Magic Pot Vs Instant Pot: What Is The Difference
While Magic Chef Pressure Cooker is slightly cheaper than Instant Pot and most of the features are repetitive, it has many concerns and questions about material and safety. Also, its reputation is not as reliable as the Instant Pots is. Many customers note the constant malfunction, lid sticking, and timer not working.
Is An Instant Pot Worth It
If you enjoy slow-cooked food such as pulled pork, beef stew or pot roast, but don’t love waiting for them to braise, an Instant Pot is a worthy investment. Not only do Instant Pots use less energy than a full stove, but they are able to turn cheaper cuts of meat into fork-tender dinners. That all amounts to more money in your pocket and more fast, easy and delicious meals on your table each week.
Plus, Instant Pots and multicookers can be purchased for under $100 for basic models. And some lesser-known brands produce multicookers that can be had for much less.
If you don’t plan to use the pressure-cooker function, an Instant Pot is probably not worth the cost and space it takes up. You might be better off nabbing a more budget-friendly slow cooker, or a rice cooker instead.
Instant Pot Duo Programmable Cooker
Uses: Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steam, Sauté/Searing, Yogurt Maker, and Warmer | Built-In programs: 14
Instant Pot’s signature model, the Duo is a great pot for most people. It is a versatile cooker that can be used as either a pressure cooker or a slow cooker depending on what is needed, as well as a yogurt maker and rice cooker. Plus, it comes with 14 pre-programmed cooking modes for specific items like soup and porridge. Better yet, it’s one of the most affordable Instant Pot models. If the extra features of the Duo Plus or the Ultra seem unnecessary, then this is the pot for you.
It’s available in 3-quart, 6-quart, and 8-quart editions.
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What Does An Instant Pot Do
Yeah, why can’t you just get a regular slow cooker? At their core, Instant Pots are electric pressure cookers. The proprietary locking lid creates a seal that heats any water inside far past its boiling point, turning it to steam. When that steam has nowhere else to go, it creates pressure thus cooking food 2-10 times faster than what an oven or slow cooker could do.
The Instant Pot’s heart is a microprocessor aided by built-in temperature sensors that give Instant Pots the ability to 1. Mimic the cooking functions of multiple different appliances and 2. Switch between those functions at the press of a button. This collection of programs can be tweaked and tailored to perform super specific tasks that you may have struggled with pre-Instant Pot . They get down to the nitty-gritty of heat intensity, pressure, and cooking duration to achieve more precise results in the kitchen. Some of the more advanced models even offer personalized programming and will remember your settings for the next time.
Each Instant Pot model gains a new cooking method or two, so you aren’t paying for functions you won’t use.
The Best Instant Pot Cyber Monday Deals 202: Amazon Best Buy Walmart Sur La Table
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
The best Instant Pot Cyber Monday deals are here, which means if youve upped the ante on your home cooking game theres never been a better time to invest in a new gadget, thanks to the best Instant Pot deals youll find for months. As part of Cyber Monday 2022 deals, buyers can save over 50%a rare, rare dealoff this popular pressure cooker at retailers like , Target, Best Buy, Sur La Table, and Walmart. For other kitchen sales take a look at our top Cyber Monday kitchen 2022 deals.
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How We Test Instant Pots
When the experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab assess multi-cookers, including Instant Pots, we put each to the test in a variety of ways. We check overall functionality by filling the device with water to capacity, then activate the high setting and set a timer. We watch and listen once the cooker comes to pressure, we note the time. Then, we maintain pressure for 15 minutes and release the pressure, timing how long it takes for the pressure to drop. Next, our pros get cooking. We mix all of the ingredients for beef stew in the pressure cooker, cover, record how long the pot takes to come to pressure, cook for 20 minutes and record how long the pot takes to release pressure. Then, we evaluate the final product: Is the beef tender? How were the veggies cooked? Whats the overall flavor like? Finally, our pros cook a batch of rice in each device, combining all of the ingredients in the multicooker and cooking according to the manufacturer’s instructions. We then evaluate the rice: Whats the texture like? Is any rice stuck to the bottom of the cooker?
Our testers also consider ease of use, evaluating each product for how intuitive and clear the controls are, how many settings are offered, how simple cleaning is and the clarity of the owner’s manual.
How We Picked The Top Instant Pots
For this particular guide, we chose only Instant Pots that had at least four-star ratings on Amazon. In order to select the best options, we went through many brands, reviews and products. It was also important for us to compare prices and features so the options we present could serve the needs of each customer.
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Warranty Durability And Lifespan
If durability is part of your personal shopping criteria, consider all your bases covered. All Instant Pot models come with a 1-year warranty whats more, replacement parts are easy to purchase via the Instant Brands website or Amazon. Some models even include an additional sealing ring . As for durability, my clumsiness came in handy, as I accidentally dropped two lids from a high countertop. Afterward, I decided to intentionally try the same accidental experiment with the remaining lids. I dropped each from 4 feet above my hardwood floors, and all lived to tell the tale. There was nary a dent or scratch in sight . Additionally, the dishwasher-safe parts held up well after cleaning there was slight discoloration in some instances, as I mentioned, but not enough to be unsightly or to affect the efficacy of the pot.
Instant Pot Lux Programmable Cooker
Uses: Pressure Cooker, Pressure Cooker, Rice Cooker, Sauté, Steamer, Cake Maker, and Warmer | Built-In programs: 12
The oldest and most basic of the Instant Pot models, you will be able to get this model for the cheapest price. The Instant Pot Lux is perfect for those who will primarily use it as a cooker and want to save money by foregoing unnecessary features. The Lux lacks some of the features of its successors , but is still a solid choice for handling everyday cooking needs as it comes with 12 built-in cooking programs. It is available in 3-quart, 5-quart, 6-quart, and 8-quart models.
The Instant Pot Smart was released in 2018 as the company’s most high-tech pressure cooker. The Instant Pot Smart is WiFi-enabled and works with Amazon Alexa so you can control your Instant Pot with the compatible app or with your voice. You’ll get access to 1,000 pre-programmed recipes with the ability to verify cooking progress, and you can receive alerts on your smartphone.The latest Instant Pot features eight kitchen appliances in one and includes 13 smart programs. The Instant Pot only comes in one size, six-quart, and provides up to six hours of cooking time.
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Preset Buttons On Instant Pot Multicookers
The functions vary between Instant Pot models, so it can help to consider which functions you expect to use the most when choosing one. This helps ensure you get the model that fits your unique cooking style so you’re able to make your favorite dishes with greater ease. The Instant Pot Lux series comes with six integrated functions, and the Duo series and Ultra series have extra functions for things like making cakes and yogurt. Some of the common Instant Pot functions to look for include:
- Slow cooking for tenderizing tough cuts of meat and for preparing meals ahead of time
- Rice cooking to create side dishes
- Saute function to sear food and lock in flavors
- Pressure cooking to quickly cook meats and vegetables
- Steaming for preparing fresh, nutritious vegetables
- Warming to get leftovers ready without investing a lot of extra time or effort
Instant Pot Pro Plus Smart
The defining feature of the new Instant Pot Pro Plus Smart is that you can pair it with your iPhone or Android to automatically engage the cooking functions from more than 800 smart recipes on the Instant Brands Connect app. This doesnt mean you can press Start while youre at the office and come home to your Instant Pot braising ribs , but you can control almost everything through the appincluding the steam release! The Pro Plus Smart also features a premium inner pot with easy-grab handles and comes with NutriBoost, a function that mimics the motion of boiling by moving food in the pot to enhance the flavor and texture.
Year released: 2021Built-in smart programs: Access 800+ smart recipes via the appCooking functions: Pressure-cooking, rice-cooking, slow-cooking, yogurt-making, steaming, sautéing, food-warming, sous videcooking, baking, sterilizing, and NutriBoostSizes available: 6-quart Instant Pot
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Are There Any Disadvantages To An Instant Pot
Instant Pots are affordable and easy to use and clean, so there aren’t too many downsides to buying one. If you have a small kitchen or limited cupboard space, it’s worth noting that Instant Pots do take up a bit of space so consider how much you think you’ll use it before settling on one. There are compact 3-quart Instant Pots but, as you might imagine, they don’t have as much cooking capacity.
Instant Pot Duo Mini 3
Amazon
Normally $100, Now $80 at Walmart
Ideal for apartments, small countertops, or cooking just a few meals, this full-function 3-quart pressure cooker also functions as a slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, warmer, and sauté pot. With deals available at multiple retailers, now is a great time to get this iconic kitchen appliance.
The lowest price we’ve seen on this item is $59.
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Choosing An Instant Pot For Your Cooking Needs
When you want a countertop appliance that does more than one thing, choosing an Instant Pot gives you a lot of extra options for how to prepare foods. People also call an Instant Pot an “Instapot” or an “Insta Pot”. The Instant Pot is kind to your budget because it combines several different cooking tools into one device.
These multicookers have integrated software that lets you perform various cooking functions with the touch of a button for a simplified cooking experience. The main functions these cookers perform are slow cooking, sauteing, and pressure cooking. However, there are buttons that break the functions down further to help cooks perform different types of cooking.
Instant Pot Ultra Programmable Cooker
Uses: Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice/Porridge Cooker, Cake Maker, Yogurt Maker, Sauté/Searing, Steamer, Warmer, and Sterilizer | Built-in programs: 16
As you might guess by the name, this is Instant Pot’s current top-of-the-line model. The main advantage of the Instant Pot Ultra over the Duo and Lux models is the ability to customize all settings to your own liking, which it will automatically remember for the next time you use it. This feature will benefit experienced cookds. Otherwise, it has a bigger and brighter screen, a couple more cooking programs included, and altitude adjustment. It is available in 3-quart, 6-quart, and 8-quart models.
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Standout Features Of The Pressure Cooker Instant Pot
When it comes to cooking, there is nothing quite like the Pressure Cooker Instant Pot. This appliance is becoming increasingly popular due to its many benefits. Here are some of the standout features of the Pressure Cooker Instant Pot:
1. It is extremely versatile. The Pressure Cooker Instant Pot can be used for a variety of different tasks, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and steaming.
2. It is very easy to use. The Pressure Cooker Instant Pot has a simple control panel that makes it easy to select the desired function.
3. It is very safe to use. The Pressure Cooker Instant Pot comes with a number of safety features, including an automatic shut-off function.
4. It is very energy efficient. The Pressure Cooker Instant Pot uses less energy than traditional cooking methods.
5. It is very affordable. The Pressure Cooker Instant Pot is a very affordable option for those who want to enjoy the benefits of pressure cooking without spending a lot of money.
How Do You Clean An Instant Pot
The good news is that most Instant Pots have dishwasher-safe components. At the least, the stainless steel cooking pot and the silicone ring are dishwasher safe. On many models, the entire lid is dishwasher safe. The lid has a few removable parts that should be removed and cleaned, but the process for that is different depending on the model, so its best to check the user manual to see what parts are removable and how to clean them.
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How To Choose The Best Instant Pot For You
Here are the key things to consider when choosing an Instant Pot:
Features: Some Instant Pot models come with preprogramed cooking functions and even additional capabilities such as Yogurt Making and Sterilization. However, these preprogrammed functions merely mimic low- and high-pressure cooking, and you can re-create them manually. Additionally, we found that some preprogrammed functions were unreliable .
Evaluate the kind of cooking you typically do before splurging on bells and whistles that you don’t need. You should also realize that you may still need to adapt your cooking times to get the results you want. We frequently found that the more features an Instant Pot had, the more confusing the controls were.
Size/capacity: We tested only 6-quart models, as they’re the most popular size on the market. However, many Instant Pots are available in 3-quart sizes, which are better for individuals or couples, and 9-quart sizes, which are better for larger families.
Price: It’s surprising how widely the prices vary for Instant Pots, given that most of them offer the same basic features, give or take a few specifics. Your personal budget for cooking gear will influence your decision on which price is best.
Instant Pot Black Friday Deals You Can Grab Now
Instant Pot Black Friday Deals You Ca…
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The holiday season means its big dinner season! If you have an avid cook in your family or friend group, then you probably have had your eye on Instant Pots for a while now. Instant Pots have pretty much been trending everywhere and are a TikTok cheap dinner fave. With Black Friday officially here, we searched high and low to find the best Instant Pot Black Friday deals.
Whether its lunch, dinner, or just football party food, an Instant Pot helps you save time and still have good eats. Heres everything to know about Instant Pot Black Friday deals and how much you can save.
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Instant Pot Duo Plus 8
Courtesy of Amazon
Normally $150, Now $100 at Macy’s
Looking for a little more capacity in your Instant Pot? This 8-quart version of the Instant Pot Duo Plus does it allpressure cooks, sautés, steams, slow cooks, sous vides, and moreand also makes it easier to prepare a meal for a crowd without taking up much more space in your kitchen
What’s The Best Size Instant Pot
Our Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab evaluates 6-quart models because we think it’s the most practical option. Its big enough for a decent-size batch of chicken soup or chili, but it doesnt hog too much counter space. That being said, the 8-quart model is great for large families or for those who love to meal prep.
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How The Instant Pot Changes The Way Food Is Cooked
Instant Pots help you prepare your favorite dishes in less time than usual, and the flavors are enhanced by the cooking technology. These pots reduce the amount of time it takes to cook many types of food, so they preserve the flavor of the food you cook and ensure nutrients remain in the foods rather than cooking away. Using an Instant Pot also helps food cook to a more even inner temperature, which is important when cooking most types of meat.
Instant Pot Official Mesh Steamer Basket Set Of 2
Courtesy Amazon
Normally $36, Now $20 at Amazon
One challenge with starting the Instant Pot journey is acquiring authentic accessories at a good deal. Nows the time to grab this set of two stainless steel mesh steamer baskets. Perfect for steaming vegetables, clams, seafood and more. Raised feet keep your food out of the water and a hinged handle makes it easy to lower and remove the baskets. They work as strainers to clean the veggies first before they go into the steam!
Normally $17, Now $10 at Amazon
Every Instant Pot fan knows you can do more than just cooking meat and soups insideand this accessory takes it even further. It bakes perfectly moist and fluffy egg bites, but also muffins, cupcakes, and more since the non-stick silicone is heat resistant to 450 degrees.
While the pan with a lid is still on sale for cheap right now, it does not come with a rack. If you want to stack two on top of each other you will need to buy a rack separately.
$8.49 is the lowest price weve seen for this item.
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