To Instant Pot or not to Instant Pot?

22 Apr, 2019

To Instant Pot or not to Instant Pot, That is the question...

This was an original hobbyhomefarm.com post, but I think this applies to nurses too! I say this because the amount of time this kitchen gadget frees up gives us more time with our families and to ourselves.

The Instant Pot has been all the craze for at least since a couple of Christmases ago (as of 2019)...and I think this is very relevant information today in 2025. It is the do-all kitchen gadget that does more than you think. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE mine! It is used probably 3-5 times per week in my kitchen and I have even travelled with mine for long trips...and I have more than one. It is the new Crockpot of my life, but it does so much more. Since owning an Instant Pot, I have given away my bread machine, yogurt maker machine, crock pots (I still keep 1 just in case, but I had 3), and pressure cooker. I have an Instant Pot DUO 6 quart Model and an Instant Pot LUX 6 quart model. I love both, the DUO slightly more because of the top. This kitchen gadget has made my life easier and clean up simpler. You can adjust your other recipes to accommodate the Instant pot. Check Pinterest for LOADS of recipes and Facebook to join Instant Pot Communities...so many to choose from. I will post some easy recipes to get started in my Recipes section, so keep checking back...

First of all, this machine can be a set it and forget it gadget...Put your food inside, set it and come back to a nice meal. My favorites are Teriyaki Chicken and BBQ pork ribs. Fabulously quick and perfect corn in 2 minutes, baked potatoes in less than 10 minutes, fresh corned beef can be cooked in less than half the time, and more. I have used the Instant Pot to make homemade yogurt and it was fabulous. Jams are also so easy in this, but I find that I finish jams off on the stovetop to thicken because the IP does not allow the water to evaporate. There are too many pluses to list here...

Now, is there a downside? Well, a few things I have found are that white rice is better made in a dedicated rice cooker like ones made by Zojirushi or Tiger brand. Spaghetti all in one pot is OK, but I prefer to make it separately. Not too many downsides that I have come across, just my personal preference. If your dish includes vegetables and meat, I would recommend a 2 step process where you cook the meat first and then add the vegetables and cook some more so your veggies don't get soggy or overcooked.

Things to remember or take note: The times listed in recipes are actual cook times. It takes a few minutes for it to pressurize and then there is NR (Natural Release) and MR (Manual Release) to let the steam out. NR is to let it de-pressurize on its own. MR is usually what I end up doing because I am impatient...the steam is HOT! and comes out fast, so I usually put a towel over it because (1) depending on how full or what you have in there (like saucy recipes) some could spew out and (2) it's a lot of steam and sometimes water mist. I did not know this starting out and made a HUMONGOUS mess when sauce spewed all over my kitchen...so let me save you the trouble. The smell of some dishes linger in the pot - I think this is from the silicone ring...you can buy a few extras to separate sweet and savory recipes.    

Underlined words* in this blog have links to the item(s) I am referrring to for your reference. Shop around to find what works for you. There are newer and more sophisticated Instant Pot models that have Wi-Fi and more features and also accessories that can make your life easier. I have given the Instant Pot as gifts to friends and family and they love theirs too. It's really been a great addition to our family and maybe you will choose to get one too!  

In 2024, I added the Instant Pot Dutch Oven Slow cooker. I sure LOVE This gadget too! This may be the answer to the gaps in what the original Instant Pot can do. It has a removable cast iron Dutch oven that can be used to make anything a conventional Dutch oven can do including making bread! (It is heavy) I love that the Dutch oven can be removed for transport or just to look pretty on your table. There is a Facebook Instant Pot Dutch oven page for recipes and tips. I will post a separate post about this gadget later because it deserves its own credit!