Instant Pot Review

🥘 Instant Pot Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

If you’ve spent any time in the kitchen aisle of the internet, you’ve probably heard about the Instant Pot. This all-in-one pressure cooker has developed a cult following — and for good reason. After testing it for several weeks, here’s my honest take on whether it deserves a spot on your counter.

🌟 What Is the Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot is a multi-cooker that combines the functions of a:

• Pressure cooker

• Slow cooker

• Rice cooker

• Steamer

• Sauté pan

• Yogurt maker

• Warmer

It promises to speed up cooking, simplify meal prep, and save space — all in one machine.

⚙️ Models Tested

I reviewed the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1, one of the most popular and affordable models. However, features vary slightly across models (like the Duo Plus, Pro, or Ultra), with the more advanced ones offering customizable programs and safety enhancements.

✅ Pros

1. Super Fast Cooking
Meals that usually take hours — like beef stew or pulled pork — are ready in under an hour. Even dried beans cook in under 30 minutes without soaking.

2. Set It and Forget It
The Instant Pot lets you throw in ingredients, hit a button, and walk away. It’s incredibly helpful for busy weeknights.

3. Multiple Appliances in One
It replaces a bunch of other gadgets, saving kitchen space and reducing clutter.

4. Great for Meal Prep
Cooking big batches of rice, chili, or shredded chicken for the week has never been easier.

5. Safety Features
Gone are the days of dangerous stovetop pressure cookers. The Instant Pot has multiple layers of built-in safety mechanisms.

❌ Cons

1. Learning Curve
It’s not exactly intuitive right out of the box. Reading the manual and doing a few trial runs is a must.

2. Bulky Size
It’s not small — and it’s heavy. Not ideal for tiny kitchens.

3. Not Truly Instant
While cooking is faster, keep in mind the time it takes to build and release pressure. A “10-minute” cook time could be 30 minutes total.

4. Sauté Feature Is Just Okay
You can sauté directly in the pot, but it doesn’t get hot enough for a proper sear.

🍲 Favorite Recipes So Far

• Butter Chicken – Rich, creamy, and done in 30 minutes

• Hard-Boiled Eggs – Perfect every time, and the shells peel right off

• Mac & Cheese – Creamy, cheesy, and ready in 10 minutes

• Beef Barbacoa – Tender and flavorful for tacos or bowls

💡 Tips for New Users

• Always add at least 1 cup of liquid for pressure cooking.

• Use the “natural release” for meats to keep them tender.

• Don’t overfill it — especially with foods that expand like rice or beans.

• Join an Instant Pot Facebook group or subreddit for inspiration and troubleshooting.

🛒 Verdict: Should You Buy It?

If you like cooking from scratch but hate how long it takes — or if you’re a meal prepper or busy parent — the Instant Pot is 100% worth it. It’s not magic, but it’s close.

Is it for everyone? Maybe not. If you mostly cook simple meals or don’t mind waiting, you might not need it. But if you're looking to streamline weeknight cooking and explore new recipe possibilities, it's an incredibly useful tool.

⭐ Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Time-Saving: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Versatility: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cleanup: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Where I got mine: https://amzn.to/3ZWtSlJ