How to Get the Best Slow Cooking Results with an Instant Pot

[hazeloak]

@santip https://www.skinnytaste.com/brown-sugar-baked-beans/#recipe

 

[faerin87]

I have used mine as a slow cooker I didn't have any problems at all

 

[hostess]

I have used the slow cooker function and am not that impressed.

 

[ekzamenov]

You will find the ip does the same as the slow cooker without all of the time.

 

[santip]

@ekzamenov do you still get the deeper flavours you get when cooking low n slow though?

 

[faithfound]

@santip yes!

 

[rascalblue]

@santip I sautee shortly then put it on slow cook.. doing it as we speak in fact

 

[tjd]

Yes,different. It is NOT the same.

 

[skovalcin24]

I've been told the newer IP models have been improved. I have a 3 qt Duo Plus bought to replace a crockpot but it only cooks from the bottom, and the High on my IP is the equivalent to med or low on most crockpots. Some things to know to get the most out of your IP when used as a slowcooker:
1. It will take longer than a crockpot, add 15 - 30 minutes for every hour of cook time.
2. When adding ingredients use hot water and other preheated ingredients if possible.
3. Heat everything on Sauté and bring to a full simmer before switching to slowcook. (This can take 30 - 60 minutes if starting cold.)
4. In order to actually COOK your food, you'll need to use the High temperature on slowcook.
5. Use a glass lid with a vent hole instead of the IP lid so you can monitor your food without losing heat by taking the lid off. (A glass lid from one of your stove top pots or pans should do the trick.)
6. If you're running short on time and food isn't done yet, you can always switch to sauté and finish cooking that way.
Once you know what to expect and how to improve the performance it makes it a better option to use.
For reference: I made crockpot eggplant parmesan as my first IP slowcooker meal before learning the tips above. It normally took 4-6 hours in the crockpot. I had it cook overnight for just over 8 hours and still had to switch to sauté to finish it. It's not a dish that translates well to pressure cooking because of the tomato sauce and parmesan in it. Next time I'll know better and do better. I'll also be prepared for the longer cook time.
Hopefully this helps and lends a little insight. Good luck with yours!

 

[santip]

@skovalcin24 thankyou for that information, i will consider those points when i slow cook...

 

[messengershear]

@santip Jeanette Pintar is right. 1) It helps a lot to kick-start your IPOT with the saute button then cancel saute and start slow cooker.
2) Don't get rid of your slow cooker. I know you did already but ....just sayin..I have seen some on here that regretted getting rid of their crock pot. you may want to get another slow pot.

 

[santip]

@messengershear thankyou

 

[darincer]

@santip note that slow cookers and crockpots don’t work the same so the results may vary.

 

[ashleyfaith]

We have used it many times. You need to keep pushing the slow cooker button to cycle through the different heat settings.

 

[alphalover]

I found this to be helpful--https://www.corriecooks.com/how-to-use-instant-pot-as.../

 

[jabs]

What model did you get? Newer models work fine. I have a Pro and have never had a failure when slow cooking.

 

[cherryfilter27]

Instant pot is so much faster and infuses the flavor much more deeply. Pressure cook it instead.

 

[warwick43]

It does not compare to a Crock-Pot, totally different heating system.

 

[mkher]

The version of IP you have makes a lot of difference. If yours is a new version, it may approximate a slow cooker but not a crockpot well. The older versions need the saute then slow cook and add time process.

 

[easymore]

@santip - For the newer models, like the Pro series, be sure to read the Users Manual as they have improved the Slow Cooker function. For older models, this might be helpful … HOW TO USE YOUR INSTANT POT AS A SLOW COOKER
“It is not as straightforward as you would think to use your Instant Pot as a Slow Cooker. This guide walks you through the modifications you need to know when using your pressure cooker as a slow cooker so that you can have Instant Pot success!”
With VIDEO

https://amindfullmom.com/pressure-cooker-as-a-slow.../...