The Instant Pot has been the hot cooking appliance for nearly a decade now. It’s a fresh take on the old-fashioned pressure cooker. But is that all it is – a more expensive version of a pressure cooker. In the end, which is better, Instant Pot vs Pressure Cooker?
Before I bought my Instant Pot, I spent a lot of time wondering why I should buy this expensive machine when I could buy a traditional pressure cooker for much less. That’s beside the fact that I never used a pressure cooker before, so why start now. What made the Instant Pot so fantastic that everyone was buying one?
» You might also like these 15 Time Saving Kitchen Tools and this review of ButcherBox.
Ease of use was the difference I finally understood once I bought my Instant Pot and started using it.
If you already have a traditional pressure cooker in your kitchen cabinet, you likely don’t get it out all that often, right? Why is that?
While our mothers and grandmothers were comfortable using a stovetop pressure cooker, many home cooks today are intimidated by the hissing of steam and the potential for the cooker to blow up if you don’t use it correctly. And have you seen all the cooking shows where even the professional chef has a hard time removing the lid?
Because of this, pressure cooking in the traditional way has fallen out of favor in the last few decades. But that all changed with the arrival of the Instant Pot – a self-contained, electrical pressure cooker with plenty of built-in safety features.
What is Pressure Cooking?
Pressure cooking is a cooking method that involves cooking food in a sealed pot or cooker that is designed to trap steam and build pressure. As the pot heats up and the liquid inside boils, steam is created, and pressure builds up.
This increased pressure causes the temperature inside the pot to rise above the boiling point of water, which allows the food to cook faster than it would with traditional cooking methods.
Pressure cooking has several benefits over other cooking methods. For one, it saves time by cooking food up to 70% faster than traditional methods. This is because the high pressure and temperature inside the pot quickly break down tough fibers in meats and vegetables, resulting in faster cooking times.
Additionally, pressure cooking requires less water than traditional cooking methods, which helps retain more nutrients in the food. The high-pressure environment also helps to tenderize meats and infuse flavors more deeply into the food, resulting in more flavorful and tender dishes.
Who Invented The Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot was invented by Robert Wang, a former software engineer, and his partners, Dongjun Wang and Dongjun’s wife, Serena Li. They co-founded a company called Double Insight Inc. in 2009. The idea for the Instant Pot came about as a solution to Wang’s busy lifestyle and desire for a kitchen appliance that could save time and make cooking easier.
Isn’t the Instant Pot Just a Pressure Cooker?
Yes, the Instant Pot is a pressure cooker. But there is a big difference between the two in terms of how they function and how easy they are to use for the typical home cook.
Let’s take a look at what a pressure cooker can do:
When cooking something on the stove top, the water boils at 212 degrees and stays at that temperature, but inside a pressure cooker the water can build up to 250 degrees, which allows the food to cook much faster.
- Cooks food in 70% less time than on the stove top.
- Great for cooking foods that take a long time, like pot roasts, whole chicken, brisket and dried beans.
- Breaks down the tough fibers in meats much faster for tender roasts and briskets in half the time.
Both a traditional pressure cooker and an Instant Pot do those same basic things. The difference comes down to how convenient they are to use.
Pros of an Instant Pot
- Easy for beginners – not as intimidating as a traditional pressure cooker.
- Powered by a sophisticated microprocessor that monitors and adjusts pressure, temperature, time, and heat.
- Cooks food up to 70% faster than other methods and deliver consistent, delicious results every time.
- 10+ safety features with UL certification let you “set it and forget it.”
- Convenient one-touch control of 13 programs can be customized to remember the way you like to cook
- Smart Lid automatically seals your Instant Pot. Steam release is also a breeze with a fast, safe push of the quick release button.
Read more about why you should buy an Instant Pot and which model is right for you.
Super Easy to Use
The inexpensive stove top pressure cooker will do you no good if you’re too intimidated to use it, or end up keeping it in the back of the cabinet because you don’t have the time and patience to keep an eye on the pressure and adjust the heat as needed.
The benefit of an Instant Pot is that you don’t have to know anything about the pressure or what’s going on inside the machine. You don’t have to watch the stove top to make sure the pressure is at the right level. And thus you don’t have to worry about the cooking process at all.
All models of the Instant Pot have programmed buttons that make the cooking process very easy. If you’re cooking beans, all you have to do is press the “Beans” setting. If you’re cooking a roast, you just press the “Meat” setting. The pressure level and timing is adjusted for you, with no need to watch it.
Multiple Functions
A traditional pressure cooker can do many things, but the Instant Pot takes it to a whole new level. Here are the myriad things an Instant Pot can do:
- Pressure cooker
- Slow cooker
- Rice cooker
- Steamer
- Sauté Mode
- Keep food warm
- Make Yogurt
- Sterilize
- Make cakes
- Canning
- Sous Vide
Aside from the types of cooking the Instant Pot is capable of, there are also many different ways to cook inside the Instant Pot. There are many different accessories you can purchase that make even the basic IP more useful. You can even bake things like cheesecake and lasagna, using a spring form pan. Or you can cook two things at once, like chicken curry and rice, using stackable containers.
Set it And Forget It
One of the reasons the slow cooker took off in popularity was the ability to set it and forget it. You could put a roast or stew ingredients into the slow cooker and leave it cooking all day without you being there.
The Instant Pot does the same thing, only faster. You can put all the ingredients you need into the pot, put the lid on, push the button, and when you come back to it, your food is done. The big difference is that instead of taking 6 hours to cook, the same food will be done in 2 hours or less.
>> Check out our Instant Pot page to learn more about this useful machine.
Pros of a Traditional Pressure Cooker
- Foods cook 3 to 10 times faster than ordinary cooking methods, saving time, energy, and money.
- Pressure cooking preserves flavors and nutrients, and tenderizes lean cuts of meat.
- Strong, heavy-gauge aluminum for quick, even heating.
- Works on electric, smooth-top, and gas ranges.
- Pressure regulator maintains the proper cooking pressure automatically.
- Fully immersible and dishwasher safe with the sealing ring and over-pressure plug removed.
It Can Reach a Higher PSI
The biggest difference between a traditional pressure cooker and an Instant Pot is the level of PSI or pressure that can be reached. A traditional pressure cooker can reach a PSI of 15 on the stove top, while most Instant Pot models (except the most expensive Max model), can only reach a PSI of 12.
What this means is that the traditional cooker actually cooks faster than the Instant Pot. If time is your main concern, the traditional cooker wins.
It’s Less Expensive
Another benefit of the traditional pressure cooker is that its often costs less than an Instant Pot. You can purchase a good 6-quart pressure cooker for around $40, as opposed to the $79 for an Instant Pot.
Takes Less Space
It took me a while to purchase an Instant Pot when we moved to London, because our kitchen is so small that I really didn’t have room to store the rather large Instant Pot. A traditional pressure cooker has a much smaller footprint comparatively.
A 6-quart pressure cooker is 17 x 9 x 8.75″, while the same size Instant Pot is 13 x 12 x 12.5″. If you don’t have an entire cabinet to store the Instant Pot, a traditional pressure cooker is a better space saver.
What Are the Disadvantages of an Instant Pot?
It’s not all sun and roses when it comes to the Instant Pot. There are a few common disadvantages associated with using an Instant Pot.
- There may be a learning curve for beginners, especially those new to pressure cooking or multi-functional appliances.
- The Instant Pot is generally more expensive than traditional pressure cookers.
- It can take up a significant amount of counter space, especially if you have a smaller kitchen. Some Instant Pots can be pretty large. If you’re cooking for a small household, you may find that the larger models are more than you need.
- You can’t see how your food is doing without releasing pressure, which can disrupt the cooking process.
- While the Instant Pot has several safety features, including pressure release valves, some users may still have concerns about using a pressure cooker.
- It can actually take longer to cook in the Instant Pot over traditional methods, because it takes time for the steam to both build and dissipate.
Instant Pot vs Pressure Cooker: Which One is Right For You?
The version you like best comes down to how you like to cook. I would say that the Instant Pot has an edge on the traditional pressure cooker, though. The ease of use is a huge factor to consider.
If you want to be more hands-on with the cooking process, the traditional pressure cooker offers a lot of benefits, in a smaller package.
If you’re more interested in a set it and forget it machine that doesn’t have to be used on the stove-top, plus the additional safety features and general peace of mind, then the Instant Pot is your better choice.
Why Use An Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is one of the most useful kitchen appliances you can buy, because it drastically cuts down on the cooking time for developing flavors in soups and stews, getting tough cuts of meat tender, and even baking a cheesecake. And there are many accessories that will help you get more out of your Instant Pot.
If you don’t have one yet, check out our guide on which one to buy. You can also check out our Instant Pot page for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a pressure cooker safe to use?
This is a basic question, but it is asked more times than any other question. It’s easy to be fearful of a machine that builds pressure and can cause injury.
Yes they are safe. Modern pressure cookers are made with high quality materials and safety features. As long as you follow the guidelines from the product manual it is absolutely safe.
Do I have to use water in the pressure cooker?
Yes, the amount may vary depending on what and how much you are cooking. Pressure is built in the cooker using the added liquid.
Add flavor to your food by using liquids other than water. Flavorful liquids like broths, juices, and stocks can add a lot of flavor.
Will opening the lid burn me?
One of the biggest fears people have with the Instant Pot is getting burned, and that’s a valid concern because the steam built up in the machine is ultra pressurized and it can burn you in an instant. The good part, though is that with a little precaution, you don’t need to worry about this.
Before You Go
Since you made it to the end of this article, you’re probably pretty interested in pressure cookers. Here are a few more articles we think you might enjoy.
- 25 Instant Pot Tips, Tricks, & Hacks
- Instant Pot Cooking Times Cheat Sheet
- Can an Instant Pot Explode? What You Need to Know
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Laura is a home cook, with 25 years experience behind the stove, who spends an extraordinary amount of time in the kitchen cooking. She loves making new recipes and finding wonderful new things to eat, both at home or abroad. She spends a lot of time researching, crafting, and perfecting her recipes.
Thank you for this breakdown! I have been trying to figure out if I should get an instapot or a regular pressure cooker. I will def go with the regular pressure cooker after reading about the differences. So helpful <3
Glad it was helpful for you. Let us know how you like the pressure cooker.
A good clarification, and a reminder to me to get out 1, or more, of the 3 pressure cookers in the garage. The one inherited from my mother has weight options for 5, 10 and 15 psi pressures! The tiny one is for camp-cooking at 11,000 feet altitude.
Definitely. Let us know what you make!
Very information article.
Great information.
Thank you for this comparison. I’ve owned and quite often used pressure cookers and a few slow cookers for close to 50 years. When they all stop working I will consider purchasing an IP. It’s nice to know I’ll have another choice. 😀
Well that’s a good way to go about it. I hope you one day get the opportunity to try the Instant Pot.
One thing that I didn’t see considered is a comparison using an electric pressure cooker (which is what we have). It solves many of the “scary” issues of the old-fashioned (on the stove) pressure cookers.
That is a very good point. It’s not so scary to use the Instant Pot vs a traditional pressure cooker.
I appreciate your review of the pot choices. I see the comments but dont see your recommendations
I want to use instant pot for canning what size instant pot to buy. Or what one would work the best.
I know the article states you can pressure can in an instant pot. That’s sadly not true. Here’s the info from a website I’ve used for canning everything from peaches, veg from our garden,and chicken stock. I hope it’s helpful.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/pressure-can-in-the-instant-pot/
Do I need to convert a instapot receipe to use in a pressure cooker? Would cooking times be the same?
I also want to know that as I have used my pressure for the past 50 years and now find so many IP recipes with longer cook times than I would use with my pressure cooker!!!
I think a lot of recipes over do it on the timing of meats in the Instant Pot. I’d love to hear what things you’re seeing taking a lot longer.
thanks alot of information
Very helpful comparison, thank you!
I have two Instant Pots and use both. Can you explain how to convert a traditional pressure cooker recipe to Instant Pot?
I have several sizes of traditional pressure cooker that I use all the time. You mentioned that instapots take up much more space. Did you accidentally reverse the dimensions of the two in the article?
I had neither until this past Christmas when I opted for a stovetop traditional pressure cooker over the Instant Pot because I want to learn to pressure can. I am excited to try a pernil (Puerto Rican Pork Shoulder) in it this weekend!
Thank you so much! Never made friends with the IP. I’m a good cook but I just could not get it right which was weird. The traditional pressure cooker is what I just purchased and I think we will be very good friends. Your comparison was most helpful in deciding.
I’m glad you were able to decide. I hope you make many great meals in your pressure cooker.
My mom used a stovetop pressure cooker with the little weight jiggler on top and I had the same when I got married 48 years ago. Until one day about 20 years ago mine “blew its’ lid”. When I purchased a new pressure cooker it did not have the jiggler on top and I have a hard time regulating the pressure and sometimes burn the contents. I’ve thought about an instant pot so I set it and forget it!
That sounds quite difficult to regulate. The best part about the pressure cooker is that it regulates the pressure for you and has safety features that stop it from blowing.
I had a regular stove top pressure cooker back in 70s used it for years… The electric pressure cooker came out and I use it ever other day… It is a regular electric pressure cooker it’s not a instant pot.. I like pressure cooker better… it has more pressure. I have cooked meat anytime tenderized delicious…The instant pot came out and people started buying it like crazy, like they never had a pressure cooker b4… but actually that’s what an instant pot is…….. but when I go to yard sales, I see quite often an instant pot for sale…people don’t like them like they thought they would but honestly
I love my pressure cooker… it’s Cruisnart brand. It’s great!
The Instant Pot I think is just easier to adapt to if you’ve never used a pressure cooker before. I actually find that the resale of them is because people upgrade to the newest model often.
I’m almost 76 and have used a pressure cooker since I was 11 and had to help
make dinner! I’ve had 2 old stove top ones, but now have a plug in one that looks like an IP. Thanks for this page because now I know I don’t need to buy an IP.
Sounds like a paid endorsement for InstantPot. Modern pressure cookers are safe, less expensive than an InstantPot, faster to heat, and faster to cook down. A 4-qt model takes up very little space, doesn’t hog counter space, and can double as a large saucepan. I’m sure that there are lots of pantries across North America in which InstantPots are gathering dust.
Pressure cooking is great. Do your research, then buy the tool that will actually get used in your kitchen.
Thank you !
I have used a stove-top pressure cooker for decades. I use mine every week sometimes twice a week.
I feel I have more control with a stove-top pressure cooker which I can turn off and check the food and start again than I would with an electric. Would never give mine up.
Thank you for article.
Thanks for sharing your experience Fay. We are always interesting to hear what appliances work well and how you use them.