Cons To Consider Before Buying An Instant Pot
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Caveat To Buying The Instant Pot Duo
Unless you see any feature that you really want or need from the list of major differences above, the Instant Pot Duo will be able to fulfill all your needs!
The only caveat to this advice is if you see a fancier model on sale that costs less than the Instant Pot Duo.
99% of recipes on the Internet are created and tested in 6 quart Instant Pots, which will give you the most consistent successful results. Of course most of these recipes will work in smaller or larger Instant Pots, but just note that they may have some variability.
Why Youll The Instant Pot
- Cooks sooooo much faster than recipes traditionally cooked in the oven or on the stove.
- Offer multiple functionsand automatic programs for easier and more efficient cooking.
- Ideal for using to cookall meal categories, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, desserts, and beverages.
- They are available in various sizesand different models, so theres truly something for everyone.
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What Is The Instant Pot Anyway
It’s a multi-purpose electrical appliance. Think like a Crock Pot or slow cooker, except it can also do other things it’s a pressure cooker, a yogurt maker, and more. What features you get depends on what model you choose.
In other words it’s a plug-n-play machine that can replace a bunch of your kitchen appliances! And it’s amazing!
We have 2 Instant Pots and use them both multiple times each day. In fact, I love it so much that we have an entire class on pressure cooking featuring the;Instant Pot.
For more info, check out the Pressure Cooking eBook & Video Package or our Pressure Cooking eCourse .
Yet I use the Instant for much more besides like it’s my favorite way to reheat leftovers which you can learn about here. Or if you want to see 11 creative uses for an Instant Pot, go here. They’re fun!
What Extras And Accessories Can You Buy For An Instant Pot
Since each Instant Pot model is a little different, its important to read the manual and learn about the various features and settings of your Instant Pot. Generally, every model will include an outer body with a display panel and buttons, a lid, a pressure valve, a steam release valve, a plastic collector cup to catch any condensation released during slow cooking, a stainless-steel or nonstick inner pot, a sealing ring that surrounds the lid and helps absorb odors, and a steamer rack or basket that sits in the inner pot and keeps food raised.
Any accessories you may choose to buy to bulk up your Instant Pots functionality are just a bonus. Depending on what you plan to make with your Instant Pot, extras range from practical and essential to plain old fun. Some people buy extra sealing rings so they can use one for meat and one for baked goods. Some invest in egg trivets if they cook a lot of hard-boiled eggs. Some look into springform pans to make cheesecake and quiche. Theres even a special air fryer lid that is compatible with 6-quart Instant Pots that allows you to air-fry straight from your pressure cooker if you dont have a model that already features that program.
Is your mind still scrambled by all the choices? The buying guide below will help you compare Instant Pot models and figure out the best Instant Pot for you.
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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 bigger Instant Pot but you can’t make a larger quantity of food in a smaller 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 3 quart Instant Pot to do something like this.
Instant Pot Recipes You Might Enjoy
That’s Good To Know But Does The Instant Pot Size Affect Cooking Time
For the 3 and 6-quart sizes, a good rule-of-thumb is to always have at least one cup of water or thin liquid in with what you’re cooking. The 8-quart, since it’s larger, should have at least two cups of thin liquid with whatever you’re cooking.
It’s always important to note that you need a thin liquid with whatever you plan to cook in the Instant Pot. This is because you need steam to create pressure, and the only way to get that is to have a thin liquid.
Some ingredients release their own thin liquid as they cook, so you may not need as much. Think of chicken and certain vegetables, like cabbage or onion. On average, for a 6-quart to come to pressure , it can take up to 20-30 minutes, depending on how much liquid is in the pot.
If there’s a lot of liquid, such as with soup, it will take longer to come to pressure. This also applies to the 8-quartsince it’s larger and needs more liquid, it takes a bit longer to get to pressure than the smaller versions.
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Instant Pot Duo Plus 9 In 1
This model appears to the market as the upgraded version of the Best Seller DUO, so if you think that they could go any better than the 7 n 1 model you were wrong!
This model includes all the same features that the DUO series but it comes with important additions that can make the DUO Plus 9 in 1 the best companion on any kitchen period!
So just like the 7 in 1 version this one can function as a Pressure Cooker, Saute, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Warmer, Yogurt Maker, but it also adds 2 extra functions the Egg/Cake function that can not only make perfect eggs but also can cook cakes!. But thats not all this model can also Sterilize your utensils;or baby bottles as well!
This series is also available in;3, 6 and 8 quarts.
In case you want to know more about it you can check
Or read OurFull Review>
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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Extra Instant Pot Sealing Ring And Silicone Lid
It is really nice to have an extra sealing ring in case my other one is dirty. Lots of people prefer to have two . I like this bundle I have because it comes with a lid as well.
- Pros: Both are dishwasher safe.;Easily stores the pot straight to the fridge!
- Cons: The lid is not a sealing lid, so you wouldnt be able to turn the pot upside down or anything.
- Uses: Easily store leftovers, marinate meats right in the pot for easy and fast cooking like for Kalua Pig, Yogurt, or storing any Instant Pot Soup.
- BUY HERE
What’s The Best Instant Pot To Buy For You And Your Family
Everyone’s talking about the;Instant Pot and you’re fairly certain you need one, too. Right?!
Only what model and what size do you get?
Deanna is asking this as well: Everyone I know has an Instant Pot! I know I want one, too, but the trouble is when I go to order one, I get overwhelmed by which model to choose and whether I should get a 6 or 8 quart? Can you help?
I understand; this is a big choice. You’ll see if you keep reading that it wasn’t easy for me, either.
Yet now I’ve been around the block with our;Instant Pot. And we have 2 different sizes in our home, so I’m happy to share my advice and from my experience to help you choose the model and size for you and your family.
That’s what’s on tap for today’s #AskWardee!
Both the podcast and video replay of this week’s show are below. Enjoy!
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Update: What About The New Duo Evo Plus
My friend Vickilynn, and co-teacher of our Pressure Cooking I and II eCourses, introduced me to the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus. Otherwise, I might not have considered it. I’m so glad she spoke up!
Here are the bullet points of why the Duo Evo Plus beats out the Duo. Watch the January 2020 update video above to see all these features in action!
- overall faster and easier to use
- it’s a 9-in-1 over the Duo’s because it has two additional functions sous vide and bake
- it has 48 customizable settings
- the pre-heating time is up to 70% faster; due to the 1200w heating element which reduces preheating time, allowing you to make meals faster
- the pressure release time is shortened with updated quickcool technology
- the screen dialogue shows you the stages of pre-heating, program/cycle, and then warm time/pressure release time afterward
- the insert pot has a flat bottom so you can evenly brown foods
- the insert pot has handles! they fit right into the base to lift the pot in and out easily
- the handles have cool-to-touch easy grip handles no need for a potholder!
- the insert pot’s handles fit into the base so the post doesn’t spin around when stirring
- the insert pot is an upgraded cookware grade 18/10 stainless steel it’s dishwasher safe and can be used on your stovetop, too!
- the lid automatically sets to sealing position when lid is closed
I only have 4 cons:
My Honest Advice About Instant Pot Accessories
This might be weird to hear from someone like me, but DONT go out and buy a million accessories for your Instant Pot right away! Especially if youre a beginner, I want you to get your Instant Pot, and USE it.
I get a lot of messages that sound a lot like this: Hi Lisa! I just got my Instant Pot and have no idea what Im doing with it! What accessories do you recommend I buy?
I always give the same response: none.
Figure out what youre cooking, and how youre cooking! A bunch of accessories arent useful to you if you have no idea how youre using your Instant Pot.
Get that pot out of the box, and USE IT! Youll quickly find out what you need and what youre lacking.
If youre finding yourself making a lot of vegetables or find yourself confident enough to make a cheesecake, youll figure out that your cooking process could be a lot easier with a steamer basket or a specific pan.
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Which Size Is Right For You
When selecting your Instant Pot, you’ll want to consider how much space you have. Instant Pot models come in four different sizes: 3-, 6-, 8- and 10-quart. Depending on what youre going to use it for, the size you choose can make a big difference.
If youre sticking to side dishes and meals for up to three people, Instant Pot recommends the 3-quart size. This is offered in most basic models including the Duo, Duo Nova, Duo Plus, Ultra and Lux. The 6-quart size is the most popular and is available in every model except the Duo Crisp, which is an Instant Pot and air fryer combo. Instant Pot recommends this size for feeding up to six people. The 8-quart model is the next most-popular size. It is offered in all models except the Smart WiFi and Max models, and is recommended for large families or to meal prep food for the week. The Duo Nova is the only model that comes in the 10-quart size, which is designed for larger meals, feeding a crowd or to stock the freezer with family dinners.
What Is The #askwardee Show
The #AskWardee Show is the live weekly show devoted to answering your niggling questions about Traditional Cooking: whether it’s your sourdough starter, your sauerkraut, preserving foods, broth, superfoods or anything else to do with Traditional Cooking or your GNOWFGLINS lifestyle.
I share tips and resources, plus answer your questions about Traditional Cooking!
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The Size Of The Instant Pot Matters
For safety reasons , the Instant Pot should be filled no more than 2/3 full. That means if you buy the6 quart Instant Pot , you can only safely put 3 1/2 quarts of food inside. If you buy the8 quart Instant Pot, you can put 6 quarts of food inside.
This may not be a big deal, but I know that one batch of;chicken stock in my 6-quart slow cooker gives me a full gallon worth of stock. I would have to make multiple batches of stock in a 6-quart size Instant Pot to get the same yield.
Check The Model As Some Are Only Available In 1 Size
Certain special Instant Pot models are only available in a single quart size.
For example, if you have an Instant Pot Max, Instant Pot Duo SV, or Instant Pot Smart WiFi, you own a 6 quart model. These models are exclusively offered in the 6 quart size.
The Instant Pot Pro Crisp + Air Fryer is an 8 quart model. And this is the only Instant Pot to be offered as only at the 8 quart size.
Check the front control panel of your Instant Pot to confirm which model you own. The name should be on the upper right of the control panel on the front of your Instant Pot.
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Why Arent The Other Instant Pot Models Wirecutter Picks
The Instant Pot Duo Gourmet, which is exclusive to Costco, is very similar to our top pick, and a great option if youre a Costco member. Its not a pick because its not as widely available as other models, and weve seen other Costco-exclusive Instant Pots be discontinued. It has a couple more preset functions than the Instant Pot Duo, most notably a sous vide setting . It also comes with a lid that seals automatically when you close ita nice upgrade from the Duos basic lidand a few more accessories, like silicone mitts and an extra sealing ring. As long as it costs roughly the same as or less than the Instant Pot Duo, we think its a great deal.
The Instant Pot Lux is the oldest model of the bunch. By the time we thought to test it, the Duo series was already available, with features the Lux model lacks. Mainly, the Lux offers only one pressure-cooking level . And the lid of the Lux has no handle, a smaller but still irritating drawback.
The Duo Plus is an upgraded version of the Duo series , but its changes are so minor that we dont think it warrants the $40 price hike. The only real differences are a sous vide setting and the LCD, which displays more information and has an easy-on-the-eyes blue background. But compared with the Ultra design, the Duo Pluss screen is smaller, and the control panel isnt nearly as streamlined. The Duo Plus also lacks features that makes the Ultra special, namely altitude adjustment and customizable temperature control.
Instant Pot Glass Lid
Some people like to get a lid for their pots for popcorn, slow cooking, or yogurt. However, I find I have lids for my pots and pans that work just fine on top of the Instant Pot. I dont find it necessary, though many people like it, so Ive included it in my list.
- Pros: Can be used for recipes that do not require pressure cooking, you can see inside the pot at a glance.
- Cons: Its a glass pot lid that is branded Instant Pot, so it costs $15
- Uses:Instant Pot Yogurt , popcorn, slow cooking
- BUY HERE
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