25+ Amazing Things You Should Know Before You Buy an Instant Pot

So, you’ve heard all the hype about the Instant Pot and you’re ready to jump in, huh? We get it — it’s an amazing kitchen gadget that promises to make cooking faster, easier, and even fun. But before you go ahead and add one to your cart, there are a few things you should know. 

Whether you’re an experienced cook or a newbie, it’s important to understand what makes the Instant Pot so great—and where it might not be the best fit for your kitchen.

In this article, we’ll walk you through 25+ essential things you should know before buying an Instant Pot. From how it works to tips on maximizing its potential, we’ve got you covered!

1. What Exactly Is an Instant Pot?

An Instant Pot is a multi-functional kitchen appliance that combines several devices in one. It serves as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, and yogurt maker. Some models even offer extra features like air frying or baking, making it incredibly versatile.

2. It’s Not Just for Pressure Cooking

While the Instant Pot is best known for pressure cooking, it can do so much more. Think of it as a do-it-all machine. You can use it for slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, sautéing, making soups, and even making homemade yogurt. 

The more you explore its features, the more you’ll realize just how many things it can handle.

3. Pressure Cooking is a Game-Changer

One of the biggest draws of the Instant Pot is pressure cooking. If you’ve ever been intimidated by using a stovetop pressure cooker, the Instant Pot makes it easy. 

Pressure cooking can reduce cooking times significantly—what would take hours on the stovetop could take minutes in the Instant Pot.

4. It Can Save You Time (and Money!)

With the Instant Pot, you can cook tougher cuts of meat that would usually require slow cooking or long roasting times in a fraction of the time. This is especially great for busy people or those looking to eat healthy on a budget, as inexpensive cuts of meat become tender and delicious in no time.

5. It’s Not Just for Busy Weeknights

While the Instant Pot is perfect for quick weeknight meals, it’s also great for batch cooking. You can prepare large quantities of food, which is ideal for meal prepping. And since it’s so easy to clean, you’ll have less to do after cooking multiple meals.

6. It’s Big—Make Sure You Have Space

Before buying an Instant Pot, make sure you have enough space in your kitchen. Instant Pots come in a variety of sizes, typically ranging from 3 to 8 quarts. If you’re cooking for a family, you may want to go with a larger model. But, if you’re living solo, the smaller models will work just fine.

7. Different Models, Different Features

There are a few different models of the Instant Pot, and they come with varying features. The most common models are the Duo, Lux, and Ultra. The Duo is the most popular, and it’s perfect for most home cooks. The Lux is a bit simpler, while the Ultra offers more advanced settings like altitude adjustment and custom cooking programs.

8. It’s Not a Microwave

One thing that catches some first-time users off guard is how long it takes for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure. While it’s fast once it starts cooking, it can take about 10-15 minutes to heat up to the right pressure, so don’t expect instant results.

9. The Cooking Times Don’t Include Prep Time

The cooking times listed in recipes are based on the time it takes for the Instant Pot to actually cook the food once it’s at the right pressure. You’ll still need to account for the time it takes to prep your ingredients and bring the pot to pressure.

10. It’s Very Safe to Use

One of the most common fears about pressure cooking is that it’s dangerous. However, the Instant Pot has numerous safety features that make it incredibly safe. These include pressure sensors, lid lock mechanisms, and automatic pressure release valves.

11. Don’t Forget the Accessories

While the Instant Pot is a versatile tool, there are a few accessories that can make your cooking even better. Consider getting a steam rack, silicone lids for storage, or an additional inner pot to make cleanup easier. You might also want a glass lid for slow cooking.

12. It’s Not Always Perfect for Crisping or Browning

While the Instant Pot is amazing for cooking meals quickly, it’s not the best at browning or crisping food. If you’re looking to sear meats or get crispy skin on chicken, you’ll need to use the sauté function before or after cooking, or use another kitchen tool like an oven or air fryer for that final touch.

13. You’ll Need a Little Trial and Error

Even though the Instant Pot comes with many pre-programmed settings, some recipes may require a little trial and error. Don’t be discouraged if your first few meals aren’t perfect. It’s all about finding what works best for your cooking style and preferences.

14. Learn About the Pressure Release Methods

There are two main types of pressure release methods: natural release and quick release. With natural release, you let the pressure drop on its own (this can take 10-30 minutes). With quick release, you manually release the pressure by turning the valve. Make sure you understand when to use each method based on the type of food you’re cooking.

15. It’s Great for Meal Prep

If you’re into meal prepping, the Instant Pot can be a real time-saver. You can cook large batches of rice, beans, soups, and stews in one go, and portion them out for the week. It’s also a great tool for making meals for the freezer—just make sure to account for a longer cook time when you’re reheating frozen meals.

16. You Can Make Homemade Yogurt

Yes, you read that right! The Instant Pot has a yogurt-making function, so you can make your own homemade yogurt with ease. This is a huge money-saver and a great way to control the ingredients that go into your yogurt.

17. It’s Not a Set-It-and-Forget-It Device

While the Instant Pot is great for many dishes, it’s not entirely “set-it-and-forget-it.” Some recipes still require you to monitor and adjust the food during cooking. So, don’t leave it unattended for too long while it’s working its magic.

18. It Takes Some Getting Used To

There’s a bit of a learning curve with the Instant Pot, especially if you’re used to more traditional cooking methods. However, there are tons of online resources—forums, YouTube channels, and blogs—dedicated to Instant Pot recipes and tips. So, you’ll have no shortage of support as you get familiar with your new gadget.

19. It Can Be Quite Noisy

While it’s working, the Instant Pot can make a bit of noise, particularly when the steam is releasing. Don’t be surprised if it makes hissing, bubbling, or whistling sounds during cooking—this is totally normal.

20. It’s More Than Just a Time-Saver

The Instant Pot also helps preserve nutrients better than other cooking methods like boiling or frying. Because it cooks food quickly under high pressure, it retains more vitamins and minerals, which can result in healthier meals.

21. It’s Great for Beans and Lentils

Cooking dried beans and lentils can be a hassle without the Instant Pot. It eliminates the need for soaking beans overnight and drastically reduces cooking time. If you love legumes, the Instant Pot will be a game-changer.

22. Be Prepared for Lots of Cleanup

Although the Instant Pot is easy to use, it can also be a bit of a hassle to clean—especially if food splatters or burns onto the sides. Be sure to wash the inner pot and lid thoroughly after each use. Some models come with a non-stick pot, which makes cleaning easier.

23. It Works Well for Small and Large Meals

Whether you’re cooking for one or a family of five, the Instant Pot can accommodate both small and large meals. For larger meals, you may need to upgrade to a bigger model, but the smaller ones are perfect for quick, individual meals.

24. Instant Pot Recipes Are Everywhere

Once you get your Instant Pot, you’ll find that there are thousands of recipes available online. From stews and soups to desserts and casseroles, the possibilities are endless. Join Instant Pot groups on social media or check out recipe websites to discover new meals to try.

25. It’s Not Just for Dinner

You can also use your Instant Pot for breakfast, lunch, and even desserts. Make oatmeal, frittatas, quiches, or even cheesecake. If you can dream it, the Instant Pot can probably make it.

Conclusion: Is the Instant Pot Worth It?

In short: Yes, but it depends on your lifestyle and what you’re looking for in a kitchen gadget. The Instant Pot is a multi-functional powerhouse that can save you time, money, and effort in the kitchen. 

However, it’s not perfect for every situation, and there’s a learning curve involved. If you’re ready to explore its versatility, it can quickly become one of your favorite kitchen tools.

So, are you ready to dive in? With these 25+ things in mind, you’re well on your way to becoming an Instant Pot expert in no time. Happy cooking!

Here’s the ultimate beginner’s guide to meal prepping.