Many people can’t live without blenders, toasters, or rice cookers. However, they may go overboard with their enthusiasm for the Instant Pot.
Over 2 million people have joined Instant Pot’s Facebook group since its introduction in 2010. Over 90,000 Instant Pot recipes, from chili to cheesecake, can be found on Instagram. With three consecutive years of success on Amazon, the Instant Pot has also been named 2019’s best-selling product at Walmart.
Ten different versions of the configurable cooker have been released over the past decade, from a Wi-Fi-enabled model that allows you to stay in touch with your food via a phone app to a compact model that can prepare large meals for one. You can improve your Instant Pot experience with various add-ons. The company just released a configurable blender and an electric kettle.
There is no doubt that the Instant Pot has its supporters: On Amazon alone, the product has received approximately 50,000 reviews, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. In any case, though, is it worth it to get one? To aid your decision, our Instant Pot evaluation will focus on the model that has proven to be the most popular among home cooks:
The Instant Pot DUO 7-in-1 Multicooker
There are three available sizes of the Instant Pot DUO (beginning at 3 quarts for smaller servings and up to 8 quarts for larger, family-sized lunches and dinners). It’s supposed to cook food 70% faster than traditional ways and can replace several typical kitchen appliances. The DUO is routinely discounted on major shopping holidays like Prime Day and Black Friday. This is the one to watch for those on a tight budget who are interested in the IP market.
You don’t want to buy another item that will sit in your cupboard or counter, even if it is cheap. So, is it worth it to buy an Instant Pot DUO?
And I kept asking myself that question until I finally broke down and bought that darned cooker. I don’t fit the profile of an average Instant Pot user, and I find great pleasure in preparing food and am content to spend many hours in front of the stove. So, I’m not really into the idea of one-touch cooking, but a friend of mine talked me into trying it out nonetheless.
I have to give credit to my Instant Pot-loving friend; after a few months of use (and a great Amazon bargain), I can say that this kitchen equipment has entirely revolutionized my weekday cooking and made dinner planning a breeze. This is how the gadget managed to convince a skeptical person like me.
Why is the Instant Pot DUO such a sought-after appliance?
The Instant Pot DUO is similar to other Instant Pot models in that it may take the place of numerous everyday items. This multifunctional cookware serves as a steamer, yogurt maker, sauté pan, pressure cooker, rice cooker, slow cooker, and warmer, among other functions.
It has 14 pre-set innovative programs that allow you to fully automate the preparation of staples, including rice, chicken, soup, and dessert, at the push of a button. Take your time reading the instructions (and watching a few videos) before jumping in, primarily if you have never handled a pressure cooker before. Knowing all the knobs and setting possibilities can take time and practice.
Because of pressure-cooking technology, many meals (especially lengthy ones like stews or roasts) can be prepared and cooked in less time than they typically take.
It is efficient in terms of saving time
Remember how much I enjoy spending time in front of the stove? Sometimes it’s hard to get things done due to my overloaded schedule. After a long day at the office, I return home and eat whatever is easiest to find, regardless of how healthy it is.
Therein lies the Instant Pot’s most significant utility, in my experience. Now, I can prepare a whole meal, from start to finish, in as little as 15 to 30 minutes. Because I prefer leftovers, I went with a 6-quart model, which, based on the meal, can provide enough food for multiple lunches. I’ve also found that the Instant Pot is great for preparing multiple servings of a dish ahead of time, which I then divide up and freeze for later use, reducing my reliance on takeout.
The cleanup is a piece of cake
The phrase sums it up nicely: dishwasher-safe. The stainless steel inner pot, lid, sealing ring, and steam rack can be cleaned in the dishwasher after use, making the Instant Pot a truly hands-free appliance (apart from the base). This is one of the best features for someone like myself, who enjoys cooking but despises cleaning up afterward.
The many available attachments (such as a steamer basket or an egg insert for hard-boiling) help reduce the number of dishes that need washing afterward. This set of 28 pieces has won my heart:
YXWIN 28-piece Instant Pot accessories kit
You may find the Instant Pot DUO on sale rather frequently
Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Prime Day are just a few important shopping events where you can get deals on the DUO. And if you keep your eyes open, you never know when you might find a bargain. For example, you can get an Instant DUO in 3, 6, or 8 quarts right now, and all three sizes are discounted on Amazon. There is also a discount at Walmart on the 3- and 6-quart models:
Instant Pot DUO60 6-Quart 7-in-1 Programmable Cooker
The drawbacks
For those who have never used a pressure cooker before, the Instant Pot may take some time. You’ll need to manually enter the pressure levels and cooking time for everything that doesn’t have a dedicated button. Even when the machine is running, you must be cautious to avoid releasing any pressure on the dishes before they are ready. Both the quick-release method, which is excellent for easily overcooked items like broccoli or fish, and the natural-release approach, which gradually allows steam to escape the device, are used to achieve this result.
The common misconception that you can use the same amount of each ingredient in every recipe and have it turn out perfectly is false. Although the Instant Pot is a miracle worker, it cannot precisely cook a wide range of ingredients (each of which requires its unique cook temperature and time) simultaneously. To avoid overcooking some components while leaving others raw, you may need to prepare them separately.
You must ensure that there is adequate liquid in the Instant Pot before beginning to cook. Your Instant Pot may stop operating or display an error message if the liquid level drops too low.
Final words
The Instant Pot DUO is a worthwhile investment since it can be used in place of several other small kitchen appliances and because it can drastically reduce the time spent each day preparing dinner.
Many books, videos, and food blog tips are available to help you learn how to use the gadget, so don’t worry if it takes some time to get used to. The Instant Pot DUO is worth the price considering all these factors.
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