We’re doing a series of product reviews here on Wit & Delight where I offer more in-depth information on tried and true products I’ve been using for months (or years) that have changed my daily routine for the better. These reviews are intended to provide detailed information on products that may be of interest to you, so if and when you’re in the market for such an item, you have all the info you need to decide whether or not to make a purchase.
Next up on the list? The Instant Pot I’ve owned since 2016. Let’s dive into the review, and please let me know in the comments if you have any further questions!
What is the Instant Pot and when did you first get yours?
Chances are high you’ve heard of this versatile kitchen gadget before. The particular model of the Instant Pot I own is a seven-in-one gadget that can be used as a pressure cooker, rice cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, and food warmer. I received the six-quart version as a Christmas gift from my mom in 2016, after hearing her talk about it consistently for a good eighteen months prior.
How does it fit into your cooking routine? What are your favorite things to cook with it?
I’ll admit, when I first received the Instant Pot as a gift I was somewhat intimidated by it and didn’t actually start using it right away. It wasn’t until I started seeing it come up a lot on cooking shows on YouTube that I really got into using it. I once saw a chef I admire talk about how they loved using it to cook simple staples like beans, rice, and soft-boiled eggs, and from there my curiosity was piqued.
When I started using the Instant Pot, my main pain point in cooking a meal was that there were certain elements that would take quite a while and make the overall cooking schedule more complex (e.g., beans that took forever to soak and cook). The Instant Pot speeds up the cooking process, which I greatly appreciate.
The first thing I tried in the Instant Pot was pulled pork for tacos and I loved the ease of the entire cooking process. I now use it to make rice, beans, meat, and more. When we host my family this holiday season, I plan to use the Instant Pot for big batches of beans (which I’ll use for bean dip, bean soup, bean broth, etc.), soft-boiled eggs (to put on toast), and to slow cook a pork rump.
What are your favorite elements of the Instant Pot?
I love that it makes my cooking process more seamless and faster and that everything I make is consistently really well done. I also love how user-friendly it is and I find the timer so helpful, especially as someone who has a short attention span and a tendency to forget things while cooking.
How has it held up over time?
I’ve been cooking with the Instant Pot for years. It does look a little weathered but it’s not an appliance that sits out on the countertop all the time and needs to look pristine, so I don’t really mind. The pot itself (inside the exterior) looks brand new; it’s really easy to clean and has held up just as well as my all-clad pans.
The most important thing I’ve learned when it comes to cleaning the Instant Pot is that you need to keep the seal really clean. I’ve found that when I use it a lot, the seal can get a little crusty, so washing and drying it properly is key to its longevity.
If you like to make things from scratch and want to make your cooking process more seamless, this is for you. In my experience, it eliminates the need for a slow cooker, which makes one less appliance you need to have in your kitchen.
If you’re a serious meal prepper, the Instant Pot is a wonderful appliance to have on hand for weekly meal prepping. Plus, it doesn’t take up prime real estate on your stovetop, which you may already be using to cook other dishes. This would also make such a good gift for that person on your list who already has “everything” else.
Shop the Post
Should you be interested in making a purchase now or in the future, I’ve included links below from a handful of different sources, depending on where you prefer to shop. Thank you for supporting our business by shopping through our affiliate links. It’s so appreciated!
Instant Pot 6qt Duo Pressure Cooker via Target
Instant Pot 6qt Duo Pressure Cooker via Amazon
Instant Pot 6qt Duo Pressure Cooker via Best Buy
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Kate is currently learning to play the Ukulele, much to the despair of her husband, kids, and dogs. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.