With a multitude of kitchen gadgets available, it can be tough to decide what would work best for your needs. Recently, Instant Pot gained attention in the cooking realm, but many are confused how it differs from a traditional Crockpot.

Read on to learn the differences and similarities between these efficient, hands-off cookers!

Crockpot

Let’s start with a classic, well-loved appliance. The Crockpot brand concept began in the 40s and came on the scene in the 70s. The product hasn’t changed much since its introduction, with slight differences in heat settings, timers, and sizes.

The heat-insulating stoneware of Crockpot helps maintain a consistent temperature so you can slow-cook food. You can cook any meal in it, and there are countless recipes on the internet now. Here are a few of the best parts about the Crockpot:

Stews and meats

If you’re looking for the best appliance for beef stew or other meals with meat, Crockpot is a solid option. Cooking meat too fast, like in an Instant Pot, tends to dry it. It’s best to let stews and meats slow-cook to soak in flavors and retain juices.

Entertaining

Parties aren’t complete without a Crockpot! With safety handles, latches, and a wide dish, it’s a good option for scooping and serving. Crockpot also offers mini-sized version great for dips and fondues. There are even buffet-style slow-cookers to put on your party table to keep separate foods warm with one appliance.

Cooking for busy people and early-birds

The “set-it and forget-it” method attracts people who can throw ingredients together in the morning and come home to a fully cooked, ready-to-eat meal.

Instant Pot

The cult following of the multi-functional Instant Pot has grown in recent years, with many swearing by it for any and all of their cooking needs. The 2010 release of Instant Pot targeted busy families who need to put food on the table quickly, and they clearly accomplished their goal. With over 30,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, Instant Pot made pressure-cooking accessible and easy. Here are the strengths of the Instant Pot:

Multi-functionality

The settings on a standard Instant Pot are pressure-cook, slow cook, steam, warm, sauté, and rice. The main function of pressure cooking is the setting most seem to use, which cooks food by boiling water at a high temperature and trapping steam to reduce cook time. However, many claim the slow cook setting doesn’t turn out as great as a Crockpot recipe. It tends to leave slow-cooked meals a bit dry.

Soups and rice recipes

Since the Instant Pot has a dedicated rice setting, which can make the often challenging process of cooking rice a lot easier. Additionally, many like the Instant Pot for making soups as it tastes fresher and takes less time than a Crockpot.

Quick cooking

As its namesake suggests, meals in an Instant Pot are fast. If you don’t like waking up early to prep a meal or just need a meal on-the-fly, Instant Pots are the better option between the two. There are countless thirty-minute recipes people swear by, so try one for a quick meal!

Price

There’s no doubt that Crockpot is a more budget-friendly option, with some available for as little as $40. The Instant Pot starts at around $79 for the classic version, but make sure to weigh the benefits of both for your cooking needs. 

Safety

Once you’ve chosen between a Crockpot or Instant Pot for your cooking, it’s important to note that these appliances can only be left alone when used as directed. This means you should keep a distance between the wall and the appliance, away from water sources, and place on a heat-proof surface.

If you’re looking for easy dinner recipes, check out these suggestions. Happy cooking!