Are you searching for a kitchen appliance that can do it all – from silky smooth morning smoothies to hearty, simmering soups, all in one go? The Instant Pot Ace Nova Cooking Blender promises to be that versatile workhorse, blending and cooking with impressive efficiency. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve deep into its features, performance, and whether this multi-functional blender is the right addition to your culinary arsenal.
A Comprehensive Look at the Instant Pot Ace Nova Cooking Blender
The Instant Pot Ace Nova is more than just a blender; it’s a hot and cold blending and cooking system designed to streamline your meal preparation. It brings the innovative spirit of Instant Pot’s pressure cookers to the blender market, offering features that go beyond conventional blending.
Key Features and Specifications of the Ace Nova
At its core, the Instant Pot Ace Nova is engineered for power and versatility. It boasts a robust motor and a unique heating element that truly sets it apart.
- Power and Performance: The blender features a powerful 1000-watt motor that drives eight stainless steel blades, capable of reaching up to 25,000 RPM. This ensures efficient crushing, grinding, and blending of various ingredients. For its cooking functions, an 800-watt concealed heating element is integrated into the base of the pitcher, allowing it to cook ingredients directly.
- Capacity and Design: It comes with a substantial 54-ounce (or 56-ounce in some specifications) thick glass pitcher, which is durable and resistant to staining. While sturdy, its size means it occupies a significant footprint on your countertop and may require disassembling for storage under low cabinets due to its height.
- Control and Presets: The control panel offers intuitive access to 12 diverse presets, including four cold options (Smoothie, Crushed Ice, Frozen Desserts, Nut/Oat Milk) and seven hot options (Purée, Soy Milk, Rice Milk, and Soup, each with two levels for different consistencies). It also includes a convenient self-clean mode and manual controls for speed, time, and temperature, complete with an LED timer and heating indicator.
- Accessories: The Ace Nova comes equipped with a 3-in-1 tamper (which doubles as a measuring cup and cleaning brush) and a reusable strainer bag, particularly useful for making homemade nut and oat milks.
- Safety Features: User safety is prioritized with an automatic shutoff, overheating protection, and a lid that must be securely locked in place for the blender to operate. The non-removable blades also contribute to a safer user experience, preventing direct contact during handling.
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Our Picks for the Best Blender in 2026
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| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Bullet Blender, Small, Silver, 11 Piece Set |
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| 2 | Ninja Professional Plus Blender | Max Power Smoothie Blender, Ice Cream Maker, Frozen Drink Mixer & Margarita Machine | 3 Auto IQ™ Presets, 1400 W, 72oz Total Crushing Pitcher | Dark Grey, BN701 |
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| 3 | Ninja Professional Blender, Smoothie Blender, Drink Mixer, Grinder, Ice Crusher, Frozen Fruit Blending | Professional 1000 W Power, Total Crushing ™ Technology, XL 72-oz. Pitcher Black, Grey, BL610 |
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| 4 | bella 10 Speed Countertop Blender, Juicer & Smoothie Maker, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, Slim Flip & Store Design, Dishwasher Safe 48oz Capacity Pitcher & Lid, Stainless Steel Blade, 450 Watt, Oatmilk |
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| 5 | BLACK+DECKER PowerCrush Multi-Function Blender with 6-Cup Glass Jar, 4 Speed Settings, Silver |
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| 6 | Ninja UltraCrush Professional Blender | 1000W, XL 72-oz.* Pitcher | Total Crushing Technology | 3 Manual Speeds for Ice Crushing, Smoothies, Sauces & More | Full-Size Blender | Black | BP201 |
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| 7 | Hamilton Beach Power Elite Wave Action Blender For Smoothies, 40 Oz Glass Jar, 12 Functions Including Puree, Crush Ice, 700 Watts - Black (58148A) |
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| 8 | BLACK+DECKER Crush Master Blender, 10-Speeds with Stainless Steel Blades, Black, BL2010BP |
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| 9 | Aeitto Blenders for Kitchen with 1800W Motor, 68Oz. Large Capacity, 2-in-1 Blender & Grinder Combo, BPA-Free Countertop Professional Blender for Smoothies, Ice Crush, Frozen Drinks, Black |
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| 10 | nutribullet Full-Size Blender Combo 1200W – NBF50500 - Dark Gray |
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Performance in Action: Blending and Cooking Capabilities
The true test of any kitchen appliance lies in its performance. The Instant Pot Ace Nova excels in a wide array of tasks, delivering consistent results for both hot and cold preparations.
- Smoothies: For everyday smoothies, the Ace Nova is a standout. It effortlessly processes ice, frozen fruits, and liquids, producing creamy and thick concoctions. The preset smoothie function cycles through varying speeds, ensuring no solids are left behind. However, some users note that the preset’s longer blend time can slightly warm the smoothie.
- Soups: This is where the “cooking blender” truly shines. With two dedicated soup settings (chunky or creamy), you can create hot soups from scratch in as little as 20 minutes. The heating element can bring ingredients to a boil (around 212°F) and maintain warmth for up to two hours with its “Keep Warm” setting. It’s particularly effective for pureed soups like butternut squash, although it’s important to use pre-cooked meats if incorporating them.
- Nut and Oat Milks: The specialized preset for nut/oat milk, combined with the included strainer bag, makes homemade plant-based milks remarkably easy. The blender efficiently processes oats or nuts, leaving behind a smooth liquid.
- Crushed Ice and Frozen Desserts: The Ace Nova impressively tackles ice, transforming cubes into a fluffy, snow-like consistency with its dedicated crushed ice program. For frozen desserts and “nice cream,” it performs on par with many food processors, although a slight assist with the tamper might be beneficial for very thick mixtures.
- Nut Butter and Dips: While the Ace Nova can handle thicker consistencies, making nut butter manually can be more challenging. The thick texture may require some effort to remove from around the non-removable blades. For dips and purees, it offers a capable alternative to a dedicated food processor.
Design, Durability, and Countertop Presence
The aesthetic and build quality of the Instant Pot Ace Nova contribute to its overall user experience. Its robust construction ensures durability, though its size is a consideration.
The pitcher’s heavy, thick glass construction imparts a sense of durability and stability, reassuring users of its long-term resilience. The digital display and clearly labeled control buttons make operation straightforward, even with the array of functions. However, the blender’s substantial height and weight, especially when the pitcher is full, mean it might not fit neatly under all kitchen cabinets, potentially requiring disassembly for storage and taking up more space.
“The Ace Nova’s ability to cook hot soups directly in the pitcher is a game-changer, simplifying meal prep for busy households.”
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning can often be a chore with blenders, but the Ace Nova offers solutions to mitigate this.
The built-in self-clean mode is a significant advantage. By adding water and a few drops of dish soap, the blender runs a high-speed cycle that effectively dislodges most food remnants from the blades and interior. This process takes less than a minute, followed by a simple rinse. It’s crucial to remember that the pitcher cannot be fully submerged in water due to integrated electrical components at its base. Exterior cleaning should be done with a damp cloth, while the lid, tamper, and strainer bag are conveniently dishwasher safe. The non-removable blades, while a safety feature, can make manual scrubbing trickier for stubborn, dried-on messes, though the self-clean function usually handles most clean-up.
Instant Pot Ace Nova Compared to Competitors
Understanding how the Ace Nova stacks up against other blenders helps highlight its unique value.
Value Proposition Against High-End Blenders
The Instant Pot Ace Nova positions itself as a strong, budget-friendly alternative to premium blenders like Vitamix, KitchenAid, Breville, and Smeg. Often priced around $100-$120, it delivers comparable power and versatility at a fraction of the cost. While some high-end blenders might offer an edge in ultra-smooth consistency or sheer raw power for the toughest ingredients, the Ace Nova’s integrated cooking functions and comprehensive preset menu often make it a more appealing “all-in-one” option for the average home cook. For making nut milks and crushing ice, many users find its performance on par with, or even superior to, more expensive counterparts.
Ace Nova vs. Other Instant Pot Blenders
Instant Brands offers a trio of blenders, with the Ace Nova being the middle-tier option:
- Instant Ace: The entry-level model, typically around $70, features a 700-watt motor and three speed settings.
- Instant Ace Nova: The subject of this review, offering a 1000-watt motor and 10 speed settings, striking a balance between power and price.
- Instant Ace Plus: The top-tier model, priced around $150, features a more powerful 1300-watt motor, an additional nut butter program, and a delay start setting, catering to users with more demanding blending needs.
The Ace Nova hits a sweet spot, providing significant upgrades over the basic Ace model without the higher price tag of the Ace Plus, making it a popular choice for its feature-to-cost ratio.
Is the Instant Pot Ace Nova Cooking Blender Right for You?
The Instant Pot Ace Nova Cooking Blender is an excellent choice for individuals and families seeking a highly versatile appliance capable of handling both hot and cold food preparation.
If you desire a single machine that can effortlessly whip up nutritious smoothies, craft creamy or chunky hot soups from raw ingredients, make homemade nut milks with a dedicated strainer bag, and pulverize ice for refreshing drinks, all while offering intuitive preset programs and a convenient self-clean function, the Ace Nova is a compelling option. Its competitive price point also makes it an attractive alternative to more expensive blenders that lack its cooking capabilities.
However, if countertop space is severely limited, or if you prefer a blender with removable blades for traditional, full submersion cleaning, you might weigh these considerations. For most home cooks looking to expand their culinary possibilities with a powerful, multi-functional, and value-packed blender, the Instant Pot Ace Nova stands as a highly recommended kitchen companion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Instant Pot Ace Nova truly cook soup from scratch?
Yes, the Instant Pot Ace Nova features a concealed heating element that allows it to cook ingredients directly in the pitcher. You can add raw vegetables and broth, select a soup preset (creamy or chunky), and it will heat and blend them into a hot soup in about 15-20 minutes.
How does the Ace Nova’s cleaning function work, given its electrical base?
The Ace Nova has a self-clean mode. You add water and a few drops of dish soap to the pitcher, and the blender runs a high-speed cycle to clean its interior and blades. Due to electrical connections at its base, the pitcher cannot be fully submerged in water, but the self-clean mode is generally very effective, and the lid and tamper are dishwasher safe.
Is the Instant Pot Ace Nova loud during operation?
Like most powerful blenders, the Instant Pot Ace Nova generates noise during high-speed blending or crushing ice. However, many users find the noise level acceptable for its performance capabilities, especially compared to some ultra-high-powered blenders.
Can I make baby food in the Instant Pot Ace Nova?
Absolutely! The Instant Pot Ace Nova is excellent for making baby food purees thanks to its blending power and purée presets. You can easily blend cooked fruits and vegetables to the desired consistency for your little one.
What’s the main difference between the Instant Pot Ace Nova and a Vitamix blender?
The primary distinction is the Ace Nova’s integrated cooking element, which allows it to cook hot foods, whereas a Vitamix heats soups through friction from its powerful blades. The Ace Nova also typically comes at a significantly lower price point while still offering robust blending performance and a wide range of hot and cold presets.
