User Manual Instant Pot DUONOVA30 Duo Nova 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

• Owner's manual - (English)

• Spec Sheet (web) - (English)

Table of contents

• Product Specifications
• Product, Parts and Accessories
• Control Panel
• Smart Program Settings
• Cleaning Before First Use
• Overview of Pressure Control Features
• Cooking with the Duo Nova
• Depressurizing the Cooker (Venting Methods)
• Using Pressure Cooking Smart Programs
• Using Non-Pressure Cooking Smart Programs
• Care and Cleaning
• Troubleshooting

User Manual Pressure Cooker

Product Specifications

Product, Parts and Accessories

Duo Nova 3, 6, 8 and 10 Quart Pressure Cookers

Before using the Instant Pot Nova, verify that all parts are accounted for.

Top of Lid

Bottom of Lid

Inner Pot

Instant Tip: The lid has been designed with lid fins that fit perfectly inside the handles on the left and right sides of the cooker base to help keep your countertop dry!

Cooker Base

Accessories

Sealing Rings (×2) (1x installed in lid)

Condensation Collector

Steam Rack with Handles (6, 8 and 10 Quart models only)

Steam Rack (3 Quart model only)

Detachable Power Cord (3 and 6 Quart models only)

Control Panel

1. Display

Status Icons show the cooker’s status as described below.

Timer shows countdown to Delay Start, cooking time remaining, and Keep Warm time passed in hours and minutes. Also shows Status Messages as described below.

Less – Normal – More indicate the selected Smart Program cooking time or temperature.

Pressure Level Indicator shows the selected Smart Program pressure level.

2. Smart Program Settings Keys

−/+ keys: Adjust Delay Start, cooking time and Keep Warm time.

Pressure Level: Toggles between Low and High pressure levels.

Keep Warm: Turns the Keep Warm option on or off.

Delay Start: Enables the delayed start option.

LED Indicators show the selected or active Smart Program including any options selected.

Cancel: Press Cancel at any time to return the cooker to Standby mode.

3. Smart Programs

Pressure Cooking

• Soup/Broth

• Meat/Stew

• Bean/Chili

• Poultry (not available on Duo Nova 3 Quart models)

• Rice

• Multigrain (not available on Duo Nova 3 Quart models)

• Porridge

• Steam

• Pressure Cook

Non-Pressure Cooking

• Slow Cook

• Sauté

• Yogurt

• Keep Warm

4. Status Icons

Element is heating

Pressure cooking in progress

Keep Warm On/Off

Sound On

Sound Off

Smart Program Settings

Adjust and Save Pressure Cooking Temperature

Select a pressure cooking Smart Program, then press Pressure Level to toggle between High (10.2–11.6 psi) and Low (5.8–7.2 psi) pressure levels.

Note: A higher pressure results in higher cooking temperature.

When cooking begins, the pressure level you selected is saved and remembered the next time the Smart Program is selected.

The cooking temperature may be adjusted at any time during pressure cooking by pressing Pressure Level, but adjustments made after cooking has begun will not be saved.

Adjust and Save Pressure Cooking Time

Select a pressure cooking Smart Program, then press the Smart Program button again to cycle through the Less, Normal and More cooking time options.

If desired, use the − / + buttons to further customize the time.

When cooking begins, your customizations are saved and remembered the next time the Smart Program is selected.

The cooking time may be adjusted at any time during pressure cooking, but adjustments made after cooking has begun will not be saved.

Adjust and Save Non-Pressure Cooking Temperatures

Select a non-pressure cooking Smart Program, then press the Smart Program button again to cycle through the Less, Normal and More cooking temperature levels.

When cooking begins, the temperature level is saved and remembered the next time the Smart Program is selected.

The cooking temperature may be adjusted at any time during non-pressure cooking by pressing the Smart Program button, but adjustments made after cooking has begun will not be saved.

Adjust and Save Non-Pressure Cooking Time

Select a non-pressure cooking Smart Program, then use the − / + buttons to adjust the cooking time.

The cooking time may be adjusted at any time during non-pressure cooking, but adjustments made after cooking has begun will not be saved.

Cancel and Standby Mode

When the cooker is plugged in but not in operation, the display reads OFF to indicate Standby mode.

Press Cancel to stop a Smart Program at any time. The cooker returns to Standby mode.

Turn Sound On/Off

Sound On: When in Standby, press and hold + button until display indicates S On.

Sound Off: When in Standby, press and hold − button until display indicates SOFF.

Adjust Temperature Scale: Fahrenheit and Celsius

Press both − and + buttons simultaneously twice. Default temperature unit will be displayed.

Press the + button repeatedly, to toggle between °F and °C.

Set a Delay Start Timer

Delay Start can be set to a minimum of 10 minutes or a maximum of 24 hours.

1. Select a Smart Program and adjust the settings as you desire, then press Delay Start. Note: Once Delay Start has been selected, there is no way to return to the cooking settings. To adjust Smart Program settings, press Cancel and enter new selections.

2. When the hours field flashes, use the − / + buttons to adjust the delay time. E.g., 02:00 indicates that cooking will start after 2 hours.

3. Press Delay Start again to toggle to the minutes field and follow the same process as the previous step.

4. Delay Start begins automatically after 10 seconds and the timer counts down.

5. When Delay Start ends, the Smart Program begins, and the display indicates On. Delay Start is not available with the Sauté, Sous Vide or Yogurt Smart Programs.

Automatically Keep Food Warm After Cooking

The Keep Warm setting turns on automatically after cooking on all Smart Programs except Sauté, Sous Vide and Yogurt.

When automatic warming begins, the timer begins counting from 00:00 to indicate the time passed, up to 10 hours.

To turn automatic warming off, press Keep Warm. The LED above the button dims to indicate that it is off.

Reheat Food or Keep Warm for Long Periods

When in Standby, select Keep Warm. Press Keep Warm again to cycle through Less, Normal and More warming temperature levels.

Use the − / + buttons to set a warming timer up to 99 hours and 50 minutes.

Keep Warm begins automatically after 10 seconds.

When Keep Warm completes, the display indicates End. Reset Smart Programs to Factory Default Settings

Reset Individual Smart Programs

With the cooker in Standby mode, press and hold one Smart Program button until the cooker returns to Standby and displays OFF.

The Smart Program’s pressure level, cooking time and temperature are restored to the factory default setting.

Reset All Smart Programs

With the cooker in Standby mode, press and hold Cancel until the cooker beeps.

All Smart Program pressure levels, cooking times and temperatures are restored to the factory default setting.

Cleaning Before First Use

Remove the inner pot from the cooker base and wash it with hot water and dish soap. Rinse with warm, clear water and use a soft cloth to dry the outside of the inner pot.

Note: The inner pot is dishwasher safe.

Wipe the heating element with a soft cloth to ensure there are no stray packaging particles present before returning the inner pot to the cooker base.

Note: Before cooking, always ensure the heating element is clean and dry before inserting the inner pot into the cooker base. Failure to do so may damage the cooker.

The inner pot is an integral part of product safety. Food must be placed in the inner pot, and never directly in the cooker base.

To avoid personal injury or damage to the appliance, replace a deformed or damaged inner pot. Use only authorized Instant Pot inner pots made for this model when cooking.

Overview of Pressure Control Features

Pressure Cooking Lid

The stainless steel lid included is necessary for most cooking processes, and is essential for pressure cooking. Always ensure to use the Duo Nova pressure cooking lid with the Duo Nova cooker base.

When plugged in, the cooker plays a jingle when the lid is opened and closed.

Open and Remove the Lid

Grip the lid handle and turn it counter-clockwise to align the symbol on the lid with the symbol on the rim of the cooker base, then lift the lid up and off the cooker base.

Close the Lid

Align the symbol on the lid with the symbol on the cooker base, and lower the lid onto the track. Turn the lid clockwise until the symbol on the lid aligns with the symbol on the cooker base.

The pressure cooking lid automatically seals for easy pressure cooking, but does not lock into place when closed. The lid can be removed during Pre-heating but locks into place once the cooker has pressurized.

Refer to Overview of Pressure Control Features–Float Valve for information on pressurization and depressurization.

Quick Release Button

The quick release button controls the steam release valve, sealing and venting the cooker as you desire.

Refer to Depressurizing the Cooker (Venting Methods) for details on safe depressurization

Steam Release Valve

The steam release valve sits loosely on the steam release pipe. When the cooker releases pressure, steam ejects from the top of the steam release valve.

The steam release valve is integral to product safety and necessary for pressure cooking. It must be installed before use and cleaned regularly.

Remove the Steam Release Valve

Pull steam release valve up and off steam release pipe.

The steam release valve must be installed before using the cooker. It should only be removed for cleaning, but should be cleaned frequently.

Install the Steam Release Valve

Place the steam release valve on the steam release pipe and press down firmly.

The steam release valve sits loosely on the steam release pipe when installed properly but should remain in place when the lid is turned over.

Remove

Install

Anti-Block Shield

The anti-block shield prevents food particles from coming up through the steam release pipe, assisting with pressure regulation.

As an integral part of product safety, the anti-block shield must be installed before use and cleaned frequently.

Remove the Anti-Block Shield

Grip the lid like a steering wheel and use your thumbs to press firmly against the side of the anti-block shield (pressing towards the side of the lid and up) until it pops off the prongs underneath.

Install the Anti-Block Shield

Place anti-block shield over prongs and press down until it snaps into position.

Do not attempt to operate the pressure cooker without the anti-block shield installed.

Sealing Ring

When the pressure cooking lid is closed, the sealing ring installed on the underside of the lid creates an air-tight seal between the lid and the cooker base.

The sealing ring must be installed before using the cooker and should be cleaned after each use. Only 1 sealing ring should be installed in the lid when using the cooker. Use one for sweet dishes and one for savory.

Sealing rings stretch over time with normal use. As an integral part of product safety, the sealing ring should be replaced every 12–18 months or sooner if stretching, deformation, or damage is noticed.

Remove the Sealing Ring

Grip the edge of the silicone and pull the sealing ring out from behind the circular stainless steel sealing ring rack.

With the sealing ring removed, inspect the rack to ensure it is secured, centered, and an even height all the way around the lid. Do not attempt to repair a deformed sealing ring rack.

Install the Sealing Ring

Place the sealing ring over the sealing ring rack and press it into place. Press down firmly to alleviate puckering.

When installed properly, the sealing ring is snug behind sealing ring rack and should not fall out when the lid is turned over.

Instant Tip: Silicone is porous, so it may absorb strong aromas and certain flavors. Keep extra sealing rings on hand to limit the transfer of those aromas and flavors between dishes. Visit our store to color code your cooking.

Float Valve

The float valve provides a visual indication of pressure within the cooker and appears in 2 positions

Pressurized The float valve has visibly popped up above the surface of the lid.

Depressurized The float valve has descended and the top is flush with the lid.

The float valve and silicone cap work together to seal in pressurized steam. These parts must be installed before use and should be cleaned after each use.

Remove the Float Valve from the Lid

Place one finger on the flat top of float valve, then turn the lid over. Detach the silicone cap from the bottom side of the float valve.

Remove the float valve from the top of the lid. Do not discard the float valve or silicone cap

Top

Bottom

Install the Float Valve

Drop the narrow end of the float valve into the float valve hole on the top of the lid. Place one finger on the flat top of the float valve, then turn the lid over. Firmly attach the silicone cap to the bottom of the float valve.

Do not attempt to operate the pressure cooker without the float valve and/or silicone cap properly installed in the pressure cooking lid.

Condensation Collector

The condensation collector sits at the back of the cooker base and accumulates overflow moisture from the condensation rim. It should be installed before cooking, then emptied and rinsed out after each use.

Remove the Condensation Collector

Pull the condensation collector away from the cooker base; do not pull down. Note the tabs on the cooker base and the grooves on the condensation collector.

Install the Condensation Collector

Align the grooves on the condensation collector over the tabs on the back of the cooker base and slide the condensation collector into place.

Cooking with the Duo Nova

1. Pre-Heating and Pressurization

The cooker waits 10 seconds to ensure you have finished inputting your selections, then displays On to indicate it has begun pre-heating. While the cooker pre-heats, it vaporizes liquid in the inner pot to create steam. Once enough steam has built up inside the inner pot, the float valve pops up and locks the lid of the cooker in place for safe pressure cooking.

When the float valve pops up, the silicone cap attached to the bottom of the float valve (on the underside of the lid) seals the steam inside the cooking chamber (the inner pot) and allows the pressure to rise even higher. A higher pressure means a higher cooking temperature.

While it is normal to see some steam escaping through the float valve during Pre-Heating, if you see steam escaping from around the sides of the lid, press Cancel and refer to Troubleshooting.

Note: The time it takes your cooker to pressurize is determined by a variety of factors, including food and liquid volume.

2. Cooking

After the float valve pops up, the cooker needs a few minutes to finish building pressure. When the required pressure level is reached, cooking begins. The display switches from On to the cooking countdown timer, displayed in HH:MM (hours : minutes) format.

Smart Program settings (e.g., cooking time, temperature and/or pressure level, and whether Keep Warm will come on automatically or not) can be adjusted at any time during cooking. Refer to Smart Program Settings for details.

3. Depressurization

After pressure cooking completes, follow your recipe instructions for depressurizing the cooker.

If automatic Keep Warm is on after cooking completes, the timer counts up from 00:00 to indicate the elapsed time up to 10 hours. If not, the cooker returns to Standby and displays End.

Note: The cooker cools and depressurizes faster if automatic Keep Warm is off.

See Depressurizing the Cooker (Venting Methods) for information on releasing pressure after cooking.

Depressurizing the Cooker (Venting Methods)

Always follow recipe instructions for depressurizing the cooker.

Natural Release (NR)

Leave the quick-release button in the popped-up Seal position. As the temperature within the cooker drops, the cooker depressurizes naturally over time.

Depressurization time varies based upon the volume and type of food and liquid. When the cooker has completely depressurized, the float valve drops into the lid.

Quick Release (QR)

Press the quick release button down until it clicks and locks into the Vent position.

When depressed, a stream of steam releases through the top of the steam release valve.

When the cooker has completely depressurized, the float valve drops into the lid.

If continuous spatter occurs while venting, set the cooker back to Seal by flicking the quick-release button. The button pops back up to indicate that it is sealed and stops the depressurization process. Wait a few minutes before trying to QR again. If spatter continues, use NR to safely release remaining pressure.

10-Minute NR

Leave the quick-release button in the popped-up Seal position for 10 minutes after cooking has completed, then press the quick-release button down until it clicks and locks into the Vent position. When depressed, a stream of steam releases through the top of the steam release valve.

If continuous spatter occurs while venting, set the cooker back to Seal by flicking the quick-release button. Wait an additional 5 minutes before trying to QR again. If spatter continues, use NR to safely release remaining pressure.

Using Pressure Cooking Smart Programs

Whether you are a novice cook or a culinary expert, the Duo Nova provides Smart Programs to get you cooking with the touch of a button.

The steps below follow the safest procedure for using the cooker and can be applied to the following Smart Programs: Pressure Cook, Soup/Broth, Meat/Stew, Cake*, Egg, Rice, Bean/Grain*, Porridge/Oatmeal, Steam and Sterilize.

Always inspect your Instant Pot pressure cooking lid, inner pot and cooker base carefully to ensure they are clean and in good working condition before use.

Pressure cooking liquids should be water-based, such as broth, stock, soup or juice. If using canned, condensed, or cream-based soup, add water as directed above.

1. Open and remove the lid as described in Pressure Control Features—Pressure Cooking Lid.

2. Remove the inner pot from the cooker base.

3. Add food and liquid ingredients to the inner pot. Note: Cold or frozen food items take longer to generate steam and slow down pressurization. For the fastest results, thaw frozen ingredients before cooking.

4. Insert the inner pot into the cooker base.

5. Mini and 6 Quart: Secure the power cord to the base power socket at the back of the cooker base. Ensure the connection is tight. All: Connect the power cord to a 120 V power source. The cooker goes to Standby mode and the display indicates OFF.

6. Place and close the lid as described in Pressure Control Features—Pressure Locking Lid. Note: The quick-release button will automatically pop up to the Seal position for pressure cooking.

7. Select your desired pressure cooking Smart Program.

8. Press the same Smart Program button again to cycle through Less, Normal and More time options.

9. For custom cooking, use the − / + buttons to adjust the cooking time.

10. Press Pressure Level to toggle between Low and High pressure.

Note: When pressure cooking, the pressure level controls the temperature. A higher pressure results in a higher cooking temperature.

Note: Cooking time and pressure level adjustments are saved to the Smart Program when cooking begins.

11. Press Keep Warm to toggle the automatic Keep Warm setting off or on, as you desire.

12. After 10 seconds, the display reads On and indicates that Pre-heating has begun.

13. When cooking completes, follow recipe directions to select the appropriate venting method. Refer to Depressurizing the Cooker (Venting Methods).

Instant Tip: Use the steam rack to lift foods out of the cooking liquid. This ensures even heat distribution, prevents nutrients from leeching into the cooking liquid, and stops food items from scorching on the bottom of the inner pot.

Pressure Cooking Settings

Pressure Cooking Tips

Using Non-Pressure Cooking Smart Programs

The Duo Nova is much more than a pressure cooker. These non-pressure cooking Smart Programs get you cooking quickly and easily.

Always ensure the lid is set to Vent when using non-pressure cooking programs. Press the quick-release button down until it clicks and locks in place.

The following sections provide the safest steps for using the Slow Cook, Sauté, Yogurt and Sous Vide Smart Programs.

Always inspect your Instant Pot pressure cooking lid, inner pot and cooker base carefully to ensure they are clean and in good working condition before use.

Slow Cook

Slow Cook is a non-pressure cooking program that is compatible for use with any common slow cooker recipe.

1. Remove the inner pot from the cooker base.

2. Add food and liquid ingredients to the inner pot.

3. Insert the inner pot into the cooker base.

4. Mini and 6 Quart: Secure the power cord to the base power socket at the back of the cooker base. Ensure the connection is tight. All: Connect the power cord to a 120 V power source. The cooker goes to Standby mode and the display indicates OFF.

5. Place and close the lid as described in Pressure Control Features—Pressure Locking Lid, or use a glass lid with a venting hole.

6. Press the quick-release button down until it clicks and locks into the Vent position.

7. Press Slow Cook to select the Slow Cook Smart Program.

8. Press Slow Cook again to cycle through the Less, Normal and More temperature options.

9. Use the − / + buttons to adjust the cooking time. Note: Cooking time and temperature level adjustments are saved to the Smart Program when cooking begins.

10. Press Keep Warm to toggle the automatic Keep Warm setting off and on.

11. After 10 seconds, cooking begins and the display timer counts down.

12. When cooking completes, the display indicates End if Keep Warm is turned off. If not, the timer begins counting from 00:00 up to 10 hours.

Sauté

Sauté is a non-pressure cooking program that can be used in place of a frying pan or flat-top grill.

1. Insert the inner pot into the cooker base. Do not use a lid.

2. Mini and 6 Quart: Secure the power cord to the base power socket at the back of the cooker base. Ensure the connection is tight. All: Connect the power cord to a 120 V power source. The cooker goes to Standby mode and the display indicates OFF.

3. Press Sauté to select the Sauté Smart Program.

4. Press Sauté again to cycle through the Less, Normal and More temperature options. Note: Cooking temperature adjustments are saved to the Smart Program when cooking begins.

5. After 10 seconds, the cooker displays On to indicate that it has begun heating.

6. When display switches from On to Hot, add recipe ingredients. Note: If recipe ingredients are added before the Hot message appears, it may not appear at all. This is normal.

7. When cooking completes, the display indicates End. Note: Automatic Keep Warm cannot be turned on for the Sauté Smart Program.

Deglazing the Inner Pot (Pressure Cooking After Sauté)

Sautéing meat and vegetables before pressure cooking is the perfect way to boost flavors, as sugars caramelize from the high heat of the Sauté Smart Program.

To pressure cook after using Sauté, deglaze the inner pot to ensure food items do not scorch.

To deglaze: remove food items from the inner pot and add a thin liquid (e.g., water, broth, wine) to the hot surface. Use a wooden or silicone scraper to loosen anything that may be stuck to the bottom of the inner pot.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a non-pressure cooking Smart Program made for easy fermented dairy and non-dairy recipes.

Pasteurize Milk

1. Remove the inner pot from the cooker base.

2. Add unpasteurized milk to the inner pot then insert the inner pot into the cooker base.

3. Mini and 6 Quart: Secure the power cord to the base power socket at the back of the cooker base. Ensure the connection is tight. All: Connect the power cord to a 120 V power source. The cooker goes to Standby mode and the display indicates OFF.

4. Place and close the lid as described in Pressure Control Features—Pressure Locking Lid.

5. Press Yogurt to select the Yogurt Smart Program.

6. Press the quick release button down until it clicks and locks into the Vent position.

7. Press Yogurt again to cycle to the More option. The display indicates boiL.

8. After 10 seconds the cooker begins heating.

9. When pasteurization completes, the display indicates End.

10. Remove the lid and use a thermometer to check the temperature

Add Starter Culture

1. Allow pasteurized milk to cool to just below 43°C (110°F).

2. Add a starter culture to the milk according to package instructions. Note: If using plain yogurt as a starter, ensure that it contains an active culture. Mix in 2 tbsp of yogurt per gallon of milk, or follow a trusted recipe.

3. Place and close the lid as described in Pressure Control Features—Pressure Locking Lid.

Ferment Yogurt

1. Press Yogurt to select the Yogurt Smart Program.

2. Press the quick-release button down until it clicks and locks into the Vent position.

3. Press Yogurt again to cycle to the Normal option. The display indicates 08:00.

4. Use the − / + buttons to adjust the fermentation time if desired.

5. After 10 seconds the cooker begins heating. The display timer counts up to the set time from 00:00.

6. When fermentation completes, the cooker beeps and displays End.

Yogurt Cups

Yogurt cups are a convenient way to portion out your yogurt for serving.

1. After adding the starter culture to the pasteurized milk, carefully pour the milk into your yogurt cups and seal them tightly.

2. Clean the inner pot thoroughly and place the steam rack on the bottom of the inner pot.

3. Place the sealed yogurt cups on the steam rack and add water to the inner pot until the cups are submerged halfway.

4. Follow steps in “Ferment Yogurt” above.

Care and Cleaning

Clean your Duo Nova after each use.

Always unplug your Duo Nova and let it cool to room temperature before cleaning.

Let all surfaces dry thoroughly before use, and before storage.

Troubleshooting