In recent years, I’ve made it a point to simplify our kitchen setup, keeping only the gadgets we really use. Among the few tools that have earned their spot in our kitchen is the Instant Pot, which I can’t imagine doing without now.
Despite its social media fame, not that many people actually own an Instant Pot. Apparently, back in 2018, only about 12% of households had one. So for those who haven’t jumped on the bandwagon yet, here’s why I think it’s worth considering—it’s a game changer!
The Instant Pot is an electric, programmable pressure cooker that can handle much more than just pressure cooking. Forget the old-school stovetop version our grandparents used—this one is in a league of its own. We’ve had ours for a while and still haven’t explored all its uses; we mainly use it as a pressure cooker and often substitute it for our slow cooker.
This multipurpose gadget combines the roles of several kitchen appliances, including a rice cooker, yogurt maker, and steamer. While it won’t completely replace my oven or stove, it’s so versatile it could be a lifesaver if either of those ever fail.
In my quest to simplify, I was searching for appliances that do more than one thing, and the Instant Pot checked that box. I tried it out and quickly found it indispensable. One of its best features is its all-stainless interior, which means no food ever touches plastic or non-stick surfaces.
As a multi-use gadget, the Instant Pot can replace a slow-cooker, rice cooker, sauté pan, and steamer. I’ve even heard from friends who use it so much they barely touch their stove or oven anymore. While I don’t see it fully replacing those for me, it could definitely step in if needed.
One of its top benefits is time-saving. It’s fantastic for quickly cooking meals that would usually take hours in a slow cooker. With the Instant Pot, you can make a roast in about 40 minutes, which is great for busy days when you need a speedy dinner.
Though it may cost more upfront than your single-use appliances, its efficiency and ability to replace multiple tools make it worth it. I snagged mine at half price, and it’s already paid for itself in saved space and time.
A cool feature of the Instant Pot is its programmability—you can set it up to 24 hours in advance. This, coupled with pre-set options, makes meal prep easier. The electric heat source is energy efficient and safer than using a gas stove.
Cleaning is a breeze thanks to its stainless steel cooking bowl, which is both dishwasher-friendly and easy to hand wash. However, the cost can seem high at first, especially if you already own similar appliances. If you’re in the market for one, keep an eye out for sales.
The Instant Pot comes with a bit of a learning curve, especially if you’re not familiar with pressure cooking. I’ve always been a little wary since a relative had a pressure cooker accident, but after reading the instructions, I got the hang of it quickly.
The cooking times can be a bit misleading at first. Recipes might state “cook for 7 minutes,” but don’t forget to include the time it takes to reach and release pressure, which can add up to 30 minutes. This still beats the hours needed by traditional cooking methods, but it’s something to keep in mind.
The pressure is slightly lower than that of stovetop models, making it a tad slower but significantly safer and easier to manage. And though I take precautions using it around kids—placing it securely on the counter and keeping it out of reach—I’ve found it safe and reliable.
Now that I’ve had years of practice, I often create my own recipes or try those from trusted bloggers. You can even make fun treats like apple cider or applesauce in it!
Though our kitchen isn’t minimalist (with seven of us eating three times a day, it can’t be), it’s well-organized and meets our needs perfectly. If I’d known what I know now about this appliance, I’d have registered for it instead of several others when we got married.
Most gadgets we received as wedding gifts have either broken or been given away, leaving only those we use daily. I opted for the 6-in-1 version of the Instant Pot and got it on sale, finding it immensely useful over the last few months. While there’s also a 7-in-1 version and a Bluetooth option, I didn’t feel the need to go that route.
I was initially skeptical about the Instant Pot but discovered how much I really like it. With so many positive reviews backing it up, I now consider it a great go-to gift for newlyweds. While it might not be as essential as good knives or quality pans, I highly recommend it. It’s even handy for camping!
Have you given the Instant Pot a try? What’s your experience been like?
