If you’re in the market for a new Instant Pot or pressure cooker, it can be tough to decide which one is right. Both appliances have their pros and cons, and it can be difficult to determine which one is the best fit for your needs.
In this article, we will compare and contrast the Instant Pot vs a classic pressure cooker so that you can make an informed decision about which appliance is right for you!
Instant Pot vs Pressure Cooker: What’s the Difference?
An Instant Pot is a multi-functional appliance that can be used as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, and more. An Instant Pot has pre-programmed settings that make it easy to cook delicious meals without having to guess at cook times or temperatures.
A pressure cooker cooks food quickly using steam and pressure without drying your food out. Pressure cookers have been around for centuries, but they have experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years.
Pressure cookers can be used to cook a variety of foods, but they are particularly well-suited for tough cuts of meat and large pots of soup or stew.
So, which one is right for you? Here are a few things to consider:
How Often Will You Use It?
If you think you’ll use your Instant Pot or pressure cooker on a daily basis, then the Instant Pot is probably the better choice. The Instant Pot is also a good choice if you want an appliance that can do more than just pressure-cook food.
What Type Of Food Will You Be Pressure Cooking?
If you plan on using your Instant Pot or pressure cooker primarily for tough cuts of meat or large pots of soup or stew, then the pressure cooker is the better choice. Pressure cookers are also a good choice for those who want to experiment with canning fruits and vegetables.
How Much Counter Space Do You Have?
If counter space is limited in your kitchen, then the Instant Pot is the better choice because it doesn’t require a separate stovetop.
Instant Pots and pressure cookers are great appliances that can help you save time in the kitchen. Ultimately, the decision of which one to buy depends on your individual pressure cooking needs and preferences.
No matter which appliance you choose, you’re sure to save time and energy in the kitchen!
Which One is the Right Choice for You?
If you’re trying to decide between an Instant Pot and a pressure cooker, it can be tough to figure out which one is right for you. Both appliances have their pros and cons, so it’s important to consider your individual needs before making a purchase.
In this article, we will compare and contrast the Instant Pot vs pressure cooker so that you can make an informed decision about which appliance is right for you!
Pros Of Using An Instant Pot
- The Instant Pot is a multi-functional appliance that can be used as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, and more.
- An Instant Pot has pre-programmed settings that make it easy to cook food without having to guess at cook times or temperatures.
- The Instant Pot is a good choice for those who want an appliance that can do more than just pressure-cook food.
- Removable inner pot for easy cleaning.
- Some Instant Pot models can be used as an air fryer.
Cons Of Using An Instant Pot
- The Instant Pot is more expensive than a pressure cooker.
- Instant Pots require more counter space than pressure cookers because they have a separate control panel and need to be plugged into an outlet.
- An Instant Pot can be more difficult to use than a pressure cooker because it has more features and functionality.
- Most Instant Pots are not dishwasher safe.
Easy To Use And Cook With
The Instant Pot is a great choice for those who want an appliance that is easy to use and cook with. The Instant Pot has pre-programmed settings that make it easy to cook food without having to guess the cooking time or temperature.
The Instant Pot is also a good choice for those who want an appliance that can do the same as a crock pot.
Multi-Functional
The Instant Pot is a multi-functional appliance that can be used as an electric pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, and more. This makes most Instant Pot models a great choice for those who want an appliance that can do it all.
However, this also means that Instant Pots are more expensive than a pressure cookers.
Takes Up More Counter Space
The Instant Pot requires more counter space than a pressure cooker because it has a separate control panel. This can be an issue for those who have limited counter space in their kitchen.
However, the Instant Pot doesn’t require a separate stovetop, so it can be a good choice for those who want to save space in their kitchen.
Set And Forget
One of the best things about Instant Pots is that you can set them and forget about them. Instant Pots have pre-programmed settings that make it easy to cook food without having to guess at cook times or temperatures.
This means that you can set the Instant Pot, just like a crock pot, and go about your day without having to worry about checking on your food.
Our Recommended Instant Pot – Instant Pot Duo
The Instant Pot Duo is one of my favorite cooking appliances because it is a multi-functional appliance that can be used as a traditional cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, and much more.
The Instant Pot Duo also has pre-programmed settings that make it easy to cook food without having to guess cooking time or temperatures.
This makes the Instant Pot Duo a great choice for those who want an appliance that is easy to use and cook with.
Pros Of Using A Pressure Cooker
- Pressure cookers are less expensive than Instant Pots.
- Pressure cookers don’t require a separate stovetop, so they can be a good choice for those who want to save space in their kitchen.
- You can use a pressure cooker to experiment with canning fruits and vegetables.
- Most traditional pressure cookers are dishwasher safe since they have no electronics.
Cons Of Using A Pressure Cooker
- An older pressure cooker can be dangerous if they are not used properly.
- It can be difficult to control the temperature and cooking time of a pressure cooker.
- Pressure cookers are less versatile than Instant Pots because they cannot be used as slow cookers or rice cookers.
Less Expensive
One of the main advantages of using a pressure cooker is that they are less expensive than Instant Pots. This makes them a great choice for those who want to save money on their kitchen appliances.
Don’t Require A Separate Stovetop
Another advantage of using a pressure cooker is that they don’t require a separate stovetop, so it can be a good choice for those who want to save space in their kitchen.
Can Be Used For Canning
You can also use a pressure cooker to experiment with canning fruits and vegetables. This is a great way to preserve food for later consumption.
Easier To Store
Stovetop pressure cookers are also easier to store than Instant Pots because they are smaller and don’t have a separate control panel. This makes them a good choice for those who want to save space in their kitchen.
Can Reach Higher Psi For Cooking
A pressure cooker can reach up to 15 psi, which is higher than Instant Pots. This means that a pressure cooker can cook food faster than an Instant Pot.
Our Recommended Pressure Cooker – Presto 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker
The Presto 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker is our favorite stovetop pressure cooker because it is less expensive than Instant Pots, doesn’t require a separate stovetop, and can be used for canning.
This makes the Presto 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker a great choice for those who want to save money on their kitchen appliances and have the ability to preserve food.
Instant Pots are a great choice for those who want an appliance that is easy to use and cook with.
However, stovetop pressure cookers are a better choice for those who want to save money on their kitchen appliances. Instant Pots also require more counter space than electric pressure cookers.
If you are looking for a small and compact appliance, then a stovetop pressure cooker is the right choice for you.
Instant Pot vs Pressure Cooker: Which Is Better?
Cooking Uses
The Instant Pot can be used as a traditional pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, and more. The pressure cooker can only be used as a pressure cooker.
An Instant Pot is usually larger than a pressure cooker. The Instant Pot also has a separate control panel that the stovetop pressure cooker doesn’t have.
The Instant Pot can reach up to 11.06 psi, while the pressure cooker can reach up to 15 psi. This means that the pressure cooker has a faster cooking process than the Instant Pot.
Technology
The Instant Pot uses microprocessors to monitor pressure and temperature. A traditional stovetop pressure cooker doesn’t have this technology.
Safety
Both the Instant Pot and pressure cooker are safe to use if they are used properly. However, the Instant Pot has safety features that electric pressure cookers don’t have.
For example, the Instant Pot has a pressure release valve that allows you to release the pressure before opening the pot.
The Instant Pot also has a safety lock that prevents the lid from being opened while the inner pot is under pressure. The pressure cooker doesn’t have these safety features, which means that it can be more dangerous to use.
Ease of Use
The Instant Pot is easier to use than the pressure cooker because it has pre-programmed settings and a separate control panel. This makes it easy to cook food without having to guess at the cooking time or temperature.
The pressure cooker doesn’t have these features, which can make it more difficult to use.
The Instant Pot is also easier to clean than the pressure cooker because it has a self-cleaning function. The pressure cooker doesn’t have this feature, which means that you will need to clean it manually.
Size
The Instant Pot is larger than the pressure cooker, which means that it takes up more space in your kitchen. However, the Instant Pot is a more versatile appliance because it can be used for pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, and more.
A traditional pressure cooker is smaller than the Instant Pot and doesn’t have a separate control panel. This makes it easier to store in your kitchen.
Cost
The Instant Pot is more expensive than the pressure cooker, but it is a more versatile appliance. The pressure cooker is less expensive but only has one function.
Capacity
The Instant Pot has a capacity of up to eight quarts, while the pressure cooker has a capacity of up to six quarts. This means that the Instant Pot can cook more food at one time than the pressure cooker.
Convenience
The Instant Pot is more convenient to use than the pressure cooker because it has pre-programmed settings and a separate control panel. The pressure cooker doesn’t have these features, which can make it more difficult to use.
The Instant Pot is also easier to clean than the pressure cooker because it has a self-cleaning function. The pressure cooker doesn’t have this feature, which means that you will need to clean it manually.
The Instant Pot is larger than the pressure cooker, which means that it takes up more space in your kitchen.
Cooking Time
The Instant Pot can reach up to 11 psi, while the pressure cooker can reach up to 15 psi. This means that the pressure cooker can cook food faster than the Instant Pot.
Instant Pot vs Pressure Cooker FAQs
Can You Use Instant Pot As A Pressure Cooker?
Yes, the Instant Pot can absolutely be used as a pressure cooker. In fact, it’s one of the primary functions of this amazing appliance. The Instant Pot is an all-in-one kitchen device that can Pressure Cook, slow cook, sauté/brown, yogurt maker, rice and grains, and even bake all within the same inner pot.
It’s super easy to use, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without one.
So if you’re looking to purchase an Instant Pot specifically for pressure cooking purposes, rest assured that it will definitely do the trick. Just remember that there are a few safety guidelines to follow when using any type of pressure cooker.
Is An Electric Pressure Cooker The Same As An Instant Pot?
There are a few different brands of electric pressure cookers on the market these days, but the most popular one is the Instant Pot. They all essentially do the same thing, heat food quickly under pressure, but there can be some differences in features and performance.
So, to answer your question, no, an electric pressure cooker is not the same as an Instant Pot. But they are both great options for anyone looking for a quick and easy way to cook foods like stews, soups, and risotto without having to stand over a stovetop.
Which One Should You Choose?
The Instant Pot is a more versatile appliance and is easier to use than an electric pressure cooker. However, the traditional pressure cooker is less expensive and can cook food faster. If you are looking for an appliance that is easy to use and has more features, then the Instant Pot is the right choice for you.
If you are looking for an appliance that is less expensive and can cook food faster, then the pressure cooker is the right choice for you.
Final Verdict
So, which is the best pressure cooker for you? If you’re looking for a fast, easy way to cook your food, an Instant Pot might be the right choice.
But if you want more control over your slow cooking process or need to cook large quantities of food at once, pressure cookers may be better suited for your needs.
Whichever appliance you choose, we hope this guide has helped make the decision easier for you. Don’t forget to try some of our Instant Pot recipes!
