In my neighborhood during the throes of the pandemic shutdown, there was no delivery and none of the local restaurants were open. Even if they had been open, we didn’t like the idea of sitting outdoors in our coats. A multi-cooker saved me from DIY cooking boredom. This is the advicesisters’ latest Instant Pot review: The Instant Pot Duo Nova 3 quart Multi-cooker.
Advicesisters.com has reviewed a number of multi-cookers including the large Instant Pot Aura Pro that can hold a whole chicken intact, to the smallest Instant Pot on the Market that I know of, the Instant Pot Duo Nova 3 quart pot.
This mini-sized instant pot does almost all of what the other instant pots and multi-cookers do. But it’s small enough for one or a small family It also takes up way less space on your counter or in your cabinet. While the larger versions (6 & 8 quarts) will accommodate a crisper lid, this one is solely for pressure or slow cooking.
There is a bright, easy-to-read display and safety features such as a locking lid and steam release as you’d find on the larger sisters of this pot. You can use the Instant Pot App to download recipes and get more information about the device. The duo nova models do not support wifi but honestly, you don’t really need it for the most part. Everything is available to you on the display at the touch of a button.
There are 14 one-touch smart programs and 7 functions: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, saute, yogurt maker, and warmer. You can see the progress of your dish as it cooks.
It’s fun to try new things, and they cook quickly! There is so much that an instant pot can do you might never have considered. When we were locked down, I made pulled pork, Indian Food, Rice Pudding, split pea soup, and lots of chicken dishes. These are things I probably wouldn’t have made before. Therefore, my multi-cookers gave me a chance to try new things and do them easily and quickly.
But the Instant Pot is also a slow cooker. You can prepare your dinner, set the slow cooker, and then forget about it. When you walk in the door for dinner it’s ready for you!
And there is so much more to explore!
When you get the boxed Instant pot Duo Nova you will find the device, along with a wire rack, and an extra sealing ring. This is particularly important if you make savory dishes. When I was making curries, the spices were hard to clean off the wire ring. I didn’t want my rice pudding smelling like spices. However, I had that extra sealing ring that I could swap out for non-savory dishes.
There is also an instruction manual. The inner stainless steel pot can be easily cleaned. The Instant Pot Duo Nova is UL listed with a 1-year Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty.
Obviously, you can get larger pots (the Duo Nova is available even in a 10-quart size) but for smaller families, this one is tops1 For more information visit the Instant Pot Website.
