Are Instant Pots Easy To Use? A Comprehensive Kitchen Guide

Are instant pots easy to use? That’s a question I asked myself before purchasing one. After all, there are so many buttons and features on this amazing appliance; it can be a little daunting! Like all kitchen stuff, I welcomed the challenge. Yes, I had a couple of mishaps like trying to open it while it was still cooking, kinda felt like my food was locked in a vault (lost for all eternity).

It just hadn’t depressurized yet, apparently I had to read the manual instead of just winging it (who knew right!).

Hence, as someone who had to learn to use my multi-purpose pot akin to learning to row without a paddle, I thought I would streamline the process therefore read on for tips to help you navigate.

What is an instant pot and how does it work?

An instant pot is a multi-cooker that can be used for pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing and steaming. It has a stainless steel pot with a non-stick coating that is placed inside a pressure cooker and the pot is heated by an electric coil, which creates steam that cooks the food. It works by using steam and pressure to cook food; the steam that is created by the heated pot cooks the food, which is why it can be cooked so swiftly.

The pressure cooker part of the instant pot helps to keep the food moist and tender. The slow cooker function of the instant pot can be used to cook food over a longer period of time, which allows for more flavors to develop.

What are instant pots best for?

The instant pot can be a great addition to any kitchen; it is a versatile cooking appliance that can help you to make quick and easy meals, perfect for those who are looking for an easy way to cook healthy food. This multi-functioning cooker pot is great for cooking food at high-speed [1], and they can be used for a variety of different recipes i.e. soups, stews, rice, pasta, and beans. 

If you are looking for an appliance that can help you save time and money, then the instant pot is a great option.

Instant pot advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

• They can cook food fast and easily, perfect for those who are short on time.
• Are very versatile and can be used for a variety of different recipes.
• Can help you to save money as they are energy efficient.
• They are very easy to use, even for those who are not experienced in the kitchen.

Disadvantages

• Can be expensive, depending on the model that you purchase.
• They can be heavy and bulky, which can make them difficult to store.
• They require some time to learn how to use, so it is important to read the instructions before using them.

Instant pot vs. pressure cooker vs. slow cooker

1. An instant pot is a multi-cooker that can be used as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, and steamer.
2. A pressure cooker is a kitchen appliance that uses steam and pressure to cook food quickly.
3. A slow cooker is an appliance that cooks food slowly over a period of time.

The main difference between an instant pot and a pressure cooker is that an instant pot can be used as a slow cooker as well, while a pressure cooker can only be used to cook food speedily. The main difference between an instant pot and a slow cooker is that an instant pot can cook food in a flash, while a slow cooker takes longer to cook food.

Both the pressure cooker and the slow cooker have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the one that best suits your needs. If you are looking for an appliance that can help you save time and money, then the instant pot is a great option.

However, if you are looking for an appliance that will allow you to cook food slowly and develop more flavors, then the slow cooker is a better option. Which is better? This really depends on your needs and preferences.

How do you use the instant pot step by step?

Before we get to the steps there are different functions of your instant pot to understand; the pressure cooker function, slow cooker function, and the sauté function [2].

The pressure cooker function

This is the most common function used when cooking with the instant pot and this uses steam and pressure to cook food in no time.

The slow cooker function

This function is great for cooking food slowly over a period of time and this allows for more flavors to develop in the food.

The sauté function

This function is great for cooking food quickly and the pot will brown the food over the specified amount of time; you can open it and feast.

How to use an instant pot for the first time

1. Add the ingredients to the pot

This is the first step in using the instant pot, you will need to add all of the ingredients for your recipe to the pot (obviously because no food, no point).

2. Seal the lid

The next step is to seal the lid and make sure that the lid is on tight also that all of the valves are in the correct position.

3. Select the function

The next step is to select the desired function, you can choose between the pressure cooker, slow cooker, and sauté functions.

4. Set the time

The next step is to set the time i.e. select how long you want the pot to cook for.

5. Start the pot

The final step is to start the pot. Once you have selected all of the settings, you can start the pot and it will begin cooking.

6. Release the pressure

After the pot has finished cooking, you can release the pressure and open the lid for your feast.

Instant pot pressure valve up or down

There are two types of instant pots, those with a pressure valve and those without. If your instant pot has a pressure valve, you will need to set it to the correct position before cooking. The pressure valve should be in the up position when you are sealing the lid and once the pot has finished cooking, you can release the pressure by moving the valve to the down position.

If your instant pot does not have a pressure valve, you will not need to worry about this step. FYI that is steam so be VERY careful when handling, I usually use protection like a shield and maybe armor (kidding) more like oven mitts.

Instant pot cooking times cheat sheet

Here is a handy cheat sheet with cooking times for common ingredients from fresh and from frozen. As well as portion sizes that affect the instant pot cooking times and how much water to add.

Now that you know how to use the instant pot, you can cook any recipe that you desire – check out our recipes below for more ideas on what to make.

Easiest recipes for instant pot

Instant pot pasta

Ingredients

• 1 lb. (454 g) x pasta of your choice
• 3 cups (750 ml) x water
• 1 tsp (5 ml) x salt
• 1 tbsp. (15 ml) x olive oil
• 1 jar (24 oz./680 g) x pasta sauce
• 1 tsp x Italian herbs
• Optional
• 1/2 cup of red wine
• Optional toppings
• 1 cup x parmesan or 1 cup x gouda with paprika

Instructions

1. Add the pasta, water, salt, and olive oil to the pot
2. Seal the lid and set the timer for 5 minutes
3. When the timer goes off, quick release the pressure
4. Open the lid and add the pasta sauce as well as the herbs (if adding wine now is the time, or just drink it ha-ha)
5. Stir until the pasta is coated with the sauce
6. Serve with cheese toppings and paprika

Instant pot rice

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200 g) x rice
• 2 cups (470 ml) x water
• 1 tsp (5 ml) x salt
• 1 tbsp. (15 ml) x butter or olive oil
• Optional
• garlic flakes and onion flakes

Instructions

1. Add the rice, water, salt, and butter or olive oil to the pot
2. Seal the lid and set the timer for 12 minutes
3. When the timer goes off, quick release the pressure
4. Fluff the rice with a fork (if adding garlic flakes and onion flakes then add here); let it rest for 5min, then serve.

Instant pot braised brussels sprouts with lamb chops

Ingredients

• 1 lb. (454 g) x brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 1 lb. (454 g) x lamb chops
• 1 cup (240 ml) x chili beef broth
•  30 ml x balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) x salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) x black pepper
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) x olive oil
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) x chopped onion
• 3 cloves x garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp. x Jeera seeds
• 2tsp x chili flakes
• 1tsp x crushed mustard seeds
• 1tsp x sugar
• Optional extra
• 2 x medium jalapenos and 1 x small pepper
• Garnish with basil leaves 

Instructions

1. Add the onion, garlic, Jeera, chili flakes and mustard seeds (if adding jalapenos and small pepper now is the time) put it on sauté and brown
2. Once browned add lamb chops, salt and pepper and continue to sauté
3. Add brussels sprouts, beef broth and balsamic vinegar to the pot
4. Seal the lid and set the timer for 15 minutes
5. When the timer goes off, quick release the pressure
6. Serve with your favorite sides- we love steamed cauliflower

Instant pot sweet potatoes

Ingredients

• 4 large x sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup (240 ml) x water
• 1/4tsp (1.25 ml) x salt
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) x honey
• 1 tbsp. (15 ml) x butter
• 1 tsp (5 ml) x cinnamon

Instructions

1. Add the sweet potatoes, water, and salt to the pot
2. Seal the lid and set the timer for 15 minutes
3. When the timer goes off, quick release the pressure
4. Add the honey, butter, and cinnamon and mash the potatoes until desired consistency is reached
5. If these sweet potatoes do not tickle your fancy then there are other ways to have sweet potato.

As you can see, the instant pot is a very versatile kitchen appliance. It can be used to make a variety of recipes, from pasta dishes to rice. With a little practice, you will be an expert at using your instant pot in no time.

5 tips for using an instant pot

1. Be sure to add enough liquid when cooking with an instant pot. The minimum amount of liquid required is 1 cup (240 ml), but depending on the recipe, you may need more.
2. Cut ingredients into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
3. Use the sauté function to brown meat before cooking it under pressure as this will add flavor to your dish (I personally love doing this step with almost all my recipes)
4. When cooking rice or pasta, be sure to use the correct amount of water– the general rule is 2 cups (470 ml) of water for 1cup (200 g) of dry rice or pasta.
5. Let the pot release pressure naturally when cooking meats and vegetables and this will help prevent them from becoming overcooked.

FAQs – Are instant pots easy to use?

Summing it up

Now that I’ve experienced all of the amazing things an instant pot can do, I definitely think they’re worth the investment. In fact, I can’t imagine being without it as it is fast becoming my favorite kitchen paraphernalia 🙂  There have been many a morning when I woke up feeling like death, to the cacophony of my kids moaning and had to rush out the door in my pjs while drinking cold coffee.

The day usually goes downhill from there so having a way to cut down on food prep time is a blessing!

If you’re on the fence about getting one, hopefully this post has helped you make up your mind. Have you tried cooking with an instant pot? What are your favorite recipes? Let me know in the comments below!

If you interested in more recipes using an instant pot, check out: One-pot Spaghetti Bolognese recipe

Charlene Gallant

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Charlene is a lover of good food. She enjoys nothing more than cooking up a storm in the kitchen and sharing her favourite recipes with her readers. She also enjoys reading a good book.