What is the Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is – wait: you don’t know? Whoa. This is so exciting that we get to introduce it to you!
It is a single appliance that can replace many, including but not limited to: rice cookers, slow cookers, yogurt makers, saute/browning pans, steamers, and warming pots. But we would argue that the most important function is that it is an electric pressure cooker.
The electric pressure cooking function can make cooking up to 10 times faster and uses up to 70% less energy, all while delivering high-quality results.
Included presets depend on the model: meat/stew, soup/broth, porridge, cake, bean/chili, sterilize, egg, and/or sous-vide functions.
Aside from the fact that they can cook almost anything (including a full turkey in under 30 minutes!) they're easy to use and clean, fast, safe, and create incredible meals.
We use our Instant Pots every day. And we regularly share recipes on the blog so you can use your Instant Pot all the time to create delicious, nutritious, and easy meals.
It’s no wonder that this kitchen appliance is so popular: it is changing the cooking experience, saving time, and making healthy real food preparation even easier. We lovingly refer to enthusiasts as the “Instant Pot cult”, and if you’ve seen the size and passion in the Facebook group, you’d understand why.
Choose the right Instant Pot
Do you need a fancy model? Or would the one on sale
work for you? Maybe you want a starter model as your first, and then grab something with more control later. Either way, they all support a variety of safety features – these are NOT your grandmother’s scary stove-top pressure cooker with the dancing weight whistling or causing kitchen explosions.
Let's figure it out together.
There are a number of models now available with varying features, but all have the basic features. A few differences to consider include size (3Qt, 5Qt, standard size 6Qt, or 8Qt), preset functions, connectivity (there are Smart Wifi and Smart Bluetooth models), customization, design, and some of the safety features. To get ya started:
- The DUO60 (6Qt) is the basic model that has made Instant Pot so popular. And our original “starter” go-to.
- The Ultra is the next level up – and we weren't expecting to like it as much as the foundational model. But we do! We love the lid's release valve mechanism. It's worth the upgrade.
It gets a little more complicated when comparing preset functions. To get the most updated information check out the comprehensive comparison chart on the Instant Pot website.
Why you want an instant pot
Instant Pot Ultra – Review of the New Pressure Cooker
Buy one… Or two!
Now you know what you want it’s time to buy.
You can find some models in many stores, but if there’s a specific one that you want, it’s easier to order online. The links you find here are affilaite codes so we get a small kick-back when you buy through our link, but the price remains the same for you either way. This benefit just helps support our blog so we can keep creating sexy Instant Pot recipes for you to use at home!
Whether you choose Amazon or direct from Instant Pot (use discount code “IPDesire”), we've got you covered!
Super Useful Instant Pot Accessories
And while you’re at it, you may want to buy some accessories as well. These also make great gifts. Instant Pots are amazing straight out of the box, but by adding a couple extras accomplishing your goals can be even easier! Here are all of the Instant Pot accessories that you need!
We've collected the most useful & valuable Instant Pot accessories here – they come 100% Holley & Raj approved. Because that matters.