Pressure Cooker vs. Instant Pot: Here’s Why You Should Try the Newest Kitchen Gadget
Updated: Jan. 18, 2023
Pressure cookers have been around a long time, but the Instant Pot has been garnering a lot of buzz. Should you give it a shot or stick with what you know?
The Instant Pot has become the kitchen’s “it” product, with a devoted fan base obsessed with what the gadget can do. It’s advertised as a fast-cooking, electric, programmable pressure cooker with lots of fun ways to use its many features. Love yours? Check out these Instant Pot-ready recipes.
Though you may have seen a traditional stovetop pressure cooker at your grandmother’s house, this one is different. It can cook up a Sunday meal as tender as you remember—but the cook time is where it really shines. If you’re just getting around to looking seriously at the Instant Pot, here are some quick tips that you need to know about how it’s different from your Nana’s stovetop pressure pot.
So Many Recipes, So Little Time
The Instant Pot is touted as multi-cooker that can do anything from steaming your veggies and cooking a healthy bowl of spaghetti squash. This bad boy can make you breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In addition to making cooking just about anything easier than an old-fashioned pressure cooker, it can make cold things as well, such as yogurt. Score!
Set It and Forget It
The biggest advantage of the Instant Pot is that you don’t have to watch it as you would a stovetop pressure cooker. You just need to select your cooking time or food type and the timer will let you know when it is done. With a traditional pressure cooker, you are limited to either low pressure or high pressure, so your adjustments are primarily done via your range top. In other words, throwing in a load of laundry while cooking this homemade potato soup is far easier with an Instant Pot in play.
Safety First
The inner pot of the Instant Pot is made of stainless steel, which doesn’t flake like traditional non-stick surfaces and/or Teflon. And it’s a good thing, too, because ingesting those flakes may be unhealthy—as are the fumes that they can release. The inner pot of the Instant Pot is also dishwasher-safe, so cleanup is a snap. Psst! Check out these must-have Instant Pot accessories
Consistency
Unlike your traditional cooker, the Instant Pot helps to remove the possibility for human error. It’s easy to use preset programs and its microprocessor allows you to have complete control of the outcome.
Get cooking with these Instant Pot recipes.
One of my all-time favorite German dishes is sauerbraten, but I don't love that it normally takes five to 10 days to make. Using an electric pressure cooker, I think I've captured that same distinctive flavor in less than two hours. —James Schend, Deputy Editor, Taste of Home
Are you an Instant Pot newbie? Check out our Instant Pot guide to decode all the controls and buttons.
Instant Pot Buffalo Wing PotatoesI was getting tired of mashed potatoes and baked spuds, so I decided to create something new. This potluck-ready recipe is an easy and delicious twist on the usual potato dish. —Summer Feaker, Ankeny, Iowa
Instant Pot Smoked Salmon PastaI love making one-pot pastas in my pressure cooker. Every noodle soaks up the flavors of the delicious ingredients. I tried a version with some leftover smoked fish and fresh dill, and boom—this smoked salmon pasta was born. It's now a staple in our house because the dish is on the table in a half hour and the kids love it! —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
Instant Pot Cauliflower Tikka MasalaI'm a vegetarian and I always find it challenging to find new instapot recipes. This cauliflower tikka masala is my easy take on the original. It's made healthy by the use of an air fryer and pressure cooker. —Garima Arora, Charlotte, North Carolina
Instant Pot Char Siu PorkI based this juicy pork on Asian influence in Hawaii. It's tasty as is, in a bun or over rice. Use leftovers with fried rice, ramen and salads. —Karen Naihe, Kamuela, Hawaii
Instant Pot Chicken BrothThere’s nothing better or more satisfying than making your own chicken broth. You
can control the amount of seasoning and salt, so you can customize it for whatever recipes you’re using it in. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Find more easy ideas for what to cook in your Instant Pot.
Instant Pot Balsamic Pork TenderloinThis instapot pork tenderloin with sweet brown sugar and balsamic glaze will become a go-to dinner your whole family will love. It's perfect for busy weeknights, but also special enough for company. —Karen Kelly, Germantown, Maryland
Instant Pot Cajun-Style Beans and SausageBeans and rice make the perfect meal because they're well-balanced, an excellent source of protein, and easy to prepare. Sausage adds full flavor to the recipe, and traditional pork sausage lovers won't even notice the switch to chicken sausage. —Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island
Psst! We've simplified the Instant Pot manual, just for you!
Instant Pot Orange Chipotle ChickenThe citrus in this delicious chicken dish keeps things fresh and lively. We're big on spice in our house, so sometimes I use two chipotle peppers. —Deborah Biggs, Omaha, Nebraska
Don't forget to check out these healthy Instant Pot recipes.
Instant Pot Chicken and Bacon White ChiliI made a twist on my favorite white chicken chili and used my pressure cooker, which made it very quick and easy. I like to serve it with avocado, cilantro and onions. —Teri Lee Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Instant Pot Beef StewI like to serve this twist on traditional stew with fresh rolls or crusty bread. The roast and vegetables cook quickly and make a comforting meal. My family loves this unique pressure-cooker beef stew. —Joanne Wright, Niles, Michigan
Instant Pot Apple Steel-Cut OatmealI absolutely love this one-dish oatmeal. The steel-cut oats have so much flavor and texture. My family loves to sprinkle toasted pecans on top. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Instant Pot Stuffed PeppersHere's a good-for-you dinner that's also a meal-in-one classic. Add a salad and, in just moments, call everyone to the table. —Michelle Gurnsey, Lincoln, Nebraska
Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla SoupYour family will thank you for this pressure cooker chicken tortilla soup! Leftovers taste amazing the next day. —Karen Kelly, Germantown, Maryland
Instant Pot Curried Chicken Meatball WrapsMy strategy to get picky kids to eat healthy: Let everyone assemble their dinner at the table. We love these easy meatball wraps topped with crunchy veggies and peanuts, sweet raisins and a creamy dollop of yogurt. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
Learn how to make Instant Pot hard-boiled eggs with our step-by-step guide.
Instant Pot Spicy Lime ChickenThis tender chicken with light lime flavor is a natural filling for tacos, but my son Austin also loves it spooned over cooked rice and sprinkled with his favorite taco toppings. —Christine Hair, Odessa, Florida
Instant Pot Lemon Chicken with BasilNo matter when I eat it, this tangy chicken dish always reminds me of summer meals with friends and family. The recipe produces a lot of lovely sauce; serve it as is or spoon it over some lightly herbed couscous. —Deborah Posey, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Instant Pot Chicken Chop SueyIf you’re in for a busy evening, here’s a wonderful way to ensure you can still have a healthful supper. It’s tasty, traditional—and easy, too. —Melody Littlewood, Royal City, Washington
Instant Pot Red Beans and RiceMy family loves New Orleans–style cooking, so I make this dish often. I appreciate how simple it is, and the smoky ham flavor is scrumptious. —Celinda Dahlgren, Napa, California
Instant Pot Mushroom Pork RagoutSavory, quickly made pork is luscious served in a delightful tomato gravy over noodles. It’s a nice change from regular pork roast. I serve it with broccoli or green beans on the side. —Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware.
Instant Pot Spicy Pork and Squash RaguThis recipe is a marvelously spicy combo perfect for cooler fall weather—so satisfying after a day spent outdoors. —Monica Osterhaus, Paducah, Kentucky
Instant Pot Pork and Apple CurryHere's a gentle curry dish that's won't overwhelm more delicate palates. For fun, try varying the garnish—add a few chopped peanuts or a little chutney. —Nancy Reck, Mill Valley, California
Instant Pot Mushroom Chicken and PeasSome amazing fresh mushrooms at our local farmers market inspired this dish. Start with the best ingredients and you can’t go wrong. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Instant Pot Flan in a JarSpoil yourself or the people you love with these delightful portable custards—a cute and fun take on the Mexican dessert classic. Tuck a jar into your lunchbox for a sweet treat. —Megumi Garcia, Madison, Wisconsin
Instant Pot Very Vanilla CheesecakeCinnamon and vanilla give this cheesecake so much flavor, and making it in the pressure cooker creates a silky, smooth texture that's hard to resist. —Krista Lanphier, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Instant Pot White Bean Chicken ChiliMy sister shared this chili recipe with me. The jalapeno adds just enough heat to notice but not too much for my children. —Kristine Bowles, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Instant Pot Red Clam SauceThis recipe tastes as if you've been working on it all day. What a classy way to jazz up pasta sauce! —JoAnn Brown, LaTrobe, Pennsylvania
Instant Pot Mediterranean Chicken OrzoOrzo pasta with chicken, olives and herbes de Provence has the bright flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Here’s a bonus: Leftovers reheat well. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Instant Pot Molten Mocha CakeWhen I first made my decadent chocolate cake, my husband's and daughter's expressions said it all. She says it's one of her "most favorites." Later, I took one of these to our next-door neighbors. Their teenage son, who answered the door, ate the whole thing without telling anyone else about it! —Aimee Fortney, Fairview, Tennessee
Instant Pot Buffalo Shrimp Mac & CheeseFor a rich, creamy and slightly spicy shrimp and pasta recipe, you can't beat this crowd-pleasing dish. It's a nice new twist on popular Buffalo chicken dishes.—Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island
Instant Pot Cuban Pulled Pork SandwichesI lived in Florida for a while and loved the pork served there, so I went about making it for myself! The flavorful meat makes amazing Cuban sandwiches, but you can use it in traditional pulled pork sandwiches and tacos, too. —Lacie Griffin, Austin, Texas
Instant Pot Mini Teriyaki Turkey SandwichesPreparing the pulled turkey in a delicious teriyaki sauce for these snack-size sandwiches is a breeze using a pressure cooker. Serving them on lightly-toasted sweet dinner rolls is a finishing touch.—Amanda Hoop, Seaman, Ohio
Instant Pot Truly Tasty Turnip GreensThese savory greens are a hit at every church dinner. Adjust the seasonings as you please to make the recipe your own. .—Amy Inman, Hiddenite, North Carolina
Instant Pot Carrot Cake OatmealThis warm breakfast cereal made in the pressure cooker is a great way to add some veggies in the morning and keep a healthy diet! For extra crunch, I garnish individual servings with ground walnuts or pecans.—Debbie Kain, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Instant Pot Thai Coconut BeefMy husband and I love Thai food, but going out on weeknights can be challenging with busy schedules. I wanted to create a Thai-inspired dinner that could double as an easy lunch the following day. The beef is fantastic in this dish, but chicken or pork would be equally delicious!—Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Instant Pot Cheddar Bacon Ale DipMy tangy, smoky dip won the top prize at our office party recipe contest. Use whatever beer you like, but steer clear of dark varieties. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Instant Pot Lentil Pumpkin SoupPlenty of herbs and spices brighten up my hearty pumpkin soup. It?s just the thing we need on nippy days and nights. —Laura Magee, Houlton, WI
Instant Pot Beer-Braised Pulled HamTo jazz up leftover ham, I cooked it with a beer sauce. Buns loaded with ham, pickles and mustard are irresistible. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Instant Pot Cranberry Apple Red CabbageWhen I was looking for something new, I started playing with flavors and came up with this very tasty dish. My German grandmother would be impressed, I think! The colorful side is just right with pork. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Instant Pot Apple Balsamic ChickenI just love the sweet and tart flavor that balsamic vinegar gives to this easy dish. After cooking in the pressure cooker for just a few minutes, the chicken thighs are tender and flavorful. —Juli Snaer, Enid, Oklahoma
Instant Pot Italian Sausage & Kale SoupThe first time I made this colorful soup, our home smelled wonderful. We knew it was a keeper to see us through cold winter days. —Sarah Stombaugh, Chicago, Illinois
Instant Pot Memphis-Style RibsAfter my dad and I had dinner at the legendary Rendezvous restaurant, I was inspired to create my own version of tasty dry-rub Memphis ribs. Smoked paprika in the rub mimics the flavor the ribs would get from grilling over hot coals. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Instant Pot Maple French ToastMy family and friends all love it when I make this delicious French toast in the morning. It's so delicious and easy! —Cindy Steffen, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Instant Pot Rigatoni with Sausage & PeasWith a tomatoey meat sauce and tangy goat cheese, this weeknight wonder is my version of comfort food. You want to have bowl after bowl. —Lizzie Munro, Brooklyn, New York
Instant Pot Sicilian Chicken BogChicken Bog is a South Carolina tradition with lots of variations—think herbs, spices and fresh veggies—but the standard ingredients remain sausage, chicken and rice. This pressure-cooked rendition is a simple take on the classic. — Anna Hanson, Spanish Fork, Utah
