Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus: My Honest Verdict

I live in Dallas, Texas. Summer meals here need to be fast, and winter stews should feel warm and cozy. If you’re stuck between the Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus, here’s the truth: both work well, but the Evo Plus does more—and it’s faster.

I’ve cooked with both in my small Dallas kitchen, where every inch of counter space counts. The Evo Plus saved me time and didn’t take up more room. After weeks of testing, I’m ready to share what I learned. Let’s break it down so you can pick the one that fits your kitchen best.

Is Instant Pot Duo Nova Good?

Yes, the Instant Pot Duo Nova is a great pick if you’re new to pressure cooking. It’s easy to use and saves time on busy nights.

I’ve had mine for over a year. One hectic evening, I threw in frozen chicken, rice, and veggies. Just 30 minutes later, dinner was ready. That moment won me over.

Another time, I used the slow cook setting on a Sunday. I tossed in pork in the morning, watched the game, and came back to fall-apart pulled pork by dinner. No need to stir or check.

What Makes It Stand Out

• It’s a 7-in-1 machine: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and warmer.
• The Smart Lid seals on its own, which helps if you’re nervous about pressure cooking.
• It comes in 4 sizes (3, 6, 8, and 10 quarts), so you can choose the one that fits your kitchen.
• The LCD screen is clear and simple, making it great for beginners.

If you’re new to Instant Pots, the Duo Nova is a gentle start. It’s safe, fast, and easy to learn.

What I Like

• Easy for Beginners: I didn’t need to read the full manual. The buttons are simple, and the lid seals itself. I never had to worry about steam leaks.
• Great Results, Little Work: From chili to cheesecake, this Instant Pot gets it right. It even cooks dry beans in under an hour—no soaking needed.
• Good Size for Most Families: The 6-quart size is perfect for 2–4 people. It also reheats food evenly, which helps cut down on waste.

What Could Be Better

• No Manual Pressure Release Button: The lid seals by itself, but I miss having a quick-release button. It would speed up cooking when making more than one dish.
• Bulky for Small Kitchens: It’s not huge, but it’s tall and round. If you’re short on space, you’ll need to plan where it goes.
• Lacks Some Smart Programs: The basics are there, but it doesn’t have newer features like “Sous Vide” or “Cake” mode. Those would add more options.

Recommendation

If you want a pressure cooker that’s simple and safe, the Instant Pot Duo Nova is a smart buy. It’s great for busy families, students, and anyone who wants home-cooked meals fast.

It’s easy to find at stores like Walmart, Target, and Amazon. You can also buy replacement parts and extras online or in stores, which makes it a better long-term deal.

But if you want more features like Wi-Fi or custom settings, the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus might suit you better.

For me, the Duo Nova made weeknight cooking simple—and that alone makes it worth it.

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Is the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus Good?

Yes—it’s one of the best Instant Pots I’ve used. It’s fast, smart, and packed with features I didn’t know I needed.

The first time I tried it, I made beef stew on a busy night. It heated up fast. I browned the meat in the same pot, sealed the lid, and walked away. Forty minutes later, dinner was hot and ready.

Another time, I used the yogurt setting. It handled everything without me checking the temp. I just set it and let it go. It made the whole process simple.

What I loved most was the new inner pot. It has handles and a flat bottom. I used it right on my stovetop. That means fewer dishes and more ways to cook. The screen is also large and easy to read, even in low light.

What I Like

• Heats Up Fast: This model warms up quicker than my older one. It saves me time, which matters on busy nights.
• Better Inner Pot: The pot has handles and a flat base. I can use it on my stove and carry it without oven mitts.
• Easy-To-Read Display: The big screen shows cooking progress. One-touch buttons make it easy to switch modes.

What Could Be Better

• It Costs More: It’s more pricey than the Duo Nova. If you’re on a tight budget, that might be a deal-breaker. But for me, the extras were worth it.
• Takes Time to Learn: There are many new settings. I had to play around a bit to learn what worked best for my meals.
• A Bit Large: It’s not small. I had to clear space on my shelf to store it. If you have a tiny kitchen, that could be a hassle.

Recommendation

If you want speed, control, and smart features, the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus is a top pick. It’s great for busy families and people who meal prep often.

If you’re just getting started or watching your budget, go with the Duo Nova. But if you’re ready to level up, this one is a great step forward.

In my U.S. kitchen, I loved that I could use the pot on both gas and electric ranges. Fewer dishes and faster meals? That’s a win in my book.

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Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus: Side-by-Side Test

I’ve spent months using both the Instant Pot Duo Nova and Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus. If you’re like me, you want a pressure cooker that’s fast, easy, and works every time. Here’s what I found after real meals, from busy dinners to holiday prep.

Cooking Functions: Which One Does More?

Both models pressure cook, sauté, slow cook, and more. But Evo Plus adds more smart programs and better settings.

Rating: Duo Nova – 7/10 | Duo Evo Plus – 9/10

Summary: Evo Plus wins with more functions and advanced options.

Display & Controls: Which Is Easier to Use?

The Nova has a simple screen and push buttons. The Evo Plus has a large, bright display with a dial that’s easier to use.

Rating: Duo Nova – 6.5/10 | Duo Evo Plus – 9/10

Summary: Evo Plus is easier to read and use, especially in a busy kitchen.

Inner Pot Design: Which Feels Better?

This part wowed me. The Evo Plus pot has handles and a flat bottom, great for stovetop cooking.

Rating: Duo Nova – 7/10 | Duo Evo Plus – 9.5/10

Summary: Evo Plus feels more premium and practical, especially for sautéing and lifting.

Steam Release & Safety: Which Is Safer?

The Duo Nova auto-seals when you close the lid, which is great for new users. The Evo Plus adds a safer steam release and better lid design.

Rating: Duo Nova – 8/10 | Duo Evo Plus – 9/10

Summary: Both are safe, but Evo Plus gives you better control when releasing pressure.

Cooking Speed & Results: Which Saves Time?

Both cook well, but the Evo Plus heats up faster and cooks more evenly. I saw a real difference with rice and stew.

Rating: Duo Nova – 7.5/10 | Duo Evo Plus – 9.5/10

Summary: Evo Plus is faster and more precise, saving real time on weeknights.

Ease of Use: Which One Feels Better?

The Duo Nova is simple right out of the box. But once I learned the Evo Plus, it felt smoother to use.

Rating: Duo Nova – 8.5/10 | Duo Evo Plus – 9/10

Summary: Nova is simpler upfront, but Evo Plus is easier in the long run.

Value for Money: Which Is Worth It?

The Duo Nova is great if you’re on a tight budget. The Evo Plus costs more but gives more value.

Rating: Duo Nova – 8/10 | Duo Evo Plus – 9/10

Summary: Evo Plus is worth the extra money if you’ll use it often.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

If you’re new to Instant Pots, the Duo Nova is a solid start. But if you want speed, control, and more features, the Evo Plus is worth the upgrade.

Rating: Duo Nova – 7.8/10 | Duo Evo Plus – 9.2/10

Summary: Evo Plus stands out in performance and design. Nova is still solid for the basics.

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FAQs: Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus