How to set up an Instant Pot Duo Nova~ My Creative Manner

So you bought an Instant Pot now what do you do with it? In this article, you will learn how to set up your new Instant Pot Duo Nova. Get to know your pressure cooker with pictures that show you what the different parts are.

I recently added a second pressure cooker to my collection come along with me as I unbox my new Instant Pot Duo Nova in a video. I'll show you what the parts of your new IP are in the pictures.

An Instant Pot and all the accessories that came with it.

Once you finish getting to know your IP, you will want to head over to our article on How To Do A Water Test. A water test is a must-do so you know your IP will come to pressure. The water test makes sure that the pressure cooker is working correctly.

The Duo Nova is the newest addition to the Instant Pot line. The new innovative lid is designed to self-seal. I find this Instant Pot to be very user friendly because of the self sealing aspect.

What Is An Duo Nova?

This helps ensure that you will never forget to set the steam valve to sealing again. There have been so many times I wondered why my Instant Pot wasn't sealing. Only to find out that I didn't turn my valve to sealing.

The LCD display is larger and easier to read than other models. It keeps you informed as to what is going on inside of your IP every step of the way.

The pot with the flame under it indicates that the heating element is in use. The pot with a P in it indicates that the pressure cook program is in progress.

The temperature symbol indicates the keep warm setting is either on or off. And then the last symbol is the sound and that indicates if it's on or off.

Unboxing An Instant Pot Duo Nova

After Christmas, I bought myself a second Instant Pot. Since I already had a 6-quart Duo, I decided on an 8-quart Duo Nova this time.

I liked the idea that the buttons were the same on the Duo Nova as they were on the Duo. So I wouldn't have much of a learning curve with this new IP.

After about a week of my new IP sitting on the floor in the dining room waiting to be opened. I decided I would make a video of me opening it. It was time to learn how to set up my Instant Pot Duo Nova.

Right away I was able to notice the size difference of the 8-quart vs my 6-quart. Not only is it larger than the 6-quart but much heavier.

Two images of the back side of Instant Pots with thier cords.

The next difference I noticed was the cord. My 6-quart I have to plug it in, which I do like. However, I have had it come unplugged on me while cooking before.

This could have been because it was moved or not initially plugged in all the way. Whereas the 8-quart cord is attached, I'm still on the fence as to if I like this.

Smart Lid

The Duo Nova has what is called a smart lid. As I stated before the lid automatically will seal itself.

So there are no more worries about forgetting to turn the sealing valve to sealing. And not having the pressure cooker come to pressure. All you have to do is put the lid on your IP and of course, adjust the LCD screen for the correct cooking time.

What also makes this lid smart is that the steam release is much safer than on older models. All you have to do to release the steam is press this button, that's it.

Your hand doesn't get in the way of the steam so no need to worry about getting a steam burn. You still should be careful of the steam when it's being released. This feature has to be one of the best things about my new pressure cooker.

Showing the metal valve of an Instant Pot.

In this image, I'm showing you the float valve. The float valve is what builds and maintains the pressure in the IP.

You will notice that when there is no pressure in the IP the valve is down. However, as it's pressurized the valve will be up.

In this image, I'm showing you the steam release valve. The steam release valve does just what it's called to release the steam from inside the pressure cooker.

The valve will seem loose when there is no pressure that is built up. As the pressure builds the valve with not be loose. However, if bumped some steam will release. Please be careful around this valve.

Under The Lid

Let's turn that lid over and learn about these parts. Remember that float valve on the other side of the lid. The metal pin helps build and maintain pressure.

This is the float valve silicone cap, it helps keep food from getting in the pin.

The inside of the lid of an Instant Pot.

If food gets in and around the pin there is a chance that pressure will not build. Not to worry you can pop that silicone cap off.

By pushing the metal pin-up and taking the cap off. Then clean the pin and put it back in place with the cap on.

This is the anti-blocking shield. Its function is to prevent small food particles from getting into the pressure release valve. This can also be removed and cleaned.

I don't recommend using the IP without this in place. It could build unsafe pressure.

The rubber seal that is inside the lid of an Instant Pot.

This is the seal ring, without the ring the lid will not seal. Then your IP will probably not come to pressure. If the ring isn't in its place correctly you can run into a couple of problems.

The first is the lid may not go on correctly. I found this out first hand. After I took this picture I went to put my lid on and it would not go on. After checking the seal ring, I did notice it wasn't pushed down under the bar correctly.

The second is if the seal is incorrectly in place then your IP will probably not come to pressure. The seal ring can be removed to be cleaned. The seal ring and the lid are both dishwasher safe.

After a while, the ring will lose its ability to seal. Amazon has great deals on replacement rings. as well as accessories.

Outside The Pot

Now we are going to talk about the parts outside of the pot to help you get to know your IP better.

A close up of the lid of an Instant Pot.

On the lid and on the pot itself you will see black markings. They aren't that easy to spot at first but they are there to help indicate which way to close and open the lid.

There is an inverted triangle on the lid, on the pot is a lock and unlock symbol as well as a triangle.

To open the lid, twist to the right, and match up the inverted triangle to the triangle, pull the lid up. To close the lid, turn to the left, and match the inverted triangle to the triangle, the lid will be locked.

The front of an Instant Pot with the Inner pot being lifted out.

One of the important features to be able to cook in your IP is having the inner pot. You can not cook without the inner pot being in. A habit I have is to make sure that once my inner pot has been cleaned that I always put it back into my Instant Pot.

I have read where some people have poured water into their IP without the inner pot being in place. This could be the death of your IP. If the heating element inside the pot gets wet there is a chance your pressure cooker is no longer good.

Yes, the inner pot is dishwasher safe as well!!

Get to know your LCD screen and the cooking functions that your pot has. My favorite to use is the pressure cooker button in the lower right.

Then I adjust the cooking time with the up-down arrows. By pushing the pressure level, I'm able to adjust to low or high pressure.

Showing where the condensation cup goes on the back of the Instant Pot.

This is the condensation cup, it collects excess moister that may form. The cup collects the drippings so it doesn't drip down the side of your pot or onto your counter.

The cup can easily slide into place, it can also be put into the dishwasher for cleaning. I do recommend checking this every time you use it to make sure it's not full.

TIPS

The backside of the Instant Pot and where the cord goes.

On the Duo Nova, there is a place to hold the power cord. I normally just fold it in half and tuck it nicely into the holder after I'm done using it.

What my lid fits into the handle? I know it's mind-blowing, I felt the same way when I discovered this trick. This is useful for keeping the lid off the countertop.

The front of an Instant POt with the lid sticking in the handle.

However, I have to say if you are not careful you could bump it and cause the pot to spill or fall to the floor.

These pressure cookers can take up some room when storing them. When we did a makeover on our mudroom closet, my husband put in these shelves. I have seen where some people store theirs on rolling carts.

A closet with shelves that store multiple Instant Pot.

My 6-quart fits perfectly in one of the cubbies. The 8-quart needs to sit with the handles turned. And the lid has to be upside down.

So now that you have unboxed your Instant Pot and you have learned about the parts. It's time to do that water test and get cooking.

To learn about quick VS natural release head over to Instant Pot Quick Release VS Natural Release.

I hope you found this article useful on How to set up an Instant Pot Duo Nova. ~ Jen

We have some great recipes as well as more articles on the Instant Pot that you may find helpful.

Head over to My Creative Manner's Youtube channel to see videos on how to make our delicious recipes.

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