topic Re: Instant Pot Question - Do I need one? in Kitchen

Instant Pot Question - Do I need one?

beach-mom — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 07:37:47 GMT

I have a Cuisinart pressure cooker that I love. It also browns and warms. I also have a rice cooker I don't want to part with. And of course I have a few slow cookers. Do I need an Instant Pot? If you think I do, which one would you advise me to get. I know they now have a cult following. One of my friends just got one as an early Christmas present! TIA!

Re: Instant Pot Question - Do I need one?

Kachina624 — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 08:32:14 GMT

The Instant Pot is basically just a pressure cooker with bells and whistles. Since you already have a PC, why would you need another? I'd wait until your present PC quits; by then they will have an Instant Pot that preps the veggies and whistles Dixie and you can purchase "the latest thing".

Re: Instant Pot Question - Do I need one?

petepetey — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 10:57:31 GMT

I just bought a small one on sale/black Friday.

To me it's scary to use at first. I have mastered hard boiled eggs and made some pork. As for the eggs, honestly it's just as fast boiling them on the stove. You have to wait for the pressure to come up and then cook for 5 minutes. It took 15 min. total to make those eggs. When I stove top them it takes 13.

I don't see using this that often. I have slow cookers that I use once in a while.

I prefer to cook things the normal way, saute on the stove, cook roasts and chicken, make soup and chili in my cast iron le cruset.

Those that figure it out love it. There are facebook pages that people rave about it and own many.

Re: Instant Pot Question - Do I need one?

Nataliesgramma — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 11:18:22 GMT

I don't get all the hype over the Instapot. I have a Cuisinart PC also like the OP.

I don't use it very often, maybe because I am retired and don't mind throwing things in the oven to cook all day.

I guess it helps those that need to make meals fast.

Re: Instant Pot Question - Do I need one?

sidsmom — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 11:36:13 GMT

@beach-mom

A new Instant Pot would replace your rice cooker and slow

cookers, as well as offer a few new options, like yogurt maker.

Sounds like you’re content with your kitchen appliance game...

why rock the boat?

BUT...if you’re in the market to buy, you would not be disappointed

with an Instant Pot!

Re: Instant Pot Question - Do I need one?

Tuppermore — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 11:38:21 GMT

I purchased one in November. I bought the Crock Pot brand which is the same as the Instant Pot. It's called the Express Crock. It hs the same functions, was about $15 less, and had almost perfect ratings. One of the biggest complaints that I read about on several web sites was the Instant Pot's confusing instructions. I cant' verify that since I didn't get that brand. The Crock Pot Express Crock is easy to understand and use. The negatives are the amount of room it takes to store and the hassle of dragging it out every time I use it. These are the things that I like about it. I purchased the 8 quart size. It does a great job of cooking chicken breasts from the frozen state, preparing a large quantity of cooked rice or potatoes, cooking a large number of eggs without cracking, and searing a pot roast and cooking it quickly. The number one process that I appreciate is cooking dry beans. I find it to be invaluable for that. They are done in about 35 minutes after the pressure rises. I can cook 2 pounds and freeze what we don't use.

I have a stove top pressure cooker and haven't used it in years. This type seems very safe so I will probably try some of my old recipes. However, I'm not sure it is worth the amount of space it takes for a little convenience. It is also an expensive way to cook rice, potatoes, eggs & chicken breasts. The methods that I have used for years work just as well and in some cases, just as fast. I also make yogurt and really love my yogurt maker so I doubt I will use it for that. For slow cooked soups and stews, I will still ontinue to use my LeCrueset Dutch Oven. It develops amazing flavor which can't be duplicated with an electric pressure cooker or regualr Crock Pot.

I did buy the Instant Pot for our adult children as a Christmas gift. They work and are always looking for ways to make meal preparation faster and easier. I guess everyone has to decide what they need and want in their kitchen.

Re: Instant Pot Question - Do I need one?

JeanLouiseFinch — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 12:26:48 GMT

I think you can live without it, @beach-mom. I thought I had to have one so I ordered one on a big sale. It was delivered and sat in the box for close to two months. I decided that since I didn’t eagerly dive in and use it, I really didn’t need it. I ended up giving it to a friend for a fundraiser and auction she was heading up. I haven’t had a single regret. At this point in our lives DH and. I don’t need any cooked meals in a hurry.

Re: Instant Pot Question - Do I need one?

jackthebear — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 12:35:08 GMT

we love ours, if your current one is working you don't need it but if you need to replace look at the IPot

Re: Instant Pot Question - Do I need one?

Black Pony — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 12:53:32 GMT

I haven't jumped on the instant pot bandwagon either. I do feel like I am missing on on something though. I just haven't figured out just what that is or how it will make my life easier! It may come to me yet!

Re: Instant Pot Question - Do I need one?

Imaoldhippie — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 14:18:50 GMT

I think if you have to ask if you need one you dont.

Re: Instant Pot Question - Do I need one?

brandiwine — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 14:32:10 GMT

No. Your cuisinart does everything you need.

Re: Instant Pot Question - Do I need one?

sophiamaria2 — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 14:47:22 GMT

I have a Wolfgang Pressure Cooker that i LOVE..can't imagine liking an insta pot better. I believe the word 'Pressure Cooker' now sounds bad because of terrorist making bombs out of them so someone decided insta pot sounds better... NOW I've been wondering do I really need an Air Fryer??? for some reason they have not caught my attention and I love me a good appliance...

Re: Instant Pot Question - Do I need one?

SharkE — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 15:27:13 GMT

I use air fryer for non greasy deep fried foods like french fries, thought because of high cholesterol I'd have to say goodbye to french fries, but, I baste with olive oil and air fry them. baste salmon with olive oil too and air fry

instead of making and frying small fruit pies in butter in skillet, now, I spritz I can't believe it's not butter on the pie crust and bake in air fryer.

haven't mastered fried green tomatoes yet working on that one

Re: Instant Pot Question - Do I need one?

sophiamaria2 — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 16:45:59 GMT

so sharke you would say air frying your fries is better than baking them in your oven? thanks for your info. I'm still debating..

Re: Instant Pot Question - Do I need one?

GusMo — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 16:53:22 GMT

I had an Amazon gc I used for mine. I bought it after a friend raved about hers. I’ve used it a few times and am unimpressed. I haven’t really cared for anything I’ve made. The sealing ring takes on odors of the food, the lid is difficult to close. Mine is in the garage. I’ll probably sell after Christmas.

Re: Instant Pot Question - Do I need one?

esmerelda — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 16:56:30 GMT

@beach-momI thought I did. I bought into the hype. I have a PC and have never used it. I have a slow cooker. I don't eat a lot of rice. I'll never make yogurt. I cook for one.

I ordered when it was a TSV and sent it back without unboxing it.

Sometimes I still think about it, but I really don't need one and don't need another thing to store.

And I think like someone else has said...if you have to ask if you need one, you don't.

Re: Instant Pot Question - Do I need one?

suzyQ3 — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 18:27:03 GMT

We are so not enamored with kitchen gadgets these days, especially ones that take up way too much space.

Fortunately for me, my husband loves to cook and is very good at it. He uses traditional methods, plus a wonderful stainless steel stovetop pressure cooker on occasion.

We have never liked slow cookers and have no interest in air frying.We do use our Breville convection oven quite often.

Re: Instant Pot Question - Do I need one?

beach-mom — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 18:49:37 GMT

Thank you for your comments everyone! I think I'll stick with what I have. I just wondered if it did much more - and it doesn't seem like it does. Our local bookstore has a whole section devoted to Instant Pot cookbooks - I thought there had to be something I was missing! LOL!

I'm sentimental about my rice cooker. I got it when I taught in Japan, and had it adapted for US electricity when I came back to the states. It still makes wonderful rice, both plain and other kinds (Spanish for us), and it makes perfect poached eggs! I use my Cuisinart a lot - ribs, pork, chicken, etc. I haven't made a dessert yet, but I may try one of these days!

Re: Instant Pot Question - Do I need one?

BeccaLou — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 22:20:36 GMT

I wouldn't, You sound content and all set to me. I would be happy with what you have if would be me. Save the cash I think it was all just hype.Save the clutter.

Re: Instant Pot Question - Do I need one?

SharkE — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 23:05:44 GMT

@sophiamaria2 wrote:
so sharke you would say air frying your fries is better than baking them in your oven? thanks for your info. I'm still debating..

I tried that one time and it took forever and they were hard as rocks

maybe I did something wrong, but, hubbo wants french fries he wants 'em

the old fashion deep fried way. Course, he's on the Cholesterol pill too

I don't want to take pills and be running to **** Dr all the time. Makes me nervous. LOL