Even though I generally like to cook, sometimes I get tired of spending so much time in the kitchen. Our life style has changed a lot lately and I don’t have the same amount of time I used to have. I’ve been hearing about the Instant Pot from other bloggers and foodies but I wasn’t ready to commit.
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10 Reasons I Bought the Instant Pot
There are a lot of reasons I decided to buy the Instant Pot so I decided to share my list with you. If you are like me and have been wondering about the Instant Pot maybe this list will help you decide if it is right for you.
Before we get to the list I want to mention that some people are scared off by the price. IT IS WORTH IT! You can regularly find really good deals on Amazon and free shipping! Anytime I see a deal I share on social media!
1. Cook Beans Super Fast
This is the first thing that piqued my interest. I heard that people were cooking beans in as little as 10-15 minutes for soaked beans and as long as 35-40 minutes for dry beans. Since it normally took several hours to slow cook beans this got my attention. I was really concerned that this was another single use appliance so I wasn’t won over yet. Then I heard it again and again. People I really admire were in love with their Instant Pot and it officially landed on my wish list.
2. Make Perfect Brown Rice
I’ve always thought that rice was really easy to cook. I know some people really struggle with it but it was easy for me. The first time I made brown rice in the Instant Pot I read and re-read the grain to water ratio. I was puzzled because it used less water and I was worried I would get crunchy rice. Guess what, it wasn’t crunchy it was perfect! Perhaps the most perfect rice I’ve ever made with just the right amount of “stickiness.”
Previously when I would have a busy day I’d cook rice in my Crock Pot. We love the Mexican Casserole and Cheezy Broccoli and Rice Casserole but some readers found it too mushy. The Instant Pot made these recipes perfectly in a fraction of the time. No more mushy rice.
3. Steam/Cook Veggies in Minutes
When I hold local classes I usually admit that my method of cooking is to start cooking, walk away and forget I’m cooking, smell the food later then go back to the stove to check on it. That is why all of my recipes are so simple and easy. I’ve burned more than my fair share of veggies by forgetting about them. The Instant Pot cooks veggies in minutes. Just be sure to release the steam once they are finished cooking.
4. Built in Timer (So it’s ready at dinner time)
My favorite thing about Crock Pots is that you can leave and come back to fully cooked meals. My Instant Pot goes one step further. It has a timer so it won’t start cooking until I want it to. Dinner doesn’t have to start cooking in the morning and cook all day. You can program it to begin dinner at 4:30 and keep it warm until you get home.
Even if you are home during the day think about how much time you will save by setting it up during a spare moment and not thinking about it again until dinner time.
5. Easy Clean Up
My least favorite thing to do in the kitchen is washing dishes. If I could outsource it, I totally would. Sometimes I don’t cook a specific meal because I don’t want to do the dishes. The Instant Pot is really easy to clean up. It comes with a big stainless steel pot and a lid. That is all you have to wash and it’s really easy.
6. Pressure Cooking Retains More Nutrients
This one I’ll have to leave to the experts but I’ve read that pressure cooking retains more nutrients because foods cook for a shorter amount of time and less water is used. Due to the high pressure, beans and grains become more digestible. So if you’ve avoided beans and grains due to stomach issues this MAY help. (I’m not a doctor or scientist so don’t eat something that could make you sick.)
7. They are safe
You and I have all heard crazy stories of pressure cookers blowing up. I’ve resisted pressure cookers in the past because they scared me. The Instant Pot is safe! There are 10 safety features built-in to the Instant Pot including automatic pressure control, high temperature warning, and a lid that locks while pressurized plus many more.
8. Slow Cooker
The Instant Pot is roughly the same size as my slow cooker (it’s a little taller) but it does the same job with the touch of a button. If you plan to use your Instant Pot as a slow cooker regularly be sure to purchase the optional lid.
9. Saute feature
The Instant Pot can also saute with the touch of a button. So you can toss onions and garlic in, select saute, get the rest of your ingredients ready and then add them to the pot and program it to make Soup or whatever else your heart desires.
10. All of the other Features
Believe it or not there are a lot of other features I didn’t mention. I bought the Instant Pot IP-DUO60 7-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker. In addition to all of other things I mentioned it also makes yogurt, YES VEGAN YOGURT. You can also make veggie stock, “bake” potatoes, cook a whole squash or pumpkin and loads of other things I haven’t discovered yet.
Are you won over yet? I know some of you are because I’ve had readers ask for Instant Pot recipes. Guess what, they are coming! I’m also trying out my old recipes to see what changes can be made to cook them in the Instant Pot.
Don’t worry, there will still be plenty of non-Instant Pot recipes but you may want to put it on your wish list just in case.
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan and food warmer.
- QUICK ONE-TOUCH COOKING: 13 customizable Smart Programs for pressure cooking ribs, soups, beans, rice, poultry, yogurt, desserts and more.
- COOK FAST OR SLOW: Pressure cook delicious one-pot meals up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods or slow cook your favorite traditional recipes – just like grandma used to make.
- QUICK AND EASY CLEAN UP: Finger-print resistant, stainless-steel sides and dishwasher-safe lid, inner pot, and accessories.
- SAFETY FEATURES: Includes over 10 safety features, plus overheat protection and safe-locking lid
Which model do you recommend? I’ve been considering a pressure cooker and I think you convinced me 🙂
Kim I got the Duo 7-1 because I wanted to have access to all of those features. Everything I’ve made has turned out fantastic!
I’m so glad I bought the Instant Pot and not a different brand or type. I was a little intimidated at first but it’s SO EASY! I love trying new things!
Oh, my! I’m so intrigued!
I have the ipot duo and love to make vegan yogurt! Love the one pot soups, red lentil chili, etc. One caution I would give: if you use the slow cooker function, realize that it is a higher temp than other slow cookers. Stuff gets bubbling fast and stays bubbling :o)
Good to know! I haven’t used the slow cooker function yet.
There ARE 3 settings on the slow cooker mode on the cooker. At least on the IP that I have.
Hi Theresa, do you have a recipe for the vegan yogurt? Would love to give it a try.
I have the Instant Pot and I can’t wait to see your recipes! I really like it, but I don’t use it enough right now.
I have a friend that has no access to a stove–only a microwave or a counter-top toaster oven and they can’t run at the same time–she will blow fuses. Does the InstantPot use any more energy than the microwave and could she use it without blowing fuses?
Susan I don’t really know. I’m sure that information is available but it’s not my specialty so I don’t want to speculate.
The Duo60 is 1000W, which is in the same range (or lower) than a microwave (average wattage of a microwave is 1200W). The Duo50 is 900W. I can run my pressure cooker and my induction burner off the same circuit, but if I add anything else (like having the dehydrator running), I will blow the fuse.
Thanks Marky! I really appreciate your insight.
Can you tell me your times/settings for Brown Rice, and your rice to water ratio? Do you let it naturally vent after cooking, or quick vent?
Hi Jeff,
I use 1 1/4 cup of water for every 1 cup of rice. I usually do a quick release after cooking for 22 minutes.
My wife bought me an Instapot for Christmas. It has replaced our slow cooker and rice cooker. I think this thing is great!! So far I have done a whole Chicken, Chicken soup, Mac and Cheese and all have exceeded my expectations. I only had one FAIL and that was when I tried to do spagetti and I did nott have enough fluid in the oet and it came out tough. If my house ever catches on fire and I have to save something …. it will be the instapot!
Thank you! For the rice to water ratio and timing/release strategy for brown rice. Used it today, and the rice turned out great.
Hi Lisa,
I am so happy to hear that my method worked for you. The Instant Pot can be intimidating but it is such a great tool for healthy eating.
I’m always trying new methods and some work better than others. 🙂
I have the Power Pressure Cooker that preceded the “XL” generation. On the newer “XL” generation there are more One button selection options. Do you provide conversion charts or recipes to assist with these new enhancements for my model?
Good morning Holly,
I just came across your website as I bought long time ago an instant pot and never used it!
So today I tried to cook some black beans (I am a plant-based dudette as you) and I think I need an MIT course to make this thing work. Could you please let me know if what I did is correct, cause it took me over an hour to cook them hahahah.
Press “Bean/Chilli” button first, then “Adjust” to move pressure to “High Pressure” then
“Adjust again” and move time to “15” only that I believe is in minutes as does not indicate hs/min/sec.
and then let it go “ON”
After heat up and cooked for “15 minutes” it went on L001 to L1:05″ moment I got fed up and turn it off. Is this how it works?
In advance, thank you for your help and keep it with good plant-based recipes.
Sincerely,
Ms. V
Hey Ms. V! Thanks for visiting and asking this question!
The Instant Pot is really scary until you use it a couple of times. I shouldn’t say scary but it is very intimidating. I spent a long time reading then re-reading all of the materials. There is so much information that seems a lot harder than it is.
Here is what I do:
Add the beans and water, don’t stress about having the right measurements with beans, if the water covers them well it is enough.
Second, put on the lid and lock it into place. Make sure the vent is pointing to sealed.
Third, press manual then use the arrows to get to the correct number of minutes. (It will vary based on type of bean and if they are soaked or dried.)
Then walk away.
The Instant Pot will beep several times when it is done. Then the L00:01 will start. This just a lets you know that it is done and for how many minutes it has kept it warm. You can press cancel/off or unplug it.
After the pressure comes down you will be able to open it. If you don’t have time to wait carefully turn the steam valve to release and let it do it’s thing. It will open once it is done.
I hope that helps! If you have follow up questions let me know!
I have always wanted to use an instant pot but it’s just not in my budget! I hear so many great things about it!!
How do you set the meal in the morning to start cooking at 4:30? I understand how it’s possible with the programmable i-Pot, but do you just leave raw meat in there all day? I’m away at work for far too long to successfully use the slow-cooker method, so I’m interested in your technique with setting the pressure cooker with the delay function. Please give more details! Thanks for your help!
Hi Anna,
I eat a plant-based diet so I don’t use meat or dairy. Like you, I wouldn’t be comfortable leaving them in their for that long if I did use meat. You could try the slow cooker function which works like a crock pot so it could keep it hot. I haven’t tried it except with beans and veggies.
I’ve used the delayed cooking function but don’t have the book handy to go through the instructions.
Hi. Can you tell me how to adjust the IP for a “high” or “low” setting? I have read the manual snd I must be missing it.
If you have the DUO 7-1 there is a button that says “pressure”. When you push it, it will move from high to low.
I have a random question that I can’t seem to find an answer to online. Do you know if you can use a steamer basket that has a plastic handle in the middle in the instant pot or does it need to be all stainless steel?
Hi Sara,
Anything that goes in the Instant Pot needs to be oven safe so a plastic handle wouldn’t work.
I got this steamer basket on Amazon that works really well. Here is my affiliate link http://amzn.to/2drmEwx
I love that it folds up very small for storage.
Which size instant pot do u use? What’s the max cup of rice it can cook?
I have the 6 qt. I think I’ve cooked up to three or four cups (yielding 6-8 cups) of brown rice at a time. I don’t usually do that much thought.
Thank u for the response. I heard there will be 2 new pots this year. One will be a 10 at. Have you heard anything. I ordered a 8qt but it’s backordered….
Lucy
Can you use it to jar tomatoes ?
Hi Kim,
Nope, unfortunately, the Instant Pot won’t work as a pressure canner. You’ll need to use a different device for canning.