The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen gadget, letting you pressure cook, steam, slow cook and more. Still, there are numerous things you can do with it that you may not know. If you want to expand the versatility of your favorite kitchen device or make it easier to take care of, it’s worth knowing a few of the best Instant Pot kitchen hacks.
Since the Instant Pot can cook frozen food, you can prepare meals ahead of time and freeze them. For example, you can prep orange chicken ahead of time with a few frozen chicken breasts, barbecue sauce, soy sauce and orange marmalade. Simply place the ingredients in a freezer-safe container for up to 90 days, and dump them into your Instant Pot when ready.
You can also freeze your leftovers to save them for later. When you need to make a quick meal, dump the leftovers into the Instant Pot and cook them. This hack is an ideal way to prepare for busy days when you may not have time to cook a meal from scratch.
Many people wash their Instant Pot by hand. Still, most pieces are dishwasher safe. You can clean the inner pot, sealing ring and even the lid in your dishwasher. The outer body, also known as the base unit, can’t be placed in your dishwasher, so you’ll need to wipe it down with a damp rag. Additionally, if you have an electronic lid, it will need to be wiped down by hand.
Everyone knows the Instant Pot makes great food, but few realize they can make several delicious drinks. For example, you can make tea by adding water and a few tea bags to your Instant Pot and cooking it on high pressure for four minutes. Once the tea is made, you’ll release the pressure naturally for 15 minutes. Instant Pot tea is more robust and flavorful than tea made on the stove, as the pressure lets the water heat to high temperatures without boiling.
You can make infused water by adding frozen fruit and water to the Instant pot and cooking on high pressure for around five minutes. You’ll need to release the pressure naturally and use a straining tool to remove excess fruit from the water.
If you love iced coffee, you can make a quick-and-easy coffee concentrate by adding your coffee grounds and water to the Instant Pot, cooking on high pressure for around 5 minutes and releasing the pressure naturally for around 15 minutes. You can remove the coffee grounds with a strainer and store the coffee concentrate in a glass carafe in your fridge.
The Instant Pot can be an ideal tool for new parents. Some models, such as the Instant Pot Duo Plus, Viva and Ultra, have a sterilization feature.
To sterilize bottles in your Instant Pot, you’ll need to use a steam rack. Take apart your baby bottles, and place the pieces on the steam rack. Insert the rack into the Instant Pot and add water to the bottom of the pot. Once the sterilization cycle is complete, you can remove the pieces and dry them with a clean towel.
When sterilizing bottles in an Instant Pot, nothing must come into contact with the bottom of the pot. You’ll want to ensure none of the pieces are small enough to fall through the steam rack.
You can make quick-and-easy popcorn using your favorite kitchen gadget. You'll need a glass lid for this hack. Simply add two tablespoons of vegetable oil, half a cup of popcorn kernels and half a teaspoon of salt to your Instant Pot. Set it to saute, adjust the temperature slightly higher and place the glass lid on your pot. Once around two-thirds of the kernels have popped, turn the Instant Pot off.
A. The biggest drawback is its size. You’ll need ample storage space for your Instant Pot. Additionally, they are easy to use, but the learning curve can be steep. If you’ve never used an Instant Pot or pressure cooker before, you can expect to burn a few meals before you get the hang of it.
A. Pressure cookers typically reach 15 PSI, whereas Instant Pots can only get around 12 PSI. Still, Instant Pots are generally more versatile than traditional pressure cookers.
A. Instant Pots aren’t designed to be used on the stove. They have an internal burner, so there’s no need to use your stove. Additionally, it could be dangerous or damage your Instant Pot.
A. You can expect it to last around two to three years, although many have reported their devices lasting much longer.
If you want to sterilize baby bottles in your Instant Pot, you’ll need a specific model. The Instant Pot Duo Plus is ideal for sterilizing, slow cooking and more. It’s available in three sizes, and the large display is easy to read.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon, Kohl’s and Macy’s
This is one of the few models that let you sterilize baby bottles and jars. It has more features than most Instant Pots and a large, detailed digital display.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Instant Pot Tempered Glass Lid
This lid is ideal for seeing the contents of your pot. You can’t use it for pressure cooking, but it opens a ton of other functionality, such as making popcorn. It’s available in three sizes and features a steam release vent.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Fellow Stagg Double-Wall Coffee Carafe
If you plan to use your Instant Pot to make coffee, you’ll need a carafe to store your brew. This stylish pitcher holds plenty of coffee concentrate and comes with a lid to keep it fresh. It’s dishwasher safe and can keep your coffee cold or warm.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Sugaroom Instant Pot Accessories Kit
This 100-piece kit includes plenty of things to help you expand your Instant Pot’s versatility. Many said this was the best accessory kit they had tried.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
This lid turns your six-quart Instant Pot into an air fryer. It’s easy to use and has dehydration capabilities. It isn’t dishwasher safe, but many said it was easy to keep clean.
Where to buy: Sold by Macy’s
C Crest Glass Food Storage Containers
This includes ten freezer-safe storage containers ideal for meal prepping. They’re available in five vibrant colors. They’re dishwasher safe, although some weren’t impressed with their durability.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Cody Stewart writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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