Before buying an instant pot, consumers may be confused about whether it’s worth their money, or they can go for a traditional pressure cooker instead. Indeed, many people are struggling to set apart these two types of equipment.

So, is a pressure cooker the same as an instant pot? Let’s find out through our detailed article.

Is A Pressure Cooker The Same As An Instant Pot?

Yes, instant pots are technically pressure cookers. They are the new cooking appliance that has become quite popular over the past few years. Simply put, instant pots are an improvement over old-fashioned pressure cookers. 

Many people even consider the instant pot to be the more expensive version of the pressure cooker. The difference between instant cookers and standard pressure cookers lies in technology, usability, and controllability.

1. Who Invented the Pressure Cooker?

Denis Papin, a British physicist of French descent, invented the pressure cooker. His invention was based on a straightforward idea: create a sealed vessel with a tight-fitting lid to hold the steam until it created a high pressure to raise the boiling point of the water. He also built safety valves that prevent leaks and explosions.

In 1939, an early version of a commercial pressure cooker was exhibited at the New York World’s Fair. Six years later, the pressure cooker was officially launched on the market.

The principle of operation of a pressure cooker is to keep extremely hot water and steam in an enclosed space and maintain the temperature inside. Thanks to that, it can significantly speed up the cooking time for food.

2. Who Invented the Instant Pot?

In 2008, Robert J. Wang teamed up with two friends intending to simplify the pressure cooking process. Dr. Wang spent over $300,000 and over 18 months with his team perfecting this project. Finally, in October 2010, the first version of the Instant Pot was released on Amazon. Up to now, these kitchen utensils have become extremely popular among households.

Main Advantages Of Traditional Pressure Cookers?

Pros

• Cooking time is 3 to 10 times faster than conventional cooking methods.
• Preserve nutrients and taste for dishes.
• Effectively tenderize lean cuts of meat.
• Fully immersible & dishwasher safe (when removing the over-pressure plug and sealing ring).
• Pressure regulator included.

1. Achieve a higher PSI

What impressed us most about the traditional floating pressure cooker is the PSI level it can achieve. Specifically, a traditional pressure cooker can reach a PSI of fifteen on the stovetop. Meanwhile, the available PSI level is twelve for most instant pots (except the most advanced).

It is undeniable that traditional pressure cookers cook faster than instant cookers. Therefore, if time is your top priority, a traditional pot will be the right choice for you.

2. Save More Money

For about $40, you can own a quality  6 – quart pressure cooker. Hence, a pressure cooker is a perfect choice for those on a tight budget.

3. Reasonable Size

If your kitchen is small to store a sizable instant pot, consider a traditional pressure cooker. In fact, a traditional pressure cooker is much smaller in size than an instant pot.

For example, a 6-quart instant pot measures 13 x 12 x 12.5″, while the same size pressure cooker is 17 x 9 x 8.75″.

Main Advantages Of Instant Pots

Pros

• Suitable for beginners, easy to use.
• Packed with a sophisticated microprocessor. It can help you monitor and regulate temperature, pressure, heat, and time.
• Cook up to 70% faster than other methods.
• Ten safety features included.
• Allow you to “Set it And Forget It.”
•  UL certification
• Come with a smart lid that automatically seals your instant pot.

1. Easy to Use

Using a pressure cooker can be a challenge for the inexperienced or those who do not have the time to monitor the pressure and adjust the heat. 

It is unnecessary to learn too much about the pressure or what’s going on inside the instant pot. Furthermore, you do not have to watch the instant pot to adjust the pressure level.

On the other hand, most instant pots have programmed built-in buttons that make your cooking process a lot easier. Especially, the pressure level and cooking time are automatically adjusted for you.

2. Versatile Functions

Traditional pressure cookers can offer many great features. However, instant pot takes these features to a whole new level. Here are some key features of an instant pot:

• Pressure cooker.
• Sous Vide.
• Slow cooker.
• Canning.
• Rice cooker.
• Make cakes.
• Steamer.
• Sterilize.
• Sauté mode.
• Make yogurt.
• Keep food warm.

In addition to the basic cooking styles of a pressure cooker, the instant pot can do different ways to cook. For example, with several useful accessories, an instant pot can bake things like lasagna and cheesecake. Furthermore, it is possible to cook two different dishes simultaneously, such as rice and chicken curry.

3. Set it & Forget It

One of the things that makes instant pots so popular is the ability to set it & forget it. That means you can put ingredients in your instant pot and cook all day without being there.

Do you want to learn more about instant pots? Check out this article.

Pressure Cooker Vs. Instant Pot: Which Should You Choose?

In general, an instant pot is superior to a traditional pressure cooker. Its ease of use is an excellent factor for beginners.

If you want to speed up the cooking process, a traditional pressure cooker is perfect for you.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a “set it and forget it” machine that comes with many extra safety features, it is wise to choose an instant pot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the safety features of instant pots?

• High-temperature warning.
• Pressure regulator protection.
• Extreme temperature & power protection.
• Lid close detection.
• Lid lock under pressure.
• Leaky lid protection.
• Anti-blockage vent.

2. What are the disadvantages of the instant pot?

Cooking with an instant pot is slower than with a traditional pressure cooker. In addition, it is not ideal for cooking things that need to have a crispy texture.

3. What are the accessories for my instant pot?

Instant pot is considered a perfect machine. However, you should apply additional accessories to revolutionize the way you cook. Here are some accessories that can be used with instant pots.

• Stackable steamer insert pans
• Silicone egg rack
• Extra silicone rings
• Steamer basket
• Mini loaf pans
• Springform pan
• Mini silicon mitts
• Glass lid
• Silicone cupcake liners
• All-in instant pot kit

4. What are the pros of instant pot over pressure cooker?

The most significant benefit of the instant pot is that you do not have to watch it as you would with a pressure cooker. Instead, just choose the cooking time or type of food, and it will let you know when it’s done.

5. Is a pressure cooker worth it?

Traditional pressure cookers can help speed up the cooking process. In addition, they are small in size and quite affordable.

Conclusion

Hopefully, by the end of this article, you have successfully figured out if a pressure cooker is the same as an instant pot. No matter which one you choose – a traditional pressure cooker or an instant pot – there are plenty of great recipes out there to make a more attractive meal. If you are inexperienced, please refer to this article for more information.