Why Are Home Cooks Purchasing Instant Pots Instead of Pressure Cookers?

Last Updated on September 6, 2021 by Kimberly Crawford

Instant pots burst onto the scene in 2010, and since then they have become a must-have kitchen appliance. However, some feel an instant pot is just another pressure cooker, which is true, but this modern appliance allows you to do a lot more in comparison to a traditional pressure cooker. 

If you like making flavor-filled meals without having to put too much effort in, you are not the only one. Since the 1960s when pressure cooking grew in popularity, people all around the globe have relied on them to help speed up the cooking process. However, multicookers like instant pots have allowed people to take their cooking to the next level.

In the past, well before these instant pots and standard pressure cookers became readily available, stovetop pressure cookers were found in kitchens throughout the United States, so the idea of pressure cooking is nothing new. In fact, this method of cooking has been around for over three centuries. In countries like India, people use pressure cookers several times a day. 

What is a Standard Pressure Cooker?

It seems like pressure cookers have been around forever, and they are still used by many people in today’s modern world. During the late 1670s, a French physicist created the world’s first-ever pressure cooker which was known as the ‘Steam Digester’.

Just like today’s pressure cookers, it had an airtight seal that covered the pot, which allowed people to cook ingredients at high pressures and temperatures. It is great for cooking vegetables, meats, stews, etc. Some people are surprised how tender their food tastes after cooking it in a pressure cooker. 

Although you can use a regular pot to do the same thing, you can cook ingredients a lot faster with a pressure cooker. Not only is it a great device to reduce time when cooking, but it can help you produce great tasting hearty meals. 

What are the Pros and Cons of a Standard Pressure Cooker

Pressure cookers are relatively inexpensive, as you can pick one up for around $30. These durable kitchen appliances tend to have a long life span, so you won’t need to replace them any time soon. It is an energy efficient device that doesn’t require any electricity. Many people believe that it can cook ingredients three times faster than a basic pot. They are simple to use, and they can help you make delicious homemade meals. 

Unlike modern multicookers, pressure cookers only have a single function. If you don’t have a lot of free space in your kitchen, you might struggle to find areas to store the device because most pressure cookers are big and bulky. To use the device, you will need to have a stove installed in your kitchen. 

Although pressure cookers became very popular in the 1970s in America, they quickly went out of fashion because of safety concerns. Spillages were common, and many people sustained serious injuries. Some even reported that their pressure cookers exploded. This is a major worry for home cooks, especially those with young families.

The other downside that has deterred people from buying a pressure cooker is that they can make a lot of noise. When the pressure is being released, it makes a loud whistling sound. If you have a young baby in your home, they might get frightened when they hear this unfamiliar sound. 

Why Do People Think Instant Pots are the Same as Pressure Cookers?

Because both devices have the same function to cook food fast with piping hot steam under pressure, many people feel like it is the same thing. At the end of the day, they both cook one-pot dishes, they are both made of metal or stainless steel, and they both allow you to cook food in a jiffy.

However, there is a lot more to instant pots than just pressure cooking. These devices have multiple functions, and they can be used for cooking almost every meal. Instant pots have a wide range of functions and features, and they have plenty of programmable settings. You can use your trusty instant pots to make rice, homemade yogurt, soup, some even use it to make their own wine! 

There are lots of different instant pots out there, and some have more settings than others, so don’t assume that they are all the same. Instant pots have around 6 to 11 different settings, which is something you should keep in mind before you buy an instant pot.

The latest models on the market have different cooking modes to allow you to cook things like cake and eggs (check out this amazing egg bites recipe). Unlike a conventional pressure cooker, an instant pot has more precise temperature control. They are super easy to use, because all you have to do is put your ingredients into the device, set the timer, and it will do all the hard work for you.

If you live a busy life, making time to cook tender meals might seem impossible, but an instant pot can change all of that. You can set the timer to start whenever you like, so if you want your meal to start cooking before you return home from work you can. 

Instant Pots are Safer than Conventional Pressure Cookers

A lot of people have been reluctant to invest in an instant pot because they feel that they are dangerous like pressure cookers. However, these multicookers are fitted with a range of sensors, to ensure the user’s safety. Some sensors are used to make sure that the lid of the instant pot is connected properly, while other sensors will make sure that your food won’t get burnt. 

However, just because they are safer, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t handle the device without care. Often those who are overconfident with their abilities get hurt while using an instant pot. Just because it has plenty of safety features, mishandling the appliance can cause serious damage. 

Before using the device, spend some time reading the manufacturer’s instruction manual for guidance. If anyone else living in your household will be using the device, ask them to do the same thing.

The biggest problem home cooks find is when releasing the pressure that has built up inside the pot while you are cooking. There are two different methods to release the pressure. Keep in mind that the steam built up in the device is extremely hot, so will want to understand how to safely release the pressure before using it. 

Conclusion

Although instant pots are three times the cost of a standard pressure cooker, they are still relatively inexpensive. You can purchase a top-notch instant pot for around $100. 
Because they are so popular today, the device has managed to gain a cult following on the internet.

Home cooks use social media platforms like Facebook to publish and share their recipes and instant pot tips. One instant pot Facebook group has over 2 million members. There are also lots of instant pot tutorials and cooking techniques uploaded to streaming services like YouTube. You can save money on instant pot cookbooks because there is so much information readily available on the web. You’ll find lots of amazing recipes online, so you’ll never run out of something new to make with your instant pot.