The Pros And Cons Of An Instant Pot Duo
If you are looking for a healthy alternative to coffee, tea and hot chocolate, then why not try the instant pot duo! There are many advantages associated with them over the other options that are available. And if you are thinking of giving the gift of instant coffee or tea to someone special, it is worth considering the pros of an instant pot duo.
There is no need to use boiling water, as the pod models do it all for you. And you dont have to worry about spilling your drink in a porcelain pot or the sink! Simply transfer the coffee pod to the coffeemaker and get ready to make that perfect cup of coffee or tea. There is also no need to worry about kids messing up the kettle, you can go in the kitchen and get your coffee ready without opening the door to the mess that is sure to follow. The fact that they fit into a cup means you do not need to keep several different pots handy either.
Instant coffee has a number of advantages over regular coffee that is prepared using stove oil or a drip machine. First, it is a lot healthier than brewing your own coffee because it uses natural ingredients. It is also tastier and has more aroma than traditionally brewed coffee. You will also find that it contains less caffeine than regular coffee. The amount of caffeine is typically found in the amount of sugar added to the pot.
Whats Common In The Duo And Duo Nova
Although Ive already discussed the major differences, lets take a moment to look at the common features of the two, especially if we are making a purchase decision.
7 Appliances in One
Each device serves 7 purposes Once you buy either one, you can get rid of your steamer, pressure cooker, slow cooker rice cooker saute pan and yogurt maker.
Simple Clean
This is the best thing about Instant Pot. Theyve kept it consistent across all models. Everything is easy to clean. The stainless steel lid in both the Duo and the Duo Nova is fingerprint-resistant.
The pot, lid and accessories can all be washed in the dishwasher. This makes it easy to use the cookers for cooking and cleaning.
Instant Pot App
This app is worth a try. The stuff on their site was amazing. There are many ways to use your instantpot. The recipes on the site were great!
You can find a group of people who will help you. Theres more to it than the cooker. You can get advice, forums and more just a bunch people who make cool stuff and that you can meet and chat with.
Safety
The Duo Novas safety lid is a significant improvement. However, this doesnt mean that the Duo Nova is lacking in safety.
I wont buy anything that isnt safe. My two-year old son is hyperactive and can break things in ways that even professional demolition specialists will not be able.
Duo was the first company I read about. I loved their overheat protection and safety lock. They also had leaky lid protection and close lid detection.
A Quick Recap Of Key Cooking Stages
As we discussed in this post, there are three key phases to cooking in the Instant Pot. Once you add all ingredients and liquids, secure and lock the lid and choose your setting and time, the following things happen:
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How To Use In Edibles
Once you have decarbed your cannabis, it is ready to use in many different ways.
The most simple way is to add ground, decarbed cannabis straight to recipes like a herb or spice, like salt or pepper.
One of the most simple recipes using cannabis this way is the firecracker, but you can also add decarbed cannabis straight to brownies, or savory recipes like ranch dressing.
You can also take this process one step further and infuse the cannabis into butter or oil using the Instant Pot.
What Sizes Are Available
Lets start by talking about size. Most come in the following sizes:
- 5 Quart
- 6 Quart
- 8 Quart
The size of meals you want to cook, or even the size of your family will determine what Instant Pot is the right size for you.
The 5 quart size works well if:
- youre mainly cooking for one to three people.
- It works great for dorm rooms,
- motel rooms,
- and is a must have in a small apartment.
Unless that description fits you, I highly recommend going with the standard 6 quart size.
The 6 quart model is:
- the most versatile
- and also the most popular size.
- Some of the models available will only come in this size.
- Its perfect for the average family
- and will fit all your pressure cooking needs.
If in doubt, go with this size.
The 8 quart size is available in a few models and is:
- a good fit for larger families,
- or if you know youll be cooking a lot of large meals for family gatherings, church dinners and such.
With size decisions out of the way, lets take a quick look at the different models available.
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Pressure Cooking Requires Liquid
Before we continue, we must mention the most important aspect of pressure cooking. It requires liquid. This is because the pressure is built by the steam accumulating inside the pot, which is produced from the liquid.
Whether youre cooking rice, chicken breasts, pot roast, carrots, stew or cheesecake, you will need at least a cup of liquid for the Instant Pot to do its job.
This is a total amount of liquid and can be in the form of water, stock, tomato sauce, juice, wine and liquids released from the food while cooking , or a combination of those. Amount of liquid required varies depending on the recipe and amount of food but as a rule of thumb, 1 cup is always a good starting point. Also, the food doesnt need to be completely covered or submerged in liquid to cook.
Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer
The ability to make crispy and dry foods was one of the most significant features the original Instant Pot lacked. One of the more innovative new instant pot models checks all the boxes, though. The 8-quart Instant Pot Duo Crisp is an air fryer and a multifunctional pressure cooker. It does everything the Instant Pot does pressure cook, sauté, steam, slow cook, sous vide, and keep warm and more. Its additional features let you roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate foods.
Lets say you decide to pressure cook a rotisserie chicken in the Duo Crisp. You can also crisp the skin in the same appliance. Making crispy foods like French fries is also easy. Not to mention, its healthier than heating a vat of oil.
Instant Pot also has an air frying lid that you can purchase separately and attach to most 6-quart Instant Pots. The Instant Pot air fryer lid is compatible with most six-quart pots, just not the Smart Wi-Fi 60, Smart Bluetooth, Duo Evo Plus 60, Duo SV 60, Max 60, or any model with a ceramic inner pot.
A pressure cooker and an air fryer are two of todays kitchen must-haves, and theres nothing better than a multitasking kitchen appliance. Instant Pot has been breathing new life into the pressure cooker for a while now, but the company has only recently forayed into the air fryer business. Were grateful that they did, even if it took them a bit.
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What Is The Timer Button For
Some models have a button that reads Timer. While you may think that this is the button that sets the cooking time for your Instant Pot, it actually delays cooking time and will start the cooking when the timer counts down. You can set the cooking time with the plus/minus buttons or the dial, depending on the model.
Instant Pot Gem Multi
I was a little iffy on including this one. MANY people get confused about the GEM. They see it for sale in stores and its a lot cheaper than the other models and they get excited and then realize that its not what they wanted after all. The GEM Is not a pressure cooker. The GEM is a multi cooker which is more closely related to the Crockpot.
This is an 8-in-1 cooker. It can slow cook, sear/sauté, cook rice, steam, stew, roast, bake, and warm. It can not pressure cook. Im going to say that at least one more time so that no one gets confused 🙂
Apart from the fact that its not a pressure cooker, the GEM multi-cooker is quite advanced. It has a microprocessor, an industry leading heating element, and all the looks and styling of a modern machine. Its a great addition to your kitchen if you are looking to replace your Crockpots, Id think its also a great option if you do a lot of camping.
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Average Price For An Instant Pot
The price of an Instant Pot depends mainly on the model. Since all Instant Pots come in 6-quart sizes , we’ll use this size for comparison.
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A 5.7-litre Instant Pot Lux costs around $80.
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A 5.7-litre Instant Pot Duo costs around $100.
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A 5.7-litre Instant Pot Duo Plus costs around $120.
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A 5.7-litre Instant Pot Ultra costs around $150.
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A 5.7-litre Instant Pot Smart costs around $160.
Research And Buying Tips
How is an Instant Pot different from a pressure cooker?
A pressure cooker is a device that cooks food under pressure. Its either an electric device you plug into the wall or a stovetop device that uses the heat of your cooktop. An Instant Pot is a multifunctional pressure cooker, meaning it has additional cooking functions outside of pressure cooking.
What is an Instant Pot?
An Instant Pot is a countertop appliance that plugs into a wall outlet. Instant Pots are pressure cookers, but they can also slow cook, steam, sauté, warm, and more . They have presets for certain food items like poultry, rice, and stew, so you can simply press a button to cook your meal.
What can you cook in an Instant Pot?
You can make just about anything in an Instant Pot, especially if you have a model with an air frying lid. Before Instant Pot came out with the air frying lid, one of the biggest complaints about Instant Pots was that you couldnt make dry foods no breaded chicken or French fries, and chicken skin would come out soggy. With the addition of the air frying lid, you can now make crispy and crunchy food items. Just be careful not to overstuff the Instant Pot because it wont properly cook your food, and it could lead to problems with the pot itself.
Can you can food in an Instant Pot?
Which Instant Pot size is right for me?
Are Instant Pots safe?
Editors’ Recommendations
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Instant Pot Duo Vs Duo Nova: Which One Should You Choose
Since the release of Instant Pot Duo, you may be wondering what is the difference between the two models? In this blog post, we will compare and contrast both Instant Pot models.
Instant pot duo is a 7-in-1 multi-purpose pressure cooker that can do just about anything. The only thing it doesnt have is a yogurt function which has been added to its newer counterpart, the Duo Nova model. With 6 cooking functions and 10 built in safety features, this versatile appliance has everything from slow cookers to rice makers. Not only does it come with 14 preprogrammed settings but also includes an automatic steam release setting for quick temperature reduction so your food isnt overcooked.
Other Differences Between Models
Displays and Controls Each model offers slightly different read-outs and various changes in the way you control the Instant Pot . If thats something thats really important to you, just take a quick read through the descriptions of the two or three specific models youre comparing on Instant Pots website, and its pretty easy to figure out the display and control differences between the models youre considering.
Pricing As you step up from each model to the next, more decked-out model , you can expect to pay roughly $20 $30 more for each step up the ladder. Unless, of course, you hit a great sale, in which case yay, you! But in general, each bump to the next best model, will cost you around an extra $20 $30, so its worth evaluating how many features youre really and truly going to use. Because, seriously sometimes more isnt better. Its just more.
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Where Do I Find Recipes For The Instant Pot
The instruction manual and recipe booklet in the box are a great place to start. The recipes there are limited, but we found the cooking time tables to be pretty helpful in the beginning. Hip Pressure Cooking lists recommended times and pressure levels for most foods and has an active online community. You can also try our one-pot meal recipe or check out the other super-simple recipes Wirecutter staff members cook in their Instant Pots.
You can find hundreds of Instant Pot cookbooks out there, including many tailored to specific dietary concerns . Melissa Clark, food reporter for The New York Times and Instant Pot enthusiast, has written her own cookbook, Dinner in an Instant, and also told us about some of her favorites: Indian Instant Pot Cookbook by Urvashi Pitre, and Coco Morantes The Essential Instant Pot Cookbook.
How To Use The Instant Pot For Beginners
Learn how to use the Instant Pot with step-by-step instructions and photos for manual or smart program pressure cooker settings, how to sauté foods, and how and when to select a natural release or quick release options. Plus, we cover some Instant Pot FAQs and general tips to make your learning curve as the Instant Pot beginner less steep. Lets get started!
Looking at your shiny new Instant Pot box and wondering where to start? Dont panic! This wonderful kitchen gadget might seem intimidating but its actually very friendly once you get to know it. Lets unpack the box, its time to learn how to use the Instant Pot.
As part of our Instant Pot For Beginner series, we have also covered what the Instant Pot is and how it works with its key features and cooking stages. Make sure to check them out!
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Manual Pressure Cook With Quick Release Or Npr
Many Instant Pot users almost always use manual settings. While Smart Program buttons are handy, cooking instructions can vary for different types of rice, smaller or larger beans, and soup with or without meat. With manual settings, you have more control over the time and pressure level. Here is how to use the Instant Pot with manual pressure cooker settings.
Step 1. Star the Instant Pot as mentioned above.
Step 2. Add food, seasoning and liquid to the pot. The liquid can be cold or hot hotter liquids take less time to heat up so the Instant Pot comes to pressure quicker. Stir if needed.
Note on stirring: If adding tomato sauce or paste, keep them on the top and dont stir too much as these foods can sometimes thicken and burn during cooking again, this depends if water and stock are also added as when diluted, its less of a problem.
Step 3. Get your lid and quickly check that the sealing ring on the inside is in place. If its loose or sticks out, the pot might not seal properly and it will not be able to come to pressure. Place it on top and twist it until it locks in place.
Step 4. On older models like Duo Classic, check that the steam release handle on top of the lid is pointing to Sealing. On the more advanced models of the Instant Pot, the vent will automatically seal when the cooking process begins. On the Duo Nova the quick release button should be popped up and not pressed down.
How Many Different Instant Pots Are There
Good question. If you’re counting all of Instant Pot’s devices including appliances outside pressure cookers, there are a lot. If you’re only counting pressure cookers, it’s still pretty confusing. Instant Pot added a slew of new cookers in 2019 and again in 2020.
Here’s how to compare each Instant Pot model:
- Functions: Pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, warming, sautéing
- Sizes: 3 quart, 6 quart, 8 quart
- New lid with safe steam valve features: No
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