Question

I have an Instant Pot and a slow cooker. Is there a reason to still keep and use the ceramic slow cooker rather than the stainless Instant Pot?

Answer 1

Having both an Instant Pot and a slow cooker (ceramic) can offer you some advantages and flexibility in the kitchen. While the Instant Pot is a versatile multi-cooker that combines the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, and more, there are still some reasons to keep and use a separate ceramic slow cooker:

1. Simplicity: Slow cookers, being dedicated devices, tend to be simpler to use than multi-cookers like the Instant Pot. With a slow cooker, you typically have fewer settings and adjustments, making it straightforward for slow-cooking recipes.

2. Size and Capacity: Slow cookers often come in larger sizes than the Instant Pot's slow cooker function. If you regularly cook for a larger family or need to prepare substantial quantities of food for gatherings, having a larger slow cooker can be beneficial.

3. Convenience: If you're using your Instant Pot for other cooking functions, like pressure cooking or sautéing, it might not always be practical to transfer the food to the Instant Pot's ceramic insert for slow cooking. Having a separate slow cooker can be more convenient for continuous use in such situations.

4. Energy Efficiency: Slow cookers typically use less energy than multi-cookers, making them more energy-efficient for long, slow-cooking recipes.

5. Multiple Dishes: If you have both the Instant Pot and a separate slow cooker, you can cook multiple dishes at the same time. This can be especially handy during holidays or when hosting gatherings, allowing you to prepare more food efficiently.

6. Spare Device: Having a separate slow cooker acts as a backup cooking device in case your Instant Pot needs repair or maintenance. This way, you can continue slow-cooking without interruption.

Ultimately, whether you should keep and use both the ceramic slow cooker and the Instant Pot depends on your cooking preferences, the size of your household, and how often you find yourself using the slow cooking function. If you have enough space in your kitchen and frequently make slow-cooked meals, having both devices can be advantageous. However, if you find that the Instant Pot's slow cooker function meets all your needs, you may choose to use it exclusively and eliminate the need for a separate slow cooker.