Does an Instant Pot actually save time?

Does an Instant Pot actually save time? - Woman in a White Shirt Holding Plants in Pots

For some time people have been making much of the Instant Pot as a time-saving tool. I recently bought one and it produces good results, but I'm not sold on it as a time-saver. Tonight, for instance, I made a recipe that involves a chuck steak and vegetables. In addition to the normal cooking stages, I had to allot time for the IP to come up to pressure and then for the "natural release" of pressure. At that point the time involved seems comparable to what I would have done on the stove. So is there any actual savings of time?

(Obviously it depends to some extent on what you're making.)



Best Answer

It is going to depend greatly on what you cook and where you are. Long braises can be shortened by hours. It is nearly impossible to cook beans in Bogota Colombia without a pressure cooker. cite

Lentils on the other hand. The recommended times in the IP manual and on the bag for not in a pressure cooking are the same. And as you say, with the IP natural release is not included in the time given.

Another time savings is not having to manage the cooking in the middle. Thanksgiving evening dumped turkey carcass, mirepoix and water. Set for 2 hours of high pressure. Ignore for three hours. Cool and refrigerate one gallon of turkey stock. No checking to see if it is simmering, adjusting the heat up, checking again, adjusting the heat down.




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Quick Answer about "Does an Instant Pot actually save time?"

Does The Instant Pot Really Save Time? According to my research, pressure cooking can cook most foods in 1/3 less time than other cooking methods and even up to 10 times faster! The steam pressure inside the pressure cooker cooks food much, much more rapidly than just boiling or baking food.

Is an Instant Pot really worth it?

The Instant Pot is one of the most useful kitchen appliances you can buy, because it drastically cuts down on the cooking time for developing flavors in soups and stews, getting tough cuts of meat tender, and even baking a cheesecake. And there are many accessories that will help you get more out of your Instant Pot.

How much time is saved using a pressure cooker?

Pressure cookers save you time by cooking foods TWO to TEN times faster than other cooking methods. They are the fastest way to cook delicious meals: beef roasts, chicken, rice, dry beans, you name it.

What are the disadvantages of an Instant Pot?

Cons of the Instant Pot
  • It isn't really \u201cinstant\u201d: Despite its name and the hype, the Instant Pot does take some time to come to pressure and cook your food. ...
  • Bulky and hard to clean: The Instant Pot is quite big and does take up kitchen real estate.


Does Instant Pot consume a lot of electricity?

How much electricity does an Instant Pot use? Instant Pot power consumption is much less than a standard electric oven. Most ovens use around 2,000 watts of electricity on medium heat, but that can vary widely by brand and by cooking method.



Does The Instant Pot Actually Save You Time In The Kitchen




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