You’re not the only one who has ever wondered about the differences between an Instant Pot or Crock-Pot. Both are extremely popular kitchen appliances that make cooking easier. Although they have many similarities, there are some key differences that make them stand out. The Good Housekeeping Institute’s Kitchen Appliances and Technology Lab can answer all your questions and help choose the right cooker for you.
Instant Pots: What you need to know
Instant Pot is a well-known multi-cooker brand that’s known for its space-saving and time-saving features. The brand’s first product was launched in 2010 to make it easier for busy people to get healthy food fast. This made pressure cookers more accessible to everyone.
The Instant Pot is a beloved product with almost 30,000 Amazon reviews. They are fast, efficient, multi-functional, easy to use, and perform well in lab tests. The Duo is our top choice for pressure cookers. Instant Pots are loved by our Kitchen Appliance Experts and our readers. They’re frequently one of the most purchased products in Good Housekeeping each month. Here’s why:
Multi-functional Instant Pots can be used. Many people think of IPs only as electric pressure cookers. However, they can also be used to steam, heat, steam, saute and cook rice. Pressure cooking is the main function. It cooks food by increasing the boiling point of water, trapping steam, and reducing the cook time. They also come with an inner pot made of stainless steel, which is a material that heats up quickly.
Crock-Pots: What do you need to know?
Crock-Pot is an older brand, having been around since 1970. Crock-Pot is best known for its slow cookers. The brand is loved by many. These products are often made from heat-insulating stoneware. This helps to maintain a constant temperature, allowing you to cook food slow and low — also known as. You can cook your food for a longer time by heating it lower.
This is where things get tricky. In recent years, Crock-Pot has started to make multi-cookers that can cook under pressure, much like Instant Pots. When you compare Crock-Pot multicookers (like the Express Crock multicooker), to an Instant Pot, you’ll see that they are essentially the exact same thing with the same functions. However, traditional Crock-Pots can be slow-cookers while Instant Pots can be multi-cookers.
Crock-pots are ideal for entertaining because they come with travel-friendly handles and latches. This means that food doesn’t get splattered or splattered inside. Crock-pots can be made in casserole shapes, which have a wider surface area and shallow edges. This makes it easier to serve hot sangrias, fondues and chilis at parties.
Which is better, Instant Pot or Crock-Pot?!
To decide which appliance is right for you, think about the things you want to cook and how you would like to cook them. You might find that an Instant Pot has more features than a Crock-Pot. These are some aspects to be aware of:
Both appliances can save time but they work in completely different ways. Crock-pots are perfect for people who work long hours, those who love to plan ahead, and busy people. You can just mix the ingredients in the morning, and you’ll be home with a delicious meal that has been slow-cooked all day. They are also known as “set it and forget it” appliances. Instant pots are perfect for night owls and last-minute cooks. They can be used after work to quickly prepare a hot meal.
Size: Not everyone has enough space to store large appliances on the countertop. There are three sizes of Instant Pots: 3-quart, 6-quart and 8-quart. We recommend that you choose 6-quart for most people. However, 3-quart is good for those who live alone. 8-quart is great for larger families. There are many sizes of Crock-pots, including options as small and as large as 1.5-quart. Crock-Pots come in a variety of sizes, including options as small as 1.5-quart (!) and large as 8 quart.
Easy to use: Instant Pots offer more functions which may seem confusing to someone who has never used multi-cookers. Although it takes some time to get used to, there are many online tutorials and recipes that will help you make the adjustment. The traditional Crock-Pots have a dial that is high-medium low-low, which is simpler but also more restrictive.
Price: Traditional Crock-Pots can only slow cook, so they are more affordable. Amazon often offers discounts up to 50% on Instant Pots starting at $60 for the basic multi-cooker option.
Safety: You might be concerned about the potential dangers these kitchen appliances pose if you recall the This Is Us episode. Crock-Pots and Instant Pots can be used safely if they are followed correctly. Sometimes people are afraid to release the steam from an Instant Pot. To move the nozzle, use tongs and not your naked hands. Papantoniou suggests following these safety precautions for both Instant Pots as well as Crock-Pots.
- Always allow enough space between the wall and your feet
- Keep them out of water sources (like the sink).
- Place them on a heat-proof surface (avoid cutting boards and wood)
There is still some overlap between an Instant Pot and a Crock-Pot depending on the model. Remember that Instant Pots can be used as multi-cookers. This means they can slow cook or pressure cook. Crock-pots, on the other hand, are slow cookers.