Instant Pot Vs Regular Stovepot
The answer here will depend on the uses and the recipes that you are going to create.
At a glance, the Instant Pot models will be the best in terms of practicality and time management, and the Stovetop pressure cookers will be the best choice for certain types of foods and are the easiest when it comes to using it from the get-go.
Theres a lot of forums where you will read that the biggest differences are when it comes to pressure cooking since the Stovetop pressure cookers can go up to 15 psi and the Instant Pot models can go up to 12 PSI, but thats no longer true since the newest INstan Pot model such as the MAX can go up to 15 psi as well.
Below we give you a list of the Pros and Cons of both appliances so you can understand which one is the best for your needs.
What Is A Power Cooker
This features an airtight cooking device that cooks your food quickly using the steam pressure to deliver a delicious meal. This steam helps to retain the moisture. Its quite like the instant pot, in fact, it cooks way faster than the traditional method of cooking.
Since the cooker cooks by trapping the moisture, its obvious that the food you are cooking in here will burst with flavor while maintaining a high nutrients level.
Power Pressure Cooker XL 6 Quart
This is another speed cooking item that by the press of a button you can cook so many meals. You will cook healthy delicious meals 70% faster than the traditional method. It has a flavor enhanced technology to lock in the steam thus giving your food the flavors and nutrients.
Even for your meats, you dont need a lot of oil to enhance the flavors. With a single press of the button, you can cook your meat, fish, chicken, beans, veggies, rice and stews. It will keep your veggies crispy while retaining its natural fiber nature.
It further stands out because it cans your fruits and veggies.
It has a slow cooker function that cooks your slow cooking meals 10× faster. It has a safe lock lid with a manual steam release system. Its inner pot is non-stick and dishwasher safe and the exterior surface is polished with stainless steel for easy cleaning.
Buying it gives you bonuses in terms of recipe book, canning guide, ladle and measuring cup.
There are 4 options of power pressure cookers for you to buy which include:
Pros
Cons
Power Pressure Cooker Recipes
You can cook all kinds of dishes with the Power Pressure Cooker. It has buttons on the front for soup/stew, rice/risotto, beans/lentils, fish/vegetables steaming, chicken/meat, and even canning/preserving.
However, there are no baking functions, egg cooking functions, or a yogurt maker included with this, like there is with the Instant Pot. It doesnt cook as many recipes.
Winner: The Instant Pot wins this category for sheer variety!
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Instant Pot Duo Review
The DUO is the flagship of the series, which comes with three different products: the Mini , the 6qt , and the large cooker. They all have the same characteristics, which is why I chose to review only the 6qt size.
Now, if you prefer the Mini or the large version, this is your option, but you should know the 6qt is perfect for small and medium families as it can serve up to 6 people in one cooking. Some people prefer getting this version, even if their needs are currently lower. Since the multicooker is durable, its only natural to plan for the future, when the family may get bigger.
But enough about the size! Lets talk about the fact that this is a pressure cooker with seven functions. When you get the IP-DUO 60, you also get a rice cooker, a steamer, a warmer, a slow cooker, a sauté dish, and a yogurt maker.
The device is not very big in size, but you should know that the top lid doesnt completely come off. So, if you want to sauté something and keep the lid open, youll need plenty of space above the pot to cook comfortably. Otherwise, the IP-DUO can sit on the countertop, on the table, or it can be stored away in the cupboard.
Since it can do both pressure cooking and steaming, the lid is equipped with a steam release valve that needs to be operated manually. The pot also comes designed with ten safety mechanisms and is quite easy to clean since the 3-ply bottom inner pot can be removed and washed.
Pros
Instant Pot Vs Pressure Cooker: What’s The Difference
April 9, 2021 by Ligia Lugo
If youre one of our more mature readers, you know all about the bad reputation traditional stovetop pressure cookers had a while back.
Not only was there the risk of suffering some pretty serious burns given how easy the lids were to take off, but your food could have very easily ended up on the ceiling and walls, which would be a pain to clean up.
Thankfully, theres no such risk with the modern electric models. They usually come equipped with plenty of built-in safety features that prevent you from removing the lid before all the pressure inside has safely been released.
To be clear, every time you come across the phrase pressure cooker in this article, Im referring to the electric variants and not the stovetops that we grew with.
With so many different options available on the market, the real question is which one should you get? This Instant Pot vs Pressure Cooker guide takes an in-depth look at everything you need to know about electric pressure cookers and the amazing features that top models have. Lets get into it, shall we?
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Q: What Is A Water Test Is It Important
A water test is done to check if the cooker is functioning properly this test is done by following the example steps in the owners manual.
A water test is important because it will not only ensure that the cooker can build up pressure without malfunctioning, but youll also learn how to use the cooker properly.
Our Favorite Instant Pot Instant Pot Duo 60
The Instant Pot Duo 60 is our favorite Instant Pot because it is a multi-functional appliance that can be used as a traditional cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, and more. The Instant Pot Duo 60 also has pre-programmed settings that make it easy to cook food without having to guess cooking time or temperatures.
This makes the Instant Pot Duo 60 a great choice for those who want an appliance that is easy to use and cook with.
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Best Assistant In The Kitchen
In the pressure cooker VS instant pot duel, I give my vote to the latter one. I find it more useful in the kitchen and an excellent space-saving option. Instead of keeping a crock pot, pressure cooker, air-fryer, rice cooker, I only need to get one device to replace them all.
Cooking food for half an hour longer in an instant pot, compared to a pressure cooker doesnt bother me.
If short cooking time and simple maintenance are your top priorities, you might be better off with a pressure cooker. Whichever one you chose, you will save time and improve your cooking skills.
Which one do you prefer electric or stovetop pressure cooker?
If youve found your answers, please consider sharing the article to spread the word and start a discussion! Dont forget to like the article if you enjoyed it.
Different Features In The Instant Pot Vs Pressure Cooker Review
It wouldnt be a comparison without pointing out the differences between these two popular models, so lets look at the notable contrasts between these two.
DELAY START: The Cuisinart does not have a delay timer setting, the Instant Pot allows for a 24-hour delay start. This means you could put oatmeal in the Instant Pot at night and set it to be ready when you get up in the morning.
Or put dinner in it first thing in the morning, and set the timer to be ready for dinner. Even if youre like me and prefer to be home when using your Instant Pot, that means you could walk in the door when its about to start but you dont have to load it up after a long day. That may not sound like a big deal until its the end of the day and youre hungry and tired and just dont have the emotional energy to set it all up. It may sound a bit ridiculous, but weve all been there!
INTERIOR COOKING POT: The Cuisinart comes with a non-stick inner pot while the Instant Pot comes with a stainless steel inner cooking pot. The stainless steel pot is still easy to clean, but not quite as quick and super easy as the non-stick pot with the Cuisinart.
WEIGHT: The two pressure cookers are within two pounds of one another, but the Cuisinart weighs in a little lighter at 12.5 pounds compared to 14.6 pounds for the Instant Pot.
Recommended Reading: How To Cook Pork Butt In Instant Pot
Instant Pot Duo Crisp
- Sizes: 6 and 8 quarts
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp adds an air fry function to the pressure cooker. It comes with a specific lid you can use to air fry, roast, bake, broil and dehydrate food, and a different lid for functions like pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, sauté and sous vide. In addition to the steam rack, the Duo Crisp comes with a broil and dehydrator tray, air fryer basket and air fryer base.
The brand also makes a version of the Duo Crisp that comes with its Ultimate Lid you can use this lid with all cooking functions instead of having to switch lids to air fry.
Instant Pot Vs Pressure Cooker: Similarities
While the purpose of this guide is to focus on the differences between pressure cookers and Instant Pots, we would be remiss not to point out some of their similarities as well.
- Fully sealed and airtight: Both pressure cookers and Instant Pots are fully sealed and airtight, which allows them to build up pressure and cook food quickly.
- Both use steam pressure to cook food: Both devices rely on steam pressure. The steam helps transfer heat more quickly, decreasing cooking time.
- Multi-functional: Instant Pots and some pressure cookers come with multiple functions, such as the ability to saute/brown food, slow cook, keep food warm, etc.
- Safety precautions when unsealing: When youre ready to unseal and release the pressure from either a pressure cooker or an Instant Pot, there are certain safety precautions that you need to take. This includes using the steam release valve/button and not opening the lid until all the pressure has been released.
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Instant Pot Vs Pressure Cookers: Which One You Should Buy
There is no doubt that both the Instant Pot and traditional Stovetop Pressure Cookers are great products. They work well and do make great differences. However, every product has its pros and cons. So basically, just make sure your product of choice can meet your desired specifications.
If you value durability more than convenience, then the conventional Stovetop Pressure Cooker is definitely a no brainer. Believe it or not, what you receive when cooking with this traditional cooker is lots of tasty foods that might remind you of the way your grandmother prepares dinners.
On the other hand, if youre looking for something safer and more accessible, and wont mind paying a little more for better, convenient features, the Instant Pot series would be worth every penny.
Which One Should I Buy
After youve seen the reviews and pros & cons, its time to draw the line and see which brand managed to make pressure cooking more interesting.
Choose the Instant Pot DUO if
- You want a reliable and well-liked product
- The yogurt function is important to your kitchen routine
- You want a multicooker with impressive safety mechanisms
- You want a pot thats easy to clean and use
- You are open to learning how to use the interface
Choose the Power Pressure Cooker XL if
- You really need the extra space offered by the 10qt size
- The home-canning feature is mandatory for you
- You like the over-simplified interface
- You want a pressure cooker with a detachable lid
- Youre OK with Teflon coating
Overall, the Instant Pot DUO series offers everything you would need in a small appliance, and it comes with the added option of making yogurt. The added focus of safety in the construction of this pressure cooker is a bonus as well. Besides the fact that the interface has a bit of a learning curve, the Instant Pot DUO series leaves little more to be desired in a standard pressure cooker.
On the other hand, the Power Pressure Cooker XL fails to surpass the Instant Pot DUO in both form and function. While they attempt to include additional features to appeal to consumers , the product lacks the extent of safety features seen with Instant Pot and features a non-stick coated pot that is prone to peeling after several uses.
Read Also: How To Make Spaghetti In The Instant Pot
Instant Pots To Purchase
All Instant Pot models come with a dishwasher-safe locking lid, steam rack and inner pot. Each model will auto-adjust to the right pressure and temperature before it starts cooking, and you can manually adjust the cook time. In addition, all models are equipped with a delay start option and a keep warm setting, as well as a food burn sensor. Instant Pots are also designed with safety features like Overheat Protection, which helps prevent food from burning by suspending heating if the appliance detects a high temperature at the bottom of the inner pot.
Below, we broke down every Instant Pot model currently on the market. We highlighted how models differ from one another and what sizes they come in.
Upgrade Pick: Instant Pot Pro 6
In 2021, Instant Pot released the Instant Pot Pro 6-Quart, which has some great features that make it a meaningful upgrade over the Duo, namely handles on the inner cooking pot, a large LCD, customizable and savable cooking presets, more temperature levels for sautéing, a sous vide function, and a diffuser cap that makes the steam release just a bit gentler . The Pro also comes with an extra silicone sealing ring for the lid and works with Instant Pots QuickCool Tray if you want to depressurize foods faster before serving. Of Instant Pots costlier models, the Pro and its features are most worth the jump in price, especially if you plan to use your multi-cooker frequently. Instant Pots midlevel offering, the Duo Plus, usually costs about $20 less than the Pro at this writing, but the Duo Pluss features are less impressive.
Instant Pot has also made some design upgrades that improve the usability of the Pro over that of the Duo and Duo Plus. One improvement that stands out is that the handles on the inner cooking pot stay cool, which lets you easily remove the pot even when its hot. These handles also act as anchors that lock the pot into place so that it doesnt whirl around when you stira common gripe we had while testing other Instant Pot models .
Also Check: How To Set Up An Instant Pot
Other Instant Pots And Pressure Cookers We Tested
We tested 11 electric pressure cookers for this guide. These are the ones that missed the cut.
What else we recommend and why:
Zavor LUX LCD: This model has more than 30 programmable settings, including sous vide, and an easy-to-read LCD. In our tests, it was easy to set up and use. It was quick to build pressure and made juicy, easy-to-shred pulled pork. However, we weren’t as impressed with its bean cooking and meat searing.
Ninja Foodi XL Pressure Cooker: The Ninja Foodi air fries and pressure cooks. And, in our tests, it did a great job of searing, slow cooking, and pressure cooking delicious meals but took longer than most units to build pressure. Read our comparison of the Instant Pot Duo Crisp vs. the Ninja Foodi.
Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus 80: The Duo Evo Plus’s stay-cool handles set it apart from other multicookers since you usually need to grab potholders to lift a multicooker’s pot out. The pot also stays in place when you stir the contents. The screen is packed full of info, including several preset programs. It didn’t make our guide because it didn’t do better than average at any cooking task and was one of the worst at rice and slow-cooker pork.
What we don’t recommend and why:
Power Pressure Cooker Xl Models
The Power Pressure Cooker XL is a series of three pressure cookers. These pressure cookers are reliable and have amazing reviews.
1. The Power Pressure Cooker XL 6 quart
The main features that the Power Pressure Cooker XL 6 quart provides are:
- A volume of 6 quarts.
- A wattage of 1000.
2. The Power Pressure Cooker XL 8 quart
- A volume of 8 quarts.
- A wattage of 1300.
4. The Power Pressure Cooker XL 10 quart
- This one is one of those rare extra-large sized pressure cookers which boast of a volume of 10 quarts.
- The wattage of this pressure cooker is 1600.
Check Price
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How Electric Pressure Cookers Work
An electric pressure cooker consists of three parts, the lid, inner pot and housing unit. The most important things to know about electric pressure cookers are the safety valves and smart control box.
The Inner Pot
The inner pot is a removable cooking pot. It is generally made from aluminum or stainless steel. Instant Pot uses high quality stainless steel inner pots made with sturdy, three-ply, or copper-clad bottom for uniformed heating.
The Lid Lock
The lid has a gasket or sealing ring. When the lid is placed on the cooker in the sealed position, the lid and inner pot form an airtight chamber. The pressure inside this chamber increases when heat is applied to the inner pot. Operating the lid not locked in position with a significant amount of pressure generated is unsafe and not recommended. Instant Pot® models have float valves, a pin lock mechanism to prevent the lid from being accidentally opened while there is significant amount of pressure inside. If there is enough pressure inside the inner pot, the float valve is pushed up by the pressure. Once pushed up, the pin of the float valve serves as latch lock and prevents the lid from turning, even under force.
Instant Pot® also extends such safety assurance with a safety power switch. If the lid is not in the desired fully close position, the electronic control system detects the situation and will not switch on the power for heating.
Safety Valves
The Housing: Sensors, Heating Element & Control Box
