Are you considering purchasing an Instant Pot but feeling overwhelmed by all the information out there? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this Instant Pot buyer’s guide, we’ll show you the main 10 pros and cons of using an Instant Pot based on our own experience, as well as provide helpful tips and tricks for cooking using one.
- What is an Instant Pot Really?
- Main Pros of Using an Instant Pot – Our Take
- Cons of Using an Instant Pot – Are There Any?
- Different Instant Pot Models and Sizes
- Instant Pot Accessories
- Recipes and Cooking Tips
- Maintenance and Cleaning
- Conclusion: Should You Buy an Instant Pot?
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What is an Instant Pot Really?
An Instant Pot is essentially a multi-functional electric pressure cooker, that can also perform other cooking functions, such as slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, and more. It’s designed to make cooking faster and easier, with the added convenience of being able to control and monitor the cooking process through its digital display. It’a all-in-one kind of deal – a kitchen appliance that is capable of preparing lots of different meals, all while being simple to use and easy to clean.
Instant Pots have gained massive popularity in recent years due to their ability to reduce cooking time of various types of food by quite a substantial amount of time, and because of the sheer convenience of having one appliance that can be used to make many different types of food without taking a lot of space on your kitchen countertop.
The Instant Pot is more than a pressure cooker, it’s a versatile kitchen appliance that can help you make a wide range of dishes with ease. Whether you’re cooking rice, or preparing a pot roast, the Instant Pot makes it easy to achieve delicious results, while reducing the much tiring cleanup time after.
The general design of modern Instant Pots is also known for its safety features, including automatic pressure release. Plus, its compact and easy-to-clean stainless steel cooking pot make it really reliable and a perfect addition to your kitchen.
Let’s move on to the main pros of owning an Instant Pot!
Main Pros of Using an Instant Pot – Our Take
The Instant Pot has become a pretty important appliance in many modern kitchens due to the numerous benefits you can derive from having one on hand.
Here are the top 5 pros of using an Instant Pot (in our honest opinion):
- Time-saving: One of the greatest benefits of the Instant Pot is how quickly it can cook food. With its pressure cooking function, meals that would typically take very long to cook can be ready in a fraction of the time. Plus, the Instant Pot can also be used to sauté, slow cook, and steam in what essentially is one pot, meaning fewer dishes to clean up after, which can save your time even further. Remember though, the Instant Pot always needs some time to build the pressure before beginning the cooking process – a thing that not many people know before purchasing the appliance!
- Versatility: The Instant Pot is incredibly versatile, allowing you to cook a wide array of meals and dishes. This is actually one of its main selling points! From soups and stews to rice and pasta dishes, the Instant Pot can handle it all. More about the actual recipes in a short while!
- Energy-efficient: Using the Instant Pot can help save energy and money in the long run. Its pressure cooking function has the potential to use less energy than traditional stovetop cooking methods, and the time saved also means less energy being used overall.
- Foolproof: Unlike traditional stovetop cooking methods, the Instant Pot takes the guesswork out of cooking. With preset cooking functions and precise temperature control, you can be confident that your meals will turn out perfectly almost every time.
Overall, the Instant Pot can be a game-changer for busy home cooks looking to save time and energy in the kitchen while still producing delicious, nutritious and healthy meals.
Cons of Using an Instant Pot – Are There Any?
While there are many advantages to using an Instant Pot, there are also a few downsides to consider before making a purchase. Here are some of the other things to consider before deciding to buy an Instant Pot:
- Food product limitations: While an Instant Pot is versatile, it may not be suitable for all types of cooking. For example, it may not be the best choice for cooking large cuts of meat or delicate dishes that require precise temperature control.
- Cooking Time: While an Instant Pot can cook some dishes much faster than traditional methods, other recipes may take longer than expected due to the time it takes for the pot to come to pressure and release pressure.
- Learning curve: While setting up the Instant Pot itself is simple and pretty much self-explanatory, if you’re just starting out and experimenting with your new appliance, it might be easy for you to burn or overcook some types of food, especially when it comes to longer cooking processes
It is important to consider these cons before making a purchase, but keep in mind that many users find the benefits of using an Instant Pot outweigh the drawbacks.
Different Instant Pot Models and Sizes
Instant Pots are available in various models and sizes, each with unique features and functionalities to suit different cooking needs. Here are some of the most common Instant Pot models:
| Photo | Model | Description | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instant Pot Duo | One of the most popular models, the Duo features 7 cooking functions and comes in various sizes – 3, 6 and 8 quarts. | Amazon | Ebay | |
 | Instant Pot Lux | A 6-in-1 model with 12 one-touch cooking programs, the Lux is a great quality Instant Pot available in 3 and 8 quarts. | Amazon | Ebay |
| | Instant Pot Ultra | A high-end model with 10 cooking functions and advanced features such as altitude adjustment and a steam release button, available in 6 and 8 quarts. | Amazon | Ebay |
In addition to the above models, Instant Pot also offers a Smart Bluetooth model that can be controlled via a mobile app, and a Max model that can achieve higher pressure and has a larger LCD screen.
When choosing the right Instant Pot size, it’s essential to consider the household’s cooking needs and the type of dishes that will be prepared. Here are some common sizes and their suitable usage:
- 3 quarts: Best for singles or couples, side dishes, and small desserts.
- 6/6.5 quarts: Suitable for small to medium households, roasts poultry and large cuts of meat, and making soups and stews.
- 8 quarts: Ideal for medium to large households, making large cuts of meat and multiple dishes at once.
Pick the one that suits you best!
Instant Pot Accessories
There are many accessories available for the Instant Pot that can help make cooking easier and more efficient. Here are a few of the most popular ones:
| Photo | Accessory | Description | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
| | Glass Lid | This lid can be used instead of the pressure cooker lid, allowing you to use your Instant Pot as a regular slow cooker. | Amazon | Ebay |
| Replacement Silicone Sealing Rings | These rings are a replacement for the Instant Pot’s original sealing ring and come in different colors. | Amazon | Ebay | |
| Steamer Baskets | These baskets can be used to steam vegetables, dumplings, and other foods in your Instant Pot. | Amazon | Ebay | |
| | Egg Rack | This rack can be used to cook even up to 18 eggs at once, making it easy to meal prep for the week. | Amazon | Ebay |
| | Instant Pot Cheat Sheet | A neat magnetic cheat sheet with different cooking times for different food items. Very nice thing to have! | Amazon | Ebay |
Keep in mind that not all accessories are compatible with all Instant Pot models, so be sure to check that before making a purchase.
Recipes and Cooking Tips
If you’re new to the Instant Pot world, you might be wondering how to get started with cooking using it. Fortunately, there are many recipes available online and in cookbooks that cater to all tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few tips from us to get you started before you get to browsing through thousands of available Instant Pot recipes:
Tip #1: Don’t Overfill Your Instant Pot
When cooking with an Instant Pot, it’s important not to overfill it. For dishes that expand during cooking, such as rice or beans, fill the Instant Pot no more than half full. For other dishes, such as soups or stews, fill the Instant Pot no more than two-thirds full. This will ensure that your food cooks evenly and without any trouble.
Tip #2: Use the Right Amount of Liquid
The Instant Pot needs liquid to create steam and build pressure. Make sure to use the right amount of liquid for each recipe, following the recommended guidelines in the Instant Pot manual or recipe instructions. Generally, the Instant Pot requires at least one cup of liquid to operate correctly during the cooking process.
Tip #3: Try These Easy Instant Pot Recipes
Here are a few easy and delicious simplified recipes to try with your Instant Pot:
- Chicken and Rice: Combine 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of rice, and 2 chicken breasts in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally.
- Beef Stew: Combine 2 pounds of beef stew meat, 4 cups of beef broth, 1 cut onion, 2 carrots, and 2 cut and peeled potatoes in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally.
- Spaghetti: Break spaghetti noodles in half and place them in the Instant Pot. Cover with water and add a jar of spaghetti sauce. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, then quick release the pressure.
Tip #4: Make Use of the Saute Function
The Instant Pot has a saute function that allows you to pre-cook some ingredients before actual pressure cooking. This is useful for browning meat or sauteing onions and garlic. To use the saute function, select it on the Instant Pot and add your ingredients. Cook until the desired doneness, then proceed with pressure cooking as instructed.
If you’re wondering how exactly do you clean an Instant Pot and whether it’s easy or not, the next paragraph is for you!
Maintenance and Cleaning
Proper maintenance and cleaning of your Instant Pot will help ensure that it continues to perform optimally for years to come. Here are some tips to keep your Instant Pot in tip-top shape:
Clean After Every Use
It’s important to clean your Instant Pot after every use to prevent food residue from building up and affecting the performance of your cooker.
Wait for your Instant Pot to cool down before cleaning it, then remove all detachable parts, including the sealing ring and inner pot, and clean them with a soft sponge and mild detergent. Rinse all detachable parts with water and dry them before assembling the pot for your next use. If there is any tough stain or residue, soak the parts in soapy water for a few hours before cleaning.
The main thing that really can get dirty in an Instant Pot is the inner pot – which is easily detachable, covered in a non-stick coating and extremely easy to clean if you don’t wait too long after cooking.
Check The Sealing Ring Periodically
The sealing ring is a vital component of an Instant Pot. It creates a tight seal that allows pressure to build up inside the pot, resulting in fast and efficient cooking. Without it, the Instant Pot will not function properly for pressure cooking. Over time, the sealing ring may deteriorate, making it less effective in sealing the pot. To prevent this, inspect the ring regularly and replace it as needed.
Conclusion: Should You Buy an Instant Pot?
So, are you convinced that an Instant Pot is the right kitchen appliance for you yet? Let’s quickly recap the pros and cons to help you make a final decision. There is a lot to sum up here.
Pros:
1. Time-saving: With its multiple functions and preset cooking programs, an Instant Pot can drastically cut down on cooking time when it comes to many meals.
2. Versatility: An Instant Pot in theory can replace multiple kitchen appliances, saving you money and space.
3. Energy efficiency: The Instant Pot can use less energy than traditional cooking methods, saving you some money on your electric bill.
4. Nutritional value: Pressure cooking can retain the nutrients in food, depending on the dish, in turn making your meals healthier.
5. Safe: The Instant Pot has quite a few safety features that make it a more reliable and safer option than traditional pressure cookers.
Cons:
1. Learning curve: With its multiple functions, it can take some time to understand how to use an Instant Pot and use all of its potential to the fullest.
2. Limitations: An Instant Pot cannot perform all cooking methods, such as deep frying or advanced baking.
3. Size: Instant Pots come in various sizes, but the larger models can be bulky and take up a lot of counter space (and be a pain to store away).
4. Cost: Instant Pots are not the cheapest kitchen appliance, and some more advanced models come with a higher price tag than others.
Ultimately, an Instant Pot is a great choice if you’re looking for a versatile appliance that can help you prepare many different dishes quick, and pretty much in one click after preparing the needed ingredients.
If you want to save time in the kitchen, cook a wide variety of dishes with ease, and have a safe and energy-efficient appliance on hand, an Instant Pot may be the perfect addition to your kitchen.
However, if you practice traditional cooking methods and prefer them over automated oversimplification of the whole ordeal, or are hesitant to invest in an all in all, a quite bulky kitchen appliance, it may not be the best fit for you. Browse different Instant Pot models on Amazon to make your final decision. Until next time!
