Have you ever wondered what the similarities and differences between crock pots and instant pots were? In this guide about crock pots versus instant pots, you will know all there is to know about these popular cookers.
Both slow cookers and instant pots are popular cookers that help in hands-off cooking. There are many similarities between them, just as there are many differences. All of this is what this guide is about.
Crockpot came in first, and you might have found it in your home, grandma’s kitchen, and all. It has been around for a while – since the 1950s. It only started selling greatly in stores in the 1970s.
Instant pot, came very much later and first hit the market in the year 2010, and it has since become a very popular choice for many households; thanks to its multifunctional abilities.
One great thing about both instant pots and slow cooker crock pots is their hands-free functionality. You can walk away while your food gets done – I absolutely love that.
CROCK-POT: Instant Pot versus Crock Pot
The crock pot has been around for a long time now, since the 1950s, and its slow cooker functionality and hands-free ability have endeared it to so many people.
Let me state now that a crock pot is often referred to as a slow cooker by so many people. I understand why – all due to its slow cooking functionality.
The slow cooker cooks food on low heat, and this can last for hours. So, with a crock pot, you can decide to start cooking and do something else for hours. Some even go as far as cooking and going to work, shopping, and other things while not at home.
The hands-off functionality makes it dear to so many people. All you need to do is to cut up your ingredients and place them in the crock pot, power it on and forget it – the slow cooker takes care of the rest.
In recent times, however, Crock-Pot, the original producer of the slow cooker started making multifunctional cookers that can perform different functions, including pressure cooking.
So, nowadays, with the multifunctional features of crock pots, they are now similar to instant pots, as they share many functions and similarities.
INSTANT POT: Crock-Pot vs. Instant Pot
Instant Pot only came to the scene in 2010, much later than Crock Pot. Instant pot is an electric cooker pot that does the work of a pressure cooker and much more.
It is placed on kitchen counters or any other flat convenient surface. It does not take much of the space in your kitchen – all you need is a small part of the kitchen counter.
With an instant pot, you have a multifunctional cooker that pressure cooks, slow cooks, steams, saute, serves as an egg cooker, serves as a rice cooker, and more.
The electric pressure cooker is manufactured by many brands, however, the Instant Pot brand is the most popular of these brands.
The hands-free functionality of the instant pot makes it a favorite for many households while requiring little effort for you. Also, with an electric pressure cooker, you have your dish done in little time, when compared to other cookers.
Instant pots are multifunctional, they are fast, they are hands-off and they are loved by many. A quick look at their review on Amazon or any other online store, and see the positive things being said about instant pots.
MULTI-FUNCTIONALITY: Electric Pressure Cooker vs Crock-Pot
On their different functions, the instant pot is more functional than the crock pot, at least for the time being. The popular crock pot comes with two functions, and they are: cooking on low or cooking slowly on high.
Instant pots, on the other hand, are quite different. They can be used for different functions – they are multifunctional. With an instant pot, you have a rice cooker, steamer, meat cooker, soup cooker, yogurt maker, and more.
For Crock-Pot (the traditional slow cooker), as I said earlier only comes with functionality. However, in recent times, the company has made innovations to its cooker by producing crock pots that have other functions such as steaming, cooking meat, cooking rice, sautéing, making soup, and more.
So, in recent times, the crock pot now has similar functions to the instant pot, although many people still prefer the instant pot, as many still view the crock as the traditional slow cooker.
COST: Crock Pot versus Instant Pot
When it comes to the pricing of crock pots and instant pots. The crock pot comes out on top here, as it is way cheaper than an instant pot. With around $35, you can own a crock-pot.
While on the other hand, an instant pot will set you back by around $80 – $140. So, when it comes to the cost of owning either of them, the crock pot is cheaper.
Similarities between Instant Pot and Crock Pot
Let’s talk about the similarities between a crock pot and an instant pot. From all that I have mentioned above, we can see some clear similarities between instant pots and crock pots.
Subsequently, I will list the similarities between crock pots and instant pots.
- • The exteriors of both the crock pot and instant pot are made with stainless steel.
- • The sizes of both the instant pot and crock pots are similar. This means that both can cook small meals, as well as meals for large numbers of people.
- • They are both electric cookers.
- • Both instant pots and crock pots have one-year warranties from their respective manufacturers.
- • They both have inner pots that can be removed.
- • The inner pots of both the crockpot and instant pot can be safely washed in a dishwasher.
Differences between Instant Pot and Crock Pot
There are a lot of differences between a Crock Pot and an Instant Pot, just as there are similarities between them. Let me show you their differences.
- • Crockpot is cheaper than an instant pot.
- • Instant pot has more functionalities than a crock pot.
- • Instant pot cooks your food way faster than a crock pot.
- • Both are electric cookers, but a Crockpot is a slow cooker, while an instant pot is a pressure cooker.
Which is the Best between Crock Pot Versus Instant Pot?
The best of the two depends on what you are using the cooker for, and what you are also looking for. So, I wouldn’t say rightly that one is better than the other.
If you are the type that loves the slow cooking process, whereby you can cook in the morning and leave the food to get done while you are away doing some other things, then the Crock Pot is the ideal cooker for you.
However, if you are in for cooking within a short period of time, then the Instant Pot is the right cooker for you. The high pressure of this cooker helps you get your meal done in a faster time. The multi-functionality of Instant Pot also makes it ideal for doing different cooking.
Which one is the best an instant pot or a crock pot? The choice lies in you and what you intend to use the cooker for.
I would like to know your opinion on the crock pot versus instant pot debate.
