I am participating in the March Slice of Life Story Challenge. Thanks to the co-authors of Two Writing Teachers for creating this supportive community.
I’m always looking for ways to make life in the kitchen easier. So when everyone was talking about the Instant Pot, I decided to ask for one for Christmas. Since January I’ve used it at least six or seven times with varying degrees of success. Once I couldn’t get the lid to secure correctly, and another time I couldn’t get the lid off! Then there was the time the chicken soup started to overflow, and the time the pork loin didn’t seem to be cooked enough, so I ended up finishing it in the microwave. But I think my biggest complaint is the name. Is it really “instant”?
Last night I made jambalaya for the second time in my Instant Pot. The stew itself cooks in 15 minutes, but from start to finish it takes quite a bit longer. There’s the time it takes to measure and dice the food (about 15 or 20 minutes), and make the roux (about 10 minutes). It took almost 30 minutes for everything to heat and the pressure to build enough before the 15 minutes of actual cooking time started. Then I had to let it depressurize for 10 minutes before releasing the valve completely. Everything turned out great and it was delicious, but I wouldn’t call almost an hour and a half from start to finish “instant.
I know cooking jambalaya on the stove top or in a slow cooker may have taken longer, but I still wouldn’t call it “instant.” I propose “The Quicker Cooker” as an alternate, better-suited name.
Imagine the Possibilities 
I have thought about buying one, but have read many articles and blog posts about why I should not do that. Your Slice this morning confirms that. I am glad I did not waste my money. Thanks.
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I´ve also gone back and forth about purchasing an instant pot, but haven´t gone through with it yet. I see your point about thinking that something coming from an instant pot should be INSTANT, but it isn´t really the case. Good to know!
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I really enjoyed this reflection and my husband is usually pretty quick to remind me the time it needs to get to the actual cook time when I mention using it for something and it only takes 15 minutes. I like renaming it to “the Quicker Cooker” – it’s catchy. Also, thank you for stopping by and sharing your concern for my restful days – the flu is getting better.
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Totally agree — I got one for Christmas and returned it. The whole release valve stressed me out. I don’t need to be in a rush — I am happy slow cooking with my glass of wine! I do like your revised name — I might have kept that product! Love your inner dialogue
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My daughter lives in Germany, she was thinking of buying one. I will tell her about your post. Thanks.
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I have a friend who has an instapot and loves it. I know nothing about them so I enjoy your post, Rose. Especially since I was seriously thinking about getting one.
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My daughter loves hers! I just haven’t really warmed up to it yet. I may be too stuck in my ways.
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This was interesting reading as I love my pressure cooker! I was always scared of the old pressure cookers, but love this new one. Perhaps it is better than the Instant Pot?
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I think it just takes some getting used to. My mother used a pressure cooker back in the day. So I guess it’s really nothing new – just a new name.
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