Is an Instant Pot right for you? I love my Instant Pot and use it all the time. But the truth is, IP cooking is not for everyone and not everyone is going to be a fan. Before you make the pricey investment make sure it’s something you’ll use. Otherwise, it will become another high-end dust collector on your kitchen counter, just waiting for your next garage sale.
Based on the number of comments I’ve received, I developed this simple checklist to help determine if an Instant Pot is right for you.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE INSTANT POT READY CHECKLIST
Why are all these things important? Read on….
Pressure cookers don’t scare me!
The Instant Pot of today is not like the Pressure Cooker your grandma used. Safety features are top notch and the appliance is very safe. But still, some people are reluctant. Here’s a cool history lesson you might enjoy.
I am comfortable using new appliances
These pots have a lot of buttons and can be intimidating to some. You need to be comfortable being a bit uncomfortable at first.
I love searching for online recipes
Good, because there are TONS online! Pinterest alone is a treasure trove of recipes… you can check out my Instant Pot Pinterest board here.
Set it & leave it! One pot meals are my jam
Very much like a Slow Cooker, this appliance will give you a healthy, delicious meal in one go. But if you want to make multiple dishes, be prepared for some extra time and effort.
No instructions? No problem! Bring it on
One of the biggest complaints I’ve heard is that the Instant Pot manual is lacking detailed instructions. For example, many bloggers suggest doing a water test to help you become familiar with the appliance but that’s not covered in the instruction booklet. Click here if doing a water test sounds like a good idea to you.
Fast is not my #1 priority
Regardless of the name, an Instant Pot is NOT instant! Time is needed to build up pressure and release pressure. This could take anywhere between 5-45 minutes depending on how much liquid is in the pot. Be aware that this time is usually not built into the cook time of most recipes.
I have free counter/shelf space
This puppy ain’t small! Depending on the size you buy – the 6qt being the most popular – you can expect it to take up about as much room as a coffee maker.
I don’t give up easily
On occasion, you will run into unexpected issues or things may not go as planned. Check out 5 Things You Should Never Put in your Instant Pot to get yourself ready.
I prefer flavour over crunch
The high pressure will give your meals remarkable flavour but the steam doesn’t give you crunch. Even if you sauté or pan-fry your meal before setting it, the steam build up will quickly take that crispiness away.
I love to experiment in the kitchen
While there are many recipes you can find online, you may have some old favourites you’ll want to adapt to the Instant Pot. If you love to cook, I think you’ll enjoy figuring out what works for you. You might find this article about Instant Pot Conversions to be handy reference.
If you’re ready to dive into the world of Instant Pot, check out Truths About Instant Pots You Need to Know to get yourself started. Once you’re comfortable, Pantry Items for Instant Pot Success will ensure you always have what you need on hand.
As always, thanks for following along! Your feedback is important to me so if you have any questions or comments, I encourage you to post them below!
Happy IPing 😉
