When it comes to the debate of instant pot vs pressure cooker sometimes it can be hard to decide which one is better because they both seem to be the same. Although both the instant pot and the pressure cooker do very similar things, they are actually quite different from one another. If you are considering adding one to the kitchen but not sure which one is better for you, then you have come to the right place.
Both devices are great for making life easier in the kitchen. A busy mom can prepare a dinner for the family much quicker in either an instant pot or a pressure cooker than she ever could using a stove. No more having to listen to the kids whine about how hungry they are while the roast takes its sweet time in the oven. Keep reading for more information on the differences between instant pot vs pressure cooker.
What Is The Difference Between Instant Pot and Pressure Cooker?
To get a better understanding of what is the difference between instant pot and pressure cooker then it’s best to know about the features each one has.
What Is A Pressure Cooker?
You might be asking what is a pressure cooker? A pressure cooker is an airtight pot that can be used to cook food really fast. The food cooks by the use of steam pressure. The steam builds up in the pot, keeping the food nice and moist.
Pressure cookers are available in a wide range of brands, different sizes, and various models.
What Is An Instant Pot?
Instant Pot a brand name that refers to one of the most popular models of pressure cookers. The Instant Pot is an electric pressure cooker that has become the most popular modern version of the time saving kitchen appliance. It has a lot of unique features that set it apart from other brands of pressure cookers.
What Makes Instant Pot Better Than Other Pressure Cookers?
Instant Pot is a really cool kitchen appliance because of all the features it comes with. It’s a programmable device that has a lot of different cooking features. You can think of an Instant Pot as the deluxe version of a pressure cooker.
Does Instant Pot Have A Slow Cooker?
If you’re unsure of whether a pressure cooker or a slow cooker is what you need then you may be wondering does Instant Pot have a slow cooker? No wonder the Instant Pot is so popular, it has so many amazing cooking features and a slow cooker is one of them. Investing in an Instant Pot will save you time and space in the kitchen. That sounds like something most people can agree they want.
What Are Some Other Great Instant Pot Features?
Instant Pot is programmed with preset Smart Programs for many different cooking options. Here are some of the great settings Instant Pot comes with:
- Steaming
- Slow cooking
- Sautee/Browning
- Rice
- Multigrain
- Congee/Porridge
- Soup
- Meats & Stew
- Beans and Chilli
- Stay Warm
With so many amazing cooking features it’s easy to see why Instant Pot is the most popular brand of pressure cooker on the market.
Instant Pot vs Pressure Cooker: The Interiors
The Instant Pot does have a different interior than other pressure cookers on the market. While most pressure cookers have a non-stick interior, Instant Pot comes with a stainless steel interior. This shouldn’t have too much of an impact on your decision to buy as both models are easy to keep clean.
Disadvantages Of Instant Pot: Does Instant Pot Come With Lower PSI?
One thing many people wonder about the down side to the Instant Pot is does Instant Pot come with a lower PSI (pounds per square inch)? This is true, so an Instant Pot might not be your go to device for cooking for larger crowds. If you like to attend a lot of potlucks or throw dinner parties then a pressure cooker might be more suited to your needs.
Another disadvantage to the Instant Pot is the price. They are a bit more expensive than pressure cookers. If you’re inexperienced with pressure cooking then you may not even enjoy it, so the price is a little bit high for something you may not use. See if you can try out a friend or family member’s Instant Pot before making the decision to buy.
Instant Pot vs Pressure Cooker: Are They Safe To Use?
You may have heard some terrifying stories throughout the years of pressure cookers exploding from too much pressure. This has scared many people away from ever cooking with them.
Technology has come a long way over the years. More modern pressure cookers and Instant Pots are all designed with numerous safety features to keep the device as safe as possible. In case one feature gives out, the others are there to back it up and keep household cooks safe. Make sure to follow all the instructions of your cooker to ensure a safe experience.
Instant Pot vs Pressure Cooker: Final Verdict
Deciding which is better between Instant Pots and pressure cookers depends on what features you are looking for. An Instant Pot is a smaller pressure cooker, but it is loaded with amazing features that can make anyone’s life easier in the kitchen. It also eliminates the need to buy other appliances for your kitchen, such as steamers and crockpots. This can save you a lot of room in your cupboards.
Given the choice, I prefer to use the Instant Pot. Which one do you like better: Instant Pot vs pressure cooker? Let us know in the comments!
Read my other post on crock pots and some if its best recipes!