Instant Pot vs Slow Cooker – Here’s What You Need To Know
Since publishing the Frugal Instant Pot cookbook and sharing quite a few instant pot recipes here on the blog, I’ve gotten a few questions about instant pot vs. slow cooker. If you’ve followed to blog for any length of time, you know that I’m a big fan of my slow cookers and for years they’ve provided my family with delicious homecooked meals while still giving me the time to get everything else done that needed doing. I still use them, but there’s something to be said for the speed and efficiency of the Instant Pot. What other appliance can take a frozen hunk of meat and turn it into a delicious meal in under 2 hours?
Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?
When you start to look into the benefits of using an Instant Pot, you may notice that there’s quite a bit of overlap with the benefits of using a slow cooker. Both appliances are good at cooking large, inexpensive cuts of meat like pork and beef roasts for example. Both are great at cooking beans, soups, stews, chilies and the likes. Both are also great for busy home cooks, since they allow you put everything in, turn it on, and let the food cook itself. No stirring pots and watching the stove required.
In addition, both are electric appliances that sit on your counter top and plug into an available outlet. You can move them around as needed. They use up approximately the same amount of space, and you can take them with you to family get-togethers, vacations etc. They even both excel at keeping food piping hot until you’re ready to eat.
The Difference Between The Instant Pot And Slowcooker
The biggest difference between the Instant Pot and the Slow Cooker is cooking time. The slow cooker is designed to cook your meal low and slow. The average slow cooker dish takes six to ten hours to cook. The instant pot on the other hand will cook most meals in under an hour from start to finish.
Another big difference is that while a slow cooker is just that, a device that cooks your meals low and slow, the Instant Pot can replace your rice cooker as well as your slow cooker since it has a slow cooker setting. Depending on the model you choose, you can even replace your yogurt maker with it.
Choosing The Appliance That’s Right For You
If you want more versatility in one appliance and the ability to cook a wholesome home cooked meal in a very short time, the Instant Pot is the way to go. I encourage you to give it a try and see if it becomes one of the most used kitchen appliances in your house like it has in mine.
If on the other hand you are comfortable with your slow cooker and good about planning ahead long enough to start your dinner in it, you may find that you have no need for an Instant Pot. Similarly, if you think the hissing and steaming, or simply the idea of having a pressure cooking device in your kitchen scares you then you’re probably better off sticking to your slow cooker. That being said, with the safety features built in and the easy to use digital display, using an instant pot is just as simple and easy as your favorite slow cooker. If you’re feeling a little intimidated, I encourage you to get one and give it a try. After preparing your first two or three meals in it, you’ll be wondering what you were worried about in the first place.
Ready for delicious and affordable Instant Pot recipes?
The Frugal Instant Pot Cookbook
I put together The Frugal Instant Pot Cookbook to share my favorite tried and true recipes for the electric pressure cooker with you. With this cookbook you’ll be able to make the most of of your Instant Pot and cook affordable meals that turn out delicious.
In this cookbook you’ll find:
- Over 50 delicious recipes with clear step-by-step instructions.
- Affordable meals that don’t use fancy ingredients.
- Tips and ideas to make each dish even more frugal.
- Breakfast recipes that are easy enough for weekday mornings, and filling enough to enjoy for dinner.
- Hearty soups and stews that will fill you up and keep you warm.
- Affordable meat dishes that take advantage of inexpensive cuts of meat that cook perfect in the pressure cooker.
- Simple side dishes to complement your main meal. These are also perfect for the holidays when you need to free up stove and oven space.
- Delectable sweet treats and desserts for those times when you need a little something sweet.
- Plenty of tips, ideas, FAQs and more to make sure you get the most out of your Instant Pot.
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