The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that has gained massive popularity for its convenience, but it also has some lesser-known features that can make meal preparation even easier. Here are the top 5 Instant Pot features you probably didn’t know you needed.
Customisable Smart Programmes
Many Instant Pots come pre-programmed with smart cooking settings like “Rice,” “Meat/Stew,” and “Porridge,” but did you know you can customise these to suit your exact preferences? Whether you like your rice a bit firmer or your stew extra tender, the ability to adjust cooking time, pressure level, and even temperature means you can tailor the machine’s performance to your recipe’s needs. You can also save your preferences, so next time, instead of manually adjusting the settings, your favourite programme is just a button press away. This is especially useful for those who regularly cook certain dishes and want consistency in results every time.
Sous Vide Function
The sous vide feature, typically associated with gourmet cooking, allows you to achieve precise temperature control for professional-level results. Sous vide involves sealing food in a vacuum bag and cooking it slowly in water at a consistent, low temperature. The Instant Pot’s sous vide function gives you that precision, eliminating the guesswork of traditional cooking methods. Meats, for instance, come out perfectly tender and juicy, vegetables retain their flavour and texture, and fish stays flaky without becoming overcooked. Whether you’re preparing a steak to the perfect medium-rare or making delicate poached eggs, the sous vide function can elevate your cooking game, all while keeping the process hands-off.
Sterilising
The Instant Pot’s sterilisation feature goes beyond cooking and can be a lifesaver, especially for parents and home canning enthusiasts. This function enables you to sterilise items like baby bottles, utensils, jars, and even kitchen tools that need to be bacteria-free. It’s an ideal way to ensure hygiene for food storage, especially when canning homemade preserves or pickles. Simply load the Instant Pot with water, select the sterilise setting, and let it do the work. You can avoid using harsh chemicals or running the dishwasher on a high heat cycle just for a few items. Whether it’s for baby products or ensuring jars are properly sterilised before sealing, this function adds an extra layer of convenience.
Altitude Adjustment
Cooking at higher altitudes can be tricky since the air pressure is lower, which affects cooking times and boiling points. This is where the Instant Pot’s altitude adjustment feature comes in handy. If you live in a high-altitude location, simply input your current elevation, and the Instant Pot will automatically adjust cooking times to compensate for the reduced pressure. This feature takes the guesswork out of pressure cooking, ensuring that your food is thoroughly cooked without being overdone or underdone. Whether you’re cooking a hearty stew or baking a cheesecake, the altitude adjustment will help maintain the quality and texture of your dishes no matter where you are cooking.
Delayed Start Timer
The delayed start timer offers you the ability to prepare ingredients in advance and schedule your Instant Pot to begin cooking later. Whether you’re planning ahead for dinner or want a hot breakfast waiting for you in the morning, the timer function can be set to start cooking up to 24 hours in advance. This is particularly convenient for busy professionals or families, as it allows you to pre-prepare ingredients in the morning or the night before, then set the Instant Pot to start cooking so your meal is ready exactly when you need it. It’s perfect for slow-cooked stews, soups, or rice dishes that you want to start cooking while you’re out of the house. With this feature, you can avoid the rush of last-minute meal prep and enjoy freshly cooked food at your convenience.
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