Instant Pot or Copycat?

#1

I have been resistant to getting an instant pot because I already have a slow cooker and stove top pressure cooker. I really have not found anything that comes out better in my slow cooker than on the stove but every once in a while I use it so I can leave it. Despite working from home I am a very last minute cook, I have made stews and other items in my pressure cooker but so far if I make a stew and have plenty of time I will cook it on the stove top. I have never cooked anything longer than 8 hours nor do I want to (thinking of braising or marinating a big roast, not something I have any interest doing).
So my first question is, do I really need an instant pot? The only time I have had an issue with a pressure cooker is that I needed to run to the store but did not feel comfortable leaving my teenagers alone with it but that is rare. My hesitation is not money but space. H will mock me if I buy something else that I do not use (although he bought a teeter hang upside down recently which I have been finding pretty useless but he claims to like it)

Next question, assuming I do, I need an 8 quart because of family size. BJs has been selling the Bella version for $60 and a brand called Power for about $70 in store. Much cheaper than a real instant pot (yes I have prime so could wait for a sale on the real one). Is it necessary to get the real one? What benefits does it have over the two listed https://www.bjs.com/category/appliances/small-kitchen-appliances/slow-cookers-and-roasters/620

Thank you for any thoughts

#2

I also debated about about getting one because I have a Crock-Pot and did I really need an instant pot as well.

I LOVE the instant pot. The thing makes the best hard boiled eggs I have ever eaten. It also does a great job with meats. I would buy another one if this one dies without hesitation.

I got mine at Kohl’s they had a super good sale and I paid 90 for the one with the knob. My sister got hers on Amazon (without the dial) for under 60 when they had a price drop.

I think I have the 6qt. It fits a lot. I can cook chicken thighs for 2 meals for 2 people (and we eat quite a lot of meat in a sitting).

Edit: I don’t know if there is any advantage to the brand name vs. others. I just purchased the brand name.

(Patrick Belair) #3

I’ve being using an Instant pot since last Christmas.
I use it 3 or 4 times per week.
I like the simplicity and the very fast cooking time.
I basically do the same recipes I did with my slow cooker but it takes less than one hour instead of 8.

I have an 8qt for a family of 5.

My favorite thing do to is yogurt.
-Heat up 1 gallon of milk to 185f using the steam option (about 30 min)
-Cool down to 115f … putting the stainless pot in about 4 inches of cold water in the sink. (10-15min)
-add warm milk to 1.5 cup of the previous batch of yogurt and mix the two. (or active bacteria yogurt)
-add the mix to the warm milk.
-put back the stainless pot in the cooker and press the yogurt button … wait 8 hours.

Edit: Not all models have the yogurt option. Only the 7 in 1. I think the recently release an 8 in 1.

#4

I use the instant pot for cooking convenience and Its worked super well for me. Target has them for $80, might have some at your local Target.

#5

I’ve been flirting with the idea of getting one, for me, for my birthday :wink:
I’m so confused regarding which model to get, some are 7-in-1, some are 8-in-1, some are 258-in-one…:thinking:stainless steel pot?

#6

Thank you! I do need the 8 quart but they have that for 90 (less than the 6). So for the extra $20 over the Power brand at BJs is it worth it?

#7

Yes I have the same question

What is better about the 8 in 1?

After reading the replies I am definitely making sure it has a does make yogurt although I have personally been happy eating Fage and never had any need to make yogurt but the last year has been a culinary exploration and it might be nice to try it. I have made creme freche by leaving sour cream and regular cream out and it was pretty good

Here is a nice explanation I got on a quick search https://www.hippressurecooking.com/which-instant-pot-model-is-right-for-you/

I am an options kind of person, I like knowing I have them and never use them

(Charlotte) #8

If you do buy one, it should end up saving space, as you will no longer need your existing pressure cooker or slow cooker, and can get rid of them (definitely don’t bother buying one if you plan on also keeping your other devices. Part of the point of an Instant Pot is to reduce clutter, not add to it). That would also solve the issue of buying something you “won’t use”, since you’re already using your slow cooker. I replaced not only my slow cooker, but other space-clogging cheap devices like a yogurt maker and an egg cooker.

It can also spare you extra dirty pots and pans, as you can sear and sautee in the instant pot as well as use it as a slow cooker/pressure cooker, so you save having to use an extra pot for that purpose. For making yogurt, you can heat the yogurt up to 180 degrees right in the pot rather than on a separate pot on the stove, and then switch into yogurt making mode as soon as it cools enough. So honestly, it just depends on whether you think it will end up simplifying your cooking life and cutting down on time spent washing dishes, which is a matter of your personal cooking habits.

As to brands, I really have no idea–I bought a brand-name instant pot during a Prime Day sale, and I think it’s pretty awesome, but a friend of mine bought a cheaper knock-off and is very happy with hers as well. It looks like both the options you listed have a lot of reviews on Amazon, as does the Instant Pot, so maybe read through some of those, and use that information to help weigh your options?

(Charlotte) #9

Have you ever tried making yogurt with Half and Half rather than milk? That’s what I do and it’s sooooo delicious (also lower carb as a bonus)!

#10

The more expensive models have more bells and whistles…such as the yogurt making function. If you are not going to use it you can save money. If you use Google there are a couple of sites that compare the features of each model to help you decide which one may work best for you.

#11

I make my own yogurt the simple way-stove, boil milk, cool to between 40 and 50 degrees C, a few tbsps of old yogurt, glass mugs, cover with towel overnight, fridge in the morning, done :slight_smile:

Thanks for the link, I will take a detailed look :wink:

I also gather opinions, overthink everything and then decide I don’t really need it :joy:

#12

I’ll do a detailed search :slight_smile: I forgot another detail…i’m from europe and the delivery charges will probably be a big problem :frowning:

(Patrick Belair) #13

No! I will give that a try.
I usually drain about a 3rd and it makes it very creamy and delicious.

(Charlotte) #14

Your life is about to be changed, I promise you! :yum:

#15

Duo plus looks like something i’d like to have :slight_smile: