I have always used a slow cooker and been quite happy until about two years ago when I replaced my old one with an updated version of the old one. This newer one takes forever to cook anything and it never seems like it gets really hot. I have read that companies changed the heating abilities due to fire risk. Anyways, I am tired of not having my dinner ready when I think it should be and I know many of you rave about your instant pots. Do you still like them? What should I consider? Certain brands? Can you do nice roasts in them? Thanks!
I use my instant pot more than I used a slow cooker. I use the Instant Pot AS a slow cooker too (with a different lid I ordered) but I use it more as an “instant pot”.
I have the Instant Pot brand - it’s an early version - when they first became hot - 2017??
Roast is delicious! I use the saute setting to first brown the roast then I add seasoning, vegetables and some liquid (you need around a cup liquid minimum when cooking in an instant pot) and the whole process from browning to putting the roast on the table is maybe an hour. The actual cook time is 30-40 minutes depending on the size of the roast.
Stuffed peppers cooked time - 15 minutes
I have chicken recipes where I saute and brown and then the cook time is like 8-10 minutes.
(do remember that it takes some time for the instant pot to come to pressure - thats why I added some time to the roast time above)
I use it as a slow cooker - it seems fine to me.
I like that I can put things in and walk away. I can go for a run and when the timer is done it just reverts to “keep warm”.
It does take a little time to learn but I don’t have a lot of patience and I survived. 
My latest thing is jammy eggs - 3 minutes and they are PERFECT with jammy yolks!
Need to try mine. Been sitting on the box for over a year. We use the slow cooker all the time. Old dog new tricks!
I like mine! Hard boiled eggs, rice, roasts, dried beans cooked in and hour! Chicken…
I don’t cook much, but I use my Instant Pot every week to cook farro or rice and hard-boiled eggs.
And don’t forget, cheesecake! Just get a separate ring for sweets!
Made an awesome pork tenderloin on Friday.
Risotto is awesome in the IP.
When I make potato salad, I put cut potatoes and the uncooked eggs in the basket and cook all at same time.
Instant Pot also makes an Air Fryer insert…I’m contemplating this…
My IP is the only appliance allowed on the countertop. Eggs, steel cut oatmeal, rice, chicken for shredding, slow cooker recipes … it’s very flexible!
I bought the air fryer lid/insert but haven’t used it much. The basket is small, but it does come with a layering plate. One hit and one miss on with what I’ve done so far.
We just bought a Ninja Foodi. It’s an insta-pot and air fryer. OMG in less than a week we already love this thing (or should I say DS does as he’s been using it most of the time).
I love my Instant Pot. My rice cooker and crock pot went to Goodwill within a month of it coming into my house. The space savings alone was worth it. Roasts come out great, so did the Thanksgiving turkey! I use it at least twice a week.
I use mine weekly. Before going vegetarian, I loved making ribs, bbq chicken, etc. Now I make a lot of beans, rice, soups, potato salad, and oatmeal. I got rid of my slow cooker within weeks of getting my Instant Pot.
I used my IP all the time - much more than I ever used a slow cooker. For one thing, the IP is easier to clean because the liner is stainless steel & comes out – and I have 2 liners so always have a clean one handy.
With the IP I can cook a full butterball style turkey breast from frozen in 45 minutes (cook time - it also takes time come to pressure, etc – but the point is that if I wanted dinner at 6 and started at 4, I’d have plenty of time).
I don’t eat red meat so I don’t do roasts – but here is an example of what I did in the past 24 hours (I live alone which is why portions are small)
- Hard boiled half a dozen eggs. -- 2 minutes steam, plus 10 minutes cool down.
- After the eggs were done, I cooked a frozen chicken breast for my dinner. I cooked the breast alone as I had leftovers on hand for a side.
- Before I went to bed, I started a batch of yogurt.
- When I got up, I took the yogurt & put it in the frig to cool down -- I strain my yogurt to thicken, but always chill before straining.
- It was a rainy and blustery day, so I decided to make oatmeal for breakfast. I had Trader Joes quick-cook steel cut oats -- they are done in 3 minutes on the IP. (Probably about 5-7 minutes stovetop, according to package directions... but then I would have to watch them -- instead, while the oats were cooking I pulled up a 10 minute YouTube exercise video, got in a quick workout, and by the time I was done, my oatmeal was ready.
There’s a bit of a learning curve, but once I got the hang of the thing, it became indispensable.
IMO they are so inexpensive if you spend a bit of time waiting and watching, that it needn’t be a hand wringer. I think I paid 39$ for my 5 qt. If I only used it for beans, I would still be happy.
My kids bought me one for Christmas. It makes nice soups from frozen chicken, a bit of chicken broth and herbs.
Made a pot of divine boneless short ribs.
Makes great hard boiled eggs. My BIL likes making rice in it. Makes nice soups and stews and casseroles.
I like that you can use frozen ingredients if you prefer.
Ok, I’m sold.
@conmama now that you’re sold - join us here http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/1848269-instant-pot-pressure-cooker-tips-recipes-p1.html
I will definitely, after I buy one! Thanks for the link.
I did a Pot Roast Sunday and it took 9 hours in the crockpot. After reading @abasket comments about pot roast, I decided I needed to have one.
@basket is spot-on. Mac-n-cheese and tortellini soup too. I love that you can put a frozen roast in and eat in the same day. My wife also uses it to make bone broth.
It’s the only way to cook or precook pasta. No watching the pot or spill overs.
Just used one yesterday for the 1st time to make vegan mac n cheese.had to learn a lesson the hard way- most recipes are intended for 6 quart instant pots. if your pot is 8 quart, then you need to add a lot more water or it will burn before it even gets up to pressure and starts the cooking time. still came out tasty but took some work to save it and clean out the pot.