Fine You’ve Convinced Me Where Can I Get One
On Amazon, of course. Instant Pot’s own site lists out all the places you can find them, but that list is overwhelming, so to cherry-pick: Costco, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Sur La Table all have them. Plus, if you have an Instant Pot, you’ll need some recipes. We humbly suggest adding Party in an Instant Potto your cart.
Party in an Instant Pot: 75+ Insanely Easy Recipes
How We Selected The Best Instant Pot
We try our hardest to review all of the products we feature in our Small Appliance buying guides, and we are currently in the process of reviewing a number of the best Instant Pots in our guide. A few have already been extensively reviewed by our team of expert testers, and you can click through to find out how well they performed when we tried them out in our own homes.
How To Choose The Right Instant Pot For You
If youre on a budget, go for the Lux model. If you want to be able to make yogurt, but dont need the fancy settings, consider the Duo.
When choosing one of the higher-end models, you should base your decision on what feature you most want to be able to use. The smart app is a great reason to choose the Smart. The center dial is a great reason to buy a model with that feature.
If you want to use it as a sous vide machine, buy the Max. If you want to use it as a canning system, also buy the Max. To be perfectly honest, its hard to go wrong no matter what model of instant pot you choose.
Ive had a Duo Plus for a long time and I love it. There could be additional features, but they arent necessary and dont stop me from cooking whatever I want.
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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.
Best Instant Pot 202: Our Top 6 Multi
Find the best Instant Pot for your kitchen, with the help of our reviews of the Duo, Pro, Crisp, and even a few alternatives from Ninja
Choosing the best Instant Pot can be overwhelming. After all, it’s an expansive line, with a range of functions and capacities to choose between. That includes the Duo, Pro, and Crisp lines, all of which have various differences that will make them more suited to some users than others. So, which is the best Instant Pot for you?
We’ve been busy reviewing all the best Instant Pots over the past few months to bring you our top picks, and we’ve also included a few alternatives from Ninja, which have in-built crisper lids as well as pressure cooking functions. A lot of Instant Pots come with crisper lids too, meaning they will double up as the best air fryers, as well as steaming or pressure cooking any food you could hope to make.
One of the major perks of owning an Instant Pot this time of year is the sealed-in, compact design. On a hot day, the last thing you want to do is pour over a hot stove, but the best Instant Pot will do all the cooking for you, and it will prevent your kitchen from overheating while it works. And when your meals are done, you can expect to put all removable parts in the dishwasher to take all the effort out of mealtimes. For our top picks of the six best Instant Pots, keep on reading.
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The First 10 Meals You Should Make
So, you just got an Instant Pot. Whats next? Dont be that person who bought the pot but hasnt opened it, letting it sit in the box for months. Part of this is lack of time or just the intimidation factor. It can be a little scary when you keep hearing about the first time someones released the pressure valve.
What Size Electric Pressure Cooker Should You Get
Eisner recommends getting the 6-quart size pressure cooker. “Start with a six-quart see how much you love your pot,” he said. “And then, from there, people typically start to get addicted to it, and they’ll get a larger size, like an eight-quart.”
“The sizes that I’ve seen are three quarts, six quarts, eight quarts, and now 10 quarts, which is enormous,” added Eisner. “The three-quart is good for maybe a single person, but it’s limited. One of the best things you can make in an Instant Pot is a roast. But, you’re going to have trouble in a three-quart model because it’s so tiny.”
Many of the models in our guide come in several sizes. All except one of the models we tested were either six or eight quarts, the two most popular sizes. We didn’t notice any significant differences in cooking time or food quality between the sizes.
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Is An Instant Pot Really Worth It
Thereâs no denying an Instant Pot is a great kitchen appliance but you may be wondering if itâs really worth it? Or will it simply end up as another kitchen gadget that languishes on your countertop gathering dust?
Itâs important to remember that while Instant Pots offer a multitude of cooking methods, many of which means you no longer need to use an oven or a hob, they canât cook everything. For example, theyâre not an option if you regularly prepare pasta, noodles, or stir frys. And while some do come with lids that can air fry, we found making fries in an Instant Pot wasnât as good as using one of the best air fryers.
At the same time, you canât just pop the lid off and check the dish youâre cooking, as you would when using the hob, the oven, or a slow cooker. Youâll need to release the pressure, effectively stop cooking, and detach the lid. Then if the dish isnât ready, youâll need to start cooking again.
Similarly, an Instant Pot can certainly shave a few hours off cooking stews, ribs and other dishes that usually take the best part of a day to cook, however with dishes like rice or steaming vegetables the time saving is minimal, which may mean an Instant Pot isnât worth the investment.
How Do Instant Pots Work
Cooking food in the Instant Pot is not instantaneous as the appliances name might suggest although it does speed up the process overall. Instant Pots need time to heat up so their temperature can rise above boiling point, which is 212 degrees Fahrenheit at sea level. As it heats up, food inside the Instant Pot releases steam, and the appliance traps the steam inside. The build-up of steam inside the Instant Pot creates a high-pressure environment when the appliance reaches an optimal pressure point, a pressure valve lifts into place and steam is released through a vent on the appliances lid. Thats when the foods cooking time begins.
Barbone said the most anxiety-inducing part of using an Instant Pot, especially for first-time users, is the steam. The Instant Pot makes a lot of noise as the pressure rises and a lot of steam shoots out of a small vent on the lid at a rapid pace. But rest assured this is supposed to happen, and if anything goes wrong, the Instant Pot will shut down.
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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.
Chicken Wings That Are Finer Licking Good
Chicken wings are always a finger-lickin good choice that is totally worth the mess. For game day, barbecue parties and just preparing a super delicious dinner alongside a few simple sides. No matter what your craving, spice tolerance or sauce versus spice preference is, weve got an Instant Pot chicken wing recipe for you in todays roundup. Break out the napkins!
This vegan and gluten-free friendly Instant Pot chickpea stew is a delicious main meal full of Moroccan-influenced spices and flavors. Serve it over rice, couscous or with some crusty bread.
Learn more about the Instant Pot on their official website.
If you have any additional questions, ask away! If youre ready to purchase your Instant Pot, you can find the recommended model for beginners here.
Recommended Reading: How Do You Cook Chicken In An Instant Pot
Which Instant Pot Alternative Should I Buy
If you’re not dedicated to the idea of an Instant Pot, the Ninja Foodi Max 9-in-1 Multi-Cooker is a great alternative. While Instant Pots have become synonymous with multi-cooking, the Ninja Foodi multi-cooker is just as mighty. It will also be easier for some to use, too, with a less fussy display and very clear controls.
You can pressure cook, air fry, slow cook, grill, steam, sear, sauté, bake, and roast in the Foodi Max. It has an air fryer lid built onto the machine, so you need to lift it out of the way on the side hinge to use the pressure cooker. If you think you’ll get more use out of the air fryer lid than the pressure cooker lid, you will enjoy being able to tuck it away when not in use.
However, if you plan on pressure cooking and slow cooking predominantly, having to leave the air fryer lid up on its hinge will be a nuisance.
Millie is the Kitchen and Small Appliances Editor at Livingetc, Homes & Gardens, Ideal Home, Real Homes and Gardeningetc. She reviews kitchen appliances and cookware, as well as the occasional pizza oven, and loves nothing more than putting a new air fryer or blender to the test. When she’s not reviewing kitchen gadgets, Millie loves knitting and exploring London’s vintage markets.
Should I Buy An Instant Pot 6 Reasons To Say Nah
Should I Buy an Instant Pot?
Everywhere you turn, people are raving about their Instant Pot. The excitement of cooking a roast in such a short time has everyone in a tizzy. But is a digital pressure cooker really a smart buy? Not always. In fact, there are a number of reasons you shouldnt buy an Instant Pot.
I bought one in the summer of 2017. There was an awesome deal online, somewhere, I forget. And it sat and sat and sat in the box. Occasionally Id move it from my basement to my pantry and vice versa. But I never once got it out of the box. But then, it was Christmastime of last year, and they were all the craze. And stores were out of them! I did well putting it on eBay and made a tidy profit because no one could find them to buy, and I had one brand new in-box. Ka-ching!
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Are Instant Pots Safe
One of the main reasons people are often on the fence about purchasing an Instant Pot or an electric pressure cooker in general is safety. Stovetop pressure cookers got a bad reputation because their lids were relatively easy to remove before the pressure was released, which ran the risk of burns and messes, experts told us. electric pressure cookers like the Instant Pot are incredibly safe compared to stovetop pressure cookers, Weinstein said. And even are much safer than they used to be.
Weinstein also noted that Instant Pots and similar electric pressure cookers are designed with safety mechanisms so theyll shut down if something goes wrong. One of those safety mechanisms is a burn notice thats triggered if the Instant Pot overheats and food begins to burn the appliance shuts off completely in this case.
The Cooking Time Depends On You
Not all nights are created equal: Sometimes we need a fast, easy dinner to throw together at the last minute, and other days we have to rely on a slow-cooker to have dinner waiting when we get home. An Instant Pot adjusts no matter what kind of day it is or how much time you have to spend on a meal.
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Why The Instant Pot Is A Good Investment
Have you thought about buying an Instant Pot, but you arent sure if its a good investment? This post is for you! I break down all the possible questions you could think of while you are wondering about making this decision.
What is an Instant Pot? Its an electric pressure cooker. And I will be honest, I feel safer using an Instant Pot vs the other types of pressure cookers on the market.
Since the pressure cooker cooks the food at pressure, it cuts down on cook times.
Instant Pot Duo Gourmet
Exclusively available at Costco since its introduction in 2020, the Instant Pot Duo Gourmet is very similar to the Instant Pot Duo Plus. The Duo Gourmet has a slightly different control panel that includes a sous vide button and comes with more accessories . Oh, and theres that sweet Costco member pricing too. Unlike the Duo Plus which is available in three sizes, the Duo Gourmet is only available in the 6-quart size.
Built-in smart programs: 15Functions: Pressure-cooking, slow-cooking, steaming, sautéing, rice-cooking, yogurt-making, sous videcooking, food-warming, sterilizingSizes available: 6-quart Instant Pot
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The Instant Pot Is Also A Slow Cooker
If you love using a slow cooker, but you also want to have the ability to cooks meals quicker, then an Instant Pot is perfect for you. There is a slow cooker function on the instant pot, so that means you can have one less appliance in your house.
Just like a standard slow cooker, you can choose to have the Instant Pot cook at a little higher temperature in 4 hours, or a little lower temperature for 8 hours. The only thing youll need to make this work is a glass lid that sits on top of your pot. , but I personally just use what I have in my kitchen. Theres a good chance you already have a lid available that fits.
How Do Electric Pressure Cookers Work
Dating back to the 1600s, pressure cooking involves using heat and pressure for cooking food more quickly. Before the Instant Pot revolutionized the industry, pressure cookers were non-electric stovetop devices. But, Instant Pot changed that with its countertop electric version.
For pressure to build in the cooker, the pot needs to have sufficient liquid , and the lid must be airtight. The steam created from the heated fluid causes the pressure to build and permits higher cooking temperatures and thus faster cooking.
Once you’re done cooking, you must first release the pressure before removing the lid. This step varies by model so consult your multicooker’s user manual to do this safely.
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The Instant Pot Is Better Than A Crockpot
I actually think the Instant Pot is better than a crockpot. Yea, I said it. Come at me.
Its not that I have anything against crock pots, its just that the Instant Pot already does it, so why have more than one appliance when one can do both?
The crockpot cant pressure cook, but the pressure cooker can crockpot.
Turn It Into A Popcorn Maker
With the East Coast blanketed in icy precipitation and temperatures dropping into the mid-winter aughts, it’s good to have snacks on hand for the potential snow day. Even better when the snack involves a bit of to-do for the kids or a low-calorie upside for the diet-focused. As it turns out, an Instant Pot can come in handy here, too.
Popcorn making is an unexpected experience you can create with an Instant Pot, and it’s nearly as quick as a microwaved bag, per CNet. Simply click on the sautee setting to low heat, cover the bottom of the pot with oil, add kernels, your favorite seasonings, and suddenly you are your own theatre concession stand. As Healthline has it, the whole grain nature of popcorn means that it can actually contain nutrients when not totally doused in butter, and it also has significantly fewer calories when air-popped. Netflix and chill with your own creatively crafted homemade snack.
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