The Duo Evo Plus cooks faster and smarter; Duo Nova is simpler and cheaper.
I live in the US, in Austin, and I cook most nights. If you’re choosing between two popular multicookers, Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus, I’ll help you decide fast. Both handle daily meals with ease. But one offers smarter controls and a better pot, while the other is budget-friendly and very beginner-friendly. I’ve pressure-cooked, sautéed, and steamed with both to see which is better for busy home cooks, meal preppers, and first-timers.
Table of Contents
Is Instant Pot Duo Nova Good?
Yes, for most beginners and budget-focused cooks. For Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus, the Duo Nova is easier to learn and lighter on your wallet. It’s great for soups, chilis, rice, and shredded chicken. If you want a straightforward cooker with proven safety, it’s a safe pick.
I used Duo Nova to batch-cook rice and beans on Sundays. It never burned, and the EasySeal lid took guesswork out of sealing. Another time, I made a 6-quart pot roast; it stayed juicy, and cleanup was quick.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Simple control panel with clear buttons and status indicators
- Automatic EasySeal lid seals when you close it
- 10+ safety features and proven UL safety certification
- 6-quart size fits 4–6 people; versatile for daily meals
- Stainless steel inner pot, dishwasher-safe
- Classic pressure cook, sauté, steam, slow cook, keep warm
- Reliable results for staples: rice, beans, stews, eggs
What I Like
- Very easy to use on day one
- Quiet pressure build and release compared to older models
- Stainless steel pot browns well and cleans fast
- Affordable entry to pressure cooking
- Consistent results with basic recipes
What Could Be Better
- Fewer smart presets than advanced models
- No stovetop-safe pot with handles
- Display and knob feel dated in 2025
- Manual pressure release can steam up cabinets
- Slower heat-up than premium Instant Pot models
My Recommendation
If you want a dependable, affordable cooker, Duo Nova is a solid pick. For Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus, Duo Nova fits first-time users and simple weekly meal prep. Availability remains strong in 2025, and the value is excellent.
Is Duo Evo Plus Good?
It depends, but mostly yes if you want more speed and control. In Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus, the Duo Evo Plus brings a better inner pot, faster heat-up, and smarter presets. It’s ideal for confident cooks who want stovetop searing and finer control.
I loved the stovetop-safe pot with handles. I seared chicken thighs on my gas burner, then clicked the pot back into the base to pressure cook. I also used the QuickCool lid to drop pressure faster for a creamy risotto without overcooking.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Stovetop-safe inner pot with easy-grip handles
- QuickCool lid accessory for faster pressure drop
- Upgraded heating element for quicker preheat
- Large, bright display with 48 customizable presets
- Improved steam release control and angled steam vent
- Excellent sauté performance; pan-like base
What I Like
- Faster from start to finish on most dishes
- Safer, cleaner pressure release angle
- Handles make lifting hot pot simple
- More precise presets and temperature steps
- Better browning for meats and veggies
What Could Be Better
- Learning curve with more buttons
- Usually pricier than Duo Nova
- May be harder to find new in 2025 in some regions
- Extra parts mean more to clean
- Larger footprint on the counter
My Recommendation
Pick Duo Evo Plus if you want speed, better searing, and advanced control. For Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus, the Evo Plus wins for power users and home chefs. If you see it in stock, it’s a smart upgrade.
Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus: Side-by-Side Test
I tested everyday meals to compare Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus. I focused on cooking speed, controls, pot design, safety, and cleanup. Here’s how they stack up.
Cooking Functions: Which One Does More?
| Feature | Duo Nova | Duo Evo Plus |
|—|—|—|
| Pressure cook | Yes | Yes |
| Slow cook | Yes | Yes |
| Sauté levels | Basic | Expanded, finer control |
| Presets | Core set | ~48 customizable presets |
| Keep warm | Yes | Yes |
Rating: Duo Nova – 7.5/10 | Duo Evo Plus – 9/10
Edge: Duo Evo Plus, thanks to more presets and control.
Performance & Speed: Heat-Up and Total Time
| Metric | Duo Nova | Duo Evo Plus |
|—|—|—|
| Heat-up time (6 qt) | Moderate | Faster |
| Searing power | Good | Excellent |
| Pressure recovery | Good | Faster |
| QuickCool support | No | Yes (with accessory) |
Rating: Duo Nova – 7/10 | Duo Evo Plus – 9/10
Edge: Duo Evo Plus, it’s consistently quicker.
Inner Pot Design & Searing
| Aspect | Duo Nova | Duo Evo Plus |
|—|—|—|
| Pot material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel, stovetop-safe |
| Handles | No | Yes, ergonomic |
| Base contact | Standard | Pan-like, wider contact |
| Oven/Stovetop use | Base-only | Pot can go on stove |
Rating: Duo Nova – 7.5/10 | Duo Evo Plus – 9.5/10
Edge: Duo Evo Plus, better pot and browning.
Controls & Display
| Aspect | Duo Nova | Duo Evo Plus |
|—|—|—|
| Screen size | Smaller | Larger, brighter |
| Preset labeling | Basic | Clear, extensive |
| Knob/buttons | Simple buttons | Buttons + refined interface |
| Customization | Limited | Deep customization |
Rating: Duo Nova – 7/10 | Duo Evo Plus – 9/10
Edge: Duo Evo Plus, more intuitive once learned.
Safety & Steam Release
| Feature | Duo Nova | Duo Evo Plus |
|—|—|—|
| EasySeal auto-seal | Yes | Improved lid system |
| Steam vent angle | Standard | Angled away from hands |
| Safety mechanisms | 10+ | 10+, refined release |
| Quick pressure drop | No | Yes (QuickCool) |
Rating: Duo Nova – 8/10 | Duo Evo Plus – 9/10
Edge: Duo Evo Plus, cleaner and safer venting.
Capacity & Everyday Use
| Aspect | Duo Nova | Duo Evo Plus |
|—|—|—|
| 6-quart family meals | Strong | Strong |
| Batch cooking | Good | Excellent |
| Frozen-to-done | Reliable | Faster |
| Learning curve | Very low | Moderate |
Rating: Duo Nova – 8.5/10 | Duo Evo Plus – 8.8/10
Edge: Duo Evo Plus, slightly better for heavy use.
Cleaning & Maintenance
| Aspect | Duo Nova | Duo Evo Plus |
|—|—|—|
| Inner pot cleaning | Easy | Easy |
| Lid parts | Simple | More parts (QuickCool) |
| Fingerprint resistance | Standard | Improved finishes |
| Dishwasher-safe parts | Yes | Yes |
Rating: Duo Nova – 8.5/10 | Duo Evo Plus – 8/10
Edge: Duo Nova, fewer parts to manage.
Noise & Kitchen Fit
| Aspect | Duo Nova | Duo Evo Plus |
|—|—|—|
| Steam noise | Moderate | Lower, angled |
| Counter footprint | Compact | Slightly larger |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Aesthetic | Classic | Modern |
Rating: Duo Nova – 8/10 | Duo Evo Plus – 8.5/10
Edge: Duo Evo Plus, quieter and more modern.
Value & Availability (2025)
| Aspect | Duo Nova | Duo Evo Plus |
|—|—|—|
| Typical price | Lower | Higher |
| Availability | Strong | Varies by region |
| Accessories included | Standard | Often includes extras |
| Long-term support | Stable | Good, but stock may vary |
Rating: Duo Nova – 9/10 | Duo Evo Plus – 8/10
Edge: Duo Nova, best budget value and easier to find.
Beginner-Friendliness
| Aspect | Duo Nova | Duo Evo Plus |
|—|—|—|
| Setup and first cook | Very easy | Needs a quick read |
| Buttons and labels | Simple | Advanced |
| Preset confusion | Low | Medium |
| Margin for error | High | High with practice |
Rating: Duo Nova – 9/10 | Duo Evo Plus – 8/10
Edge: Duo Nova, simpler for first-timers.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want simple, safe, and affordable, choose Duo Nova. In Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus, the Duo Nova fits beginners, students, and busy families who want easy wins.
If you want faster heat-up, better searing, and smarter presets, choose Duo Evo Plus. In Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus, the Evo Plus suits confident cooks and meal preppers who value control and speed.
FAQs Of Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus
Which cooks faster: Duo Nova or Duo Evo Plus?
Duo Evo Plus. In Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus, the Evo Plus heats and recovers pressure faster.
Is the inner pot different?
Yes. In Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus, the Evo Plus pot has handles and is stovetop-safe. Duo Nova’s pot is classic stainless without handles.
Which is better for beginners?
Duo Nova. In Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus, the Duo Nova is simpler with fewer buttons and a gentler learning curve.
Is Duo Evo Plus still worth it in 2025?
Yes, if you can find it. In Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus, Evo Plus offers better performance and presets for enthusiasts.
Which one offers better safety features?
Both are safe. In Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus, Evo Plus has a cleaner steam release angle and QuickCool support, while Duo Nova has EasySeal and core protections.
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