Do NOT use the INSTANT POT as a SLOW COOKER (Instant Pot vs. Crock Pot Roast)
For more great Instant Pot recipes, please visit InstantPotEasy.com
“How to use the Instant Pot as a slow cooker” has been one of the most highly requested videos I’ve ever gotten! Should you use …
They claim you need to use medium not low on the instant pot.
Thanks! Your explanations are excellent, and your camera work is great.
I tried the slow cooker instan pot setting once. But never again. That is one function I will not be touching. Period.
How did you get the “Instant Pot Manual”?? I didn’t get that with mine. Purchased from Amazon.
Lisa, I’m so thankful you did this test! My InstantPot model is the duo pressure cooker and air fryer. I was going to sell my slow cooker because I have one machine that can do the same tasks as three machines. I’m sure I have the world’s smallest kitchen and lack of storage is a real problem. I don’t think I’ll be getting rid of my slow cooker now! What cut of beef did you purchase?
I have use the slow cook function on my IP. Do not use the pressure lid, use an glass lid.
meat goes on top of veggies
Thanks so much ❤
Wow. Thanks Lisa. I’ve used the slow cook function a couple of times with smaller pieces of meat and been happy. Great test. I’ll be using the slow cooker in future. Thank you.
I pressure cook mine first for 30-60 minutes depending on the thickness and then I slow cook it (all in the instant pot).
I've tried the slow cooker function on my ip but it's never really worked right. I read and have heard from basically everyone that it is not a good slow cooker.
My daughter uses hers on slow cook to make soup and broth. Works well for that.
I've used my Instant Pot to slow cook multiple times and never experienced those issues. I also used a Power Quick Pot and no issues there. Like others have mentioned, I used a universal glass lid or the Instant Pot branded one.
maybe the inside pot of the crock pot is cast iron so it gets hotter than the stainless steel insta pot🤔🤔🤔
The sear function on my Duo Evo Plus is pretty decent, though because it’s narrow compared to a skillet, the sear reflects that. Still so handy.
Have to say not tempted to use the IP for slow cooking though.
Despite what Instant brand says, the Low, Normal, and More settings on the IP don't match up with Low, Medium, and High on a slow cooker. The Low on the IP is definitely more like the Keep Warm setting on a slow cooker. After a few failed attempts at using the slow cooker setting on my IP, I went back to using a traditional slow cooker when I want to slow cook a roast or something similar. The IP is awesome at pressure cooking and yogurt making, but slow cooking? Not so much.
The info in the manual is not correct. The MORE setting on the Instant pot is equal to the medium on a conventional slow cooker. (you can find that info all over the internet). So the Instantpot does not really have a HIGH setting. If you use the glass lid and the Normal setting and figure this is the Medium or Normal setting on a slow cooker, then everything will turn out great. I use it for pulled pork all the time and it comes out fantastic. Of course I use the Instantpot as a pressure cooker more often, but it does work well as a slow cooker if you understand it's limitations.
Good information, never tried the slow cooker on mine. Thanks ❤👍
Huh… I kept my Instant Pot in the sealed position and on High temperature to make my Slow-cooker soups. They both turned out fine. Slow cookers aren't supposed to be vented; that lets all the heat out, just like leaving the door open on a slow oven. Sabotaged your results, you did.
I usually do a combination of cooking methods. I start out with pressure for a short period and then switch to slow cook setting.
In my experience on older models, high on IP = low on slow cooker (plus a few hours of time). It was not it’s strength but newer models are better at it. Love yr comparative tests and overall content. Tfs
I don’t have that actual Insta pot. I have a Faberware one that has a slow cooker option & not any of the yogurt, sauté & some other options like yours. So I got to some negative & positive with mine.
I have used my IP, many times as a slow cooker and I have never ever had any issues. I have cooked 2 chuck roast (8 hours) , a chicken (6 hours),half a ham(8 hours),and no problem!😊
Please watch a video by TwoSleevers. "Understanding your instant pot. Learn about the different settings." Really gave me a new understanding of the IP. After I watched that video I used the slow cooker function and it came out perfect. She contacted the instant pot people and got the real data re the slow cooker button. She says in the video most people do not know how to use the slow cook function. I learned how the "soup" button cooks the food differently top. Oh and I always used a glass lid with the slow cooker function.
I tried the slow cooker function twice. The first attempt-chili was awful. It was continually burning so I finished it on the stove. My 2nd attempt was much better. I made smoked turkey legs with kale, mustard greens and turnips. It turned out so well! I did things a little different than before. I cooked on high for about high for 15 mins (I think), added the onions, garlic and spices. I cut the temp to low and cooked for several hours more until the turkey was fall of the bone tender. Oh, I used the glass lid you can buy extra.
Lisa, good job… I personally agree! I’ve never had my best outcomes when slow-cooking in my IPs. They’ve been too narrow to properly sear before cooking and never really hot enough. The only upside I could imagine is that because current slow cookers run so hot and fast to keep food at “safer temps” (unlike the legacy ones that let you cook all day at much lower temps), perhaps the IPs longer, low-temp setting might let you actually prepare a dish in the morning and expect it to be ready at dinner time. You know… actual “slow cooking “! 😂
I always wondered about the slow cook feature on my IP. Thank you Lisa for test results between IP and SC. This was very informative.
I have slow cooked in my instant pot pressure cooker many times and have never had a bad meal.I have a Ninja slow cooker and you can fry,roast in it as well. Also couldn’t you put it on pressure cook to finish cooking if roast is not done perfectly.
This was an interesting test. I love my IP and have used almost all of its functions, except the slow cooker button. When making pot roast I always use the pressure cook function so it speeds up the cooking but it's good to know what the limitations are.
i’m telling ya – false advertising
i have tried 2 instapot – it absolutely does not slow cook At all
Thank you!
I got rid of my Duocrisp Instant pot and got the Ninja SPEEDI. Has ONE lid, that is attached, and DOES EVERYTHING! I don't miss juggling 2 lids and cleaning slimy gaskets. IT ALSO WEIGHS 7 LBS LESS! So glad I made the change.
I'm surprised that you used the low setting for your instant pot when the general advice is to use the high setting, and you telling us how to use the pots.
No offense but these kinds of tests are wildly variable on the model of Instant Pot. The older ones like the one you’re using are bad at slow cooking but the newer Instant Pots (basically anything from the Duo Evo Plus on) are fantastic slow cookers and perform just as well as dedicated single purpose ones, America’s Test Kitchen has a video testing this and I slow cook in my Duo Evo Plus regularly with fantastic results. Even your statement about the searing function not being as good really only applies to the old ones without the stainless steel pots.
tl;dr: this video only applies to older models. if you have a newer one none of this is accurate.
PERFECT timing on this video! I was gonna buy a crock pot from Target or Goodwill literally today, but I thought let me see some videos of there are any out there. I have an instant pot & a ninja foodi which I love both but I know my ninja slow cooker function does NOT do well in my opinion. I can’t wait to watch this & get your thoughts.
I tried to slow cook one time. Never again. Runined my smothered chicken 😢
I tried the slow cook function on my IP long ago, but can’t remember how it turned out! LOL I’m so used to Crock Pots, anyway, & stick with those when slow cooking. Thanks, Lisa!!
There is an additional glass lid you can purchase if you're going to utilize the slow cooker feature on your Instant pot. The lid helps keep more of the moisture inside the food.
Recommended heat for instant pot for pot roast is slow cook on high heat right from the beginning! This is the first time I have disagreed with your tests.
This is interesting thank you! I wonder if pressure cooking would be more successful though. A great comparison – I’ve watched your channel for months before buying the instant pot/airfryer. Really enjoy your help. 🥰🥰🇬🇧☘️💐💐💐💐💐
I never tried slow cooking in the Instant Pot. Looks like food for the kitties. 🙂