Should you buy the Instant Pot? How to get started with it? Which cookbook should I buy? What’s the first recipe I should try? All your questions about Instant Pot answered here in this beginner’s guide to Instant Pot.
Before I share why you should or should not buy an Instant Pot, let me share with you my reasons why I bought an Instant Pot.
Why I replaced my stovetop pressure cooker with Instant Pot?
Now, generations of Indians have used a traditional stovetop pressure cooker and whipped out delicious meals..so why buy an Instant Pot? How is it better? These are the questions that most folks who have been using their pressure cooker for decades are asking.
Here’s why I think investing in an Instant Pot is worth it.
- It is a timed electric pressure cooker. You set the cooking time, step off and the Instant Pot will switch off on its own. That means no more counting whistles or how many times the vent went off.
- It is not messy like a stovetop pressure cooker that can leak and spew liquid all over your gas.
- Instant Pot is not just a pressure cooker – it works as a slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, food warmer, yogurt maker and more. It consistently ferments idli batter and sets yogurt – my two top reasons for being an Instant Pot fan.
- Instant Pot is stainless steel – easy to clean and you don’t have to worry about non-stick residual in your food.
- It is quiet, unlike the traditional pressure cooker which releases steam noisily – no more waking up or startling babies.
- Most components of the Instant Pot are dishwasher safe. Read: How to clean and care for your Instant Pot.
- Easy one-button operation and built-in cooking programs for rice, beans, porridge, etc. No more guessing. Check out: Cook time charts for Instant Pot.
- Last but not least, I love the delayed timer feature. Soak the pulses in the Instant Pot at night and set a timer for 8 hours. By the time, you wake up in the morning, the pulses have been soaked and cooked. Such a timesaver!
- You can travel with it :-). You can create so many one-pot meals – all you need is an electric outlet. Note: Please follow the safety guidelines mentioned in the manual.
If you need more help with decision making, I have some detailed posts that should help you make the right decision for you and your family.
Which Instant Pot to buy
- Which Instant Pot is right for you?
- Difference between Duo and Duo Plus?
- Mealthy vs Instant Pot – Which one is better
- Best Deals on Instant Pot
Got your Instant Pot? Here’s what to do next
- Get the water test done
- Quick Start Guide: Getting Started With Instant Pot
- Instant Pot Do’s and Don’ts – Things You Should Know Before Using Your Instant Pot
- Understanding the Smart Programs – Which button to choose and when
- Instant Pot Terminology – NPR, QR, all terminologies tied to Instant Pot explained.
Easy Instant Pot Recipes – let’s get cooking!
Check out these 10 easy recipes to make in the Instant Pot that are perfect for beginners. Here are my top 5 recommendations.
- Instant Pot Boiled eggs
- Instant Pot Brown Rice or Basmati rice
- Instant Pot Yogurt
- Instant Pot – One-pot dal
- Instant Pot Ghee
If you are looking for more recipes, check out this list of 100+ Instant Pot Recipes.
Maintaining and Troubleshooting Instant Pot
- Cleaning the Instant Pot – how to clean and care for your Instant Pot
- Troubleshooting Instant Pot: Quick fixes for common Instant Pot Problems