooker, and it quickly turned into my most-used appliance.
Let’s break down why I think the Duo Nova is a fantastic option for most people, and where it might fall short depending on your needs.
🎯 Why I Bought the Duo Nova
When I first considered buying an Instant Pot, I didn’t want something complex. I wasn’t ready for sous vide or custom smart cooking. I wanted:
- Something easy to use
- Safe pressure cooking with no learning curve
- A way to stop spending so much money on takeout
I stumbled on the Instant Pot Duo Nova, read a few reviews, and saw it on sale at amazon for under $90. It felt like a small risk for a potentially big lifestyle change.
Spoiler: it was.
🧩 What Makes the Duo Nova Stand Out?
Let’s talk about the real benefits not the fluff, but the features that actually made a difference in my day-to-day cooking.
1. Beginner-Friendly Smart Lid
I had no idea how pressure cooking worked. Honestly, the idea of locking a pot and letting steam build up made me nervous. What sold me was the automatic sealing lid on the Duo Nova. You just twist it closed, and it seals itself.
There’s no guessing, no need to turn a valve after it starts it does it for you.
That alone gave me peace of mind. And after the first use, I felt like a pro.
2. 7-in-1 Functionality
You’re getting seven appliances in one:
- Pressure cooker
- Slow cooker
- Rice cooker
- Steamer
- Sauté pan
- Yogurt maker
- Food warmer
And yes I’ve used all of them.
3. Clear, Simple Interface
The control panel doesn’t look fancy, but that’s the beauty of it. It’s not intimidating. You press the button labeled “Rice,” “Yogurt,” or “Meat/Stew,” and it does the work.
No weird codes. No confusing menus.
4. Multiple Sizes Available
Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a small army, the Duo Nova comes in 3, 6, 8, and 10-quart options. I went with the 6-quart, and it’s been the sweet spot for 3–4 servings.
🍗 Real Meals I Made With Duo Nova (And Why They Worked)
Over the past year, I’ve cooked dozens of meals using the Duo Nova. Here are some standout ones that made me appreciate the product even more.
🍛 1. Chicken & Rice (From Frozen!)
Time Saved: ~40 minutes
Story:
One night I got home at 6:15 PM with no plan for dinner. I had frozen chicken thighs, a cup of jasmine rice, and a bag of frozen peas.
I threw everything in, added seasoning and broth, and hit “Pressure Cook.”
Dinner was ready before 7.
👉 That moment made me realize: this appliance isn’t just helpful it’s a lifesaver.
🐖 2. Pulled Pork on a Sunday
Time Saved: 4–6 hours (compared to oven slow-roast)
Story:
I wanted something cozy on a lazy Sunday. Tossed in pork shoulder with BBQ rub, added broth, set it to “Slow Cook”, and walked away.
By dinnertime, I had juicy, fall-apart pork. I didn’t stir. I didn’t babysit it. I watched football and read a book instead.
🧀 3. New York Cheesecake (Yes, Really)
Time Saved: ~1 hour bake + no cracking
Story:
I had friends over and wanted a dessert that felt fancy. I used the “Steam” function and a springform pan inside the pot.
It came out creamy, dense, and smooth. No water bath. No cracked top. One of my guests asked where I bought it. That’s how good it was.
🔍 What I Like Most About the Duo Nova
Let’s list it out so you can get the clear picture:
✅ Beginner-safe with auto-seal lid
✅ Cooks rice, beans, and meat fast
✅ Very easy to clean
✅ LCD display is readable, even for seniors
✅ Affordable often under $100
✅ Handles big meals without being intimidating
⚠️ Where Duo Nova Could Be Better
No product is perfect and neither is this one. Here’s what I wish was different:
❌ No Quick Release Button
You still have to manually turn the steam valve when you want to release pressure. It’s not dangerous, but it’s awkward and noisy.
❌ Bulky Size
Even though the 6-quart fits most meals, it’s tall and round, and not ideal for small kitchens with limited counter space.
❌ Limited Smart Features
There’s no “Sous Vide,” “Cake,” or other specialty modes you’ll find in higher-end models like the Evo Plus. It’s basic which can be a pro or con, depending on your needs.
⭐ Who Is the Duo Nova Best For?
Here’s where the Duo Nova shines the most:
- 👩🎓 Students who want to meal prep on a budget
- 👨👩👧👦 Busy families needing fast weeknight meals
- 👵 Seniors or beginners intimidated by complex gadgets
- 🧘♀️ Minimalists who want one tool that does it all
If you want to make real food fast, save money, and avoid the takeout trap, Duo Nova is your new best friend.
💬 What Other Users Say
Before buying, I checked Amazon reviews (as one does). With thousands of 4- and 5-star ratings, here are the most common praises:
“This was my first Instant Pot and it’s changed the way I cook.”
— Verified Amazon Customer
“Perfect for batch cooking and saves us so much time every week.”
— Mom of 3
“I was scared of pressure cookers but this one made it simple.”
— First-time user
Negative reviews usually mention the manual steam release and lack of advanced features, which I agree with but for the price, it’s hard to complain.
🔚 Final Word: Is Instant Pot Duo Nova Good?
Yes. 100% yes.
For me, it was a gateway into better eating, smarter cooking, and having more free time during the week. It’s safe, reliable, affordable, and does what it promises.
No, it’s not the flashiest. No, it won’t remember your custom recipes.
But if you want a machine that just works every time, without drama the Instant Pot Duo Nova delivers.
Would I buy it again if I lost mine? Absolutely.
Would I gift it to someone new to cooking? In a heartbeat.
✅ Is the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus Good? [My Honest User Experience]
Absolutely, the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus is not just good it’s a powerhouse. As someone who’s been cooking regularly with it for over a year now, I can confidently say it has changed the way I prepare meals in my kitchen. If you’re looking for real-life, honest insights from someone who actually uses the Duo Evo Plus daily, here’s my personal breakdown not from a tech manual, but from my busy life in Denver, Colorado, where winter demands cozy stews and summer calls for quick, easy dishes.
🧠 First Impressions
When I first unboxed the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus, I immediately noticed how modern and intuitive it looked. The sleek black and silver design fits perfectly on my countertop, and the large LCD screen with dial-based navigation made setup a breeze. It felt like I had a smart kitchen upgrade.
⏱️ Speed & Performance: Supercharged Cooking
One of the standout features is how incredibly fast this thing is. Compared to my old stovetop pressure cooker, the Duo Evo Plus is lightning-quick. The 1200W heating element preheats faster than other models I’ve used, so my cooking process starts sooner and ends quicker.
For instance:
- Rice? Done in under 10 minutes.
- Chicken biryani? Perfectly tender in 20.
- Beef stew? Fall-apart soft in 35 minutes.
This has saved me hours every week, especially on weeknights when I’m exhausted from work and want real food, not takeout.
🍲 Versatility That Truly Shows
Here’s where the Duo Evo Plus shines the most: you can literally cook anything.
- Pressure cook hearty meals like chili and stews.
- Slow cook for deep flavors in curries.
- Sauté onions and garlic before pressure cooking no extra pan needed.
- Bake cheesecakes (yes, I tried it for my kid’s birthday a hit!).
- Steam vegetables for a light lunch.
- Sous vide steak to impress guests.
I use it at least 5 times a week for different functions, which justifies every penny I spent.
🛠️ Easy-to-Use Design Upgrades
The inner pot design is a game-changer. It’s stainless steel with handles and a flat bottom safe for stovetop use too. Unlike older models where the pot spins or you burn your fingers, the Evo Plus is thoughtfully built for convenience.
And the QuickCool™ lid? Brilliant. I used to manually release pressure and it was scary at times hot steam, noise, mess. But the Duo Evo Plus cools faster and safer, thanks to its new design.
Also, the display panel deserves praise. The screen walks you through each step like a cooking assistant guiding you. It even shows when pressure is building and when it’s releasing, so I’m never left guessing.
📦 Built-in Safety = Peace of Mind
As someone with kids in the house, I appreciate that the Duo Evo Plus has 11+ safety mechanisms:
- Overheat protection
- Safety lock
- Pressure control
- Lid detection
- Steam release shield
I’ve never had a single issue, and that’s saying something.
💦 Clean-Up is Actually Enjoyable
Okay, I never thought I’d say this, but cleaning the Duo Evo Plus is… almost fun. 😂
The pot, silicone ring, and lid all go straight into the dishwasher. No burnt bottoms or sticky messes like I used to get with my stovetop cooker. That’s another 15–20 minutes saved every night.
👪 Family Friendly: Cooking for Everyone
I cook for a family of four, and this 6-quart cooker handles everything from:
- One-pot dinners
- Meal prep for the week
- Leftover warm-ups
- Even holiday dishes
It’s made me more confident as a home chef and saved me the hassle of using multiple appliances.
🧂 Recipe Flexibility: Not Just for Experts
Even if you’re new to pressure cooking, the Duo Evo Plus makes it simple. It comes with 48 pre-set cooking programs like Soup, Beans, Rice, Poultry, Yogurt, etc.
There’s even a recipe app and huge community online where I’ve picked up everything from spicy lentil soups to creamy mac and cheese. The learning curve? Almost zero.
📉 Downsides? A Few Minor Things
No product is perfect, so here’s what I noticed:
- It’s a little bulky if you have a tiny kitchen, it may take up space.
- There’s no included rack or extra sealing ring, which I had to buy separately.
- The price is a bit higher than other Instant Pots, but it’s worth every dollar in my experience.
✅ Final Verdict: Is the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus Good?
100% yes. If you want a device that saves time, cooks better than most people, and makes kitchen life smoother, this is it. For busy professionals, home chefs, or even beginners who want to eat better without spending hours this one’s your friend.
I’ve had zero regrets. In fact, I gifted one to my sister last Christmas, and she now swears by it too.
TLDR:
✅ Super fast
✅ Incredibly versatile
✅ Easy to clean
✅ Safe for family use
✅ Perfect for beginners and pros alike
The Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus doesn’t just cook meals it gives you time back, brings joy to your kitchen, and helps you eat better. That’s more than just “good.”
✅ Why This Comparison Matters

Instant Pots are game changers. They simplify dinner, reduce cleanup, and make home-cooked meals possible on even the busiest nights. But with so many versions out there, knowing which one fits your life is half the battle.
- Are you new to pressure cooking and want something beginner-friendly?
- Or are you looking to upgrade and want all the bells and whistles?
- Maybe space and speed are key factors?
I’ve been there and I made it through the maze. Let’s break it all down, side by side.
✅ Meet the Contenders
🥣 Instant Pot Duo Nova: My First Pressure Cooker
Let me take you back to the day I bought my Duo Nova. I was living in a cozy two-bedroom apartment in Charlotte, with just enough kitchen space for a microwave and one small appliance. That’s when the Instant Pot Duo Nova entered my life.
The first thing I made? Chicken and rice straight from frozen, in under 35 minutes. That dish alone paid for the pot, in my opinion.
✅ Why I Liked It:
- Beginner-Friendly: The Smart Lid seals automatically no scary steam surprises.
- Versatile Cooking: It’s a 7-in-1 think pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice maker, steamer, yogurt machine, sauté pan, and warmer.
- Size Variety: I picked the 6-quart (ideal for 3–4 people), but it comes in 3, 8, and even 10 quarts.
✅ What Could Be Better:
- No dedicated pressure release button.
- Basic screen not bad, but not sleek.
- Missing a few programs like Sous Vide or Cake mode.
That said, if you’ve never used an Instant Pot before, Duo Nova is your safest bet. It’s like pressure cooking with training wheels safe, predictable, and effective.
🔥 Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus: The Upgrade I Didn’t Know I Needed
Now fast-forward a year. I had a little more kitchen space, was cooking more often, and honestly I wanted an upgrade.
Enter the Duo Evo Plus.
Let me tell you, this one blew me away. From the fast heat-up time to the sturdy inner pot with actual handles (yes, handles!), this is the Instant Pot for serious home cooks or at least serious weeknight warriors like me.
✅ What Stood Out:
- Fast Preheat: It heats way faster than the Duo Nova. I noticed this on night one.
- Stovetop-Safe Inner Pot: Flat-bottomed, thick, with silicone handles easy to lift, easy to clean, even usable on gas and electric stovetops.
- Bright, Intuitive Display: The control panel is large, angled, and easy to read even in a dim kitchen.
❌ What I Didn’t Love:
- More expensive around $40–$50 more, depending on sales.
- Takes a bit of learning. It’s not hard, but there’s a learning curve.
- It’s bulkier. If your kitchen is tight, you’ll have to make space.
If the Duo Nova is your reliable Corolla, the Evo Plus is a sleek, fully loaded SUV.
✅ Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus: Head-to-Head Comparison

Now let’s get serious. Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of the two models based on actual usage in my kitchen.
🛠️ Design & Build Quality
Feature | Duo Nova | Duo Evo Plus |
Lid | Auto-sealing lid | Auto-sealing + safer steam release |
Inner Pot Design | Round, basic, no handles | Flat-bottom, thick, with handles |
Display | Small LCD, push buttons | Bright LED, dial + one-touch buttons |
Material Feel | Functional, light | Premium, solid, modern |
Winner: Duo Evo Plus Better pot, better interface, and built for serious use.
⚡ Performance & Speed
One of the biggest game changers for me was how fast the Evo Plus heats up. I timed both making the same beef stew recipe:
- Duo Nova took 12 minutes to preheat
- Evo Plus was ready in under 7 minutes
That difference is huge when you’re already hungry.
Feature | Duo Nova | Duo Evo Plus |
Heat-Up Time | 10–15 min | 5–8 min |
Even Cooking | Good | Excellent |
Noise Level | Quiet | Even quieter |
Winner: Duo Evo Plus It’s simply faster and more precise.
🍽️ Ease of Use
Let’s not sugarcoat it Duo Nova wins in pure simplicity. You plug it in, press “Rice,” and walk away.
But once I got the hang of the Evo Plus’s dial system, it felt way more powerful.
Feature | Duo Nova | Duo Evo Plus |
Learning Curve | None | Moderate |
Quick Start Cooking | Yes | Yes |
Custom Settings | Limited | Many (48+ options) |
Steam Release | Manual lever | One-touch release button |
Winner: Tie Beginners will prefer Nova; advanced users will love Evo Plus.
Real-Life Cooking Examples
Let me get personal here. These are actual meals I made:
✅ Duo Nova: Lazy Sunday Pulled Pork
I tossed in a pork shoulder with BBQ seasoning at 10 AM, hit “Slow Cook,” and watched football. By 6 PM, it was falling apart with a fork. Zero stirring.
✅ Duo Evo Plus: Weeknight Chicken Curry
I browned the chicken directly in the pot, added coconut milk and spices, sealed it, and 20 minutes later done. Rice was cooking on the stovetop using the same inner pot earlier. Fewer dishes, richer flavor.
That’s why I kept both but if I had to choose only one?
- 🧼 Cleanup & Maintenance
- 🗣️ Customer Reviews & Feedback
- 🔍 Feature Breakdown Table
- 🎯 Which Instant Pot Should You Buy?
- ✅ Final Verdict with Scenarios
✅ Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus: Which One Packs Better Features?
When it comes to picking a kitchen appliance you’ll use nearly every day, features matter a lot. You don’t just want buttons. You want intuitive controls, smart programs, and practical design updates that make cooking easier, faster, and more enjoyable.
After months of cooking with both the Duo Nova and the Duo Evo Plus, I’ve found clear differences not just in what each model claims to do, but in how those features work in real-life, busy home kitchens.
Let’s walk through the features that matter most and how each Instant Pot stacks up.
⚙️ Total Cooking Programs: Quantity & Quality
Here’s where the Evo Plus starts to pull ahead. If you’re the kind of cook who wants precision, customization, and smart presets, you’ll love the extra power the Evo Plus offers.
🔹 Instant Pot Duo Nova
- 13 built-in programs
- Basic functions like:
- Pressure Cook
- Slow Cook
- Sauté
- Steam
- Rice
- Yogurt
- Keep Warm
It covers the essentials. And for most beginners, these are more than enough.
👉 I used the “Rice” and “Pressure Cook” buttons almost every week. They worked reliably, but I had to tweak the timing a bit depending on what I was cooking.
🔸 Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus
- 48 customizable presets
- Includes everything from Duo Nova plus advanced modes like:
- Sous Vide
- Bake
- Beans/Chili
- Cake
- Sterilize
- Custom pressure levels
- More nuanced rice/grain modes
- Sous Vide
This thing is a beast for meal prep, special diets (hello, sous vide chicken!), and batch cooking. I could tweak pressure level and time down to the minute. And unlike the Nova, the Evo Plus actually remembers your last settings for each program.
Feature | Duo Nova | Duo Evo Plus |
Total Smart Programs | 13 | 48+ |
Custom Program Memory | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Sous Vide | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Bake/Cake Mode | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Programmable Pressure Levels | Basic | Advanced |
Winner: Evo Plus With more flexibility, customization, and smart memory, it caters to both beginners and advanced users.
🔍 Inner Pot Design: More Than Just a Container
One of the most underrated features of the Evo Plus is the redesigned inner pot. If you’ve ever tried to pull a heavy pot of soup out of a traditional Instant Pot, you’ll immediately appreciate what the Evo Plus offers.
🔹 Duo Nova’s Inner Pot:
- Traditional round-bottom design
- No handles
- Good quality stainless steel, but thin
- Can’t go on the stove
- Tricky to grip with oven mitts
🔸 Duo Evo Plus’s Inner Pot:
- Flat-bottom for better sautéing
- Silicone-coated stay-cool handles
- Stove-compatible (gas & electric)
- Thicker build for more even heat
- Dishwasher-safe
The Evo Plus’s pot felt more like a high-quality Dutch oven than just a liner. I sautéed onions for curry directly on my gas stove using the same pot then moved it into the base to pressure cook. One less dish to clean.
Feature | Duo Nova | Duo Evo Plus |
Inner Pot Bottom | Round | Flat |
Handles | ❌ None | ✅ Silicone side handles |
Stove Compatibility | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Gas & Electric) |
Heat Distribution | Standard | Even & thicker build |
Winner: Evo Plus – Better ergonomics, safer handling, and more versatile usage.
💨 Steam Release System: Safety First
This is where both models shine but the Evo Plus adds an extra level of user-friendliness and safety.
🔹 Duo Nova:
- Automatically seals when lid is closed (great for newbies)
- Manual steam release via valve on top
- Can feel a bit intimidating at first
👉 The first few times I had to manually release steam, I kept my face as far as possible from the lid. Not exactly a confidence booster.
🔸 Duo Evo Plus:
- Same auto-seal feature
- Adds one-touch quick release button
- Diffuser built into the lid reduces steam spray and noise
- Safer if kids are around (or pets that freak out at the sound)
It’s a smoother experience. No need to touch or twist a hot valve just press and walk away.
Feature | Duo Nova | Duo Evo Plus |
Auto-Sealing Lid | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
One-Touch Steam Release | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Steam Diffuser | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Safety Features | 10+ | 11+ + thermal shield |
Winner: Evo Plus – More safety features, and the one-touch steam release is a game changer for convenience and confidence.
🖥️ Display & Controls: Old School vs Modern
This is probably the most noticeable upgrade when you power on both models side by side.
🔹 Duo Nova:
- Basic LCD screen
- Push buttons
- No scrolling or customization display
It works, but you won’t fall in love with the UI.
🔸 Duo Evo Plus:
- Large, angled LED screen
- Control knob for smooth navigation
- Shows real-time cooking progress (preheat, cook, keep warm)
- Easy to read even from across the kitchen
Once you get used to the dial, the Evo Plus’s interface feels premium—like using a smart home device.
Feature | Duo Nova | Duo Evo Plus |
Screen Type | Basic LCD | Angled LED |
Navigation | Push buttons | Scroll dial + center tap |
Visibility | Limited | Bright, full contrast |
Progress Indicator | Basic | Full visual tracking |
Winner: Evo Plus – Modern, intuitive, and great for multitaskers.
🧠 Smart Features & Customization
This is where serious home cooks start nodding in approval.
🔹 Duo Nova:
- Good for “set it and forget it” cooking
- Works reliably on factory presets
- Doesn’t remember custom cooking times or preferences
🔸 Duo Evo Plus:
- Smart program memory remembers your previous settings
- Altitude adjustment (automatically calibrates cooking time)
- More granular temperature control
The Evo Plus felt like it learned from my habits. The moment I realized it remembered my exact stew settings from last week I knew I was spoiled.
Feature | Duo Nova | Duo Evo Plus |
Memory of Settings | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Altitude Adjustment | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Temp Control Precision | Basic | Advanced |
Winner: Evo Plus – Tailored cooking without re-programming every time.
✅ Real-Life Use Case: Features That Made a Difference
Let me give you two moments that highlight how features changed my cooking:
🍲 Duo Nova Moment:
I was late getting home from work. I threw in some frozen ground beef, canned tomatoes, and beans hit “Chili,” and by the time I had changed into sweats, dinner was halfway done. It didn’t win awards, but it saved the night.
🥘 Evo Plus Moment:
Friends came over unexpectedly. I made shrimp risotto using the sauté mode, then pressure cooked it and served straight from the same pot. I didn’t even have to change pans. The built-in handle made it feel like I was using a premium chef’s pot.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which is better: Instant Pot Duo Nova or Duo Evo Plus?
Answer: Both are excellent multi-cookers, but they serve slightly different needs.
- Choose Duo Nova if you’re a beginner, want simplicity, and prefer a more budget-friendly model.
- Go for Duo Evo Plus if you love experimenting in the kitchen, need advanced features like faster heating, and enjoy added control.
2. What sizes are available for each model?
Answer:
- Duo Nova: Comes in 3, 6, 8, and 10-quart sizes.
- Duo Evo Plus: Available in 6 and 8-quart options.
If you’re cooking for a big family, the 8 or 10-quart Duo Nova might be ideal. For couples or small families, the 6-quart Duo Evo Plus could be the sweet spot.
3. Is the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus worth the higher price?
Answer: Yes, if you’re looking for extra convenience and features. It offers:
- A better inner pot with handles
- Faster preheating
- 48 customizable cooking programs
- A more advanced digital display
So, for serious home cooks or tech-savvy users, the price upgrade pays off.
4. Is the Duo Nova discontinued?
Answer: As of now, Instant Pot hasn’t officially discontinued the Duo Nova, but availability may vary. Some models or sizes might be limited on popular platforms like Amazon or Walmart.
5. Do both models have a yogurt-making feature?
Answer: Yes! Both Duo Nova and Duo Evo Plus support yogurt-making, which is a favorite among health-conscious home chefs.
6. Can I air fry with either the Duo Nova or Duo Evo Plus?
Answer: No, not out of the box. You’d need to purchase a separate Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid compatible with your model. Make sure you check compatibility before purchasing.
7. Which model is better for beginners?
Answer: Definitely the Duo Nova. It has a simple interface and is super easy to use even if you’ve never used a pressure cooker before. The Evo Plus has more features, which might feel overwhelming for new users.
8. Are replacement parts like inner pots and sealing rings easy to find?
Answer: Yes. Instant Pot’s popularity means replacement parts are widely available online, especially on Amazon. Both models use standard accessories, though the Evo Plus has a uniquely shaped inner pot, so make sure to buy the correct one.
9. Do both models have safety features?
Answer: Absolutely. Both are designed with over 10 safety features like pressure control, lid lock, overheating protection, and more. You can cook confidently with either model.
10. Can I cook rice and stew in both?
Answer: Yes. In fact, rice and stew are some of the most common dishes people make in these cookers. Both models handle these meals wonderfully, though the Duo Evo Plus cooks faster and more evenly thanks to its updated inner pot and heating element.
✅ Final Thoughts on Features
Feature Category | Best Model |
Smart Cooking Programs | Evo Plus |
User Interface | Evo Plus |
Inner Pot Design | Evo Plus |
Simplicity for Beginners | Duo Nova |
Price-to-Feature Ratio | Evo Plus (if you use all features) |
If you’re buying your first Instant Pot and just want something that works every time, the Duo Nova is more than enough. If you’re ready to take full control of your meals and appreciate premium design, Evo Plus is the upgrade your kitchen deserves.