This should not be confused with a Pressure Canner |
A pressure cooker is a great way to get a meal fast and simply. There are a few brands on the market some doing more than others. I purchased an Instant Pot and have been pleased with it. It does many things so that goes a long way to justifying the amount of space it takes up on the counter top and storage wise. It will slow cook, and can be used as a rice cooker or steamer. So far I have just used it as a pressure cooker, but do intend to try some of the other settings.
This seems to have become very popular and there are now blogs devoted to using it and many recipes written for it. Amazon has been running it on sale quite often at a very good price. The company has also now come out with a smaller size than this which I have been looking at, not sure yet if I want one that small or not,
Some of the pros are:
- It will shut down and go into warm mode when it is done with the time you have programmed in.
- You do not have to stand and watch that it is holding the temperature needed to keep it at a safe heat level. I especially like this feature.
- More than one use for it as an appliance
- Frees up your stove burners for other items
- It is made in Canada and is good quality workmanship
Cons:
- Heavy to lift empty or full
- The silicone rings hold odors (You really need 2 rings one just for spicy foods)
- The manual that comes with it could be better
We think you may want to read this article about a consumer alert for Electric Pressure Cookers, especially the remedy suggested. We do not think this information will make us quit using our pressure cookers, but will make us aware of a potential safety problem.
CONSUMER ALERT: FOOD ERUPTS & BURNS AFTER PRESSURE LID IS REMOVED
Some posts with more instant pot recipes and cookbooks:
Instant Pot Wild Rice
Instant Pot Round Steak
Instant Pot Red Potatoes
Instant Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes
Instant Pot Pork Roast
Instant Pot Bean Soup
Instant Pot Cookbook Reviews
I was wondering about these. I couldn't decide like you if I wanted to take up the extra space or if it saved me any time.
ReplyDeleteI had used a stove top pressure cooker for years so was sure it would save me time and as I do not like slow cookers this is a much faster alternative for me. I do find that it pays for the space it occupies. Read some of the many blogs out there devoted to this appliance for the many ways to use it.
DeleteI've had one for a year now and love it. So many recipes online to play with. Everything has turned out great. Seven features in one kitchen tool. I've even made yogurt in mine. The seal in mine does smell like curry, but it does not impact the flavor of other foods that I cook. One of our favorites is making a large batch of steel cut oatmeal with cinnamon and apples to use for breakfast all week!
ReplyDeleteThat's good to know, I just bought another ring for non smelly foods as mine smelled so bad of garlic. I like mine a lot also though do wish they weren't quite so heavy. I like wild rice made in mine. The oatmeal is a great idea.
DeleteI have an Instant Pot that I have not steeled myself to use yet...can you share any links to blogs that are devoted to their use?
ReplyDeleteWendy, Just type Instant Pot blogs in the search box in your browser and it should bring up many. One I like is https://www.dadcooksdinner.com/instant-pot-frequently-asked-questions/ Nice blog for other recipes also.
DeleteDo steel yourself and use it, it is so simple and I think you will love it. Not at all like the pressure cooker our Mom used. Many more safety features and so easy to do you will wonder why you didn't try it sooner
DeleteThanks so much! I'll give it a whirl!
ReplyDeleteLove your posts and I look forward to more tips and recipes using your I.P. I got one year ago Christmas and have had fun learning all it can do. Mine didn't have the yogurt feature which I wish it did but still I think it is wonderful thing for those of us who love to cook!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your educational and encouraging blog.
Thanks for your nice comments. Mine doesn't have the yogurt feature either but I doubt that I would use it.
DeleteGlad to hear that you are enjoying using yours.