Why I switched up to the Instant Pot Duo & What is it like living with one
I’ve always been passionate about cooking, constantly seeking ways to enhance my culinary skills and kitchen efficiency. However, with the fast-paced lifestyle that most of us lead, finding the time to prepare elaborate meals became increasingly challenging. This quest for convenience without compromising on taste and nutrition led me to discover the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, a device that has revolutionized my cooking experience.
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My Culinary Game-Changer: Switching to the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
Here are the reasons why I switched up to the Instant Pot Duo and never looked back.
1. Versatility at Its Best
One of the most compelling reasons for my switch was the sheer versatility of the Instant Pot. This 7-in-1 gadget functions as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and warmer. This multifunctionality not only saved me from cluttering my kitchen with multiple appliances but also opened up a plethora of culinary possibilities, from stews and soups to cakes and yogurt.
2. Time Efficiency: A Major Win
Time is of the essence in modern life, and the Instant Pot understands this perfectly. Meals that would traditionally take hours to cook can now be prepared in a fraction of the time. For example, a beef stew that would typically simmer for 4-5 hours was ready in about an hour, tender and flavorful. This efficiency allowed me to indulge in dishes I would otherwise reserve for weekends or special occasions.
3. Nutritional Integrity: Locked In
Cooking with the Instant Pot has benefits beyond just time savings. The pressure cooking method helps in retaining more nutrients compared to traditional cooking methods. This is because the shorter cooking time and the fact that food is cooked in a fully sealed environment reduce nutrient loss, making meals healthier.
4. Consistency and Reliability
Every time I use the Instant Pot, I’m assured of consistent results. The precise temperature control and timing eliminate much of the guesswork associated with traditional cooking methods. This consistency has been a game-changer for dishes that require precision, such as risottos and cheesecakes.
5. Ease of Use and Safety Features
Despite its advanced functionalities, the Instant Pot is remarkably user-friendly. The intuitive controls and pre-set programs make it accessible even to those new to pressure cooking. Additionally, its multiple safety features, like the lid lock and automatic pressure control, provide peace of mind, especially for someone who was initially wary of pressure cooking.
6. Energy Efficiency: A Sustainable Choice
The Instant Pot is energy efficient, consuming far less energy compared to ovens or stovetops. This efficiency is not only good for the environment but also reflects positively on my electricity bills, making it a sustainable choice for the long term.
A Worthwhile Transition
Switching to the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker has been a transformative experience in my culinary journey. It’s more than just a cooking appliance; it’s a versatile, time-saving, and reliable kitchen companion that aligns perfectly with the needs of modern-day cooking. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple tasks, or someone who loves to experiment with recipes, the Instant Pot is a worthy addition to any kitchen.
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker Review
The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is not just a kitchen gadget; it’s a culinary revolution. As someone who enjoys cooking but often struggles with time constraints, I found this multifunctional appliance to be a game-changer. It combines seven kitchen appliances in one, offering the functionality of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and warmer. Here’s my detailed review after several months of use.
Note that while the Instant Pot Duo is available in three sizes. Our review unit is the biggest, the Instant Pot 80 Duo with an 8L or 8Q capacity. It is actually a 7.6L unit but still huge by any account. The two other sizes are Instant Pot 60 with 5.7L capacity and the standard Instant Pot Duo with 5L capacity.
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Pros
- Multifunctionality: The ability to replace multiple kitchen appliances with one is a significant advantage. Whether I’m making a quick rice dish, a slow-cooked stew, or homemade yogurt, this single appliance does it all.
- Time-Saving: The pressure cooking feature is incredibly efficient, drastically reducing cooking times. Meals that would normally take hours to prepare are ready in a fraction of the time, without sacrificing flavor.
- Consistent Cooking Results: The Instant Pot delivers consistent and reliable cooking results. The precise temperature control and even heat distribution ensure that every dish comes out as expected.
- User-Friendly Interface: The control panel is intuitive and easy to navigate, even for beginners. The variety of pre-set programs takes the guesswork out of cooking times and temperatures.
- Safety Features: With its multiple built-in safety features like overheat protection, a safety lock lid, and automatic pressure control, it offers a worry-free cooking experience, especially for those new to pressure cooking.
- Energy Efficiency: It’s noticeably more energy-efficient compared to traditional cooking methods, which is beneficial both environmentally and economically.
Cons
- Learning Curve: For those new to pressure cooking, there might be a slight learning curve. Understanding the various functions and adjusting recipes accordingly can take some time.
- Size and Storage: Depending on the kitchen size, its relatively large footprint might be a concern. It requires a fair amount of storage space. Due to height restrictions in my under counter cabinet, I had to leave the lid off and pro it beside the unit during storage. It is also heavy hence the under counter storage.
- Initial Smell: During the first few uses, I noticed a slight odor coming from the sealing ring. However, this dissipated after a few uses and didn’t affect the flavour of the food. In fact, it might be an idea to ‘season’ by boiling some water in it but beware not to scald yourself.
Final Thoughts
The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is an outstanding addition to any kitchen, especially for those looking to streamline their cooking process without compromising on the quality of their meals. Its multifunctionality, ease of use, and efficient cooking capabilities make it an appliance well worth the investment. Despite a few minor drawbacks, such as the initial learning curve and its size, the benefits far outweigh these concerns. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to enhance their cooking experience.
What is it like living with an Instant Pot Duo Pressure Cooker
Living with an Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker has been a transformative experience, significantly altering the daily dynamics of my kitchen routine. This multifunctional appliance has not only streamlined the cooking process but has also expanded the range of culinary possibilities available to me.
The convenience of having a single device that can pressure cook, slow cook, steam, and even make yogurt is remarkably liberating. I find myself experimenting with recipes I wouldn’t have considered before, from quick weeknight meals to more complex dishes that would have required multiple appliances.
The most noticeable change is the time efficiency. Meals that would have taken hours to prepare are now ready in a fraction of the time, without any compromise on taste or quality. This efficiency is particularly valuable on busy weekdays when time is scarce. I can easily throw ingredients into the pot, select the desired program, and let the Instant Pot work its magic, freeing up time to focus on other tasks or simply relax.
Additionally, the Instant Pot has made meal planning and preparation more manageable and less daunting. The ability to delay start times and keep food warm after cooking has been a game-changer for managing meal times around varying schedules.
Plus, the Instant Pot has positively impacted my approach to healthy eating. The pressure cooking method not only cooks food faster but also retains more nutrients than traditional cooking methods. This aspect, combined with the ease of preparing a wide array of dishes, has encouraged me to incorporate more whole, unprocessed foods into my diet. Vegetables, grains, and lean meats are regular features in my meals now, thanks to the convenience and versatility of the Instant Pot.
To summarise, living with an Instant Pot Duo has simplified and enriched my culinary life. It’s a dependable, versatile, and time-saving appliance that has made cooking a more enjoyable and less time-consuming part of my day. Whether I’m preparing a simple rice dish or an elaborate stew, the Instant Pot has become an indispensable in my kitchen.
