In recent years, electric pressure cookers and instant pots have become increasingly popular as versatile kitchen appliances that can cook a wide range of meals quickly and easily. While both devices may seem similar at first glance, they have some key differences that can affect your cooking experience.
In this blog post, we’ll compare electric pressure cookers and instant pots, highlighting their unique features, pros and cons, and helping you decide which one is best suited for your needs. From cooking time and safety features to capacity and versatility, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
So whether you’re a busy parent looking to simplify meal prep or a passionate home cook searching for the perfect kitchen appliance, read on to discover the differences between electric pressure cookers and instant pots.
What does an Electric Pressure Cooker do?
The electric pressure is an easy-to-use device. The biggest advantage of this pressure cooker is that it cooks food faster than a normal pressure cooker. It works on the fundamentals of a pressure cooker. But the electric pressure cooker comes with various safety guards.
The best electric pressure cooker in India offers the user a much more efficient way of cooking without creating a mess. According to the cooking material, the user can set the pressure and the time as the microchips inside control the electric pressure cooker.
It is simple, first, select the style and dish of food, and select in which mode you will cook. You can enjoy a delicious meal too without intervening manually.
When to get an electric pressure cooker?
As discussed earlier, working women need this device the most. If someone needs to save time, then an electric pressure cooker solves your problems. You just set the cooking mode in the panel and allow the pressure cooker to complete the work. It is also useful for those who get a panic attack whenever they enter the kitchen.
Why?
The reason is simple; it works automatically.
Do you think about different appliances like a slow cooker, yogurt maker, or rice cooker?
No need because your electric pressure cooker can replace all of them. No worry, with the inbuilt timer, electric pressure cookers start preparing dinner before they come home. Your electric pressure cooker is a cooking tool.
It pressure-cooks, browns, or sautés and keeps the food hot. The cooker will automatically turn off after cooking. Thus, no need to be extra cautious when the cooker’s whistle goes off, as happens in the case of a normal pressure cooker.
What does an instant pot do?
Instant Pot is basically a Canadian brand for multicookers. Their product range had become so popular that the words “instant pot” have become a synonym for the high-quality multicooker. It is an amazing machine with multiple conveniences.
It works as a rice cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, and pressure cooker, all in one. Just like any other product, it is also a multifunctional appliance. You can roast, dehydrate, air fry, reheat, and broil. So, select the rotating option for rotisserie-style cooking. What’s more, you can cook the food with minimum oil, so it offers a healthier option as well.
You can have different options for instant pot. Some instant pots work as slow cookers, and some have non-sticky, aluminum pots that are easy to clean up. In some of them, the pot is made up of stainless steel. The instant pot has sensors and an automated option. So don’t worry about the over-cooking.
When to get an instant pot?
An instant pot is a multipurpose cooker. It can brown, sear, and sauté food just like a stove-top frying pan. Steaming delicacies is another plus point of the instant pot. You can steam eggs, fish, or vegetables in the instant pot.
You can use an instant pot to prepare dishes related to bread. So, if you plan to prepare these dishes or something like custards, this instant pot is just for you. The latest model of the instant pot has come to the market with yogurt modes.
Although cooking is an art, many people dislike spending time in the kitchen. They do not want to get into the hassles of cooking delicious dishes. Instant pot is a perfect appliance for them.
Differences between an electric pressure cookers and instant pot
Both the electric pressure cooker and instant pot need electricity to generate heat. The electric pressure cooker needs superheated steam pressurized by the heat. On the other hand, this feature is a part of instant pots or multicookers. There are more advantages of instant pots over ordinary pressure cookers. Let’s have a look at the differences:
Different Working Methods
Limited functions of an Electric Pressure Cooker
There are three components of an electric pressure cooker- the inner pot, the cooker base, and the lid. The inner pot is a removable vessel for making food. While the inner pot gets the heat, the inside liquid in the inner pot starts boiling and creates steam.
The steam cannot go out and build up steam pressure. The inner pot on the instant pot is made of stainless steel. It has a three-ply base with an aluminum core for the even distribution of heat. Its base structure houses the pressure, temperature sensors, a heating element, a microprocessor, and a control panel.
Among all these components, the microprocessor is the heart of the electric pressure cooker. It works with built-in sensors to check the functions. It automatically regulates the temperature and pressure of the cooker, based on the program selected.
The lid works to seal and regulate the pressure. When you are cooking something liquid, the heat is limited to the boiling point of water.
Instant Pots are advantageous with more functions
The instant pot is a multifunctional kitchen gadget. The instant pot is available in different modes, but basically, it acts as an electric pressure cooker. The pressure cooker works based on one simple and single principle. Under pressure, the inside water of the instant pot boils up to 120°C, helping to cook food faster.
The instant pot consists of three parts. All these parts work together and promote high pressure, high temperature, and faster cooking time. The outer pot is the source of the heat of the motherboard, control panel, pressure, and temperature sensors.
Food is placed in the inner pot, but in turn, it will sit in the outer pot. When you push the buttons on the control panel, it gives a signal to the motherboard. It turns on the heat source of the inner pot. The top seal of the instant pot is airtight; the air heats up quickly.
The hot air expands quickly, and the liquid turns to steam. As a result, the pressure between the inner and outer pots gets increased.
Application and usability
Electric Pressure Cookers are very useful
Cooking with the help of advanced technology has become a trend. Cooking in an electric pressure cooker gives you tasty and healthy food. You can save energy as the food cooks 70% faster than any other fuel.
An electric pressure cooker is a durable, multifunctional device. You can use it as a sauté pan, steamer, rice cooker, pressure cooker, and warmer. This appliance can increase the nutrient bioavailability in food with its latest technology. An electric pressure cooker has come to the market with an anchor coat non-stick pan. Apart from it, a durable steaming basket is also on offer.
Instant Pots have even more applications than Electric Pressure Cookers
Two main factors have made the instant pot useful. The cooking chamber of the inner pot is fully insulated. So, it does not exert much energy to heat up. You can prepare so many dishes in your instant pot. Suppose you want to make meals for your kids; you can easily do it. You can make cheesecake, instant pot soup, and freezer meals as well. Also, you can even make wine or bread in your instant pot.
For a change, you can try your hand at making wonderful vegetables. Instant pot can give you a crunchy but soft taste of vegetables. Additionally, you may cook carrots to asparagus in the instant pot.
Moreover, consider using the steam basket to avoid the vegetables getting oversoaked in the bottom water of the pot. The steamer basket is good for another purpose also. It lifts the meatloaf or whole chicken, thus deterring the food from becoming soggy.
If you wish to make cheesecake or bread in the instant pot, you need a steamer basket. So, consider this smart solution for cooking.
Safety of electric pressure cooker and instant pot
Electric Pressure Cookers are quite safe to use
The electric pressure cooker is safer than other modern expensive pressure cooker. You have to follow certain precautions. Don’t fill up your cooker more than two-thirds of its capacity. If you don’t follow it, the food particles can clog or block the ventilation.
Many electric pressure cookers offer timers or pre-set values. You need to stick to the pre-set timer. Try to avoid filling the cooker to the brim, especially at the time of cooking rice. If you are not confident about the marking in the pot, then read the manual.
It would be best if you filled the cooker with enough water or other liquid. This kitchen equipment needs heavy steam for the cooking process, so give enough water. Also, don’t put excess oil in the cooker. The pressure cooker pushes the oil through its smoke point and may catch fire.
Instant Pots are safe if handled well
This new device has always been a center of attraction. But before using these devices, you should know about them thoroughly. Safety is a great criterion for every appliance. Take safety precautions while using the instant pot! It matters what you are putting in this kitchen apparatus.
Don’t fill your instant pot with too much liquid or food. While cooking under pressure, excess food or liquid may lead to dangerous pressure levels. Thus, fill only two-thirds of the capacity.
It would help if you were more careful while cooking beans, rice, dried vegetables, or pasta. Just fill half of the inner pot with two cups of water. The lid of the instant pot is very important.
It would be best if you locked it properly before you go for pressure cooking, else the unlocked lid can explode. It can lead to a hot mess and cause burns. Just turn the lid clockwise. Before pressing the start button of any program, you need to ensure that the lid is sealed. Please don’t open the cooker until it is fully depressurized.
Maintenance of Electric pressure cooker and instant pot
What’s the take for an electric pressure cooker?
Maintenance of the electric pressure cooker is simple. Use mild dishwasher liquid and an old toothbrush or mild scrubber to clean your cooker. Clean with warm water. Use a microfiber cloth, a microfiber sponge to clean the electric pressure cooker. You can use distilled white vinegar. Before cleaning, unplug the cooker. Use a toothbrush to clean the dried bits of food. You can also use a clean microfiber cloth soaked in vinegar to wipe down the outer side of the cooker.
Instant Pots are easy to clean and maintain
For cleaning and caring for your instant pot, you need to follow these instructions. Before cleaning your instant pot, you must unplug it. Use warm and soapy water to clean the instant pot. Make use of a microfiber cloth or dish towel. Also, use a toothbrush to clean the dried bits of food. Also, you may use white distilled vinegar to clean the instant pot.
Cost: Electric Pressure Cooker Vs Instant Pot
The cost of an electric pressure cooker ranges from a minimum of Rs.2000 to Rs 8000. An instant pot ranges between Rs 5000 to 15000. So, you can see a multicooker, specifically from a brand like Instant Pot is costlier than a usual electric pressure cooker.
Ease Of Using electric pressure cooker and instant pot
An electric pressure cooker is a versatile appliance and very simple to use. The electric pressure cooker makes your cooking easier and faster. It is an ideal device for those who are using it for the first time. It is convenient and easy to use, and its built-in mechanism has made it supreme. That is why the electric pressure cooker has a soaring demand.
A multicooker from Instant Pot is a modern gadget for the kitchen. It is very simple to use; even kids can cook in it. There are varied options to cook in the instant pot. An instant pot has come into the market to modernize the cooking process.
These days you can get different types of advanced kitchen gadgets in the market. A new appliance always attracts people. So, you may also want to use this cutting-edge appliance in your kitchen.
Power Requirement
Instant Pot: A typical 3 L instant pot requires 700 watts of electricity. With more capacity, the power requirement increases. For this reason, a 5.7 L instant pot or multi-pressure cooker can draw 1000 watts of power.
Electric Pressure Cooker: The power requirement of the ordinary electric pressure cooker is slightly higher. For example, the Geek Robocook Zeta 5 Litre Electric Pressure Cooker needs 1000 watts of power.
Electric Pressure Cooker Vs Instant Pot -Comparison
| Point Of Difference | Electric Pressure Cooker | Instant Pot/ Multi Cooker |
| Working Method | Pressure cooking with heat generated from electricity. | Used for pressure cooking a variety food faster. |
| Application | Safe operation is guaranteed by thoughtful operation. | Used for pressure cooking a variety of food faster. |
| Safety | Safe to use if handled properly | Used for preparing food like bread, meatloaf, full chicken, vegetables, and rice, faster. |
| Maintenance | Easy to maintain | It is also easy to maintain but needs time to clean |
| Cost | Cheaper than instant pot | Costlier than the electric pressure cooker |
| Ease of Use | Simple, and convenient to cook food faster | Convenient and easy to handle |
| Power Requirement | The power consumption rate is a little higher | The power consumption rate is high |
So, what is your choice- an instant pot or an electric pressure cooker?
By now, you are very much aware of all the facts related to both electric pressure cookers and instant pots. It is completely up to you which one you want in your kitchen. It is also dependent on the factor of which type of food you want to cook in the pressure cooker.
If you want your dinner to be prepared well before you reach your home, then you should go for a multi-cooker from Instant Pot. On the other hand, if you have enough time to cook the food without creating a mess in your kitchen, you need to buy an electric pressure cooker.
The electric pressure cooker is more expensive compared to an instant pot. If your budget is good enough, then you should go for an electric pressure cooker. Both instant pots and electric pressure cookers are available in several stores and also online. Read the comparison of electric pressure cookers vs instant pots and shop according to your choice and preference.
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