There is a clue in the name here but stay tuned for everything you need to know about the Instapot. Cooking is one of those things that most of us have a love-hate relationship with. On the one hand, it’s a great creative outlet because you get to experiment with different ingredients and recipes.
On the other hand, it requires a lot of time and energy and usually comes with messes. After a long day at work, we’re usually starving but have no drive to cook much of anything, let alone anything healthy, and then have to turn around and clean up. But we all have to eat, right?
If this sounds familiar to you, we have some life-changing news for you: There exists a device called an Instant Pot that will cook you healthy, tasty meals usually in under an hour. While the Instant Pot is similar to a slow cooker, it deviates in that it is a pressure cooker.
However, it’s an all-in-one cooker that cooks virtually everything. Plus, it is typically smaller than a slow cooker, so it won’t take up too much space on your counter. The best part is that it’s incredibly affordable and won’t break the bank.
It sounds too good to be true, but the Instant Pot is real, and it’s here to make your life easier.
What is an Instapot?
An Instant Pot, typically abbreviated InstaPot, is a multi-functional kitchen tool—but ask anyone who owns one of these bad boys and they’ll tell you that it’s much more than that. A multi-cooker is perhaps a better way to describe it. Not only is it a pressure cooker, but it’s also a slow cooker, a rice cooker, and a steamer. It even sautés. And get this—it makes cake and yogurt too.
So you’re probably thinking that something this magical must be pretty expensive, right? It’s actually fairly affordable considering all that it does. Plus, it saves you time and effort—and you can’t measure convenience, which is what this tool is all about.
Since coming on to the market in 2010, this device has proven to be a frontrunner in the culinary world. A game changer for many, it continues to evolve to be more user-friendly and convenient.
What are the differences between an InstaPot and a traditional pressure cooker?
A traditional pressure cooker relies on an airtight environment that traps steam inside to cook food quickly. While pressure cookers save time, they have been known, older models in particular, to explode if the lid is not locked or weighted down. The InstaPot helps to eliminate this safety hazard by including a lockable lid (one that locks automatically when you begin a cook cycle) and a steam-release valve.
The main difference between a regular pressure cooker and the Instant Pot is that the Instant Pot is far more versatile than the pressure cooker. The InstaPot isn’t just a pressure cooker; it’s also a slow cooker if you need it to be. It’s also capable of cooking rice, eggs, yogurt, bread, cakes, and even sweets like custard. That’s something a pressure cooker can’t do.
One of the best features about the InstaPot is that it cooks food in so much less time than it would take if you were to use the oven, stove, or slow cooker method. You can make many meals in 30 minutes or less—and not just simple meals, but hearty meals like chili. The combination of high pressure and heat allows the Instant Pot to cook even the toughest of meals quickly.
As a whole, pressure cookers have few settings, but the Instant Pot’s abundance of pre-programmed settings helps you to make sure that the meal will be prepared to your liking. That’s why the Instant Pot is perfect for healthy meals as well. While healthy meals sometimes intimidate us because of the skill required to prepare them, the InstaPot eliminates that fear because it does all the work for us—and that’s something that a pressure cooker can’t achieve.
Which InstaPot should I buy?
There is an Instant Pot for everyone—the health guru, the seasoned chef, the simple cook who values quick meals, and everyone in between. The InstaPot that might be best for you is determined in large part by how big you want it to be. Smaller models fit nicely in a small kitchen, but they don’t hold as much food. Larger models feed more people, but they’re bulkier.
Instant Pots are differentiated mostly by quart size. “Mini” three-quart models are intended for people who cook for only one to two people at a time. For most people, a six-quart or eight-quart model will serve them much better.
How sophisticated you want your Instant Pot to be will also play a factor in the model that you ultimately choose. Currently, Instant Pots are primarily broken into the Duo series and the Ultra line. Both have increased functionality in comparison to their predecessor, the Lux line, but the Ultra has more of a sleek interface.
Our top pick is the six-quart DUO60 7-in-1 model, which retails for right at $100. Using about 70 percent less energy that regular cooking methods, this Instant Pot has the following features:
- 7-IN-1 APPLIANCES: electric pressure cooker, rice cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté...
- QUICK ONE-TOUCH COOKING with 13 Smart Touch customizable programs for pressure cooking ribs, soups,...
- COOK FAST OR COOK SLOW with pressure cooking up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods or...
- QUICK AND EASY CLEAN-UP with finger-print resistant, stainless-steel sides and dishwasher-safe lid,...
- Note : Conditioner collector will be attached to the back of unit not inside . 10+ PROVEN SAFETY...
- 14 smart built-in programs (Soup/Broth, Meat/Stew, Bean/Chili, Poultry, Sauté/Searing, Steam, Rice, Porridge, Multigrain, Slow Cook, Keep-Warm, Yogurt, Pasteurize & Pressure Cook);
- Produces no steam and virtually no noise;
- UL and ULC certification with 10 proven safety mechanisms;
- A stainless steel cooking pot, steam rack, and lid;
- Low and high pressure-cooking levels and adjustable temperature settings; and
- A 24-hour delay start feature.
With features like this, the price might seem too good to be true, but we assure you it’s not. And the convenience that the DUO60 model will provide you will be worth every penny.
Our second pick offers ever greater functionality. The six-quart Ultra 10-in-1 model is a bit pricier, coming it at around $150 (Retail), but it includes the ability to sterilize and cook eggs and cakes and offers these other features:
- Instant Pot Ultra-electric pressure cooker is the next generation in kitchen appliances. A central...
- New features: Altitude adjustment, cooking indicator, and a steam release reset button. The ultra...
- Replaces 10 common kitchen appliances: Pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice/porridge cooker, yogurt...
- Developed with the latest 3rd generation technology with an embedded microprocessor. The...
- UL certified with 11 safety features to provide peace of mind. New steam release reset button for...
- 16 smart built-in programs;
- 21 preset temperatures;
- Pressure-cooking time up to six hours;
- A central dial to for simpler and more exact cooking program selection and adjustment;
- UL and ULC certification with 11 safety features;
- A steam release reset button;
- An altitude adjustment feature;
- Custom programming options; and
- A cooking progress indicator.
If the thought of 16 built-in programs and 10 settings excite you, then this model is for you. Plus, its sleek LCD will look lovely sitting on your kitchen counter.
Our last pick is a little bigger, but it still offers the same awesome functions that our other picks do. The DUO80 eight-quart 7-in-1 Instant Pot is a little cheaper than the Ultra model above by about $10. The main difference with this model is that it holds eight quarts, so it’s perfect for larger families and even for smaller families that like to eat soups and stews since it holds more liquid. Here are its notable features:
- 7-IN-1 APPLIANCES: electric pressure cooker, rice cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté...
- QUICK ONE-TOUCH COOKING with 13 Smart Touch customizable programs for pressure cooking ribs, soups,...
- 10+ PROVEN SAFETY FEATURES including overheat protection and safe-locking lid
- MOST POPULAR SIZE: 6-quart large capacity cooks for up to 6 people – perfect for families, and...
- COOK FAST OR COOK SLOW with pressure cooking up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods or...
- 14 smart built-in programs;
- UL and ULC certification with 10 safety mechanisms;
- Easy one-touch controls;
- Built-in microprocessor that monitors things like pressure and temperature to make sure that your meals are perfect;
- Dual pressure settings; and
- Adjustable temperature settings.
The DUO80 is ideal for making larger quantities of food, so if you find yourself in the kitchen a lot preparing meals for a large family, this model will save you tons of time.
While researching Instant Pots, you might come across the Instant Pot Lux. This model is the oldest of the Instant Pot. It offers only one pressure-cooking level, and its lid has no handle. However, while it undoubtedly offers the renowned dependability that Instant Pots have come to be known for, you’re likely better off to get one of the newer models since they offer increased functionality and a more modern interface.
You also might come across the Duo Plus series. This model is virtually identical to that of the Duo line, but it comes at a higher price. The only noticeable difference that you might find is that the Duo Plus model has an upgraded LCD that displays more information.
All of the InstaPots included in our top picks are highly rated, but the one that’s right for you will depend on your cooking needs. While most models share several things in common, there are a few differentiating factors that might matter more to you—such as the outer design.
Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with any Instant Pot because this appliance offers the best in terms of convenience and dependability. So, no matter what model you decide on, it’s sure to be a welcome addition to your kitchen.
Note: A new model, the Instant Pot Max, will be available in August of 2018. It retails for around $200. The Instant Pot Max features several new features: a higher psi (pounds per square inch), a sous vide setting, an option to can foods, and a hands-free valve in the lid that adjusts to your chosen method of steam release.
Again, these new features might be worthwhile to some people. However, if you don’t see yourself taking advantage of them, one of the older models might be a smarter decision for you and your household.
Where can I buy an InstaPot?
The easiest place to buy your Instant Pot is online, particularly through Amazon. However, because of its popularity, it is now sold at many retailers across the United States, Canada, and the UK, such as Walmart, Kohl’s, Belk, and more. Oftentimes, you can find good deals on the Instant Pot, but even if you can’t, the models are reasonably priced, especially considering all of their functionalities and uses.
Think of it this way: For a 7-in-1 cooker, you’re basically getting seven appliances in one. Therefore, you’re saving a lot of money by having to buy only one. (You’re also saving a lot of counter space too.) Where you buy your Instant Pot will depend on your personal preference, e.g., how you like to shop (online or in-store), but no matter what, you’re sure to love your new appliance.
InstaPot Accessories
On its own, the Instant Pot is like a dream come true, but add in other accessories to complement the appliance and you transcend what you even thought was possible to dream.
- Instant pot silic1 lid creates an airtight, spill proof and watertight seal on the instant pot...
- Manufactured from the highest quality food safe silicone, passed FDA and LFGB tests for safety,...
- Genuine instant pot multi use programmable pressure cooker accessory
- Bpa free and dishwasher safe
- Genuine instant pot multi use programmable pressure cooker silicone lid designed for the 5 or 6...
Being able to prepare food easily and quickly is awesome. But then comes the time to clean up, and you have to worry about finding containers to store the food in. Having a silicone lid for your Instant Pot allows you to slap the lid right on and put the leftovers in the refrigerator so that you don’t have to worry about finding the right size bowl and accompanying lid and transferring the food.
- ✅ ✅ ✅ ★★★SAVE MONEY FOR YOU★★★ - You will get 2 instant pot cccessories silicone...
- ✅ ✅ ✅ Multiple usages - Fits instant pot 5,6,8 qt pressure cooker, can be used as instant pot...
- ✅ ✅ ✅ Designed with 【SILICONE CLIP-ON LID】- All the lids of our silicone egg bites molds...
- ✅ ✅ ✅ BPA free & 100% safe - made from high quality food grade silicone, safe to be egg...
- ✅ ✅ ✅ AFTER-SALE SERVICE - without any reason - fully refund your every penny
Silicone cupcake liners are another cool accessory you can take advantage of. They allow you to cook mini versions of all types of things, like cheesecake, and they’re perfect for eggs. They come in all different colors and designs, so serving them up can be fun too.
- Useful Accessory to Instapot - Perfect steamer basket for veggies, hard cooked eggs, you can also...
- Sturdier and easier to clean than the wire basket - All the parts including the handle, steamer...
- Larger Capacity - Designed to make full use of the available space. Fits 6 or 8 quart Instant Pot,...
- Silicone covered handle & legs make removal easy and safe. The silicone part is 100% BPA free and...
- 【100% Money Back Guarantee】Contact us if you are not satisfied with it for any reason. We’ll...
If you eat a lot of veggies, investing in a steamer basket might be helpful. Likewise, steamer pans are great for cooking or reheating your food.
Accessories such as these make the Instant Pot even more appealing, but more importantly, they make cooking with it fun and even easier than it already is.
So what do we think?
You just can’t beat the convenience of an Instant Pot. This handy-dandy kitchen appliance truly is more than just an appliance. It’s sure to become your best cooking friend, your sous chef, your personal cooking assistant, and so much more.
If you’re in the game of saving time, money, and effort—and who isn’t?—then you can’t go wrong investing in one of these. With its features and safety ratings, it sounds too good to be true, we must admit, but its cult-like following has proven that it’s real and oh so worth it.
The InstaPot has redefined pressure cooking, and you’ll want to be a part of all that it has to offer. Do yourself a favor and invest in one today.
