Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus is one of the most discussed comparisons among smart pressure cookers today. Both models come from the trusted Instant Pot family,
known for their innovation, safety, and time-saving cooking power. Yet, these two cookers are designed for different types of home cooks — one focused on simplicity and the other on versatility.
This detailed comparison breaks down every feature, design element, and usability difference to help you decide which one truly fits your kitchen and lifestyle.
The Duo Nova is the perfect model for beginners. It combines all the classic Instant Pot features with an upgraded easy-seal lid and clear blue display.
It’s built to make cooking faster and easier without overwhelming you with options. The Duo Evo Plus, on the other hand, takes things to a whole new level. With over 20 enhancements, a more powerful heating element,
and a cookware-grade inner pot, it’s crafted for those who love control and customization in cooking.
Understanding the difference between the Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus is important because both cookers deliver similar results but in unique ways. The Duo Nova focuses on convenience and confidence,
while the Duo Evo Plus delivers precision and advanced control. Each one has its strengths, and your choice depends on your comfort level and cooking style.
Instant Pot : Duo Nova Pressure Cooker
The Instant Pot Duo Nova is designed as an entry-level multicooker that brings ease, safety, and consistency to your cooking.
It combines seven kitchen appliances into one, giving you the flexibility to make everything from rice to yogurt without taking up extra counter space.
Detailed Overview
This model is best known as an upgrade to the popular Duo series. The Instant Pot Duo Nova offers a 7-in-1 design — functioning as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan,
food warmer, and yogurt maker. The 6-quart size is perfect for medium-sized families of up to six people, making it one of the most versatile and widely used sizes in the Instant Pot lineup.
The built-in microprocessor technology monitors temperature, time, and pressure to ensure your meals are cooked evenly every time. It helps you prepare food
up to 70% faster than traditional methods while maintaining texture and nutrients. The automatic keep-warm function lasts up to 10 hours, keeping food ready until it’s time to serve.
What Is Good
✅ Simple for beginners: The Duo Nova’s intuitive design and single-touch buttons make it easy to start cooking immediately.
✅ Smart sealing lid: The lid automatically seals when closed, minimizing user error and keeping cooking safe.
✅ Fast cooking: The powerful system cooks meals up to 70% faster, saving time and energy.
✅ Durable build: Food-grade stainless steel pot (304, 18/8) is dishwasher-safe and built for long-lasting performance.
✅ Large recipe database: Comes with access to over 1,000 recipes via the Instant Pot app.
What Is Bad
❌ Limited customization: You can’t adjust as many settings as advanced models.
❌ Basic display: The blue LCD screen is smaller and less detailed compared to higher-end models.
❌ No sous vide or bake functions: Missing some modern features that experienced cooks may want.
Overall Verdict
The Instant Pot Duo Nova is perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a stress-free cooking experience. It balances convenience and performance beautifully. The easy-seal lid, automatic keep-warm function,
and simple controls make it a reliable kitchen companion. While it doesn’t have as many customization options as newer models, its solid performance and trusted reputation make it one of the best entry-level Instant Pots available today.
Instant Pot : Duo Evo Plus Pressure Cooker
The Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus is the next evolution in the Instant Pot series. It’s designed for those who want more control, power, and precision in their cooking.
With over 20 enhancements compared to the previous Duo model, this version brings professional-level flexibility into home kitchens.
Detailed Overview
The Duo Evo Plus comes equipped with a 1200W heating element, making it the fastest cooker in its class. It reduces preheating time significantly and allows pressure to
build and release more quickly thanks to the innovative QuickCool technology. This means faster meals without sacrificing taste or texture.
With 48 customizable preset options, it takes guesswork out of cooking. Whether you’re making ribs, beans, rice, or even desserts, the Evo Plus adjusts temperature and
pressure precisely for consistent results. It also adds new cooking modes like sous vide and bake, offering a full culinary range from everyday meals to gourmet creations.
What Is Good
✅ Powerful performance: 1200W heating element cooks faster and more evenly than older models.
✅ QuickCool technology: Reduces pressure release time for faster turnaround between dishes.
✅ Enhanced control: 48 preset options make customization easy for any recipe.
✅ Premium inner pot: Cookware-grade stainless steel pot with handles can be used on gas, electric, or induction stovetops.
✅ Large display: Angled, bright screen shows cooking progress and status clearly.
✅ Improved safety: 11+ built-in mechanisms ensure secure and worry-free operation.
What Is Bad
❌ Higher price: More expensive than the Duo Nova due to its added technology.
❌ Learning curve: The many presets and settings can overwhelm new users.
❌ Heavier pot: The cookware-grade pot adds some weight compared to the standard one.
Overall Verdict
The Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus is the powerhouse of the Instant Pot lineup. It’s ideal for those who cook often and enjoy experimenting with different recipes. Its speed, safety,
and high precision make it one of the best multicookers available. While it costs more and takes time to learn, the Evo Plus rewards users with restaurant-quality meals and total control over every detail.
Common Features
Both the Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus share a core design philosophy — simplicity, speed, and safety. They come with multiple built-in functions that let you replace several appliances with just one smart cooker. Below are the features both models have in common:
- Multiple cooking functions: Both are 7-in-1 appliances combining pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, sauté pan, rice cooker, yogurt maker, and warmer.
- Fast cooking: Each model cooks up to 70% faster than traditional stovetop methods, saving energy and time.
- Advanced safety features: Both have UL-certified safety systems with over 10 mechanisms to prevent overheating and pressure issues.
- Smart sealing lid: Automatically seals for hands-free pressure cooking, reducing risk and hassle.
- Stainless steel inner pot: Food-grade 304 stainless steel pots are durable, easy to clean, and dishwasher-safe.
- Automatic keep-warm mode: Keeps your food warm for up to 10 hours, ensuring it’s ready to serve anytime.
- Free recipe app: The Instant Pot app for iOS and Android gives access to hundreds of recipes and a large online community.
- Trusted brand: Both belong to the renowned Instant Pot family, ensuring quality, safety, and consistent innovation.
These shared features show why Instant Pot remains one of the most trusted names in kitchen appliances. Whether you prefer simplicity or customization,
both models ensure consistent, tasty results every time. The choice ultimately comes down to how much control and flexibility you want in your cooking routine.
FAQs About Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus
Which Instant Pot is better for beginners?
The Instant Pot Duo Nova is better for beginners. It’s simple, intuitive, and has fewer settings, making it easier to learn and use right away.
Does the Duo Evo Plus cook faster than the Duo Nova?
Yes. The Duo Evo Plus has a stronger 1200W heating element and QuickCool technology, which helps it cook and depressurize faster.
Can both models make yogurt?
Yes, both the Duo Nova and Duo Evo Plus have a yogurt function, allowing you to prepare homemade yogurt easily.
Is the inner pot dishwasher-safe?
Yes. Both models include stainless steel pots that are dishwasher-safe and free from chemical coatings.
Which one offers more cooking presets?
The Duo Evo Plus offers 48 customizable presets, while the Duo Nova provides 13 one-touch programs, making Evo Plus more advanced in control and customization.
Conclusion
The Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus comparison clearly shows two fantastic multicookers built for different audiences. The Duo Nova shines in simplicity,
making it perfect for beginners or casual home cooks. The Duo Evo Plus delivers power, speed, and advanced features ideal for serious home chefs.
Both models share the same Instant Pot reliability, safety, and convenience. The Duo Nova wins on price and ease of use,
while the Duo Evo Plus excels in precision and customization. Whichever you choose, both will save you time and deliver delicious results consistently.
In the end, if you want something quick, simple, and reliable, go with the Duo Nova. If you prefer more control, faster cooking,
and premium performance, the Duo Evo Plus is worth the upgrade. Either way, you’re investing in one of the best pressure cookers available today.
