Instant Pot: Cooking Fad or Kitchen Staple?

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We were first introduced to the Instant Pot by our friends Denise & Kevin. This is how I recall the conversation:

Denise: We bought an Instant Pot.

Sharon: What’s an Instant Pot?

Denise: It’s like a crock pot but way better.

Kevin: IT’S MAGICAL.

Denise: You put all your ingredients in a pot, cook it for 20 minutes, and you’re done. I made chicken in it the other night and it was delicious.

Kevin: ABRACADABRA.

By the end of the conversation, my husband and I were both picturing a magic cauldron of sorts. We’re all for magic, but we like facts too. So Vic started researching Instant Pots – comparing prices, reading Amazon reviews, checking out groups & forums, etc. One thing was clear – people loooooove their Instant Pots. Current headlines include:

“It’s life-changing:” The Instant Pot taking home cooks by storm

How the Instant Pot cooker developed a cult following

Meet Your New Best Friend, The Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

A kitchen tool with a “cult following?” Whoa. Okay, so what exactly is this thing, anyway?

It’s a programmable pressure cooker – sounds simple enough, right? According to the official website, the Instant Pot can replace your pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, sauté pan, steamer, yogurt maker, and stockpot warmer. It also speeds up cooking by as much as 6 times while using up to 70% less energy.

So last August we took the plunge. We purchased the Instant Pot 6-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker, 6-Quart 1000-Watt. We paid $69.99. This model is currently listed on Amazon for $119, but the newer model (version 3) is $79.99. 

So far we’ve used it to cook shredded chicken, pot roast, chili, beef for fajitas, and tonight we’re cooking a brisket in it.

What We Love About Our Instant Pot

According to my husband, the Instant Pot is easy to use and “foolproof” (more on that in a minute). It comes with an instruction manual that includes cooking times for loads of foods. Everything is done in one pot, from sauteing veggies to browning meat to cooking a stew – so cleanup is relatively easy. And so far, everything we’ve made in it has turned out really, really good.

What We Don’t Love About Our Instant Pot

Or more accurately, what I don’t love about it – my husband thinks it’s fantastic. And while I certainly see its potential, it still scares me a little. Even though it comes with “10 proven safety mechanisms,” if anyone could find a way to make this thing blow up their kitchen, it would be me. So the truth is that I only use it when my husband is around. For weekday cooking, I still use my good, old-fashioned crock pot.

Instant Pot: The Final Verdict

Trying to clean up your diet? The Instant Pot might be just the thing for you. It’s a great way to cook your favorite veggies & other wholesome foods. And with easy, at-home meals at your fingertips, you’re almost guaranteed to eat out less often. Recipes are super easy to find, especially with the growing online community of fans & aficionados.

But is it life-changing? Nah. We like having one, but we could live without it.

p.s. We heart Kevin. He’s magical AND wicked smart.