Can Instant Pots Be Used as Slow Cookers? Here’s What to Know

If you love the convenience of an Instant Pot but also enjoy the rich flavors that slow cooking brings, you might wonder if your Instant Pot can double as a slow cooker. The good news is that many Instant Pot models come with a slow cook function, making it easier than ever to enjoy tender, flavorful meals without needing multiple appliances.

Using your Instant Pot as a slow cooker can save you time and counter space while still delivering the same low-and-slow cooking results. Whether you’re simmering soups or braising meats, understanding how to use this feature will help you get the most out of your kitchen gadget. Let’s explore how well Instant Pots perform as slow cookers and what you need to know to make the switch.

Understanding Instant Pots and Slow Cookers

Both Instant Pots and slow cookers prepare meals through heat and time, but they use different methods and functions to achieve results.

What Is an Instant Pot?

An Instant Pot is a multifunctional electric pressure cooker that combines several kitchen appliances in one. It offers pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, and more. You control the cooking time and temperature using digital settings. Many models include a slow cook mode that simulates traditional slow cooker temperatures, giving you versatility in one device. The sealed environment speeds up cooking during pressure mode, while slow cook mode allows low, steady heat for extended periods.

What Is a Slow Cooker?

A slow cooker, also known as a crockpot, uses low and steady heat to cook food over several hours. It consists of a ceramic or metal pot surrounded by a heating element. Slow cookers maintain temperatures typically between 170°F and 280°F (77°C to 138°C), ideal for tenderizing tough cuts of meat and developing deep flavors. Its simple design focuses solely on slow cooking with manual or digital timers and minimal user input. This makes slow cookers straightforward but less versatile than Instant Pots.

Can Instant Pots Be Used as Slow Cookers?

Instant Pots function effectively as slow cookers, offering a convenient alternative to traditional crockpots. If your Instant Pot model includes the slow cook feature, you can prepare low-and-slow meals with ease.

Slow Cooker Function on Instant Pots

Instant Pots with a slow cooker setting allow you to simmer ingredients over several hours. You can select different heat levels, such as low, medium, or high, depending on your recipe’s requirements. This function mimics traditional slow cooking by applying gentle, consistent heat without pressure. If your model lacks a dedicated slow cook button, using the “Keep Warm” mode can sometimes serve as a basic slow cooking alternative, although temperature control might be less precise.

Differences in Cooking Methods

Instant Pots cook food using sealed pressure for fast results or slow heat for extended cooking times. Slow cookers rely solely on low, steady heat without pressure. Because Instant Pots employ digital controls, you can set precise cooking times and temperatures, while traditional slow cookers often use simple dials with limited settings. If you need to brown or sauté ingredients before slow cooking, Instant Pots offer these functions built-in, which slow cookers lack.

Advantages of Using Instant Pot as a Slow Cooker

Using an Instant Pot as a slow cooker saves kitchen space and reduces appliance clutter since one device handles multiple cooking methods. You gain programmable timers and temperature controls that improve cooking consistency. If you prefer multi-functionality, the Instant Pot eliminates the need for separate slow cookers and pressure cookers. Additionally, the stainless steel inner pot allows for easy cleaning and transfers food without sticking, enhancing your slow cooking experience.

Tips for Using Instant Pot as a Slow Cooker

You can maximize your Instant Pot’s slow cooking feature by understanding the right settings, adjusting cooking times, and choosing suitable recipes. These tips ensure you get flavorful, tender results every time.

Settings to Use

Select the “Slow Cook” function on your Instant Pot for traditional slow cooking. If your model lacks this setting, use the “Keep Warm” mode, but only with the lid set to a loose or vented position to allow heat circulation. Choose between “Less,” “Normal,” or “More” heat levels, which correspond roughly to low, medium, and high slow cooker settings. Avoid sealing the lid tightly during slow cooking to prevent pressure buildup and maintain proper simmering.

Cooking Time Adjustments

Set cooking times similar to those in a traditional slow cooker, typically between 4 to 10 hours depending on the recipe. Use the “More” heat setting for faster results in 4-6 hours, “Normal” for 6-8 hours, and “Less” for 8-10 hours or longer. Increases in time compensate for the Instant Pot’s less intense slow cooking heat compared to some crockpots. Check food doneness periodically after the minimum suggested time to avoid overcooking, especially with delicate ingredients.

Recipes That Work Well

Opt for recipes that benefit from long, low heat like stews, chili, pot roasts, and soups. Tough meats such as beef brisket, pork shoulder, and chicken thighs become tender through extended cooking in your Instant Pot. Avoid delicate vegetables that disintegrate quickly, like zucchini or spinach, unless added near the end of cooking. Beans, stews, and casserole-style dishes also suit slow cooking in the Instant Pot, delivering rich flavors and well-developed textures.

Common Limitations and Considerations

Using your Instant Pot as a slow cooker works well in many cases, but it’s essential to understand its limitations and when a traditional slow cooker may serve you better.

Potential Drawbacks

Some Instant Pot models lack precise temperature control for slow cooking, causing variations in cooking results. The slow cook mode often uses lower wattage heating elements than dedicated slow cookers, which may lead to longer cooking times or uneven heat distribution. The pot’s lid design differs from slow cookers; it doesn’t provide the same venting and moisture retention, potentially affecting texture and moisture levels in your dishes. Additionally, you may find that certain recipes require you to adjust cooking times or heat settings manually since Instant Pot slow cook programs are less customizable than those on traditional slow cookers.

When to Choose a Traditional Slow Cooker Instead

Opt for a traditional slow cooker if you need consistent low-and-slow heat over 8 to 12 hours without supervision. Traditional slow cookers excel in retaining moisture due to their tighter lids and consistent heat, which benefits recipes like braised meats and delicate vegetables that risk overcooking in an Instant Pot. If multitasking with other Instant Pot functions isn’t a priority and you prefer simple, set-it-and-forget-it cooking, a traditional slow cooker may deliver more reliable results. Also, consider a dedicated slow cooker if you regularly prepare large meals, as some models offer larger capacities and specialized inserts for roasting or baking.

Conclusion

You can definitely use your Instant Pot as a slow cooker, making it a versatile tool in your kitchen. It saves space and offers programmable options that traditional slow cookers might not have. Just keep in mind the differences in heat distribution and moisture retention when choosing which appliance to use for specific recipes.

By understanding these nuances, you’ll get the most out of your Instant Pot’s slow cooking feature and enjoy delicious, tender meals without extra gadgets cluttering your countertop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an Instant Pot be used as a slow cooker?

Yes, many Instant Pot models have a slow cook function that allows you to simmer food over several hours, similar to a traditional slow cooker.

How does an Instant Pot differ from a traditional slow cooker?

An Instant Pot is multifunctional, offering pressure cooking, slow cooking, and other modes with digital controls, while a traditional slow cooker only provides low, steady heat for slow cooking.

What are the benefits of using an Instant Pot for slow cooking?

It saves kitchen space, reduces appliance clutter, offers programmable timers and temperature controls, and its stainless steel inner pot is easy to clean.

How do I use the slow cook feature on an Instant Pot?

Select the “Slow Cook” function and set the cooking time typically between 4 to 10 hours, adjusting based on your recipe’s needs.

Can all Instant Pot models slow cook?

Most models include a dedicated slow cook function, but if not, the “Keep Warm” mode can sometimes serve as a basic slow cooker alternative.

Are there any limitations when slow cooking with an Instant Pot?

Yes, some models have less precise temperature control and may heat unevenly. The lid doesn’t retain moisture as well, which can affect dish texture.

Which dishes are best suited for slow cooking in an Instant Pot?

Stews, chili, pot roasts, and other recipes benefiting from long, low heat work well. Avoid delicate vegetables that can break down easily.

When should I choose a traditional slow cooker over an Instant Pot?

For recipes requiring very consistent low heat over many hours, especially braising meats or delicate vegetables, a traditional slow cooker may deliver better results.