From cookbooks to dedicated YouTube channels, you can find the Instant Pot and its fans on every social media outlet. The multicooker is now a household name synonymous with quick, easy cooking. People make everything from chili to cheesecake in their Instant Pots, and they do it faster than most other methods.
The product is regularly featured on Amazon’s bestsellers list and can be found in nearly every kitchen retailer. But, it took the product’s inventor, Robert Wang, a lot of time and energy to make it the sensation it is today.
How the Instant Pot became a household name
The idea for the Instant Pot began when Robert Wang lost his job in 2008. He created it for people who wanted to eat healthily but lead busy lives. The Instant Pot company was officially founded in 2009.
Wang then developed the first model of the Instant Pot in 18 months. In 2010, the Instant Pot CSG Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker was on the market.
The success launched the company to create the Instant Pot Lux, which was the next model to hit the market. The Lux was a 6-in-1 multicooker that could do everything from pressure cooking to steaming food.
After the Lux, the Instant Pot brand continued to grow and add functions to its machines. After the Lux, the Instant Pot Duo came out, which is when the brand’s popularity began to skyrocket.
The Duo is still one of the brand’s most popular models because it features low-pressure cooking, like yogurt making. The Duo series includes multiple renditions, including the Duo Mini and Duo Plus.
The Instant Pot gained serious popularity from the success of the Duo series and the brand began to develop in multiple ways. Now, some models can air fry while others can be controlled remotely from a smart device.
How do Instant Pots work?
Instant Pots work like pressure cookers. They seal in water and cook food quickly using built-in pressure and steam. By trapping in the steam, the pressure builds and flavors are often more concentrated.
In the past, pressure cookers were a risky way to prepare food. Instant Pots have changed that and made it easy, fast and safe to pressure-cook food.
Most models shouldn’t be used to do things traditional pressure cookers could do, like pressure canning. This is because they don’t have a psi display. However, the Instant Pot Max was developed to allow for canning.
4 things to know before buying an Instant Pot
1. Instant Pots are safe
Despite their predecessors being risky, modern pressure cookers are made with safety measures in place. These include not releasing until the pressure isn’t a problem and easy-release steam valves.
The first time using your Instant Pot can be alarming, especially if you manually release the steam. Make this easier on yourself by wearing oven mitts and following the instructions in your manual or recipe.
2. Instant Pots don’t cook instantly
Instant Pots don’t always cook faster than other methods. Because the Instant Pot needs time to build and release pressure, it can actually end up taking longer to cook with them. Thankfully, your Instant Pot-friendly recipe should have guidelines that will give you an idea of how to adjust the timing.
3. The seal on your Instant Pot needs to be cleaned
While Instant Pots are easy to clean, many people only clean the bowl. You need to clean the seal as well since it traps smells and wears out over time.
This might not seem important, but it can make a big difference. A dirty seal can add unwanted tastes to your food.
4. Instant Pots are easy to use, but hard to master
While easy to start with, Instant Pots can be hard to master. Because they are dependent on steam to cook, it is common for beginners to add too much or not enough liquid. This results in burned, soggy or badly textured food. To combat this, start by using Instant Pot-specific recipes. Once you are more confident, you can experiment with converting other recipes.
What you can cook in an Instant Pot
The Instant Pot remains popular because it can do so many tasks. The specific tasks each one can do depend on each specific model. For example, the Instant Pot Ultra can do over 10 different tasks, including Sous Vide and slow cooking.
In addition to the different cooking methods with an Instant Pot, there are other creative ideas. For example, the yogurt cooking method can be used to cut bread proofing time in half.
While each model has different functions, common choices include:
- Slow cooking
- Pressure-cooking
- Sautéing
- Sous vide cooking
- Making yogurt
What to consider when buying an Instant Pot
There are many things to consider when buying an Instant Pot but focus on cost, size and function. You want an Instant Pot big enough for what you are cooking and you want it to be able to cook what you like.
Cost
Instant Pots cost anywhere from $60-$250, depending on what model you want. The brand also comes out with special edition models, which can cost more.
Size
Most Instant Pots come in 3 quarts, 6 quarts or 8 quarts. 6 and 8-quart models are most popular because they have a higher cooking capacity. 3-quart models are best for people who are cooking for one or often cook in small batches.
Function
Functions differ for each Instant Pot model. For example, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp can air fry, bake, dehydrate and perform a total of 11 cooking tasks. On the other hand, the Instant Pot Duo is more basic and can perform seven tasks but is also much more affordable.
To decide which functions you want, consider how you will be using it. If you cook a certain kind of cuisine often, buy an Instant Pot with the capacity and function to make what you enjoy most.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
