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The Instant Pot has garnered a lot of popularity over the past few years. For some, this has given way for a pressure cooker vs. Instant Pot feud. Pressure cooker vs instant pot: which one you should buy?
Although both pots have similar functions and each has its benefits, it may still be unclear whether a pressure cooker or an Instant Pot is right for your kitchen.
Read on to learn the difference between an Instant Pot and a pressure cooker to help you determine which one is right for you.
Different features in the Instant Pot vs. Pressure Cooker
A pressure cooker is a pot that uses pressure to attain high heat and stop the steam from escaping, causing the food within the pot to cook much faster.
Instant pots are both pressure cookers and multi-cookers: an electric cooking pot that has the capabilities of several different appliances. Instant Pot used to be the only name associated with multi-cookers. While Instant Pots continue to be the most popular type of multi-cookers, they have some competition in the market now. Nonetheless, Instant Pot continues to be synonymous with multi-cooker.
Traditional pressure cooker models used to be dangerous. Early models of this kitchen appliance were subject to explosions. Although pressure cookers have a better reputation today, Instant Pots have safety features that make them easier and safer to use.
The biggest selling point for Instant Pots is their functionality and their versatility. Instant Pots come with many pre-programmed settings to cook almost anything. Once you put all of your ingredients in an Instant Pot, you can forget about it until you are ready to eat.
The biggest difference between a pressure cooker and an instant pot is the level of pressure each provides, which affects the cooking process. Traditional pressure cookers reach a PSI of 15, while most Instant Pots reach a PSI of 12, meaning that traditional pressure cookers use more pressure. Therefore, a regular pressure cooker will usually cook your food faster, but many people prioritize the convenience of an Instant Pot over the cooking time.
Both appliances are popular, and it is all about personal preference when choosing which one to use for your pressure cooking needs, but the convenience, versatility, and user-friendly features of the Instant Pot make it a more popular electrical pressure cooker for home cooks.
Best Instant Pot
Instant Pot Duo Nova 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
- An upgrade to the all-time bestseller Instant Pot Duo series, the Duo Nova combines 7 appliances in 1: Pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, saute pan, food warmer, and yogurt maker.
- Duo Nova is powered by a sophisticated micro-processor that monitors and adjusts pressure, temperature, time, and heat to cook food up to 70% faster than other methods and deliver consistent, delicious results every time
- The new easy seal lid gives you 1 less thing to worry about because it automatically seals your Instant Pot.
As the name suggests, the Instant Pot Duo Nova 7-in-1 can serve as a rice cooker, steamer, sauteing pan, food warmer, and even yogurt maker, eliminating the need to purchase several appliances. The 7-in-1 functionality will save you plenty of cabinet and counter space, and you will be sure to get a ton of use out of it, whether you’re making a brown rice, pot roast, or yogurt recipe.
It also has an LCD to help you control the settings, and this Instant Pot model even provides an assortment of recipes for you to try out. The 6-quart model is their most popular size, and it’s the perfect size to serve a family without taking up too much counter space.
The smart lid automatically seals the pot, and steam will release with the safe push of a button. This and multiple other safety features make this Instant Pot perfect to “set it and forget it,” at least until dinner time.
Instant Pot Pro Crisp 11 in 1
- 2 interchangeable lids transform the Instant Pot from pressure cooker to air fryer.
- 8-quart capacity cooks meals for a crowd and can accommodate a whole chicken for air-frying.
- 11 customizable cooking presets: Pressure Cook, Sauté, Slow Cook, Steam, Sous Vide, Warm, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate.
If you thought the seven functionalities of the Dua Nova were impressive, the 11 functionalities of the Instant Pot Pro Crisp 11-in-1 will blow you away. This Instant Pot comes with two interchangeable lids that transform this appliance from a pressure cooker into an air fryer.
The Pro Crisp has four additional unique settings: sous vide, air fry, broil, and dehydrate. These additional settings broaden the range of the Instant Pot, turning it into the only appliance you will need in the kitchen! It also allows you to save your preferred cooking times and temperatures so that you can always make your favorite meal with the push of a button.
The safety features of this Instant Pot include a safety lid lock, overheat protection, and a quick-release button for worry-free cooking. Additional accessories include a stainless-steel multi-use steam rack, nonstick multi-level air fryer basket, heat-resistant protective pad, and a stainless-steel broiling and dehydrating tray. With this Instant Pot, you are equipped for every meal!
Best Pressure Cooker
Presto 01341 4-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker
- Chicken, fish, meat, and vegetables cook to perfection fast. Helps tenderize economical cuts of meat. Pressure regulator maintains the proper cooking pressure automatically.
- Ideal for use on regular, smooth-top, and induction ranges. Complete 64 -page instruction /recipe book included.
- Cover lock indicator shows when there is pressure inside the cooker and prevents the cover from being opened until pressure is safely reduced.
Stainless steel pressure cookers are usually more expensive than aluminum, but they are definitely worth the money. This stainless steel pressure cooker from Presto is not only sleek but is also tough and long-lasting.
The features of this small pressure cooker include a helper handle to make the pressure cooker easy to open while preventing you from burning yourself, as well as a pressure regulator to keep the correct cooking pressure by itself. Plus, this small pressure cooker is easy to use and even easier to clean, with all parts being dishwasher safe.
Hawkins Classic CL8W 8 L Aluminum Wide Body Pressure Cooker
- 8 liter wide body pressure cooker with easy quarter turn open & close lid
- Made from commercially pure, virgin aluminium; mirror polished; interior and base matt finish
- Features a goof-proof Lid that seals from the inside like a jetliner door, ensuring greater safety
Available in several sizes, this Hawkins Classic Aluminum Pressure Cooker is a great choice if you want a simple, safe pressure cooker at an affordable price. The Hawkins pressure cooker is suitable for use on gas, electric, ceramic, and halogen cooktops. The pressure used in this pressure cooker is regulated automatically to optimum levels for speed cooking.
The safety valve is located under the lid handlebar so that the steam deflects downwards. The pressure-locked safety lid will help ensure your safety, and it only opens when the pressure falls. Plus, the handle stays cool.
Final Thoughts
Both a pressure cooker and an Instant Pot can make your life in the kitchen easier. Although Instant Pots are more versatile and come with a variety of convenient features, traditional pressure cookers are still preferred by many worldwide and are reliable. Now that you know the differences between the two, it is up to you to determine whether a pressure cooker or an Instant Pot will best satisfy your cooking needs!
