Instant Pot

Pros

• Excellent for cooking dried beans quickly without the need for pre-soaking
• Efficiently produces high-quality stocks and bone broths
• Provides 'set and forget' convenience for grains and rice without risk of boil-overs
• Capable of pressure cooking meats directly from a frozen state
• Reduces active kitchen time by eliminating the need for constant stirring or monitoring

Cons

• Large physical footprint can be a burden for those with limited counter space
• Sealed lid prevents liquid reduction, which can lead to less concentrated flavors
• Slow cooker mode is frequently criticized for running hotter than traditional crockpots
• Potential for mushy food consistency if timing is not precisely managed
• The air gap between the inner pot and the outer housing can be difficult to clean if spills occur

Caveats

• Total cooking time is often longer than advertised once pressure build-up and release times are factored in
• The slow cooker function may require the purchase of a separate glass lid to perform effectively
• While it functions as a rice cooker, enthusiasts often still prefer dedicated high-end brands like Zojirushi

Best for

• Meal prepping staples such as beans, grains, and shredded meats
• Users who want to make homemade stocks with minimal effort
• Busy cooks who frequently forget to defrost meat before dinner

Avoid if

• You primarily intend to use it as a replacement for a high-quality slow cooker
• You have very limited kitchen storage or counter space
• You are highly sensitive to food textures that can become overly soft