Other Instant Pot Resources
Which Instant Pot is right for you? A post and printable chart that talks about the different modelsInstant Pot DUO, Instant Pot Smart, Multi Cooker, and more. Which have a yogurt maker, which can sous vide, which have a slow cooker.
Healthy Instant Pot Recipes All of my favorite healthy recipes, with directions for the slow cooker, stovetop, and electric pressure cooker.
How long to cook meat in the Instant Pot Another free printable with instructions for cooking your meat perfectly.
How to remove odors from your Instant Pot sealing ring This is such an issue with ownersbut the good news is that there are some great tips in this post and in the comments!
How Did We Choose These Instant Pots
In searching for the best Instant Pot, we consider several critical factors, including these.
- Cooking methods: All Instant Pots come with several different cooking functions, but the more advanced models, like the Instant Pot Duo Crisp and Instant Pot Pro Plus, have extra capabilities like air frying and cake baking.
- Size: Whether you’re cooking alone or feeding a big family, Instant Pots likely have a size that works for you.
- Control panel: Instant Pots are notorious for large control panels, making accessibility a key feature.
- Cost: The cost of Instant Pots is an important consideration for most shoppers, so we keep price in mind when comparing the different Instant Pot models.
What Kind Of Liquid Should I Add To My Instant Pot
When we say that you need water or liquid for your pot to come to pressure, know that liquid can also come from the food in your pot. Vegetables usually release a lot of liquid when cookingthink about zucchini.
Also, frozen chicken releases a lot of liquid when its cooking, which is why its great to use when cooking dry beans and rice like in my Instant Pot Burrito Bowl Recipe.
Read Also: How To Operate Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
Do Different Sizes Of Instant Pots Cook Differently
Im sticking by my statement that each Instant Pot is different. This is so true when you hear people talk about how long they cook their hard boiled eggs.
In addition to each pot being different, everyone has preferences about their hard boiled eggs, and how old your eggs are makes a difference too. There are a lot of cooking variables to consider.
With regard to noodles, I have realized that I like my noodles overcooked a little rather than undercooked. After making a few recipes in my IP, I know that if I am cooking a dish with noodles Ill always add a minute.
You can make changes to recipes you find online to get the best possible results when you make them at home. Like I said, every Instant Pot is different. It is always going to take some trial and error to figure out how your own pot differs from others, and understand what your cooking preferences are.
These tips and tricks will show you some common Instant Pot cooking differences and how to adjust your timing, pressures, and liquid in order to avoid a flop!
How Many Cups Of Rice Can You Cook In An Instant Pot
In theory: 2.5 cups in a 3-quart Instant Pot. 5 cups in a 6 quart Instant Pot. 6.5 cups in an 8-quart Instant Pot.
This is US standard measuring cups and raw dry rice.
So the mathematical thought for the theory is the following:
- 1 cup of raw white rice gives on average 3 cups cooked rice.
- Instant Pots should not be filled more than 2/3 of its full capacity at any time. So we have to take the expanded rice into consideration.
- A 6-quart Instant Pots capacity is 24 cups and two-thirds of that are 16 cups.
- There should not be more than 16 cups cooked rice in the Instant Pot and since 1 cup raw makes 3 cups cooked we have to divide the 16 by 3. That makes 5.3 cups.
The calculation is only theory though. I have not tried that many cups in my own 6-quart. 4 cups raw dry rice are the maximum I have cooked myself without any issues and with perfect results.
Also Check: How To Get Smell Out Of Instant Pot Ring
Diameters Of The Inner Instant Pot Liners:
- 8 Quart Models have an inner pot diameter of 9.25 Inches
- 6 Quart Models have an inner pot diameter of 8.5 Inches
- 3 Quart Models have an inner pot diameter of 7 Inches
For those of you who like to use all the Instant Pot accessories that can make cooking fun and exciting, these measurements come in handy for determining if certain accessories will work in your pot. Its also great to know for sizing batches of whatever meals you are cooking or baking.
Instant Pot Duo Mini 7
The most compact Instant Pot model, the 3-quart Duo Mini features seven cooking methods, including yogurt maker. As with all Instant Pots, the 3-quart Instant Pot Duo Mini is a smart multi-use electric pressure cooker thats safe, dependable and convenient for all your favourite pressure cooker recipes, slow cooker recipes and more.
Also Check: How To Make Pasta In The Instant Pot
Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer
This standout 11-in-1 pressure cooker was the first Instant Pot model to offer an air-frying function by way of a second air fryer lid. When youre done frying, you can simply switch back to the standard lid for pressure cooking, steaming, sautéing, and more. Like all Instant Pot models, this one comes with advanced safety features and access to a digital library of more than 1,000 Instant Pot recipes. The Instant Pot Duo Crisp even lets you broil, and until the Instant Pot Pro Crisp + Air Fryer came along, this model was the Ninja Foodis fiercest competitor.
Year released: 2019Built-in smart programs: 11Cooking functions: Pressure-cooking, slow-cooking, air-frying, steaming, sautéing, food-warming, sous videcooking, roasting, baking, broiling, and dehydratingSizes available: 6- and 8-quart Instant Pots
What Is The Best Rice To Water Ratio
Youll be surprised but it is always and for ALL sorts 1:1. Yes, you read that right.
Instant Pot Rice calls for a 1:1 rice to water ratio
You wonder why on the stove different ratios are called for. Well, the secret to rice cooking is that the darker or wilder the rice the longer it needs to cook and the longer something needs to cook, the more water evaporates during the process.
This leads us to the conclusion, that different kinds of rice do not necessarily need different kinds of amounts of water to cook but rather more water to evaporate.
Since the Instant Pot gives a tight seal and high pressure, no water evaporates at all.
So yes, brown rice and even wild rice need the exact same amount of water as white rice in an evaporation-proof environment. *mind-blown*
Recommended Reading: How To Reduce Water In Instant Pot
Instant Pot Cooking Differences
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All Instant Pots are the same, right? Not really! There are a few differences in cook times for the 6 and 8 quart Instant Pot, but once you know your pot youll be all set. Some of the Instant Pot cooking differences are time to come to pressure, release time, water needed, and wattage.
Best 3 Quart Instant Pots Small Yet Functional Pressure Cookers
Are you looking for the best 3 quart Instant Pot for your studio apartment or perhaps your dorm?
For the average household, 6-quart Instant Pots are just the perfect size. It can make 5-6 servings in one go. But, if youre a student, living independently, starting to build a family, or simply if you dont have that much space, a compact Instapot would be good enough.
By the way, the brand also refers to their 3-qt electric pressure cooker line as Instant Pot Minis, or theyll simply append 30 at the end of the product name.
So, when you see an Instant Pot Duo Plus Mini or an Instant Pot Duo Plus 30, youre looking at a 3-quart compact electric pressure cooker.
With that said, here are the best small Instant Pots of 2022.
Thats the condensed version of this buying guide. You can click on any of the links above to read the full review of each Instant Pot. Or, you can carry on and read the brief review of each small electric pressure cooker down below.
Also Check: How To Cook Chicken Thighs In Instant Pot
What Is The Best Seller Instant Pot In The Market
In fact, there are many models of instant pots on the market available now. Among them the 4 best instant pots are:
Considering Amazons reviews and users comments, the best seller instant pot in the market is the Instant pot duo SV 6qt multi-use pressure cooker. In this article, I am going to review this multicooker.
How To Use The Pot In Pot Method In Your Pressure Cooker
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Wondering how to use the pot-in-pot method to cook in your pressure cooker? This tutorial will walk you through the whole pot-in-pot processhow to set it up and what equipment youll need, as well as tips for adapting recipes to cook pot-in-pot!
Have you tried pot-in-pot cooking yet? The pot-in-pot method of cooking in the electric pressure cooker has several benefits!
- Cooking pot-in-pot lets you make a dish in the pressure cooker without dirtying the inner cooking pot, which is useful if you plan to use the pressure cooker again .
- Pot-in-pot also lets you make two separate parts of the meal at the same time in the same pressure cooker .
- Pot-in-pot is necessary for baking things like cheesecakes in the pressure cooker.
- Its also automatic portion controlthe pot-in-pot method uses cute, smaller-size dishes like cake pans, half-size Bundt pans, mason jars, and ramekins.
- Pressure cooking is a great way to reheat many foods.
I recently had the chance to walk a friend through the pot-in-pot method, and I thought Id take some photos to share with you!
Youll find lots of pot-in-pot recipes in my dessert cookbook, Instantly Sweet.
You May Like: How To Cook Whole Butternut Squash In Instant Pot
The Best Instant Pots Of 202: A Comprehensive Buying Guide
All products featured on Epicurious are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Youve heard the hype, read the articles, perused the recipes, and have come to the conclusion that you absolutely need an Instant Pot . But finding the best Instant Pot model for your unique cooking needs is a more involved task than it may seem.
Though every Instant Pot has the same basic multi-cooking functionality that made it a household favorite, some are more versatile than others. Most of the models are very similar in terms of pot size, wattage, and voltage where they differ is mostly in the softwarehow many smart programs are built in with preset heat, time, and pressure levels.
Ahead, we’ll take a close look at all of the Instant Pot models and break down the built-in smart programs, cooking functions, and more. You can read about all of Instant Pots or jump straight to a specific model if you have one in mind:
But first things first: For those new to Instant Pot, let’s break down exactly what an Instant Pot is and what it can do.
is
The short answer: The Instant Pot is a convenient multi-cooking machine that lets you cook fast or slow.
Now, let’s get into each of the Instant Pot models.
What If My Rice Is Too Mushy
You most likely used too much water. 1:1 water to rice ratio is essential for all rice types.
Use the exact same container to measure both rice and water. Some cups are standard American , others are metric and the little plastic cup that comes with the Instant Pot is neither . So do not use different measuring cups to measure rice and water.
Also Check: Egg Steamer Rack For Instant Pot
Flexibility In Recipes And Quantities
While the 3 quart Instant Pot is a good size when cooking for 1 person or a small group it limits the amount of flexibility you have to make larger or more complex recipes.
It may also be harder to find Instant Pot accessories that fit into the smaller 3 quart model.
Remember this you can always make a smaller quantity of food in a 6 quart Instant Pot but you can’t make a larger quantity of food in a 3 quart Instant Pot.
For example, let’s say that you wanted to make a large batch of soup so you could eat some now, have some for leftovers tomorrow, and freeze the rest.
The 3 quart Instant Pot might be too small for this task.
Or let’s say you want to make multiple dishes in your Instant Pot at once using something called a pot in pot method.
There may not be enough space in the 3qt Instant Pot to do something like this.
Instant Pot Mini Mac And Cheese
Its a side dish. Its a main dish. Its a midnight snack or an after school snack. Its comfort food. Its Instant Pot 3 qt Mac and Cheese! A simple recipe that makes a modest 3 1/2 cups of creamy-cheesy goodness.
Since Im not a fan of reheated mac and cheese, this recipe for 3 qt Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is perfect! Paul and I can each have a nice sized portion, and there really arent any leftovers to worry about. That works well for us!
This recipe works well doubled in the larger 6 qt and 8 qt electric pressure cookers, in case you need more servings. Same cook time. Enjoy!
Cooking pasta in the pressure cooker is easy, has a quick cook time, and there is no water to drain when it is finished cooking!
Don’t Miss: Sizes Of Instant Pots
Burn Warning Trouble Shooting
The wicked burn warning, its the Instant Pot users nemesis! For starters, some Instant Pots are a lot more temperamental than others. You most likely did nothing wrong, however, you are dealing with what we could compare with a toddler with a temper tantrum.
If your Instant Pot is generally one to scream burn easily and quickly I recommend you stay close in the beginning phase while it gets the water boiling and trying to get to pressure. When the pot is trying to push up the safety pin but seems to not be able to, thats the critical moment. Push down on the handle of the lid a little to help it get to pressure.
If the pot tries and tries to get to pressure but cant too much water evaporates through the valve and thus leaves too little inside the pot and the rice starts to burn.
If even with a little push on the lid, it cannot get to pressure, the sealing ring might not be positioned properly inside the lid. You will have to abort the mission and start over, making sure the sealing ring is still in great condition and placed correctly.
If the Instant Pot was able to pressure cook for most of the time and only showed the burn warning at the end of the cooking time, then just unplug it and wait for natural pressure release. Often times it still manages to cook the rice and just a tiny corner got burnt.
Instant Pot Duo Mini 3
The updated version of the classic America’s #1 most loved multi-cooker!
Easy to use, easy to clean, fast, versatile, and convenient, the Instant Pot® Duo is the one that started it all. The updated Easy-Release switch makes steam release simple and fast. Redefine cooking and enjoy quick and easy meals anywhere, any time.
- 7-in-1 pressure cooker, rice cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan and food warmer
- Easy-Release switch for simple, fast steam release
- 11 customizable programs for quick one-touch meals
- Stainless-steel inner pot with tri-ply bottom for perfect sautéing
- Cook up to 3 servings, perfect for students, singles, small families, and sides
- Great in dorms, small apartments, cubicles, on holiday and more
- Up to 70% faster and more energy efficient than other cooking methods
- Dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot for quick and easy clean-up
- 10+ proven safety features, including Overheat Protection and safe locking lid
- Stainless-steel steamer rack included
- 700 watts, 120 V~ 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed
Read Also: What Instant Pot Is On Recall
How To Reheat Rice In The Instant Pot
So, Ive seen a couple of people recommend adding water or oil and stir it in the inner pot and pretty much making a mess, haha.
Um, not my favorite method.
I like things simple. I basically want the same convenience as a microwave but without the waves.
I store my leftover rice in a heat-proof glass container and then place the trivet in the Instant Pot, add a cup of water and place the rice uncovered on the trivet. Put the lid on, knob to sealing and press steam for 5 minutes. Quick pressure release, done!
So here you have it. The longest post in the history of Green Healthy Cooking.
Should I Get The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid
The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is sold separately and is compatible with 6-quart Instant models that dont already have air-frying capability . The Air Fryer Lid comes with a fry basket and other accessories and allows you to air-fry straight from your pressure cooker. In addition to air-frying, the Air Fryer Lid adds broiling, baking, roasting, reheating, and dehydrating functionality to compatible machines.
Recommended Reading: Can The Instant Pot Be Used As An Air Fryer
