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I love a good kitchen tool that can make my cooking experience easier so I have more time to spend with my family and for years my slow cooker was that tool for me. I bought my first one way back in 2005 when I was in university for less than $20, and it served me so well I used it until we moved across the country in 2023, and even then it was still working great, we just ran out of space on the truck. Needless to say, it was a well loved and often used gadget that served us well over the years.
A few years back my dad surprised me with an Instant Pot that he found on sale and “got a great deal” on. Until then I had been hesitant to get one because my trusty slow cooker really filled that set it and forget it slot and my kitchen was pretty full of lots of gadgets. But over the years I have come to love both my slow cooker and instant pot for different reasons and can’t imagine my kitchen without them, but I know for most, only 1 is needed so here is a list of pros and cons to both so ou can decide which is best for your home!
Slow Cooker
Pros:
- Simplicity:
- Easy to use with straightforward controls—just set the time and temperature, and you’re done.
- Low and Slow Cooking:
- Perfect for slow-cooked meals that develop deep flavors over time, like stews, soups, and braised meats.
- Tenderizes Tough Cuts:
- Ideal for cooking tough cuts of meat, making them tender and flavorful.
- Energy-Efficient:
- Uses less energy than an oven, making it cost-effective for long cooking times.
- Set and Forget:
- You can start your meal in the morning and have it ready by dinner with minimal attention needed.
Cons:
- Limited Versatility:
- Primarily used for slow cooking, with fewer cooking methods available compared to an Instant Pot.
- Long Cooking Times:
- Requires several hours to cook, so it’s not ideal for last-minute meals.
- No Browning:
- Lacks the ability to brown or sauté ingredients, which can result in less depth of flavor.
- Texture Issues:
- Some ingredients can become overcooked or mushy, especially delicate vegetables or pasta.
Instant Pot
Pros:
- Versatility:
- Combines multiple functions in one appliance, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, and more.
- Speed:
- Can cook meals much faster than a slow cooker, especially with pressure cooking, which is ideal for busy schedules.
- Flavor Development:
- Pressure cooking can develop deep flavors in a fraction of the time it takes with a slow cooker.
- Energy Efficiency:
- Like slow cookers, Instant Pots are energy-efficient, using less electricity than a stovetop or oven.
- Multiple Functions:
- You can brown and sauté directly in the pot, reducing the need for extra pans and enhancing flavor.
Cons:
- Learning Curve:
- Can be more complex to use, with multiple settings and functions that require a bit of learning.
- Size and Weight:
- Often bulkier and heavier than a slow cooker, which might be an issue for storage or portability.
- Potential Overcooking:
- Pressure cooking can sometimes result in overcooked or mushy food if not monitored carefully.
- Less Focused:
- While versatile, it may not perform as well as dedicated appliances for specific tasks like slow cooking or sautéing.
- No “Set and Forget” for Pressure Cooking:
- Unlike slow cooking, you need to be present to release pressure and monitor the cooking process.
So who should buy which?
When it comes to slow cookers they are the most handy if you plan ahead, and know what you are making for the most part, because you are left with two temperature settings that lead to 4-8 hour cook times you really need to have a plan. I always find I am pulling mine out on the weekends to make a soup or chilli to have in the fridge for the weeks lunches or when I have been sticking to my meal plan, so I know at 8am what needs to be put in for dinner. Otherwise it tends to sit in the cupboard.
As for the Instant Pot, I love it for those days I am less prepared when a friend unexpectedly stops by for dinner or when the meat I took out didn’t thaw in time. The pressure function really allows for some flexibility in your menu allowing you the freedom to decide only 2-3 hours before dinner what you want to make, making it great for those times I didn’t make a plan. And even though the Instant Pot does have a slow cooker function, I don’t find it as reliable as a trusty old 2 temperature no timer slow cooker. I lean into my Instant pot mostly during those very busy seasons when I am not even able to plan ahead, or during the seasonal transitions when it may have seemed like Taco Soup for dinner in the morning but the weather was better suited for Taco Salad by dinner time and I am thankful for the easy pivot instead of a giant pot of something no one wants to eat.
Regardless of which you choose these tools are so handy during life’s busy seasons that every kitchen needs one. Both have their strengths depending on your cooking style and needs!
Tracy Edwards
August 21, 2024 at 6:11 pmI have been married 42 years and have used a slow cooker all of those years. A friend recently gave me an instant pot. I was excited at first. But like your article said, there is a learning curve. I used it for chicken breast, they came out dry. (learning curve) Next time I cooked the chicken breast in the slow cooker and delicious as usual. I will keep experimenting with my instant pot. Thanks for the article!
Victoria McGill
August 21, 2024 at 7:12 pmThe curve is surprisingly steep! I have found both have their place and season.