The New Instant Pot Smart Multi
I had never used an Instant Pot or any pressure cooker before. I’m a tried-and-true slow cooker fan who thought everything good in life had to be cooked low and slow. So the idea of great meals being cooked in mere minutes felt too good to be true. But the Instant Pot Pro Plus changed my view on cooking forever.
The new multi-cooker from Instant Pot is a 10-in-1 appliance that acts as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, warmer, canning pot, sous vide, and NutriBoost. But what sets the new Instant Pot Pro Plus apart from other Instant Pots is its smart cooking functionality thanks to the new Instant Brands Connect app.
If you’re thinking, “Who needs a smart multi-cooker?” you’re not alone. I had the same thoughts. That was, until I used it.
Pressure Cook On High
- add the rice and milk
- pressure cook for 3 minutes
Instant Pot Pancake Casserole
I saw a recipe for pancake casserole and was unsure if I would like it or not. It seemed weird to me. Pancake batter with cheese and bacon and maple syrup?! Weird, right? Well it turns out it was so tasty! My husband and son agreed with me too. They were skeptics until they tried it. This recipe is a perfect idea for brunch or breakfast for dinner.
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The Instant Pot: Heres Why Cooks Love It
- Read in app
People have fallen in love with their Instant Pots.
They may like their blenders, cherish their slow cookers and need their food processors.
But the Instant Pot a device that combines an electric pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker and yogurt maker in one handy unit sends even mild-mannered cooks into fits of passion.
You find the L word over and over in the 15,000 or so product reviews on Amazon. And if you click over to Instant Pots , youll find more than 360,000 members sharing their undying affection alongside their recipes for chili.
If youre a cook and got through last year without bumping into people who couldnt stop talking about their Instant Pots or any of the other multifunctional electric pressure cookers on the market then you wont have to wait much longer.
Electric pressure cookers is one of the fastest growing kitchen appliance sectors on the market, with sales doubling and tripling over the last four years, according to Robert Wang, the C.E.O. of Instant Pot Company.
When the Instant Pot debuted in 2009, it was one of the first brands to hit North America electric pressure cookers were already gaining popularity in China. In 2010, approximately 300,000 electric pressure cookers were sold in the United States and Canada, said Dr. Wang. By 2015, that number rose to over three million.
So why do electric pressure cookers inspire such a devoted following?
I bought one to find out.
What To Look For In An Instant Pot

By Sara Tane
Theres no denying that the Instant Pot has definitely brewed up a whole lot of hype since it originally came out in 2010. Since its debut, a variety of models and sizes have been launched that all boast different features. Not only does this appliance save you a bunch of time when it comes to big-batch cooking and cleaning up afterward, but it also saves you a ton of counter space because its an appliance that can do it all .
Older versions of pressure cookers are difficult to maneuver and not super user-friendly for the average home cook. Instant Pots have taken pressure cooking and made it approachable and doable for cooks of all levels.
When it comes to choosing the Instant Pot thats right for you, it can seem a bit overwhelming because of all the different models and sizes. Understanding which models offer different features is crucial to determining which Instant Pot is right for you. How much counter space you have, how frequently youll be using the appliance, and how many people youre typically cooking for all factor into choosing the right model. Newer models offer smartphone and WiFi capabilities, so if youre looking to integrate technology into your home cooking, these models could be a great pick for you.
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What’s Needed To Make Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup
Instant Pot vegetable beef soup uses the same ingredients as any other version whether it’s made in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. Ingredients you’ll need: stew beef, diced celery and onion, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, beef stock, frozen mixed vegetables, diced potatoes, a bay leaf, and various seasonings along with salt and pepper. You’ll also need: an Instant Pot, measuring cups and spoons, a sharp paring knife to peel the potatoes, a sharp knife to dice the onion and celery and a chopping board plus a ladle and soup bowls for serving. The good news is, you likely have all of these kitchen basics already on hand.
Best Gluten Free Instant Pot Recipes
September 20, 2021 By Molly Thompson
These gluten free Instant Pot recipes will become regulars on your dinner rotation. They’re easy to make, full of flavor and completely gluten free. Keep reading for tips on how to use the instant pot, plus 19 of our favorite recipes.
Our Instant Pot recipes are some of the most popular on WMM, like the Mongolian Beef and Greek Chicken and Rice. Because you love them so much, I wanted to create a resource to find your favorite gluten free Instant Pot recipes in one place.
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Which Instant Pot Is Right For You
Food-specific modes and options will be the difference-maker when it comes to picking the best Instant Pot for your cooking needs, or the one you’ll be able to use the most. If you want to venture into making your own yogurt, or if you love hard-boiled eggs, it’s worth it to pay a bit more for an Instant Pot that can do those things.
When it comes to choosing the right size, Instant Pot recommends a 3-quart model for one or two people. Families of six or fewer will likely be happy with the 6-quart multicooker. If you have a large household or host large groups often, consider springing for an 8-quart model.
There are options from other brands, too. We recently reviewed a great Wi-Fi multicooker from ChefIQ. It does more than Instant Pot’s Wi-Fi model and comes with an integrated scale, nonstick pot and helpful iOS or Android app. It costs $200, so if you’re not ready to graduate to a high-end model, Instant Pot’s more affordable options are great for beginners.
If you’re still not sure which model will be the best Instant Pot for your kitchen, take a look at Instant Pot’s product comparison chart or its guide to choosing the right cooker. At the end of the day, all of these models offer the basic pressure cooking and slow cooking modes Instant Pot is known for performing so well.
Instant Pot Caramelized Onions
Caramelized onions typically require a great deal of attention and time, as the low and slow cooking provide a perfectly tender and golden brown result. But thanks to the Instant Pot®, this typically labor-intensive recipe because an achievable weeknight dish. These sweet and jammy onions are the perfect accompaniment to sandwiches, grain bowls and more.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Caramelized Onions
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How Did We Choose These Products
To bring you a good selection of the best multi-cookers , we had to narrow down the field from dozens of models available. There were some important factors we took into consideration, starting with functionality. We chose multi-cookers that had a simple panel that was easy to understand and operate. The multi-cookers we chose have clearly-marked buttons for the most important functions such as pressure cook, keep warm, timer and more. We preferred flat LED display panels that are easier to read and can be cleaned using a damp rag to wipe down.
Besides easy operation and low maintenance, the best multi-cookers come with the accessories you need, so you don’t have to invest in more tools and gadgets. That could include a steamer basket or trivet to expand a multi-cooker’s use beyond pressure cooking.
Customer reviews also factored into our picks. Most models look great in photos, but you won’t really know how well a multi-cooker performs until you unbox it and start cooking. We looked for the highest-rated models and took the time to read over the customer raves and complaints to determine which of the multi-cookers available now are the best and most reliable, delivering what they promise.
Versatility And Special Features
What sets different models of Instant Pots apart from each other is the different features that they offer. While some Instant Pots just offer basic pressure cooker and saute functionality, others have modes for making specific foods or various cooking options, such as steaming. Other features include delayed cooking, keep warm settings, temperature controls, Alexa compatibility, remote cooking capabilities, high-altitude adjustments, sterilize features, air frying, and sous vide.
Clearly, there is no shortage of special features that this appliance can offer, so definitely prioritize which features are important to you and look for a model that offers them. Theres no need to buy an appliance that offers a laundry list of features if youre only looking to do basic pressure and slow cooking.
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Can You Cook Frozen Chicken In An Instant Pot
Yes. There are a number of recipes devoted to cooking all kinds of foods from their frozen state in an Instant Pot. For some recipes, a little extra time is required to fully cook the meat, but in other cases the extra time required to come up to pressure is enough extra time to completely cook the food.
Three Versions Of Minestrone Soup:

We have three popular and much loved versions of minestrone soup on our site:
But you know what? I think I may love this Instant Pot Minestrone Soup the best.
We love our Instant Pot and I couldnt wait to try out a few classics like rice, pasta, chicken, hard boiled eggs, stew and this soup in it.
And in case you dont have an Instant Pot, Ive even included directions for an easy minestrone soup made on the stove-top.
With this Instant Pot Minestrone Soup, you get all those rich and deep flavors without having to simmer in a pot for a few hours.
Its a super easy set and forget meal thats hearty, filling and always hits the spot on a chilly winter day.
The best part about any soup is that you can easily customize the veggies with what you like or have on hand so feel free to change things up.
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The Best Instant Pot For You: A Comprehensive Guide To Every Size And Model
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 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. This buying guide for the beloved kitchen appliance has the answer to every anxious Instant Pot question you may have and will help you determine which of the many varieties is right for you.
Though every Instant Pot model 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.
What Type Of Ip Should I Buy
There are basically three models: IP LUX, IP DUO, and IP SMART. IP LUX is the basic model and are the most economical with less pre-programmed function buttons but it’s made of the same materials as others and cooks the same as others. IP DUO has two more functions than IP LUX and comes in three different sizes. IP recently introduced PLUS model that has even more functions. IP SMART is the top of the line model that is Bluetooth enabled and has even more capabilities.
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Are Instant Pots Safe
Multi-cookers are known to be much safer than the traditional pressure cooker with the loud, spinning pressure nozzle. However, caution is always advised when working with a pressurized cooking pot. Read the included manual carefully before working with the instant pot to familiarize yourself with how it works. Avoid putting your face over the lid or the pressure nozzle to reduce the risk of accidentally scalding yourself. If you decide to quick release or manually vent your multi-cooker to open it, use a kitchen mitt or a wooden spatula to do so. And lastly, use care when opening the lid — the remaining steam trapped inside can be extremely hot.
Best For Air Frying: Instant Pot Duo Crisp
Yep. Just when you thought the Instant Pot couldn’t do much more, they invented one that air fries. The Duo Crisp has all the functions of your classic Instant Pot duo but with a second air fryer lid for blasting fries, wings and more with super convection heat. If you’ve never air fried, I’ll tell you firsthand that it’s pretty habit-forming and the best part is you need very little oil or none at all to achieve crispy outside, moist inside fried-like goodness.
If you already have an Instant Pot you like, you can buy the air fryer lid separately for around $75. Or just $50 if you catch it on sale like it is right now.
Programs included: Air fry, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate, Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Rice, Yogurt, Steam, Sauté, Sterilize and Warm.
What it doesn’t have: Cake, Egg, Porridge, Soup/Broth and Canning
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Is Instant Pot A Gimmick Or Is It Actually A Good Pressure Cooker
What sets them apart for me however is that despite their reputation and propensity to improve their products all the time they are priced nowhere near the top of this market meaning there line of products are well priced in my opinion.
So do you need an Instant Pot? Well, it’s up to you and your necessities.
Before I go into a long tirade over everything that makes Instant Pot a good value I want to present you with a list of articles on this site that are about very specific things having to do with Instant Pot. Feel free to browse the list or just jump to the bottom to continue reading.
How To Make Instant Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Soup
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Tips For The Best Instant Pot Baked Ham:
- If you dont need a sugar free / keto glaze, feel free to use honey for a Honey baked ham or maple syrup for a Maple glazed ham
- Change up the flavor with some warm spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves
- Add sweetness to your glaze with: cranberries, cherries or orange
- Place your instant pot ham under the broiler if you like a caramelized coating
How To Cook Chicken Breast In The Instant Pot

1. Combine the seasoning ingredients in a small bowl .
Vigorously rub and dab all over the chicken being a little firm with the chicken helps to tenderize the meat without pounding as actual pounding would likely make it too big to fit in the instant pot.
- rub chicken with seasoning
2. Set the instant pot to sauté, brown the chicken 2 minutes on each side in olive oil. You will need to work in batches here, do not add more than 2-3 chicken breasts to the instant pot at a time when youre browning them!
- brown on both sides
3. Switch off the instant pot. Remove the chicken, then pour in the chicken broth and scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan.
Youll want to get all of the browned bits, else you may trigger the burn waring later.
4. Place the trivet in the instant pot, then arrange the chicken on top.
- add chicken broth
- place chicken on trivet
5. Pressure cook the chicken for 5 minutes, then do a natural release of 6 minutes .
- pressure cook
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