We’re doing a series of product reviews here on Wit & Delight where I offer more in-depth information on tried and true products I’ve been using for months (or years) that have changed my daily routine for the better. These reviews are intended to provide detailed information on products that may be of interest to you, so if and when you’re in the market for such an item, you have all the info you need to decide whether or not to make a purchase.
Next up on the list? The Instant Pot I’ve owned since 2016. Let’s dive into the review, and please let me know in the comments if you have any further questions!
What is the Instant Pot and when did you first get yours?
Chances are high you’ve heard of this versatile kitchen gadget before. The particular model of the Instant Pot I own is a seven-in-one gadget that can be used as a pressure cooker, rice cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, and food warmer. I received the six-quart version as a Christmas gift from my mom in 2016, after hearing her talk about it consistently for a good eighteen months prior.
How does it fit into your cooking routine? What are your favorite things to cook with it?
I’ll admit, when I first received the Instant Pot as a gift I was somewhat intimidated by it and didn’t actually start using it right away. It wasn’t until I started seeing it come up a lot on cooking shows on YouTube that I really got into using it. I once saw a chef I admire talk about how they loved using it to cook simple staples like beans, rice, and soft-boiled eggs, and from there my curiosity was piqued.
When I started using the Instant Pot, my main pain point in cooking a meal was that there were certain elements that would take quite a while and make the overall cooking schedule more complex (e.g., beans that took forever to soak and cook). The Instant Pot speeds up the cooking process, which I greatly appreciate.
The first thing I tried in the Instant Pot was pulled pork for tacos and I loved the ease of the entire cooking process. I now use it to make rice, beans, meat, and more. When we host my family this holiday season, I plan to use the Instant Pot for big batches of beans (which I’ll use for bean dip, bean soup, bean broth, etc.), soft-boiled eggs (to put on toast), and to slow cook a pork rump.
What are your favorite elements of the Instant Pot?
I love that it makes my cooking process more seamless and faster and that everything I make is consistently really well done. I also love how user-friendly it is and I find the timer so helpful, especially as someone who has a short attention span and a tendency to forget things while cooking.
How has it held up over time?
I’ve been cooking with the Instant Pot for years. It does look a little weathered but it’s not an appliance that sits out on the countertop all the time and needs to look pristine, so I don’t really mind. The pot itself (inside the exterior) looks brand new; it’s really easy to clean and has held up just as well as my all-clad pans.
The most important thing I’ve learned when it comes to cleaning the Instant Pot is that you need to keep the seal really clean. I’ve found that when I use it a lot, the seal can get a little crusty, so washing and drying it properly is key to its longevity.
Who should buy the Instant Pot?
If you like to make things from scratch and want to make your cooking process more seamless, this is for you. In my experience, it eliminates the need for a slow cooker, which makes one less appliance you need to have in your kitchen.
If you’re a serious meal prepper, the Instant Pot is a wonderful appliance to have on hand for weekly meal prepping. Plus, it doesn’t take up prime real estate on your stovetop, which you may already be using to cook other dishes. This would also make such a good gift for that person on your list who already has “everything” else.
Shop the Post
Should you be interested in making a purchase now or in the future, I’ve included links below from a handful of different sources, depending on where you prefer to shop. Thank you for supporting our business by shopping through our affiliate links. It’s so appreciated!
Instant Pot 6qt Duo Pressure Cooker via Target
Instant Pot 6qt Duo Pressure Cooker via Amazon
Instant Pot 6qt Duo Pressure Cooker via Best Buy
Editor’s Note: This article contains affiliate links. Wit & Delight uses affiliate links as a source for revenue to fund operations of the business and to be less dependent on branded content. Still have questions about these links or our process? Feel free to email us.
Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning how to play tennis and is forever testing the boundaries of her creative muscle. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
BY Kate Arends - November 19, 2021
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Thank you for being here. For being open to enjoying life’s simple pleasures and looking inward to understand yourself, your neighbors, and your fellow humans! I’m looking forward to chatting with you.
Hi, I'm Kate. Welcome to my happy place.
Got mine two years ago. I was afraid of the old pressure cookers. This one is a breeze. I love it and cook many different meals from soups to stews to roasts. Pasta meals, rice meals you name. Worth every penny.
I’m glad you love yours too!
I have loved my Instant Pot too, but I’m on my second one now, which is already broken. Each one has lasted about 18 months before the electronics don’t work–doesn’t bring it up to the right temp. I’m disappointed.
Oh no! I’m sorry to hear that’s been your experience!
I too got mine in 2016 (5-qt, which I don’t think they sell anymore) and it really has become an essential appliance for me. I still have my slow cooker though, even though I only use it maybe once a year now. 😁
I’m glad to hear you love yours too!
I’m not gentle on my Instant Pot, use it a few times a week and tend to be a whirling dervish in the kitchen. It’s held up beautifully. I do keep a separate seal for savory and sweet foods after having steel cut oats that tasted of onions and cumin. I make a gallon of yogurt in it every other week, drain off the whey to make greek yogurt. (Save the whey for your hair – it’s amazing!) There is no limit to what you can make. It works overtime during harvest season though… I freeze 50 or so quarts… Read more »
It really is such a useful appliance to have on hand. Glad you love yours too!!
I bought mine in 2016 along with a carrying case because I often bring it filled with soups and beans etc to work the other day I made Mac and cheese in it at home and I should have brought it to work and made it there. Reheating it made it stick to the bottom of the pot But it was good and everyone enjoyed it.
Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Great for making chicken stock, an hour instead of 4 on the stove top.
It’s such a time saver!
I love ours, as long as I give it a quick soak with vinegar every 3-4 uses to clean out the hard water marks it looks like brand new.
That’s a great idea! Good to know.
Mine is a kitchen workhorse. Every Indian household has had a pressure cooker for generations and my family is no exception. The Instant Pot is a nice upgrade from a regular pressure cooker and I love it!
Glad to hear you love yours too!
Great article Kate! I just started using the Instant Pot and I look forward to learning new recipes.
Thanks for your comment!
I bought one last year specifically to speed up the homemade bean making process, I have to say I only used it once, I didn’t like the texture. I guess I need to research and figure out what went wrong or find something else to make in it. The problem is everywhere you look the cook time is different, maybe I’ll find a better recipe.
Sometimes trial and error are key (which I know can be frustrating at times). I hope you can get to the texture you like!