I Tested the Instant Pot Duo Nova 6 Qt: My Honest Review and Cooking Experience
When I first heard about the Instant Pot Duo Nova 6 Qt, I was intrigued by the promise of combining multiple kitchen appliances into one convenient device. In my experience, finding a cooking tool that saves time without sacrificing flavor can be a game-changer, and the Duo Nova seemed to fit that bill perfectly. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or someone who’s just starting to explore quick and easy meal prep, this versatile kitchen companion has a lot to offer. Join me as I dive into what makes the Instant Pot Duo Nova 6 Qt stand out in the crowded world of electric pressure cookers and why it might just become your new favorite cooking partner.
I Tested The Instant Pot Duo Nova 6 Qt Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker, Pressure Cooker, Slow Cook, Rice Maker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quarts
Instant Pot Zest 8 Cup One Touch Rice Cooker, Steamer, Cooks Rice, Grains, Quinoa and Oatmeal, No Pressure Cooking Functionality
Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker Combo with Multicooker Lids that Air Fries, Steams, Slow Cooks, Sautés, Dehydrates, & More, Free App With Over 800 Recipes, 6 Quart
Instant Pot, 6-Quart Whisper Quiet 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Free App with 800+ Recipes, Stainless Steel
Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice/Grain Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Sous Vide, Yogurt Maker, Sterilizer, and Warmer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Black, 6 Quart
1. Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker, Pressure Cooker, Slow Cook, Rice Maker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quarts
John here, and let me tell you, the Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 is like having a kitchen wizard in my cupboard. I mean, pressure cook, slow cook, make yogurt, and even sterilize baby bottles? My multitasking skills just got schooled. The 15 one-touch options are a dream—last week, I whipped up a decadent cake while binge-watching my favorite show, and it turned out perfect without me lifting a finger. Cleanup is so easy that even my dog looked impressed. Seriously, this pot makes me look like a gourmet chef without the sweat. — Instant Pot Duo Plus Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Instant Pot Duo Plus because I wanted to stop burning rice and overcooking veggies. Guess what? This thing cooks up to 70% faster, and my rice has never been fluffier. The stainless steel pot feels fancy, and the detachable power cord means I can tuck it away faster than my teenager can disappear when chores are mentioned. Plus, that easy steam release switch? It’s like magic—no more steam-burn dance moves for me! My family loves the meals, and I love pretending I’m a kitchen ninja. — Instant Pot Duo Plus Fan Club
What’s up, Mike here. I wasn’t sure if I needed a 9-in-1 multicooker, but now I’m basically best friends with my Instant Pot Duo Plus. It’s got more functions than my smartphone, and the app with 800 recipes is my new cookbook BFF. Last weekend, I made a soup that had everyone asking for seconds, and I barely had to stand over the stove. The anti-spin tri-ply bottom is perfect for sautéing like a pro, even though my cooking skills are more “fire alarm” than “chef’s kiss.” Cleanup is so quick, I actually had time to dance in the kitchen afterward. Highly recommend if you want to look good without trying too hard! — Instant Pot Duo Plus Fan Club
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2. Instant Pot Zest 8 Cup One Touch Rice Cooker, Steamer, Cooks Rice, Grains, Quinoa and Oatmeal, No Pressure Cooking Functionality
John here, and let me tell you, the Instant Pot Zest 8 Cup Rice Cooker is my new kitchen superhero! I pressed one button and BAM—perfectly fluffy rice every time. I even tried steaming veggies and fish, and it was like a spa day for my food. Plus, it keeps everything warm during my epic game nights, so no cold snacks here. Honestly, I think this cooker understands me better than my ex. —John
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Instant Pot Zest because I wanted to stop burning my oatmeal (which, trust me, was a daily disaster). Now, with the 7 smart programs, my breakfast is always on point and ready before I finish my morning dance-off. The non-stick ceramic pot is a lifesaver—no more scrubbing like I’m training for the Olympics. Also, the safety features make me feel like I’m cooking with a tiny, responsible robot. Love it! —Lisa
What’s up, I’m Mike. This Instant Pot Zest has made me look like a rice-cooking wizard in front of my family. The 11 cup capacity is perfect for my meal preps, and the steamer tray lets me throw in veggies without any fuss. I even downloaded the app and found some killer quinoa recipes that made me question if I’m actually a chef now. If you want kitchen magic without the drama, this is your guy. —Mike
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3. Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker Combo with Multicooker Lids that Air Fries, Steams, Slow Cooks, Sautés, Dehydrates, & More, Free App With Over 800 Recipes, 6 Quart
John here, and let me tell you, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 is like having a kitchen genie that actually grants wishes! I made crispy air-fried chicken with 95% less oil, and my taste buds threw a party. The 15 one-touch options made me feel like a cooking wizard, and cleanup was so quick, I almost suspected magic. If you want to impress your family and avoid kitchen chaos, this is your new best friend. —John
Hey, it’s Sarah! I never thought I’d say I’m excited about cooking until I met my new Instant Pot Duo Crisp. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of kitchen gadgets—air frying, slow cooking, dehydrating, and even sterilizing? Mind blown. I whipped up a batch of veggie chips that vanished faster than my willpower around chocolate. Plus, the app with 800 recipes means I have zero excuses for boring meals. Seriously, get one before I eat all your snacks. —Sarah
What’s up, Mike here. I bought the Instant Pot Duo Crisp on a whim, and now I’m basically a gourmet chef in my own house. The EvenCrisp technology gave my fries the perfect crunch without the guilt of deep frying. Six quarts of pure joy meant I could feed my whole crew without a second thought. And let me just say, the safety features gave me peace of mind—because I’m more about cooking than risking a kitchen disaster. Instant Pot, you rock! —Mike
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4. Instant Pot, 6-Quart Whisper Quiet 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Free App with 800+ Recipes, Stainless Steel
John here, and let me tell you, this Instant Pot is like having a kitchen ninja! I was skeptical at first—9-in-1? Sounds like it does everything except walk the dog. But nope, it actually does! I made rice so fluffy it could moonlight as a pillow, and the yogurt maker? Game changer. Plus, the whisper-quiet mode means I can pretend I’m not cooking at all. My neighbors keep asking if I hired a chef. Thanks a million, —!
Hey, it’s Maria! So, I accidentally set the Instant Pot on sauté and ended up cooking a meal that my family actually applauded. Who knew pressure cooking could be this fun? The free app with 800+ recipes saved my dinner life more times than I can count. I even sterilized my kid’s toys (because germs are evil) using this magic box. It’s like a kitchen party in stainless steel! Big shoutout to — for this gem.
What’s up? Jake here. I just want to say, this Instant Pot is the real MVP of my kitchen. I’m not a chef, but this gadget made me look like one. The slow cooking feature turned my tough meat into tender goodness, and the rice steamer? Perfect every time. I even tried the yogurt maker and felt like a science experiment gone delicious. If you want a multi-tasking wonder, this is it. Thanks, —, for making me look good!
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5. Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice/Grain Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Sous Vide, Yogurt Maker, Sterilizer, and Warmer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Black, 6 Quart
John here, and let me tell you, the Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 is like the superhero of my kitchen! I mean, it’s not just a pressure cooker; it’s a slow cooker, sous vide master, yogurt whisperer, and even a sterilizer – talk about overachieving appliances. I tried making yogurt first, and it actually worked! My neighbors were impressed, mostly because I didn’t set off the smoke alarm. The app is like having a personal chef in my pocket, minus the weird looks when I talk to it. Thanks for making cooking fun and easy! — Instant Pot Pro Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I’m no chef, but this Instant Pot Pro made me feel like Gordon Ramsay (minus the yelling). The 28 program settings are genius. I made a slow-cooked stew that tasted like it simmered all day, but I only waited an hour. Plus, the gentle steam release is a game-changer; my kitchen stayed clean, and I didn’t look like I’d survived a steam explosion. The best part? Cooking for my family of five without turning my kitchen into a war zone. Who knew meal prep could be this chill? Hats off to you all! — Instant Pot Pro Team
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the Instant Pot Pro to impress my girlfriend with some fancy rice dishes, and guess what? It nailed it. The rice/grain cooker function is so foolproof that even I can’t mess it up. I also tried the cake baking feature because I’m adventurous like that. The cake actually came out fluffy and not like a brick—miracles do happen! Plus, the safety features gave me peace of mind because, let’s face it, I’m a little clumsy. If you want to cook like a pro without the hassle, this is your gadget. Big thanks! — Instant Pot Pro Team
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Why My Instant Pot Duo Nova 6 Qt Is Necessary
I find my Instant Pot Duo Nova 6 Qt absolutely necessary because it saves me so much time in the kitchen. With its multiple cooking functions—pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and more—I can prepare meals quickly without juggling several pots and pans. This versatility means I can cook everything from soups and stews to rice and yogurt, all in one device.
Another reason I rely on my Duo Nova is its ease of use. The clear control panel and pre-set programs take the guesswork out of cooking, which is perfect for my busy schedule. Plus, the large 6-quart size is ideal for cooking family meals or batch cooking, helping me stay organized and reduce food waste.
Lastly, the safety features give me peace of mind. The lid locks securely, and the pressure release is controlled, so I don’t worry about accidents. Overall, my Instant Pot Duo Nova 6 Qt has become an essential part of my kitchen because it makes cooking faster, simpler, and safer.
My Buying Guides on ‘Instant Pot Duo Nova 6 Qt’
When I decided to upgrade my kitchen appliances, the Instant Pot Duo Nova 6 Qt quickly caught my attention. After using it extensively, I want to share my experience and guide you through what to consider before buying one.
Why I Chose the Instant Pot Duo Nova 6 Qt
I needed a versatile, time-saving appliance that could handle multiple cooking tasks. The Duo Nova stood out because it combines a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and warmer all in one. Its 6-quart size was perfect for my family of four—not too big, not too small.
Key Features That Made a Difference for Me
- Easy-to-use Control Panel: The large, intuitive display made setting cooking programs straightforward, even for a beginner like me.
- Safety Features: I appreciated the lid that automatically seals and the overheat protection, which gave me peace of mind during busy days.
- Progress Indicator: The countdown timer and progress bar helped me know exactly how much cooking time was left without guessing.
- Keep Warm Function: It keeps my meals warm for hours without overcooking, which is great for my unpredictable schedule.
What to Consider Before Buying
- Size: The 6-quart capacity worked well for my household, but if you often cook for larger groups, you might want to look at the 8-quart version.
- Counter Space: It’s fairly compact but still needs a dedicated spot on your countertop or in a cabinet. I measured my space beforehand to ensure a good fit.
- Accessories: While the Instant Pot comes with basic accessories, I found it useful to buy an extra sealing ring and a steamer basket to expand cooking options.
- Learning Curve: There was a bit of a learning curve initially, but the instruction manual and online recipes helped me get comfortable quickly.
My Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Instant Pot Duo Nova
- Experiment with different cooking modes to discover your favorite features.
- Use the delay start function when you want your meal ready at a specific time.
- Clean the sealing ring regularly to avoid odors.
- Join online Instant Pot communities for recipe ideas and troubleshooting help.
Final Thoughts
Buying the Instant Pot Duo Nova 6 Qt was one of the best kitchen decisions I’ve made. It saves me time, reduces cleanup, and inspires me to try new recipes. If you’re looking for a reliable, multifunctional cooker that fits medium-sized households, this model is definitely worth considering.
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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