While this multi-functional device offers many benefits, it’s also important to explore what are the disadvantages of an Instant Pot before making a purchase.
You may remember your granny having a pressure cooker in her house and all manner of meals coming out of it. Pressure cookers have been popular since the Second World War because they could save much-needed fuel by cooking quicker than conventional methods. The pressure cooker has been around for hundreds of years, though, and was invented by Denis Papin, a French physicist, in 1679. An Instant Pot is a more modern version of a pressure cooker.
Is Safety a Concern with Instant Pots?
So, is an Instant Pot dangerous because it’s a type of pressure cooker? While stories of pressure cookers exploding might come to mind, modern pressure cookers, including Instant Pots, are much safer than their earlier counterparts. Thanks to stringent safety regulations, today’s models undergo rigorous testing before reaching consumers.
In the 1930s and 1950s, when pressure cookers were at the height of their popularity, safety concerns were more valid. Many older models lacked secondary pressure release mechanisms, so if the main valve became clogged, pressure could build up and potentially cause an explosion. While these incidents were less dramatic than they may sound, they highlighted the need for improved safety features.
Modern Instant Pots, however, are equipped with advanced safety mechanisms and can be used daily with confidence and peace of mind.
How does an Instant Pot cooker work?
An Instant Pot cooks food quicker than a conventional oven but how does it do that? Well, there is a reason pressure cookers have all those locks and seals. If you boil water it reaches the maximum temperature and there is no way to make it go higher but with an Instant Pot, you want to increase the pressure to reduce the cooking time. The Instant Pot does this by creating a tight seal that stops the steam from escaping. This then reaches a temperature much higher than boiling water. All that steam goes into the food which cooks it quicker and also adds moisture. This means for example if you were cooking a joint of meat then it will come out tender and moist. If you put a joint in the oven and tried to cook it quickly through a higher temperature you would end up with burnt and dry meat. The cooking process retains more nutrients and antioxidants than other methods. You can also check out the social profiles of David Chang or Brandon Walker to see how they use pressure cookers in the best way.
What can you cook in an Instant Pot?
The question might be easier if you asked what can’t you cook in it. They are versatile pieces of kitchen equipment and can cook a wide range of foods. Fancy a Boeuf Bourguignon? No problem. Pot roast? Put the ingredients in and let the cooker do the work. Instant Pots can make yogurt, pancakes, flans, curries, noodle soup and boiled eggs. They cook meat from frozen and pulled pork or even a whole roast chicken is not a problem. You can make stock, chili con Carne and a host of healthy meals for a range of lifestyles or diets such as vegan, vegetarian and paleo. You can do healthy snacks like boiled peanuts too!
What are Some of the Advantages of an Instant Pot Cooker?
The most obvious advantage is the time-saving aspect. These days time is more precious than ever and trying to cook tasty and nutritious food can be time-consuming. Trying to juggle work and home life together is not easy and some families just don’t have the time to sit together at the table for dinner each day. The Instant Pot reduces cooking time by up to 70% depending on what you are using it for so this can be a real boon.
Instant Pots are user-friendly
There is no need for lots of separate pans. You can use the cooker to make one-pot meals. It can cook frozen meat so there is no need to remember to defrost anything in advance. It also doesn’t have to be used as a pressure cooker, it can slow cook too. You could put in the ingredients for a soup and set to slow cook and then when you come home you have a healthy meal waiting for you. It can also be used to keep your food warm so if people are eating at different times then there is no reason to reheat in the oven.
They are energy-efficient
Pressure cookers use about 75% less water than steaming due to them being fully sealed. The heat and pressure is monitored so instead of the pot being heated up all the time like a conventional oven the heating is off for up to 40% of the time during a longer cook. Because the pot cooks food up to 70% faster than means it also uses 70% less power making it more environmentally friendly.
There are many other advantages such as the inner being made of stainless steel and therefore easy to clean and non-toxic.
Time-saving
They can also be set to come on at a certain time meaning you can have your meal start at 5 pm while you are traveling home and when you get in the meal is done. You can use the time-saving aspects to free you up for your exercise routine. Perhaps you have exercise and fitness goals but find it hard to find the time, perhaps an Instant Pot can help.
For all these advantages there are still some disadvantages to an Instant Pot.
Finally, what are the disadvantages of an Instant Pot?
One key consideration is that Instant Pots are not truly “instant.” They take time to build up pressure before cooking begins, and once the cooking is done, you’ll need to release the pressure, either quickly or naturally. This adds to the overall cooking time.
Size is another important factor. An Instant Pot can only be filled up to two-thirds of its capacity, so choosing the right size for your household is crucial. If you purchase one that’s too small, it may not meet your needs and could end up unused.
Additionally, Instant Pots aren’t always the fastest option. Some dishes may cook quicker on a traditional stove, and you can’t easily check on the progress of your meal during the cooking process. They cannot also fry or create crispy textures, so if you enjoy crispy-skinned meats, this appliance might not deliver the results you’re looking for.
These are important factors to consider when deciding if an Instant Pot is the right fit for your kitchen.
Conclusion: What Are the Disadvantages of an Instant Pot?
While the Instant Pot is a versatile and time-saving kitchen appliance, it’s essential to weigh its drawbacks before investing. From its size limitations and the time required to build and release pressure to its inability to fry or provide crispy textures, these are some of the key disadvantages of an Instant Pot. However, for many, the benefits far outweigh the cons, making it a valuable tool for meal preparation.
Ultimately, understanding what are the disadvantages of an Instant Pot will help you decide if it fits your cooking style and household needs. If you prioritize convenience and versatility but can work around its limitations, the Instant Pot can be a game-changer in the kitchen.
Have you used an Instant Pot? Share your experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
