Instant Pot – Worth It? 10 Things I Wish I Knew BEFORE Buying my Instant Pot
• Instant Pot Tips & Tricks and a Helpful Buyers Guide •
I’ve been using my Instant Pot for quite some time now. Many people ask me: is Instant Pot Worth it? I can’t tell you how many friends and family have asked me “Was your Instant Pot worth the money? Like, REALLY worth it? Or is it just MORE kitchen gadget hype?” Here’s what I tell them AND the 10 things about my Instant Pot I wish I knew BEFORE buying it.
Updated on February 2, 2020
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If you’re thinking about buying an Instant Pot – or you’re a beginner cooking with your new Instant Pot, you’ll want to keep reading.
There are 10 really important tips and tricks I learned about Instant Pot cooking that make a huge difference!
Don’t HAVE an Instant Pot Yet?
definitely check this deals page BEFORE buying
First off, the Instant Pot One Pot Pressure Cooker is a DREAM cooking appliance.
I cook just about everything in it – I even cook baked potatoes in my Instant Pot!
This Instant Pot is fast, it’s easy to use (once you’re past the learning curve), it’s super easy to clean, and for a busy mom like me, it is a HUGE time saver.
Many say it’s BETTER than an Instant Pot!
here’s what we found out…
All that said…
Whenever you start using something new – especially a cooking gadget – there’s a learning curve. While cooking with an Instant Pot is pretty much a life-changer, there are some things you might want to know BEFORE buying and using your new Instant Pot.
Here’s what I wish I knew about the Instant Pot BEFORE I bought mine:
If you want to make the most of your Instant Pot AND be able to make all the wonderful recipes…
There are 10 things you really need to TRULY enjoy cooking with your Instant Pot.
I wish I knew this BEFORE I bought my Instant Pot, but almost all Instant Pot recipes will require you to use one of these Instant Pot accessories.
New Instant Pot Color: Red!
I’m SO excited to see Instant Pot start offering color choices.
This RED Instant Pot is just awesome!
Instant Pot Lux 6 Qt Red 6-in-1 Muti-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Sauté, Steamer, and Warmer
3 used from $67.96
Features
- Instant Pot Lux 6 appliances in 1 enhanced version includes a cake and egg program in addition to the Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Sauté, Steamer, and Warmer
- Features 12 Smart Built-In Programs - Soup/Broth, Meat/Stew, Cake, Egg, Sauté, Rice, Multigrain, Porridge, Pressure Cook, Keep Warm, Steam and Slow Cook, your favorite dishes are as easy as pressing a button
- Built with the latest 3rd generation microprocessor technology, up to 240 minutes pressure-cooking up to 24 hours delay start, automatic Keep Warm up to 10 hours, 3 temperatures in Sauté & Slow Cook
- Stainless steel (18/8) inner cooking pot, food grade 304, no chemical coating, with 3-ply bottom for even heat distribution, fully sealed environment traps the flavors, nutrients and aromas
- UL and ULC certified, includes 10 safety mechanisms to provide users with assurance and confidence, designed to eliminate many common errors
TIP: It’s a good idea to check out this list and maybe save it for later.
MOST Important Lesson Learned
This was a painful (and somewhat expensive) lesson I learned…
Rule #1 of using an Instant Pot:
If you’re going to get accessories for your Instant Pot (and you WILL WANT them).
Do NOT buy off-brand or a “knock-off” brand or anything that “fits” an Instant Pot – you will not be happy.
If you don’t have an Instant Pot yet, this might not sound like a big deal – but you’ll just have to trust me on this =)
You WILL want the mitts – so be sure to get them (these are the Genuine mitts).
Oh, and if you see the Genuine Instant Pot Silicone Lid available – GET ONE!
They sell out ALL the time.
(TIP: you can get them DIRECTLY from Instant Pot here)
Instant Pot Options – Which One?
There are quite a few models of Instant Pots – each having their own special “bells and whistles”.
Below are our favorite Instant Pot options…
on your phone? turn your phone sideways to see everything
1. Learning to Use an Instant Pot
There is a learning curve to using an Instant Pot – it’s a simple as that and you need to be aware of this before buying.
You know, when you first buy a crock pot, for example, you can pretty much take it out of the box and use it without reading the manual or needing any instructions.
This is NOT so with an Instant Pot. You’ll want to read the manual that comes with it. Don’t skim or browse through it; READ it.
This is the Instant Pot I bought – the user manual is very helpful so read it.
Instant Pot IP-DUO60 7-in-1Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart 1000W
$79.00 in stock
Features
- Duo, the number 1 selling multi-cooker, combines 7 kitchen appliances in 1, Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Marker and Warmer, prepares dishes up to 70% faster to support your busy lifestyle
- Features 14 Smart Programs - Soup, Meat/Stew, Bean/Chili, Poultry, Sauté/Simmer, Rice, Multigrain, Porridge, Steam, Slow Cook, Keep Warm, Yogurt, Manual, and Pressure Cook. Now, your favorite dishes are as easy as pressing a button
- Healthy, stainless steel (18/8) inner cooking pot made from food grade 304, no chemical coating, 3-ply bottom for even heat distribution, fully sealed environment traps the flavours, nutrients and aromas within the food
- Built with the latest 3rd generation technology, the microprocessor monitors pressure, temperature, keeps time, and adjusts heating intensity and duration to achieve your desired results every time
- UL and ULC certified with 10 safety mechanisms to provide you with added assurance, designed to eliminate many common errors
=> Amazon has these Instant Pots on sale today
(there are Instant Pot accessories on sale on this page as well!)
2. Instant Pot Temperatures
The Instant Pot manual is not very clear about what exact temperature each cooking setting is. This is pretty important when cooking, don’t you think?
It took me a lot of research and testing, but I finally have the Instant temperatures thing down pretty pat.
For example, when you use the ‘saute’ function on your Instant Pot the “less” setting heats food to about 221 degrees, the “more” setting is up to 338 degrees, and the ‘normal’ settings will heat to 320 degrees.
After much trial and error, I just use the ‘normal’ heat setting.
You’ll probably find that you do the same.
When it comes to cooking TIMES in your Instant Pot…
We have free Instant Pot Cooking Times Cheat Sheets here.
They will help you know how long to cook ANYTHING in your Instant Pot.
Not sure which accessories ARE genuine Instant Pot Products?
3. Instant Pot Pressure Cooking
When using the pressure cooker setting on an Instant Pot, you’ll probably find yourself using the “manual” cooking setting most often – and feel a bit bewildered as to why you’re not using all the other fancy settings.
Trust me on this: Don’t worry about it.
4. Instant Pot Recipe Times
Many Instant Pot recipes give a time to cook – this time is for AFTER your Instant Pot reaches full pressure. Always remember that. You’ll know your Instant Pot is at “full pressure” when your cooking timer starts counting down.
And be warned: The Instant Pot cooks food REALLY quickly – like speedy fast. For example, you can cook melt-in-your-mouth tender chicken in like 8 or 9 MINUTES. Yes, THAT kind of fast. ( get all cooking times here )
Here’s a handy Instant Pot cooking times reference chart for cooking all cuts of chicken…
5. Instant Pot Steam
Yes, the Instant Pot puts off a good bit of steam… and it’s HOT. I was NOT expecting the amount of steam my Instant Pot put off, but it’s normal.
Instant Pot Tempered Glass lid – 9 in. (23 cm) - 6 Quart
$11.99 in stock
16 used from $10.25
Features
- Tempered glass lid with steam release vent and stainless steel rim and handle
- Transparent glass for clear viewing
- Designed for Instant Pot 5 or 6 Quart, Lux 6-in-1 (5 or 6 Quart), Duo 7-in-1 (6 Quart), Duo Plus 9-in-1 (6 Quart), Ultra 10-in-1 (6 Quart), Smart Bluetooth 7-in-1 (6 Quart)
- Dishwasher safe and durable
[yellowbox]✅ Here’s a tip you’ll thank me for later: Get this Instant Pot Glass Lid. Trust me, you want it.[/yellowbox]
6. Instant Pot Cooking Options
I really thought my Instant Pot was mainly just a fancy pressure cooker. Boy was I wrong!
An Instant Pot makes soup, rice, baked potatoes, chili, it sautes, it steams and so much more. I wish I had thoroughly read my Instant Pot manual BEFORE cooking with it so I would have known all the functions it offered me AND started with easy Instant Pot recipes for my first attempts using each cooking function.
7. Instant Pot Stains
Cleaning an Instant Pot is VERY easy – and many parts are dishwasher safe. BUT, after your first few times cooking with your Instant Pot, you might notice some stains and think you have ruined it.
This is normal as well.
8. Instant Pot Steamer Basket
The steamer option on an Instant Pot is wonderful – and it comes with a steamer basket… BUT, the the one that comes with it really isn’t that great.
It took me a long time to figure out that I could buy a BETTER steamer basket and suddenly steaming with my Instant Pot became SO much easier.
[yellowbox]✅ You need a better steamer basket: This is the steamer basket I bought.[/yellowbox]
Secura 6-quart Electric Pressure Cooker Steam Rack Basket Set
$22.99 in stock
Features
- Steam Rack Basket Set for Secura 6-quart Electric Pressure Cooker
9. Cooking Desserts with an Instant Pot
I found all these amazing-looking Instant Pot dessert recipes and none of them turned out quite right until I figured out that I needed this dessert insert pan set. Once I started using the insert pans, all my Instant Pot desserts turned out MUCH better.
ekovana Stackable Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker Steamer Insert Pans with lid
Features
- VERSATILE - 2 tier stackable pans allowing for variety of foods to be cooked simultaneously. Great for steaming vegetables, meat or fish. Doubles as a dessert pan to make cheesecakes or use as a lasagna pan. Useful for pot-in-pot cooking. Perfect for reheating food without sacrificing taste and texture, also use as container for storing food. Patent pending.
- HEALTHY & CONVENIENT - Skip the microwave ovens and reheat leftover food or curry in your cooker to preserve the nutrients and vitamins. Reheat two dishes together and save time!
- DURABLE - Premium quality insert pans made from food-grade stainless steel. Secure-fitting stainless-steel lid traps in heat and moisture. Solid handle allows for safe and easy insertion and removal. Dishwasher safe for no-hassle cleanup.
- FITS 5, 6 & 8 QUART COOKER - This stainless steel cooker insert is a must have accessory for instant pot models IP-DUO50, IP-DUO60, IP-LUX60, IP-DUO80. Also fits other multi quart(6 quart and above) electric pressure cookers such as Kuhn Rikon, Power XL, Cuisinart, Fagor, Costaway, Faberware, T-fal, Elite, GoWise, Secura, Gourmia.
- 100% MONEY BACK | SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: It's a RISK FREE buy. We love our customers and are obsessed with your satisfaction! If you are not happy with the product for any reason, feel free to contact us for a full refund.
10. Instant Pot Cookbooks and Recipes
You’ll find a lot of Instant Pot recipes all over online, but at the end of the day, you’ll really want a GOOD recipe cookbook.
[yellowbox]✅ I got this pressure cooker/Instant Pot cookbook and the recipes are fantastic.[/yellowbox]
Hip Pressure Cooking: Fast, Fresh, and Flavorful
$11.62 in stock
79 used from $4.21
Features
- St Martin s Griffin
Easy Instant Pot Dump Recipes – From Freezer to Instant Pot in 30 Minutes or Less For a Stress Free Dinner Tonight
Kid-Approved Instant Pot Freezer Meals – Easy Dump and Go Instant Pot Recipes For Busy Day Family Dinners – Having a super busy day and need to feed your picky eaters FAST? Why not make one of these freezer “dump” Instant Pot recipes below! And YES, you CAN cook frozen …
Should YOU Buy an Instant Pot?
Bottom line, I LOVE my Instant Pot – just look how cool it is!
All the buttons are clear and easy to read – and wow, everything cooks SO quickly!
Just click the picture to get more information!
Just to help you decide if the Instant Pot is right for YOU, take a look at how easy it is to make baked potatoes in your Instant Pot.
Instant Pot Baked Potatoes Recipe
Fast easy and DELICIOUS baked potatoes cooked in an Instant Pot
- 4 medium baking potatoes
- 1 cup cold water
- Clean the potatoes under running water.
- Poke holes throughout the potatoes with a fork.
- Place 1 cup of cold water and a trivet into the pressure cooker.
- Place the potatoes on top of the trivet.
- Close lid and pressure cook at High Pressure for 12 minutes for medium potatoes. Adjust your time based on the size of your potatoes.
- Turn off the heat and Quick Release.
- Open the lid carefully.
✅ Are Instant Pots Worth It?
After using my Instant Pot I have to say this for sure… YES, having an Instant Pot has been totally worth it for me. You can cook SO many things quickly and easily and it has made eating in THIS house much better for everyone and much easier for me.
But, all that said… let’s talk about the price…
✅ Worth the Money?
There is a LOT of hype surrounding the Instant Pot one pot pressure cooker – but are they really worth it? After using my Instant Pot for some time now, and figuring out the tips and tricks I just shared above, I say, YES! it is absolutely worth the money IF you know the 10 things above BEFORE you buy and use it.
&
✅ Everything I recommend in this article can be found on this one page on Amazon. It’s a good idea to bookmark this page to have it for later.
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Instant Pots On Sale
This is a BIG tip if you’re looking to get a cheap deal on your Instant Pot…
See All Instant Pots on SALE Today Here
(there are Instant Pot accessories on sale here as well!)
Don’t Forget…
☑ Get Your Free Instant Pot Cooking Cheat Sheets
&
✅ Instant Pot vs Ninja Foodi – which is BEST for the money?
