Does anyone have an Instant Pot? Which one do you have? Do you like it? What sort of things do you use it for?
I am looking into getting one. While researching to buy a Rice Cooker, I realized I could spend a bit more and get an Instant Pot instead which can not only cook rice but also do other things. Still in the research stage but will have the money by next month to get it so want to make a decision soon.
You have to remember the instant pot is a tool. And like any other tool there are some things it is good at, some not. Ads these days all make it seem like you can throw out every other tool in the kitchen. It slow cooks it fast cooks it browns, get rid of those pots and pans, get rid of that microwave. Heck. Get rid of your stove too!!! You can even get rid of your fridge, dishwasher and sink!!!! Uh no.
The Awesome. Hard boiled eggs. Though it doesn't save time, the shell will come off readily and easily.
Soft boiled eggs. Yeah!! You can make them just as runny or not as you wish.
Back when I was learning these things conventionally, I think it took me two dozen or so duds before I perfected my technique (I was just a kid then.) With the instant pot, it took me well None. I think most anyone could do it with an instant pot.
Yogurt. Those of you that make yogurt will find it does an excellent job.
The Good. It's fast and relatively hassle free.
It pretty much did just as good or better than a stand alone slow cooker.
It is nearly idiot proof. Gone are the exploding oopsies.
You don't have to hover or constantly check like you would other cooking techniques.
Things like Artichokes or Beets or other large vegetables come out nice.
Stews and soups are usually really good in the instant pot. How bout an hour or an hour and a half for dried beans instead of well all day?
The Bad.
You will find that for a lot of things, the instant pot is a compromise on quality vs another more proper technique. Some things are a slight compromise that some may not even notice. Others are a major compromise.
Your instant pot will not be better for most of your vegetables either in time or in quality.
You mentioned a rice cooker. In my experience, though it doesn't come out bad in the instant pot, the rice comes out better in a specialized rice cooker. But am I going to buy a rice cooker just for that? No. The old fashioned way to cook rice is fairly easy itself. So don't buy an instant pot just to cook rice.
Yes you can brown in it, but browning isn't just done for flavor. It is done for texture. The drawback is you will lose the vast majority of the texture in the instant pot.
It isn't the right tool for some jobs. Don't throw filet mignon steaks in your instant pot.
There is a better tool for that job.
In short the instant pot is a tool. IMO it is a very nice tool. But it is only as good as the person using it. It isn't a miracle appliance. Don't think you're going to be able to throw out everything else you've ever cooked with (unless you're just that bad at it.)
