InstaPot - size?

[MrNoodly]

So, intrigued by the short cooking times, I watched some Instant Pot videos, especially one comparing it to a conventional pressure cooker. In the end, I decided a 4-qt pressure cooker would suit my needs much better. Just put it on my propane stove, no concerns about electricity usage, and I could use it like a regular pot too. $40 to $65 for a stainless steel one.

 

[DebraOak]

I bought a 5 qt first, then the 3 qt when it came out, and the latter is best for one person and for traveling, in my experience.

Nice to have the big one, if you want to cook a quantity of something for a crowd or the freezer, but the smaller one is more practical.

Opt in for the glass lid accessory, too, for when you are simmering something or using it as a crock pot.

You are so right. I got the 6 qt and I guess I'll use it and learn with it for the next 363 days (!) when I can store and freeze more things. But for my van I'll have the 3qt.

 

[DebraOak]

It seems near every person that I design for wants to use a insta pot and they do too. I think the wattage range has been 700-100 watts for the insta pot. My designs tend to run 800 watts of panel and 450 Ah of 6 volt AGM or 300 Ah of Lithium batteries. They have no issues running the insta pot during the day.

Doesn't a insta pot use a lot of power in the beginning and then drop off?

Yes, Jim, I thnk it does start off high then drops off. So far, I've only used it 20 min max and average 6 min - those are once a day times.

You are in Denver. . . hmmm, you are an expert in solar. When I get my van, which will most likely be empty, is there anyone you recommend in Colorado to do the insulation and electric? I want to hire professionals for those things. I should have my van by April 2020 latest and can start getting work done.

 

[DebraOak]

I know nothing about hot pot cooking. So why that versus other forms of cooking?

Hi there. For me, it is because of the time factor. I don't like to spend any extra time cooking than necessary but I crave eating healthy - lots of greens and veggies and soups. With the instapot I'm done on average in 10m or less, and it is yum. Clean up is a breeze. It takes up very little space. Very little.

 

[DebraOak]

Remember that most of the devices spoken of are 120 Vac, not 12 volt. So the big run of wire is between the bank and inverter, not through out the rig. There are 12 volt A/C's and microwaves that pull like that but they are not the norm.

MrNoodly, I think, mentioned something about a huge wattage draw and fire burning down the rig. So many vanners use this so is this risk true for the short amount of time it is used? It'd be great if there was data in vanner laymen's terms on this as the whole wattage and wiring thing totally goes over my head. I just want to be safe, not be a slave to my stove, and have a super delish meal once a day.

 

[jimindenver]

Just make sure that the proper sized wire is used between the inverter and the batteries. Insta pots are not 12 volt

 

[jimindenver]

Yes, Jim, I thnk it does start off high then drops off. So far, I've only used it 20 min max and average 6 min - those are once a day times.

You are in Denver. . . hmmm, you are an expert in solar. When I get my van, which will most likely be empty, is there anyone you recommend in Colorado to do the insulation and electric? I want to hire professionals for those things. I should have my van by April 2020 latest and can start getting work done.

I am actually rarely in Denver anymore. I really do not have anyone to suggest.

 

[Groovy2]

been using Insta pot for a 6 months
They R Great

some advantages -
Pressure cook mode -
little steam released - so less humidity and More efficient -

top screws in place so wont spill - Nice -

small 3qt draws 700 at start then drops lower -
easy to clean -

I cover mine with a towel - lowers energy use some -

 

[maki2]

I was watching Element Van life's most recent episode. He just started to have problems with his InstaPot after months of pretty much daily use. It is the only thing he cooks with now. He thinks that perhaps he needs a new seal. So if you get one you might as well order a spare seal to keep on hand. Here is a link to the video.

 

[outermostsoul]

They are perfect for people who are afraid of cooking with a gas flame and people who don't want to stand over the stove and keep an eye on what they are cooking.

It should be sized in relationship to your eating habits and the size of your fridge. Small fridge then you need to cook in small quantities. If you don't like to eat the same leftovers for a lot of days in a row then you should also get the small unit.

My daughter gave me the big one, it was way too big for just me.  Cooking a single serve portion it took way too long to get to temp then it would scorch, cooking a whole batch even the dogs got sick of the same leftovers day after day.  I bought the 3 quart and it is perfect size.  I have a single shore power extension cord so I haven't used it lately unless I plug in at landlord's house or shop.  Today I took it to church for potluck and it cooked till service was over and was great.

 

[DebraOak]

I know nothing about hot pot cooking. So why that versus other forms of cooking?

I've learned to use my 3qt Instant Pot this month. The reason I was attracted to this type of cooking is that it uses no butane or propane so I don't need to carry that. Also, it can do everything in one pot so I have less dishes to clean. Plus, it does everything FAST, so I spend less time cooking. Plus, I love love love homemade soups in cold weather but they need time for flavors to integrate - a pressure cooker does that FAST. For me, it is a great solution to all of those obstacles.

 

[highdesertranger]

I love one pot meals, but don't they get old after awhile? soups in the winter are great but in the summer? highdesertranger