Okay friends…today, I’m going to get all sorts of controversial.
Opinions will be strong.
Some of you will lose your tempers.
Everyone will be on one side or the other.
BUT after a year, I feel like it’s time to finally talk about it openly.
Are you ready?
I’m going to tell you my honest thoughts about both the slow cooker and the instant pot.
(Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeks!)
Just breathe, people. I really hope I don’t offend you. Hahaha!
Okay, about a year ago, I bought myself this…
…an Instant Pot.
I honest to goodness don’t think I’ve ever discussed a topic more on my blog than whether or not I should buy an Instant Pot. We beat the topic down over here until finally, I decided to bite the bullet and buy one (I bought THIS ONE).
Almost exactly one year ago today, I did an Instant Pot First Timers Review that you can read HERE. I go step by step through my first Instant Pot experience and explain my thoughts using it. Since then, I bet I’ve used it around 20 times, and now have a better handle on the whole Instant Pot craze…and today, I’m going to tell you my thoughts on it compared to my slow cooker. To be fair, I’ve used my Instant Pot about 20 times and my slow cooker about 2 million times, so clearly I have WAY more experience with one over the other. (Seriously, I’ve been using a slow cooker since I was like 10…so there is no way I could EVER put a number to the amount of times I’ve pulled it out…it would be INSANE!) That being said, when I was trying to decide if I was an Instant Pot person or not, I was looking for blog posts to spell it out for me, so hopefully, this can spell it out for many of you who are on the fence…
Hi, my name is Shay, and I am a slow cooker person.
(All of you Instant Pot people, don’t leave me…hang on just a minute!)
This last year, I’ve realized that the reason I am a “slow cooker person” is solely based on the time of day when I want to “mess” with dinner. Slow cooker people mess with dinner (a.k.a. put everything in their slow cooker) in the morning whereas Instant Pot people mess with dinner later in the day (late afternoon/early evening). I have more time in the morning than I do in the afternoon, I like the idea of leaving it and forgetting about it all day verses having to think about it when my kids get home from school, etc., so that makes the slow cooker a much better fit for my life. THAT BEING SAID, I have found that there are perks and advantages of the Instant Pot as well (which is why I still pull it out and use it!)…
INSTANT POT PERKS:
1: I pull the IP out mostly when I think I’m going to make something for dinner and then get lazy/distracted/run out of time/etc and instead of making it on the stovetop, I make it in the IP. For example, today’s recipe is a really easy Instant Pot Sausage, Peppers & Onions that I was going to make on the stove top, but my kids wanted to go out and play, so instead of standing there and babysitting it on the stove, I put it in the IP, set it, left it and went outside. Not having to babysit the stove is a huge perk to the IP!
2: It cuts down on the pots and pans that I use! Instead of having to get a pot out for multiple things, I can typically put it all in the IP (like you can add chicken and rice and they’ll pressurize together instead of cooking them separately). Plus, the IP allows you to sauté right inside the pot, so instead of having to sauté over the stove and transfer it, I can do it all in one thing.
So, there are some perks, but for me, there are also some negatives:
1: It’s harder to clean than my slow cooker. I use two different types of slow cookers. One I’ve had for 16 years and still use it all the time. It’s easy to clean out (just soap, water, rinse and dry) or I can use a slow cooker liner (sold where you buy baggies/foil/etc). My other one allows you to brown up things right inside the SC, and that rinses out really well too. The IP has multiple parts and a rubber ring that need to be cleaned, so even though it’s not complicated to clean it out, it just takes longer because there are more parts.
2: Most of the recipes I make in the IP can be made in the same amount of time on the stovetop (now, roasts and briskets cannot, but many of the jambalaya, pastas, chilis, etc can). I actually think many of the recipes can be made faster on the stove than in the IP.
3: It took me a long time to realize this next thing was true, but it is in fact the truth…the IP is not “instant”. By the time my pot comes up to the correct pressure, cooks and then de-pressurizes, even the easiest and fastest IP recipes can take almost an hour. For instance, today’s recipe only “cooks” for 10 minutes, but it will take you about 40 to make by the time the pot does everything it needs to do. I am probably super dumb for thinking this, but I thought the Instant Pot would be a little more “instant” than that.
Now, I get a lot of feedback from people when I tell them I’m not a huge IP fan that “but Shay, you can make a dozen eggs in 5 minutes!”, and I’ve tried this, but honestly, it takes longer than 5 minutes by the time the pot goes up to the right pressure, so I can also make it on the stove for the same amount of time or maybe even less???
So, the good old-fashioned slow cooker (a.k.a. crock pot) isn’t for everyone either! I know some of you have no time in the mornings and/or cannot keep food cooking because you’re gone long days (too long for the slow cooker), so for those of you who fall into that category, I can totally see where the IP saves the day. I am not giving up on my IP!! I still use it and plan on creating even more recipes with it because I know that for some of you, it really does help you out SO MUCH. If you haven’t made any of my IP recipes, try one of these…
Instant Pot Chicken Tetrazzini
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
and then today’s recipe…
…HERE.
If you’re looking for more Slow Cooker Recipes, I have like 5000 😉 . I even have…
…a slow cooker cookbook!!! Clearly, my heart belongs to the slow cooker 😉 . You can see all of my Slow Cooker Recipes HERE and then make sure you check out these…
…my BACK TO SCHOOL SLOW COOKER SUPPERS.
So, I would LOVE to hear from those of you who use both and why you use each one each time. I would love to know your secrets, tricks and tips for either the Instant Pot or the Slow Cooker! Please comment and share!! In the meantime, I hope you all have the best Wednesday!!! xo
Kari Norman says
I’m definitely a slow cooker girl! I tried using my instant pot once and kept getting an error message and the food burned. I tossed it and made something on the stove!
Sheaffer Sims says
I’ve never used an Instant Pot, but I’m totally on your side on this one from what I’ve heard! #crockpotsforever
Katie Mayer says
My crock pot is cracked and on it last leg. If I have to buy something new, and only want 1 appliance, should I get another slow cooker or an Instant Pot???
Heather says
Slow cooker!
Kelly says
Another slow cooker. This is exactly why we bought an IP (cracked crock pot) and it wasn’t a replacement. We had to get another slow cooker eventually anyways.
Anne says
Instant pot all the way. It has a slow cooker setting. I’ve used it and it works well IMO.
emily @ a little bit of emily says
I got an instant pot last year on Black Friday, and so far the only thing I have used it for is to do hard boiled eggs! I never quite mastered them on the stove, and I love how they come out perfectly each time with the instant pot. That being said, I do still want to use it for an actual recipe – maybe one day! But right now I am definitely still a crock pot girl.
Paula says
I agree 100%. I tried to love the IP, but my heart belongs to the slow cooker.
And you are right, it isn’t so instant. Lol ?
Kristin says
I’m with you… except for the hard boiled eggs! To me, it’s better than stovetop because it’s more set it and forget it while I run after my 2 year old. I don’t like to babysit the eggs on the stove! But, I’ve often “burned” things in the IP which just doesn’t happen IB the slow cooker.
Jessica C. says
I’m with you! Everyone tries to persuade me to get an instant pot, but it’s not for me. I like to come home and my food is ready. Like you said, it’s not instant! Most recipes take 30-40 minutes by the time it’s ready. By then it’s late and the last thing I want to do is cook after working and running kids around. I just want to scoop out dinner from my trusty crockpot and sit down to eat! I also use the slow cook liners that make clean up a breeze. I don’t have a lot of time in the morning either so I usually prep at night so I can throw everything in during the morning and head to work. I know my response is the not the norm. Thanks for coming out on our side! ?
Cheryl says
Amen, sister!! I’ve been saying all this about the IP for so long. I can make things faster on the stove or oven. Be careful though! Those who love their IP get a little worked up when you tell them you prefer the slow cooker. I’ve even tried to give mine away!
Katie Stewart says
Yes to all of it. We bought our Instant Pot last fall and have used it twice. I’ve been using a Ninja crock pot since 2013 and have never looked back. The stove top setting is so nice, and I feel like the Instant Pot put off a very peculiar smell as our food was cooking. I’ve heard others say the same thing! Crock pots for life!
Christine R says
Hi, my name is Christine and I’m a slow cooker person. I mess with my SC at night, put it in the fridge and start it in the morning as I head out the door. I was gifted an IP, it gets very little use at our house.
Julie C. says
I’m with you Shay…slow cooker girl here!!! I totally agree w/ you about how the IP is NOT instant. The first time I used it, I thought I did something wrong cuz it took SOOOO long. HAHAHA!!!! I do still pull my IP out from time to time, but DEF use the slow cooker more.
Nancie says
I got a instant pot last Christmas from my son. I thought it was going to be a snap with dinners. Well it didn’t come out like I thought. The pressure got out of control. What a mess to clean up. Since then I’ve only used it a few time. I love my slow cooker. You set and for get it!
Andrea says
I never bought an instant pop because I know in my heart I’m just a stovetop/slow cooker girl!
Kara says
Slow cooker girl here! The IP is a little unpredictable and that freaks me out?! Thanks for the honest review!
Mary Jean says
Now if you were to discuss the Slow Cooker (which I love) and the Air Fryer ( which I also love) it could get interesting! And talk about hard boiled eggs? They come out perfect in the air fryer!!
Mix and Match Mama says
You just blew my mind. WHAT? Really?
Vicki Shackelford says
What waaaaaaa- eggs in the air fryer? Tell us more!
Emily says
I rarely use either. I have one recipe I make in the IP, short ribs, and while it isn’t fast it does cut down on time from traditional stove to oven method. One recipe I make in the crockpot is a turkey, and that is about it. Occasionally I’ll make a soup or chili but I’m just not an IP or slow cooker person.
Emily King says
I’d love this recipe! We had short ribs last week and they were delicious but took forever.
Emily says
This is my short rib recipe. I like to get the boneless ones from Costco, but have done bone in too. I think I upped my cooking time to 1:15. I have done all the browning ahead of time to save time later. These have never failed me though.
https://itallstartedwithmacandcheese.wordpress.com/2018/03/07/instant-pot-short-ribs/
Ashley B says
The slow cooker is for me. I love that I can throw it all together in the morning and leave it for the day. When I get home from work, dinner is ready. To be fair, I’ve never tried the IP.
Amy says
I’m with you. One thing about the IP that I haven’t Gotten the hang of is cook time. I’m confident in my slow cooker cook times but am always nervous I didn’t cook long enough in IP. I’m a slow cooker girl all the way.
Beth Miller says
I haven’t used my slow cooker in years since getting an IP! I feel like the IP gives a much richer flavor to foods bc of the pressure. Foods in the SC seem to all taste the same and cooked to death. I love being able to walk away after the IP has been set!
Carrie says
100% agree!!
Mary says
Hear! Hear!
Most food in the slow cooker, especially if using chicken, only needs 4-5 hours to cook and then gets nasty. How do all these people start it in the morning, at what 7am?, and then eat it 12 hours later? No thanks! I like my food to taste good and not just fill my belly.
Abbey says
I feel the same way about the IP. It is great for others but not for me or my lifestyle for all the same reasons you voiced/typed. I will tell you that the air fryer is quickly becoming a favorite right along with my slow cooker.
Beth Knecht says
Yes! I totally agree that I thought the Instant Pot would provide food quicker than it does! I will say that I love cooking chili in it because I don’t have to stand there and stir it. I’m with you-I like my slow cooker better!
Sara Roberts says
So maybe a dumb question, but do you ever use the IP on the slow cooker setting? How do you think that compares to an actual slow cooker (crock pot)?
Mix and Match Mama says
Great question and I haven’t! I always just pull out my slow cooker for slow cooking.
Kristen says
I love both the IP and the slow cooker. However, I think you are exactly right that it comes down to whether you’re a morning person or not! I am most definitely not–too much in a rush to get out the door in the morning and I have time about 2 hours before I want dinner ready on school days. I use my IP more on weekdays, but the slow cooker on weekends when I have time in the morning to get it all together. It is okay to be a fan of both?! 🙂 Excited to go through some more of your recipes!
Elizabeth says
I wish the instant pot had a better name because I kept expecting meals to be ready in 10 min or whatever the recipe said it would take to cook. So wrong. I do like to use it in the afternoons because i typically have more time than in the mornings but I still can’t get rid of my slow cooker
Amy Heinl says
I am definitely a slow cooker person. I actually debated getting an instant pot but before I did I spent sometime with my girlfriend who lives by her instant pot. She loves it because she can throw frozen meat in., etc and tends to do dinner more on the spur of the moment. For me I love my slow cooker. Put it on right before I leave for work and come home 8 hours later and dinner is done. I can eat and then be done with it and just relax and enjoy the day
Sammy says
Forget the instant pot, you need an air fryer! Instead of turning on the oven or cooking food in oil, you “fry” it in the basket. I used Gina Homolka’s Skinny Taste fast and slow (any oven meal I subbed the air fryer) as well as her air fryer cookbooks for ideas to get me started. When you make chicken breasts with any sort of panko/ breadcrumbs/ topping it turns out perfect!
Mix and Match Mama says
Okay, we have one of those too! Andrew uses it every single day for his lunch. My only question though is that his basket isn’t very big. I don’t think I could do an entire meal for the six of us in it. What do you think?
lilly says
Breville the smart oven has an air fryer function that is fantastic. Actually, it is 10 cooking functions in one. I bought it 2 years ago and we use it almost every day from heating, baking, pizza, air fry, toast, slow cooker,etc. Even my pre teens know how to use it.
https://www.amazon.com/Breville-BOV845BSS-Element-Convection-
Cheryl says
I have a large air fryer and it still isn’t large enough for our family of four. I have to cook the food in stages and it takes a while. Everytime I make something in it I vow to just use the oven next time. However, I use it more than the Instant Pot!
Lori says
We have both in our house & I favor the SC. Do you notice that the rubber ring on the IP “smells”? I have tried soaking it & would love any ideas on how to get rid of the smell. It’s mainly after cooking beef.
Mix and Match Mama says
That’s why I clean it after each use. Another reader just commented that I should buy more rings to use!
Danya says
The only thing that works for me is washing it with soapy water then let dry out in the sun for a few hours. Works perfectly!
Emily says
I’ve been told to have a different ring for what you’re making – beef, rice, sweet
I also wash and dry my ring and then keep it in a ziplock of baking soda. Nit sure why but I read it somewhere. Still smells like beef but so far that’s he only thing I make ?
Ahna @ Hammers N Hugs says
Nothing like a controversial cooking conversation to start the day! Would have to agree my heart lies with the slow cooker. Specifically, slow cooker freezer meals. LIFE CHANGING. I have been freezing slow cooker meals for years. I only have a couple of the recipes on my blog and need to get more on, but one that is up is an overnight egg casserole slow cooker recipe that is a go to for overnight guests because I throw it all in the night before and it is ready to serve in the morning! It’s not the 5 minute turn around of the InstaPot, but it is hard to beat cooking while you sleep.
Abby Slaton says
I’m with you! I like to have dinner done before the craziness of kid activities in the afternoons so I LOvE my crock pot.
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
I really like a slow cooker but in all fairness I haven’t tried the instant pot. I think I’ll put it on my upcoming wedding registry and if I get it I get it but if not I’m not going to be upset.
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Mama V says
Shay, you are SPOT ON! I thought it was only me, but I much prefer my slow cooker to my insta pot – I actually just gave mine away – much less guilt now that I don’t have to look at it any longer!
Dana says
I’m right there with you, Shay. French women use pressure cookers and not slow cookers and I’ve tried so hard, but the slow cooker wins every time!
Angie says
I am a slow cooker girl too! 🙂
Melissa C says
Although I like the IP better for a few things, I am definitely in agreement with your thoughts. I think you get better flavor and better food consistency with the slow cooker! I do wish you didn’t recommend the plastic liners for the slow cooker with your recipes though. The SC has a nonstick coating on it that makes clean up a breeze and I think it is so bad for the environment and our bodies to use the plastic liners.
Angela Ellingson says
I got an IP on Prime Day and have yet to use it. It’s intimidating. I’ll have to go back and re-read your first timer’s review.
Carrie says
Honestly, I would say you need more practice with the IP but to each their own. I find more food goes wrong in my SC but I am out of the house longer. I love being able to cook from frozen in the IP which you should not do in the SC( I know people do but it is actually not safe at all for meat). To me, cleaning my IP is really easy but I certainly don’t clean the ring after each use. I have extra rings so that helps but I find I barely use the extras. The only advantage of the hard boiled eggs in the IP is that they usually don’t break. But I do agree on that one. Sweet potatoes steamed in the IP are beyond amazing. We are BIG veggie eaters so I really do find I use it a lot for those things. Keep in mind that the IP is also a SC. Lately the most I use my SC for is keeping food warm for my husband on days that we eat early due to swim practice. Soups 100% take a 1/4 of the time in the IP then the SC and taste like they have been simmering all day.
Jen says
Same and for the exact same reasons. Late afternoon when we have activities and the house is chaos? That is NOT the time I want to be preparing anything! Let me do it in the morning when the house is calm. Slow cooker for me too!
Stephane S says
I prefer a slow cooker too. I am in need of a new one. Do you have a recommendation on a brand/model?
Mix and Match Mama says
I love mine! It’s the All Clad from Williams Sonoma. I linked it in the post if you want to look at it. It’s on sale!
Cheryl says
Shay, how long have you owned your All Clad slow cooker? The reviews on William Sonoma are incredibly mixed and seems that many reviews within the last 2-3 years have countless complaints about it failing to work after a while. It’s so beautiful that I want to buy one but I’m hesitant to invest!
Mix and Match Mama says
Like 6 years! A very long time. I love it! My mom and Erika loves theirs too!
Lisa N says
Amen!
Tricia says
I often use my IP as a slow cooker – one of the biggest benefits to me is being able to brown in there directly (I can’t do that in my slow cooker, and I’m all about saving a pan!). That said, the #1 thing I use it for is chicken – I can throw a whole chicken in there and an hour later it’s done. I LOVE that for meal prep. Other than that… I agree, it’s not THAT much faster than stove top! That said, if someone was debating between buying a slow cooker or an IP for the first time, I’d probably suggest IP because it’s a 2 in 1! Love your slow cooker recipes, Shay!
Kate says
I love my IP although I was too intimidated to use it for about 5 months! I don’t use it all the time but I’ve found some tried and true recipes that I love that really are about 30 min start to finish. I’ve also found that for chicken recipes, it’s so much juicer and more perfectly cooked…I can’t stand dry chicken and feel like that’s sometimes the result from a slow cooker. I don’t know if you’re interested in recipes but these 3 are on a constant rotation and truly pretty quick!
https://www.thereciperebel.com/instant-pot-pork-tenderloin-garlic-herb-rub/
https://www.yayforfood.com/recipes/instant-pot-lemon-pepper-orzo-chicken/
https://temeculablogs.com/instant-pot-chicken-parmesan-casserole/
Mother of 3 says
I am so much more a slow cooker gal and I didn’t even buy an insta-pot– after reading many recipes and reviews I did think that many of the recipes seemed like they cooked faster on the stove or oven and I too am much more likely to fuss with dinner in the morning than later in the afternoon. Plus I read a few reviews about mold and that rubber seal letting go that just kind of icked me right out.
Allison says
I’m definitely more of a slow cooker girl than instant pot, but I love my instant pot for hard boiled eggs (they peel so much better), rice, quick shredded chicken, and vegetable/bone broths.
Jenn says
TEAM SLOW COOKER! We have the exact same feels. I feel like the slow cooker is so much lower maintenance! Also nearly everything that comes out of it is comfort food so it will always have my heart. Also when in doubt, always go with the one that screams “FALL”. ?
Jenn says
But the slow cooker killed Jack Pearson… so maybe I’m back on the fence ?
Mix and Match Mama says
I just LOL!!!
CATHY Boulanger says
If you are home – the slow cooker is great. But most people work outside the home and can’t leave meat in a slow cooker ready to start in the middle of thd day. If you start your slow cooker at 8:00 a.m. when you leave in the morning – most meals are way over done by the time you return home at 4:00 p.m. My slow cooker does have a automatic timer – but I am not leaving meat out of the fridge for hours before the slow cooker starts. The instant pot can have week days meals ready so quickly.
Mix and Match Mama says
I leave my food cooking in the slow cooker (especially roasts, pork and brisket) 10 hours!
Katie says
Does your slow cooker automatically turn to the warm setting after the cooking time is over? I work outside the home too and this has been amazing for not overcooking our food.
Mix and Match Mama says
My All Clad does. My oldie one does not.
Carrie says
I agree and even when it switches to warm, the meat can be really dried out. Whole chickens, chicken breasts, ground turkey, tenderloins all get super dried out if you leave them that long. We don’t eat beef or any fatty meats and often cook plant based so maybe that is the reason. The only things I can leave all day are chili and some soups like taco soup.
Liliane Dunham says
I also am a slow cooker girl…I bought an instant pot and used it once and sent it right back…too messy with the steam, not as quick as it says, more cumbersome then the slow cooker. Definitely not for me as well.
I love my slow cooker liners as well.
Heidi menges says
I use my instant pot as a slow cooker. I don’t like multiple appliances that do the same thing. So it’s cool as an instant pot but great as a slow cooker as well.
Michelle says
I’m a slow cooker girl all the way! By the time I get home from work, my family is ready to eat! So I need something that is ready when we are!
DONELLA G DULWORTH says
I am a slow cooker gal too!
Katherine Darlington says
I’m more of a slow cooker person too and I actually use the IP as a slow cooker sometimes. I do like it that I can use the IP to get chicken ready to shred pretty fast.
Tanya says
YES to the slow cooker! I never bought an IP because of all the reasons you listed. It seemed like a big hassle, and such a large appliance to store. Thanks for the review!
Laura B says
I have had my Instant Pot about 9 months and have used it maybe 10 times. I am definitely a slow cooker girl. Most of the recipes I have tried either take longer than the stove as you mentioned, are bland, have a weird texture, or just didn’t work. The only exception to that is the cheesecake. It makes an excellent cheesecake! Quick? No. Tasty? Yes!
Amy says
Team slow cooker for sure!! I think the biggest thing for me as well is that I have more time in the morning to setup my slow cooker and get the meal started plus the instant pot scares me lol.
Julie says
Love my slow cooker. Tried the instant pot and returned it. I found it just wasn’t for me. However, I’ve recently discovered the air fryer after reading your husband’s post and all I can say is WOW! Definitely worth a look. Of course there are some things like chicken and stews that I will always use my slow cooker to make. Hands down best kitchen appliance in my opinion. Thanks for always sharing your recipes Shay!!! Maybe some air fryer ones soon??
Tina says
Julie, I would love to know what you cook in your air fryer! I got one for Christmas and have used it once. I made chicken strips but didn’t love them. I really want to use it though! Shay, maybe you could get one and create some ideas for us!☺️
Julie says
Hi Tina,
So far I’ve cooked beef sliders, hot dogs, small steaks, and chicken in the air fryer. I basically google for recipe ideas, temperatures, and times. My air fryer came with a little recipe book with times and temperatures so I’ve used that too. I keep it very basic but so far everything came out really great and really quick. I still prefer my chicken in the crockpot but everything else was really delicious. Hope this helps. 🙂
Jenny says
I bought a brand new IP at a garage sale a couple of months ago for $15. I haven’t used it yet, because I am so intimidated! It didn’t come with directions. ? Love my crockpot though!
Denise Mathews says
I bought an Instant Pot after your blog post. I do find it confusing and frustrating, however, I do use it a few times a month to hard boil eggs – the nice thing is they come out great even when I forget them in there for a while. I eat way more eggs on salads now 🙂
Tina says
I’m with you! As a homeschool mom, I’d much rather throw it in the crockpot in the morning and forget about it. Our evenings tend to be chaotic. However, if I was to go back to working outside the home, I would for sure need an instant pot. Crockpot recipes were impossible when I wasn’t working from home. — I will say that I’m also a little afraid of the instant pot. Like, afraid it will hurt me.??
Deej says
Uh I thought the same thing – I thought instant meant INSTANT! LOL. I do not hate my IP, but the slow cooker is totally easier to use and I’d rather set it and forget 😉 The only time my IP was amazing was when we did a whole roast beef dinner in one hour and it tasted like it was roasting all day.
Lindsay Love says
You summed up exactly how I feel on the matter! There is nothing “instant” about the IP and that was so disappointing. Now we only use it for hard boiled eggs so I refer to it as our $80 egg cooker 🙂 Team slow cooker! #lowandslow
Sharon says
I’m a crockpot girl too! I bought an Instant Pot during prime days and it is still just sitting in the box (same as my air fryer!)…
Angie says
Hello! That crockpot doesn’t get great reviews….have you had any issues? I really want it, but I’m a review reader, so nervous to spend that kind of money on a crockpot.
Mix and Match Mama says
I’ve had mine for several years (maybe 6???) and haven’t had a single problem. I love it so much!!
Amanda says
I’m waiting for you to branch into a sous vide. My neighbor swears by it but I’m intimidated. Would love to see some recipes you might recommend using that method. ?
Leah R says
You are SO right. People who want to prepare food in the morning are SC people…so that puts me in the SC category! I also love the feeling of walking in the door after work and smelling the food in my SC and knowing dinner is DONE!
Brooke says
I don’t have an instant pot but it sounds like more trouble than it is worth. I can’t get over it not really being “instant”.
I don’t turn on my slower cooker when I leave the house in the morning because that would usually end up being too long to cook. I prep the night before and put it in the refrigerator. Then I get it out when I come home for lunch and turn it on. I know that is not an option for everyone.
I would be interested in what you would have to say about an air fryer. Recipes would be great too! I bought one recently and like it so far. I got a larger one so I can cook more at a time. It actually cooks a lot of food.
Rachel C says
I feel so sorry for all y’all who are still on team SC and haven’t given yourselves a chance to fully discover the magic of the instant pot. I used to use my SC all the time and most things other than soups came out mushy and sad. For me the main advantages to the IP are cooking things from frozen (as noted in a comment above, it’s not actually safe to do that with the SC), and hands-off cooking. It’s awesome for grains that would otherwise need a lot of stovetop time (steel cut oats, brown rice). Eggs are the same amount of time as stovetop, but they peel SO EASILY compared to stovetop. I also have a rotation of easy meals I make. I love that I can throw everything in, set it, and walk away to play with my kids or do other things that need done. Seriously y’all—you don’t know what you’re missing!
Lisa says
I’m team slow cooker! I have an IP for sale if anyone is interested, used twice to destroy two meals.
KayLynn Stone says
I bought an IP once, used it once and it always smelled like the very 1st thing cooked in it no matter how often it was totally cleaned. When my ex and I split I took the slow cooker and left him that stupid contraption.
Melissa says
I haven’t wanted to buy one, but the instant pot seems like such a cooking trend. I wonder if anyone will use one 10 years from now. Do you have an air fryer? I would love to hear what you like to cook with one of those.
marianne says
Yea I don’t understand the Instant Pot hype. It is not instant at all. By the time it does it’s thing and then cools back down so you can open it, I could have just cooked on the stove top.
Sheila says
On the fence! From a health perspective …
Does the IP allow the same depth of flavor to develop as cooking for longer periods of time creates?
I imagine the IP retains a higher percentage of nutrients compared to a lengthy cooking process?
Brooke Richardson says
I’m just glad I never bought an IP. I’ve been so close several times! Slow Cooker gal here 🙂
Shawn S says
I do have an IP and same as you, I thought– it’s not Instant! I’ll forever be a slow cooker girl!
Tracy says
If I had to choose, I’d also choose my slow cooker. But you know what I like better than both of those? My air fryer!
Sara says
I use and love both. But since I work outside the home, it is so great to be able to throw things in the IP, let it do its thing, and help the kids with homework, prep for the next day, search for practice equipment, etc. When I am stuck at the stove, I find that I snap at them a lot more. I find that too many things are mush in our SC if they cook for the 10-11 hours we are gone all day. So I use it for our winners and use the IP for others. It’s a balance.
Danette says
Love making mashed potatoes in my instant pot. It’s so handy to do everything in the one pot. I would say I use my IP way more than my CP mostly because I have more time to cook in the evenings. But both are great.
Brea says
I was under the impression the instant pot was quicker. Thanks for clarifying. I have the slow cooker and use it often. Have you ever heard of a air fryer? We do not eat much fried food but the kiddos sometimes like chicken nuggets and heard it cooks bacon well, too. I do not have one but wasn’t sure your take on that?
Mix and Match Mama says
We have one! Andrew literally has it going right this second for his lunch. I haven’t played around with it much though.
Laci says
I agree with EVERYTHING you just said! I love my slow cooker and like my IP…I do not have much time at all in the evenings so my slow cooker wins.
Jennifer Maynard says
I love my slow cooker and I too have had mine for 18 years almost. It is still going strong! I have apricot chicken in it today. Like you have more time in the morning to get stuff done and I am just exhausted by the end of the day so don’t feel like getting something else out.
Jennifer says
I agree with you 100%!!!! Team slow cooker over here. I really wanted to love my insta pot but it’s more work. I have mine away ?
Shirley says
Thank you for this comparison. I’ve been on the fence about getting an IP and after reading your opinions, I know I’m a slow cooker girl, for sure. You saved me from a needless purchase.
Amanda Farris says
I have an off brand instapot that I got early this spring. not all my meals can be made in a crock pot (because I also love mine!) and while we have a busy family life after school (dance and wrestling/baseball) it’s nice to have the instapot make the spaghetti for dinner while I’m changing out of work clothes, as well as the kids changing, maybe finishing homework that needs to get done, OR folding a load of laundry in the 10 minutes I have before we leave. with the instapot I can leave that spaghetti to cook for it’s 15-20 minutes (start to finish) and not have to worry about coming back to stir anything. but really, my air fryer gets WAY more attention than almost anything else in our kitchen! 😛
Marisa says
Funny that you would post about this today…I have been feeling so much anxiety around using my IP! I have had it for almost 2 years now and have only used it 3 times 🙁 Twice I did the eggs and once I tried to make a chicken dish that was a total bomb. The instructions were not clear and since it seems there are different settings on each of the IP’s, I was not able to replicate exactly (at least I was too dumb to figure it out). I have always used a CrockPot or my Ninja slow cooker as they are so easy to use. I really want the versatility in how I prepare dinner since my schedule can be sporadic but I feel like I need “professional” help to figure out how to use my IP…lol
Kim S says
I love both! We use our slow cooker on the weekends and the instant pot on the weekdays. My husband and I both work full time out of the home and the Instant pot is great for weekday dinners. You are correct that it’s not really instant, but I love that I can throw everything in the pot, set it and forgot about it. We can even have it cook dinner while we pick up kids from sports practice. Plus you can put frozen meat in it – for me that was a game changer!
Kelly Henderson says
I use both but tend to use our IP more, the initial intimidation factor was a huge deterrent for me. IP makes the best rice, it’s perfect every.single.time! I also converted my potato soup recipe to IP, it’s not shorter than stove top but I don’t have to babysit it to keep it from scorching. I feel like I am gone too long for SC as most recipes are 6-8 hours but I have a few tried and true SC meals: roast and bbq pork, most chicken disintegrates if cooked longer than 4 hours. When we do use SC recipes, I prep the night before or use it on the weekend. IP allows me to cook at night, I will say I limit my weekend cooking to 30-45 minutes start to finish. If it’s any longer, it’s a weekend meal. We just don’t have time for 60+ minute meal prep on a weeknight.
Sonia says
Have you tried the slow cooker function on the instant pot? I made the same recipe in my slow cooker and instant pot and it worked equally as well, and like you said, the instant pot is a little easier to clean. I bought the glass “slow cooker” lid for my instant pot so that I could store my slow cooker at my in laws (we have an apartment so just having one device is easier), and that might be a great option for you as well, especially for dishes that are a pain to clean out of your slow cooker!
Lauren says
This is so me! I had really hoped the IP would be a game changer like everyone says. I’ve only used it a handful of times, because it really wasn’t faster. Getting ready to pull out my slow cooker more as school starts next week.
Rochelle Townsend says
OMG! YES!! I haven’t bought into the whole IP craze because I thought “I can do all of that in my crock pot” – and your post just validated as to why I haven’t bought an IP yet. Thank you!!! Because I thought I was the only loser who didn’t own an IP – I didn’t think I’d use it more than my crock pot and it’d be another kitchen gadget that would just take up space. So thank you for this!!
Jen says
I think the IP can work really well for people who work out of the home, who leave earlier and return home at dinner time. I have a friend who swears by hers! She uses it all the time! I on the other hand work from home…honestly, I enjoy the smells of my slow cooker more then anything (especially in the Fall/Winter), I also love knowing that dinner is taken care of first thing in the morning. I bought the CrockPot brand of IP, so it does both. Cooks super slow or quick if I’m in a pinch and need dinner done fast!
Tamra says
#teamcrockpot
Meredith Russell says
I love both equally and probably use them equally. I love the sauté function on the IP. I also use the IP to make my own yogurt which I love much better than store bought! It does take a little longer to cook in the IP than I thought it would but not really that much longer. Plus you can release the steam yourself instead of waiting for the natural release. I’ve got a lot of great recipes for it but, again, I still use my SC too.
Julie says
I agree with you completely that its all comes down to scheduling. I have flexible work hours so for me, I love setting up my slow cooker when I have more time in the early afternoon while the kids are at school. Then when they get home and ALL the madness starts, I don’t have to even think about dinner. I agree that if I’m going to spend an hour on dinner around 5pm, I’d rather just use the stove top than the IP! Thanks for all this information-you saved me $ from not buying the IP. Next I have to tackle blenders! I’m reluctant to go all out on vitamix, wonder what others like?
Jeanelle says
You know what? I love both. They both have their strengths and benefits and they both have things that annoy me. I work outside the home so I’m gone from like 6:30-4:30 every day. I can’t put chicken in the slow cooker when I leave in the AM because it will be close to burned when I get home (even if it switches to warm – maybe I need a better slow cooker?) so I only do meals in it on weekends. I love the IP for certain things like cooking frozen chicken breasts and having them be perfect for shredding or chopping in about 20 minutes. But agree with you that the IP is not perfect either. But I love that both give me options for dinner so I’m team both forever!
Corbie says
Great post! I am an IP person for two reasons. 1. I don’t like my house smelling like my dinner all day and then lingering the next day. 2. For some reason my family automatically dislikes any dinner if they hear it was slow cooked before they even taste it but if I tell them I cooked it in the IP they are expectantly hungry and pleased. I HAVE NO IDEA WHY!
Good point about mornings/early evening too. I am way busier in the mornings and early evenings are perfect for me for prep and cooking- I had never thought about that.
Louisa Whitmire says
I like both but don’t use either as often as I would like to because my mornings are rushed, we are gone longer than 8 hours each day and I don’t want to leave a slow cooker plugged in that long and then night time I don’t feel like fooling with an appliance (because it is not instant!). I mostly use mine on the weekends and cook our meals for the week when I have more time.
Thanks for your review and your recipes!
Victory Moreno says
My husband and I are gone about 12 hours a day for work and then workout after so when I use my crockpot I cook the meal overnight at about 9 pm and let it cook until I wake up for work about 5:30 am. In the morning I just put it in the fridge and then we just microwave our portions up that evening when we’re ready to eat.
Arizona says
I know Andrew eats super healthy but I would love a post on his “clean” chicken meal every day, using the air fryer. Trying to lose a kg or 2 so looking for easy, healthy recipes.
Mix and Match Mama says
He sticks it in there at like 400 for 22 minutes with a little EVOO and a pinch of a seasoning blend (can’t think of it off the top of my head). That’s it!
Kristy says
Thanks for This post! It helped me confirm my decision to purchase an IP or not. Sticking to my slow cooker!
Melanie says
Thanks for all the good info. I just love my crock pot and will probably never purchase an IP. I saw this on FB the other day and it made me laugh, “Never underestimate a woman with a crock pot and a can of cream of something soup!” I would also like to mention something to your readers: If you have followed Shay for awhile, you know she is very generous about sharing her recipes online. But, her cookbooks are such a joy to own. They are easy to follow and fun to look at. They are good quality books and very handy to have around. I highly recommend getting one (or more) if you haven’t, yet. P.S. Shay did not ask me to say this, LOL.
Mix and Match Mama says
Bahahaha! YES!!!
WhittyWife says
Thank you for helping me make up my mind on the IP! Clearly I’m just a slow cooker girl. ?
Ronda Petrin says
Have you had any experience with an Air Fryer?
Julie says
Totally Agree with you! I have said the same thing about the length of time it takes to come to pressure…I am like COME ON! lol! I love my slow cooker and the IP can go..bye Felicia.
Amanda says
100% with you and you actually hit the nail on the head that I’d never thought of: I want to mess with the food stuff in the morning. If I wait until supper time, I’d rather just cook whatever it is and not fuss with the IP. Mine is taking up valuable shelf space in my pantry and I’m really close to just giving it away.
Sarah J Smith says
Sometimes I prep the IP meal the night before or in the morning and then refrigerate it in the pot. Then when I get home from work I dump in the liquid and start it up. It saves a little time and we still have a decent dinner in an hour without using the oven.
Carrissa Brown says
Yes! I resonate so much with your 3rd point about it actually taking longer than 5 minutes! I got so frustrated my first time using it to make a soup that should have taken 7 minutes but really it took me 40…. I thought for sure I was doing it wrong. Very misleading! However, there are certain throw it all in pasta recipes that I love and amazed at how perfect the pasta is cooked. Also cooking chicken and rice together is amazing! Definitely has pros and cons!
Shirley says
I am a slow cooker gal 100%! I use mine ALL THE TIME. My husband’s mother used an old-fashioned pressure cooker when he was growing up so (against my wishes and fervent pleas) he insisted on putting one on our wedding registry. I was scared to death of it! Fast forward 17 years later and that pressure cooker was still sitting unopened and unused when our house fire destroyed it (and everything else). I did not replace it! HOWEVER, during the week right now, my husband works and lives two hours away. On a whim, he bought an Instant Pot during a massive sale online. He LOVES it!! Granted, he has only cooked a few things in it and his weekly specialty is a beef roast and potatoes, but friends, I would have to say it was worth it to him to buy it as he finds it super easy to throw ingredients in when he gets home from work and an hour or so later, he has a nice meal. I’m not sure I ever would have guessed him to be an Instant Pot guy, but there you are! (He’s an awesome grill master but really doesn’t like to cook otherwise).
Lisa C in Dallas says
There are many recipes that can be made on the stove much faster than in the crockpot but timing is always a factor. Walking into the kitchen and being greeted by a crockpot smell is a perk. I am a crockpot gal over an IP but many times the stove wins out.
Anna Twedt says
Thank you!! I’m a slow cooker girl myself! I tried the instant pot once…and felt the same thing…there are so many steps and it takes so long to get up to pressure, that I could do it faster with stove/oven. What two slow cookers do you use?
Colleen says
Agree with you! We tried the instapot but ended up giving it to a friend. Slow cooker all the way. I like being able to check off dinner in my mind early and let the slow cooker work it’s magic. THe intense steam from the instapot always made me nervous too.
Jessica says
Not a question about the SC or the IP but was wondering if you guys ever have quick meals like frozen pizza or just a plain o’l sandwich? I ususally dont get home til 630 at night and sometimes I dont like cooking anything so ill put a pizza in the oven. Do you ever do that?
Mix and Match Mama says
Sometimes I go super easy! We love Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken and Vegetable Fried Rice for those kinds of nights!!
Amanda says
Another slow cooker fan here! I’ve already used mine 3 days this week (and all your recipes ?)
I find the instant pot takes too long and while the slow cooker can be pretty hard to mess up, any mistakes with the IP are a wasted meal. I’ve made a few recipes but my IP is pretty much a glorified egg cooker.
Jill says
You speak the truth 🙂 Team slow cooker over here!
Jen says
I have to say I do like both of mine for different reasons, but y’all have to try this recipe in the instant pot. It is life changing! So delicious! https://www.happyfoodstube.com/instant-pot-chicken-piccata/
Elyse says
I vote for you to try out the air fryer! I would love to know your review/thoughts after trying using it. 🙂
kelly ward says
just broken my crockpot!! which do you recommend? had this one over 20 years!
thanks
Mix and Match Mama says
I love the All Clad from Williams Sonoma!
Connie says
Yes, slow cooker for me too! IP seems to be too much much to deal with. I have all of your cookbooks! I even checked Amazon yesterday to see if you have a new one about to come out this Fall. ?
Lindsay D. says
I 100% agree with your comments!! I received an instant pot a couple of years ago as a gift. I thought it would be great, but then found out it wasn’t as instant as I thought it would be. I’ve used it a handful of times since I’ve received it. I would just rather cook on the stove or use my slow cooker. 🙂
Anita says
I run a Breastfeeding Support group, and we have had this discussion many times. I’m totally a slow cooker person. Like you, I like to do things early in the day. I work out starting at 04-something every morning, I clean early in the morning, etc. I’m a morning person…I want to prep it and forget about it. I also want to enjoy the yummy smells throughout the day (especially when it’s cold out, and some beef and vegees are wafting their yummy scents into the entire house). I used my instant pot once. I should just get rid of it.
Stephanie says
I have both and was a slow cooker girl all the way until I got the IP. Maybe my slow cooker isn’t up to par with the WS one, but I find that the recipes that are made in the IP are so much better and tastier! So far I’ve made probably 10 different recipes and they’ve all been delicious. The recipes that come out of the slow cooker just aren’t as good as the same ones I’ve made in the IP.
Allison DeBoer says
Are you going to do any instant pot recipes in cook book form? I am for sure a slow cooker girl at heart too but hate to see my instant pot sit in to cupboard forever!
Jordan says
I have the crockpot version of the instapot and you can use it both ways! Best of both worlds!!
Suzannah says
Yes! If space is important (and in my tiny NYC kitchen, it is), the IP does so many jobs, including slow cooking, rice, and sautéing, it is the best for space considerations since you don’t need separate appliances for each job.
Beth says
I totally came here just for the comments!
I must say this post helps me articulate feelings I have been having. I’ve had several people ask me if I have an Instant Pot or question why I don’t have one yet. I usually just say, “I don’t know why, but I don’t want one.” That is usually followed with gasps, stares and maybe even a judgmental look! Ha! I know my slow cooker, I love it and I don’t really want ANOTHER appliance in my kitchen that has limited storage space. So yeah, there, I’ll say it now: #TeamSlowCooker
Jennifer says
I stopped reading when you said you’re still a slow cooker girl!! I took my sister’s Instant Pot from her a year & a half ago thinking I’d use it then teach her & make her life easier! It is way too intimidating & now her Pot is sitting in my garage- dusty.
Erin says
I’m….both? Totally depends on my day. If I am making a pulled meat I use the IP, 100% because I like to sauté, then cook. If I’m making something and only have time in the morning, slow cooker it is. I cook different foods in my IP that I think get soggy in the SC. I need both in my life!
Erin says
Slow cooker. Done. And yes I have your cookbook Simmers and yes it is perfect
Mix and Match Mama says
Awe! Thank you!!!!
Aimee says
I am actually relieved that you shared your opinion. I am a slow cooker person as well. The insta pot just overwhelms me. I know this is a personal preference. I tend to like simple things in general (because I feel like my life is complicated enough with a husband that is always working or travelling and 2 kids in grade school) so I am letting go of the idea that I need to convert to the instapot. I am just gonna save my energy for other things 🙂
Meredith says
I have both but have not used my slow cooker in almost a year bc I can use my ip as a slow cooker. I did find that it helps if you buy the glass lid for the instant pot if u want to use it as a slow cooker.
Crissy says
Crock pot for the win!!!
Deena says
We’re empty nesters and much prefer our IP to SC. Of course it’s not instant but we both have meals we love throwing in and leaving alone until it’s done. Our favorites are Chicken Taco Bowls, Gumbo, Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta, Egg Roll Bowls, & Chicken Curry. There are Facebook groups that really help if you’re afraid to try things. The ring doesn’t always need cleaning. I have a clear one for sweet or non-spicy dishes and a red one for spicy. The pot cleans like a dream and lid doesn’t need much cleaning.
We almost never use our SC but like it for Chili or soup. Our son gave us a Sous Vide and it’s great for meat or heating up something that was frozen. He did an inexpensive cut of beef with spices for a lot of hours and it melted in your mouth. The great thing is that it keeps things at a certain temperature without it drying out so you can finish the rest of your meal when you want.
Jeanie says
I have no desire whatsoever for an instant pot. And truthfully, we aren’t crazy about how things taste when prepared in the slow cooker. Our feeling is that it seems to draw all the juices out of the meat. Just leaves it a strange texture to us. This is with the exception of corned beef. That turns out great. I really wish we loved it, because there’s nothing I’d like more than to have dinner cooking all day and ready to eat when we are.
Erin Rodgers says
EXACTLY this. Nothing tastes good.
Alicia says
Hi Shay,
For a family of 4 would you still suggest the 7 qt slow cooker or a smaller one?
Thanks!
Alicia
Mix and Match Mama says
7 quart! It’s great for long cuts of meat like pork roasts and briskets.
Olivia Young says
I am a slow cooker person also, but I’m one of the ones that is gone too long to slow cook. I am a teacher, so I end up working 10-12 hours a day everyday and things just turn to a burned pile of mush after that long in the crock pot. But I definitely prefer using slow cooker over our instant pot.
Karen Ivy says
I’m curious about the Air Fryer too. I know you mentioned Andrew uses it!! Could you (or maybe he?) review it sometime?? I’ve heard so many good things, and I’m really curious! I saw you comment that the basket it small, and I’m wondering if they are all like that.
Whitney says
I’m definitely team IP. I work full time and just graduated from nursing school. I loved being able to come home, throw stuff in the IP and let it cook while I cleaned up after a day at work or in the hospital. I also love that it’s so easy, my boyfriend will happily use it if I can’t. I completely agree that the name is a little misleading in that it’s not at all instant. But it’s so convenient and I’m a sucker for one pot meals. I love the IP so much, our slow cooker is still in a box in our storage room and we moved 2 years ago.
Kelly says
Slow cookers unite! ? I like to be able to check in on my food, stir it etc. I tried my neighbors IP to see if I was into it and it just seems like too much. I also like to plan/cook dinner mid morning, so slow cooker it is!!
Carlie Konrad says
I just watched your Instagram stories and heard that you use a fork to shred your chicken. I have a little tricky Take a handheld mixer and place in crock pot- not sure if it works with the liner though. Shreds it in seconds. So great! Does splash a bit- FYI.
Mix and Match Mama says
I love tips like this one!!!
Kristen says
I have both and use both for different things. Like you, I think the name of the Instant Pot is misleading but it is convenient for a lot of foods. My favorite things to do in the instant pot are sweet potatoes (much less time than the oven), rice, chicken breasts to use in other recipes (quicker than stovetop), and one-pot meals like pastas. I am not as crazy about the roast in the instant pot. I think I prefer the stove or crock-pot for that type of thing.
Julia says
After getting my IP, I completely got rid of my slow cooker because I love how the IP is a 2-in-1. I use it more as a slow cooker (I have the glass slow cooker lid, sold separately) than as a pressure cooker but I love being able to use it for both. It makes the most perfect hard boiled eggs and I love using it for steaming – I pressure cook artichokes or corn on the cob almost everyday in the summer! I also steam potatoes in there before mashing! And the insert can go straight in the dishwasher. If there are leftovers, I have the separate plastic lid to store the insert with lid in the fridge. Easy, easy cleanup!
Kelly Otwell says
I was making my family a pot of ham and bean soup on the stove this spring and decided at the last minute to make another pot to take to my Mom. I hadn’t soaked the beans for hers, so I decided to do it in the IP. It took almost exactly the same amount of time (minus soaking the beans overnight) when allowing for the pressurizing/de-pressurizing. But the soup on the stove tasted so. much. better! Maybe the difference in how the ham hock cooked and flavored the broth?
Amy J says
I love my IP and use it as a 2 in 1. I was able to eliminate the slow cooker. I do think you have to use it for more things then it sounds like you have tried with it. I NEVER wait for it to de-pressurize on it’s own. I always do quick release which speeds the time up. Also, I love by using it I can only have 1 dish to clean vs multiple. I don’t like how the slow cooker makes my house smell a certain way which is another reason I’m pro IP. But, I do prefer to cook some things on the slow cooker method vs pressurized like roast.
Pamela Kennedy says
Okey Dokey. So…since I was a little kid, I have used a slow cooker. I grew up on a farm and my grandma would have roast cooking all day. It made her house smell wonderful! We could even smell it from our own home! I have always loved cooking a roast all day in my slow cooker at home. My husband also loves the yummy smell. I got an IP as a gift. I ended up tossing my very old slow cooker thinking that I could just use the IP on the slow cooker setting. Well…….I am looking for a new crock pot. While I’m absolutely sure that you can do wondrous things with an IP, it just isn’t for me. My husband misses the “all day roast aroma”, too. The meat didn’t come out the same, either. It looked different and tasted different. I used the same spices, recipe, etc. Sigh…
Erin says
My problem with the slow cooker is that cooking something to death all day long yields food that tastes like it’s been cooked to death all day long.
IP for life, baby!
Kim C says
I’m declaring myself a slow cooker girl even though I’ve never used an insta pot. I’ve done enough pressure canning to know it can take awhile for things like that to get up to pressure so I know that it really wouldn’t save me any time.
Janda says
I bought an IP when I moved abroad and had to replace all of my kitchen electronics. I was completely in the slow cooker camp while living in the States, but was intrigued with the IP’s multiple uses. The positive of the IP is that it is both a slow cooker and a pressure cooker. I also like the saute function. I probably would not have purchased one if we hadn’t moved, but now that I have it I like it.
Mark says
I’m an IP user who still loves a slow cooker.
I rarely function well enough before leaving for work to use a slow cooker. Got to get going! So instant pot saves me frequently. Sure the time it is coming to pressure exists but it’s time I can use chopping up stuff for a salad or a starting a side dish. Or it’s time I can spend on the couch decompressing.
Slow cookers are great but for people who don’t start supper until getting in from work, can’t beat pressure cooking.
Jen says
I love my crock pot. I could take or leave the instant pot. My issues mainly are 1. what you said that it is not instant. 2. I have spent way longer trying to cook some basic items than I would have in my oven or stove top. I had a batch of small potatoes and it took over 1 1/2 hours. I mean I could have boiled and roasted them in way less time.
With the crock pot it has always been full proof and never let me down.
I am considering getting rid of my instant pot. I need to move on to the air fryer.