Pressure Cooker vs Instant Pot: What’s the difference?

At first glance, a pressure cooker and an Instant Pot do the same thing: use pressure to cook food faster than traditional methods. But what’s the real difference between the two, and why does it matter when you’re in the kitchen deciding which one to use or buy? 

While both rely on steam and high pressure to speed up cooking, there are some fundamental differences in how they operate, what they’re capable of, and how easy they are to use. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between a pressure cooker and an Instant Pot to help you make the right choice for your kitchen.

What is a Pressure Cooker and an Instant Pot?

Before we take a closer look at the differences, let’s quickly go over what each one actually is. A pressure cooker is a stovetop pot with a tight-sealing lid that traps steam to build high pressure inside. This pressure raises the boiling point of water, which cooks food much faster than regular boiling or steaming. 

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You control the heat manually, and it usually has a whistle or weighted valve that lets you know when the right pressure has been reached, releasing steam in short bursts to signal it’s time to lower the heat. It’s a tried-and-true method that works well, but it’s also hands-on and requires you to stay attentive during cooking.

Pressure Cooker and Instant Pot: What's the difference

Manual vs. automatic control

With a traditional pressure cooker, you’re in charge. You manually control the heat and monitor the pressure. A whistle or valve lets you know when it’s at the right level, but the cooking process requires your full attention. 

The Instant Pot automates most of the work. It has preset programs that adjust temperature and pressure for you, making it perfect for those who prefer a hands-off approach.

Cooking flexibility

A pressure cooker does one thing: it cooks under pressure. It’s a simple, effective method for fast cooking, but it doesn’t offer many other features. The Instant Pot combines multiple cooking functions in one device. Beyond just pressure cooking, it can also slow cook, sauté, steam, and even make yoghurt, making it an all-in-one kitchen appliance.

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Ease of use

Pressure cookers can be tricky for beginners. You’ll need to adjust the heat and monitor the pressure manually, which requires more hands-on attention and can be intimidating. 

The Instant Pot is much easier to use. With its digital interface, preset cooking modes, and automatic pressure control, Instant Pot takes the guesswork out of cooking. All you need is to set it and go!

Speed and preheat time

Traditional pressure cookers reach pressure quickly, thanks to direct heat from the stovetop. They’re faster to get started, but you’ll need to stay engaged during cooking. While the Instant Pot takes a bit longer to preheat, once it’s at the right pressure, it maintains it automatically. This gives you a more relaxed cooking experience overall.

Cleaning and maintenance

Cleaning a pressure cooker can be a bit more involved, especially older models with intricate seals and valves. They’re durable but can require more maintenance. Instant Pots are designed with convenience in mind. Most parts, like the inner pot and sealing ring, are removable and dishwasher-safe, making cleanup easy and relatively quick.

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In the end, both the pressure cooker and Instant Pot do the same thing, but how they get there makes all the difference. If you like having full control and don’t mind keeping a close eye on things, the classic pressure cooker gets the job done. However, if you’d rather press a button and walk away, the Instant Pot is a fantastic, all-in-one option that will simplify your cooking routine.