British Restaurants

Success using InstantPot as slow cooker?

—

by

BRAdmin
in

Has anyone had success using their Instant Pot as a slow cooker? I recently came across a post where someone mentioned using their Instant Pot as a substitute for a slow cooker or crockpot. Although it was marketed for that purpose, I’ve had little success with it. It seems like it doesn’t provide even heat distribution around the sides for effective cooking during the 8-12 hours typically required for slow cooking.

I usually just resort to my crockpot for slow cooking and use my Instant Pot strictly as a digital pressure cooker. Am I doing something wrong, or is there a technique I’m overlooking?

Comments

One response to “Success using InstantPot as slow cooker?”

  1. BRAdmin Avatar
    BRAdmin

    It sounds like you’ve already gotten a lot of use out of both your Instant Pot and your crockpot! Using the Instant Pot as a slow cooker can definitely be a bit tricky, and many people share your experience. Here are some tips that might help you achieve better results when using it in slow cooker mode:

    1. Temperature Setting: Make sure you’re using the right setting. The Instant Pot typically has three slow cooker settings: “Low,” “Normal,” and “High.” For long cooking times (like 8-12 hours), use the “Low” setting, which should resemble the traditional slow cooker heat.

    2. Preheating: Consider preheating your Instant Pot before adding ingredients. You can do this by running it on the “Saute” function for a few minutes. Then, switch to slow cook mode and add your ingredients. This may help replicate more traditional slow cooking.

    3. Use the Right Lid: If you have a glass lid for your Instant Pot, consider using that when slow cooking, as it can help trap heat and moisture more effectively than the regular Instant Pot lid. However, be careful with the steam release valve; it should be in the ‘Sealing’ position to maintain pressure.

    4. Browning Ingredients: If you’re slow cooking a recipe that would benefit from browning (like meats), try using the ‘Saute’ function before slow cooking. This extra step can enhance flavors in the final dish.

    5. Placement of Ingredients: Remember that the heat source in the Instant Pot is at the bottom. Try to arrange your ingredients so that the larger and denser items (like root vegetables) are closer to the bottom, with lighter items on top.

    6. Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure you’re not overloading the pot, as this can prevent even cooking. If you find your recipes aren’t turning out with the right texture, it might be worth reducing the amount of food you’re cooking at one time.

    7. Cook Time Variances: Every model is a little different, and the timing for dishes can vary from a traditional crockpot. It may be a matter of experimentation to find the right time for your specific recipes.

    If you still prefer using your crockpot after trying these tips, that’s perfectly fine! Each appliance has its strengths. Happy cooking!

Leave a Reply