What are the differences between an Instant Pot and Crockpot? We break it down. (2024)

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• Instant Pots and Crockpot slow cookers have been popular hands-off cooking appliances for decades.
• You can use an Instant Pot for slow cooking, but you can't use a Crockpot slow cooker for pressure cooking.
• We've tested multiple models of each appliance, and think the Instant Pot Duo Crisp is the most versatile.

In the decades since the brands launched, "Crockpot" and "Instant Pot" have become shorthand for any of the best slow cookers and the best electric pressure cookers, respectively. Both appliances are excellent for making one-pot meals with little fuss, but the main difference is how long each takes to cook.

We all love the best air fryers, but don't forget about these classic small appliances. In this guide, we will look at the benefits of Crockpots versus Instant Pots and tell you how to get the most out of each.

What is an Instant Pot?

Stovetop pressure cookers have existed for much longer than electric ones. Instant Pots were first introduced in 2010 and now the name "Instant Pot" is now used interchangeably with electric pressure cookers, no matter the brand.

Instant Pots cook food quickly by using heat and pressure. You put ingredients and liquid into the pot, close the airtight lid, and select how long you want the food to cook. Make sure you have sufficient liquid, usually water or broth, because the pressure builds from the steam created by heating the liquid.

While the Instant Pot is best known for its pressure cooking function, it can do much more: slow cooking, steaming, searing/sauteing, rice cooking, yogurt making, and more. The best Instant Pot, the Duo Crisp, can even air fry and sous vide. We've tested Instant Pots versus air fryers and found that the Duo Crisp makes food just as crispy as the best air fryers.

Instant Pots are designed to make one-pot meals. Since liquids are required for pressure cooking, they aren't ideal for dry items unless they have an air frying function. Some popular items to make in a multicooker are pulled pork, whole chicken, quinoa, baked potatoes, and more.

What is a Crockpot?

The first slow cooker, the Naxon Beanery, was introduced in the 1950s, and rebranded as the "Crock Pot '' in 1971. Ever since, slow cookers have grown in popularity because they made it possible for people to prepare and cook dinner before the workday and return home to a ready-to-eat meal. Today, no matter the brand, people refer to slow cookers as "Crockpots."

The best slow cookers usually have three heating modes: low heat, high heat, and keep warm. The Crockpot uses a combination of heat and moisture to cook food slowly over hours. It also works well for keeping items warm while entertaining or attending a potluck.

You can make any moist one-pot meal in a Crockpot. Chili and pot roasts are my personal favorites. Other popular meals include Buffalo wings, meatballs, pasta dishes, soups and stews, a whole turkey, and more.

How to choose between an Instant Pot and Crockpot

Ease of use: Crockpots are generally easier to use because you just adjust the time and heat (low, high, and warm). Instant Pots have many more functions and steps, which add more potential points of confusion.

Cleanup: This depends on the brand and model. Instant Pots and Crockpots are usually dishwasher safe, though they take up a lot of room in the dishwasher. Some models come with nonstick pots that are easy to clean by hand. However, both the stainless steel pot of the Instant Pot and the stoneware crock of the Crockpot attract hard-to-remove debris.

Recipe availability: Since the Instant Pot performs the same functions as a Crockpot and many more, there are more recipes for the Instant Pot. There are still thousands of cookbooks available for both appliances.

Time: The pressure cooking function of the Instant Pot allows it to cook food much faster than a slow cooker. For instance, a pork shoulder in a slow cooker takes at least 6 hours on high to become shreddable. In an Instant Pot, you can have pulled pork in an hour. The Instant Pot is also great if you have trouble planning since you can quickly throw a meal together. The Crockpot requires thinking ahead.

Safety: Instant Pots get a bad rap because of the horror stories of yesteryear's stovetop pressure cookers exploding. Modern electric pressure cookers have several safety features that remove that danger. Still, you could get scalded if you aren't careful when performing a quick release. Slow cookers have a long safety record. The main risk is damaging heat-sensitive items placed too close to the cooker.

What are the best Crockpots and Instant Pots?

The best electric pressure cooker I've tested is the Chef iQ Smart Cooker. The full-color screen has more than 300 preset programs. You can also use the app to program one of the 1,000+ recipes. It did great at searing meat and built pressure quickly.

The best slow cooker I've tested is the Cuisinart Cook Central Slow Cooker. In addition to cooking chili and pot roasts well in my tests, it maintains consistent temperatures without overheating the food. It also features a browning function.

The bottom line

The Instant Pot performs the same functions as the Crockpot plus several more. I keep the Instant Pot Duo Crisp readily accessible in my kitchen. It works as a pressure cooker, air fryer, sous vide, and a passable slow cooker. An all-in-one multicooker is the way to go for most home cooks, especially if you struggle to prep meals ahead of time.

However, if you have no interest in pressure cooking but want something that slow cooks well, go with a Crockpot. When I want to keep food warm at a potluck or make the best pot roast ever, I get out my slow cooker.