Why do cooks love the Instant Pot? As a chef, I’ve witnessed the rise of the Instant Pot, not merely as an electric pressure cooker but as a cornerstone among kitchen appliances.
This device surpasses the typical expectations of a pressure cooker, offering additional functionalities like air frying and slow cooking in various models.
Its versatility, combined with reliable safety features and remarkably swift cooking times, places the Instant Pot among the elite electric pressure cookers on the market. These attributes are key reasons why cooks, including myself, are drawn to it.
Read on as I share insights into the widespread popularity of Instant Pots and highlight the features that make them indispensable in kitchens—especially in mine.
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Unmatched Speed and Convenience
Pressure Cooking Magic
To start, Instant Pots offer unparalleled speed in cooking times without sacrificing flavor. Instead of cooking food at the regular ambient pressure, pressure cookers increase the pressure by at least 15 times ambient, which is how they cook so fast.
The high pressure enables food, even frozen food, to cook evenly and rapidly. Imagine cooking thick chicken breasts or tender pot roast in about an hour.
Speed is Instant Pot's bread and butter, but it does much more. You can cook meat in less than half an hour, prepare fluffy rice in minutes, dried beans in 40 minutes or less, and crispy bacon in ten minutes.
Set It and Forget It
Although pressure cookers cook rapidly, they also have a slow cooker function, similar to a crock pot or other traditional slow cooker. Both methods are set-it-and-forget-it cooking methods: place the ingredients in the inner liner, seal the lid, and walk away.
Instant Pots come with a huge selection of alarms and safety features (my 13-in-1 has over 100), so it will let you know if you run out of liquid, if something isn't right, and when the food is done.
This helps the busy cook by reducing the need to pay close attention as you would if something was cooking on the stove. The best part is that this is a one-pot meal that feeds the whole family, perfect for in the middle of a hectic work week.
Unbelievable Versatility
The One-Pot Wonder
The Instant Pot is incredibly versatile and comes with many different cooking functions. The functions vary from four to thirteen, depending on the model.
The functions are pressure cooking, slow cooking, soup, sauteing, air frying, yogurt, bread proofing, steaming, dehydrating, baking, broiling, rice, and even sous vide on the newest model.
As a chef who is always too busy, I consider my Instant Pot my sous chef. I load it up and press a few buttons, and I can trust that the dish I am preparing comes out perfect every time, and that is hard to argue with.
Flavor Powerhouse
Depending on the type of beans you are cooking, you can prepare a perfect pot of beans without soaking them in under 45 minutes. Cooking beans is one of my favorite Instant Pot recipes, and I have never been disappointed.
I prefer cooking rice in the Instant Pot over my rice cooker because there is no room for error, and it always turns out perfectly. Steaming vegetables is also a great option because pressure cookers are designed to pressurize with steam, so the two are a natural fit.
Pulled pork is delicious in an air fryer because pressure cooking prevents it from becoming tough. Using acidic juices like apple juice helps tenderize the pork and infuses it with amazing flavor.
I have yet to have a bad soup prepared in an Instant Pot. The "soup" mode generally cooks soup in about 30 minutes, and the broth comes out clear due to the lack of boiling water.
Although slow cookers are great for many things, the versatility of an Instant Pot makes it more useful in an everyday kitchen. But, among kitchen appliances, nothing is more versatile than an Instant Pot.
Ideal for Busy Lifestyles
Weeknight Hero
The speedy cooking time of an Instant Pot makes it ideal for busy lifestyles. Most recipes are easy to make and ideal for workweek meal planning.
The slow cooker or the delayed start functions are handy for planning the weekly menu. The ingredients can be added before you head to work, and you will come home to deliciously cooked food with minimal cleanup, which frees up precious time.
The delayed cooking feature cooks food similarly, except the Instant Pot does not start cooking until the pre-programmed time. This function is convenient for preparing recipes that do not call for slow cooking or extended cooking times.
Meal Prep Master
The Instant Pot shines in batch cooking and allows you to plan ahead, especially if you have a bigger model. You can cook large batches of meat, beans, or grains and freeze them using only one pot.
Batch cooking allows you to store ready-to-eat meals in the freezer that only need to be thawed and warmed to serve. You can cook rice or other starches as a side for an easily prepared home meal.
Surprisingly Easy to Use
Intuitive Controls
Instant Pots are incredibly easy and safe to use. They are especially beneficial for new cooks as the recipes are easy to follow through the brand's app. I have found that most Instant Pot recipes call for the same temperatures and cooking time as the Instant Pot's default settings.
The interface is easy to follow and includes labeled touch buttons or, as on the 13-in-1 Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid, a digital read-out screen that walks you through each step of the cooking process.
I love all Instant Pots, but I am really impressed by the 13-in-1. The digital screen lets me know when it is preheating, cooking, and releasing steam. I can also adjust the steam release from natural to quick with the push of a button.
Instant Pots are less intimidating than traditional pressure cookers because it is so informative and because of the safety features. One of the many safety features is that you cannot open the lid when under high pressure.
Safety First
One reason the Instant Pot is good for beginner cooks is the safety features. Every model has up to 113 safety features.
Older pressure cookers had a bad reputation for causing steam burns, but modern pressure cookers like Instant Pot have greatly evolved from these issues. The safety features include alarms, locking mechanisms on the lid, steam release controls to prevent burns, and many others.
Easy Cleanup
One of the best things about cooking in an Instant Pot is that there is only one pot to clean, which is a breeze. The inner liner is constructed from stainless steel for sanitary purposes, is easy to clean, and is dishwasher safe.
I usually clean mine before the first plates are served, and I never have to scrub the liner. I have a 7-in-1 model I have had for years, which is just as shiny as the day I received it.
Also read: How To Set Instant Pot To High Pressure Easily and Quickly
A Thriving Community
Endless Recipe Inspiration
New Instant Pot owners are encouraged to download the app and join the thousands who follow Instant Pot and contribute recipes and tips. The app currently has over 2,000 recipes divided into several groups depending on meal, ingredients, and type of cuisine.
Not only are there many recipes on the app, they all follow a step-by-step format and are easy to use. The recipes even include a timer option so you can follow your progress.
Support and Shared Passion
Many social media clubs, groups, and blogs are also dedicated to all things Instant Pot. Here, you can leave an Instant Pot review or recipes. Forums and groups are the best place to find great recipes, support, and how-to help.
Instant Pot lovers like myself are passionate and curious about finding new ideas and techniques to try out. This supportive group is a great way to introduce children to the fun world of culinary arts and experiment with new cooking styles.
So, Why Do Cooks Love the Instant Pot?
Cooks love the Instant Pot because of its versatility, fast cooking times, and ease of use. There are countless Instant Pot recipes to try, and the Instant Pot delivers every time.
The interface is user-friendly, and there are many built-in safety features to prevent overcooking or burns. The touch-screen buttons are well labeled, and the digital screen details every step during the cooking process.
Instant Pots save time and counter space. Since they only use one easy-to-clean pot, your kitchen stays clean while you prepare a mouthwatering meal.
If you don't have one already, you should consider purchasing an Instant Pot. It is one of the best investments you will make in kitchen appliances and will save you time and money whether you are a novice or an experienced cook.
If you are an Instant Pot lover, please leave your story in the comments below.
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