There’s one kitchen appliance that is selling out, but why, exactly? Why is the Instant Pot so popular in coronavirus times?
Today’s world is so different
Nobody was really prepared for the pandemic. With most of the world experiencing strict lockdowns and experts advising us to stay at home, it has completely changed the way most of us work, socialize, have fun, exercise, and eat. Pretty much nothing seems to be the same!
The effect the virus has had on the world’s economy has been devastating. With a glimmer of hope of a brighter future on the horizon as vaccinations begin, it still seems like a long journey before things go back to normal.
However, not all businesses have suffered during the pandemic. Many industries have done very well in 2020 and in 2021. Some examples are:
- Online grocery
- Gaming
- Finance and insurance
- Scientific
- Waste management
- Redemption services
One kitchen appliance has also seen sales rise during the pandemic. Yes, it’s the Instant Pot.
We have one and use it regularly. So, why is it something that so many people are using lately?
Why is Instant Pot so popular? It’s easy to use
Not everyone can cook well; in fact, some people can’t cook at all. For home-cooked meals, these people would have gone to a loved one’s home for a nice dinner or lunch. Before the word coronavirus came into existence, that is.
However, during the pandemic, experts advise to only leave the house for essential purposes to help contain the spread of the virus. So, going out for meals in other people’s houses may no longer be an option.
This change is especially difficult for those who don’t cook. As a result, many people search for an easier way to make delicious home-cooked meals, all while only having basic skills in the kitchen.
When using an Instant Pot, simply add whatever ingredients you want into the Instant Pot, turn on the timer, and walk away. There’s no need to watch over a boiling pot, stirring it constantly, or flipping something in the oven.
When the timer goes off (it’s a series of beeps you can’t miss), you know the meal is complete. It couldn’t be any easier to cook meals at home.
Versatile kitchen appliance
Instant Pots are not just programmable pressure cookers, by the way. Sure, it can function like that, but there are so many other uses too.
Why is Instant Pot so popular? A big reason is its versatility. You can use it for so many different things in the kitchen, including:
- Rice cooker
- Yogurt maker
- Slow cooker, steamer
- Warmer
For those who can’t cook, they might think that a multifunctional kitchen appliance sounds complicated, but it is the complete opposite. Each Instant Pot comes with a straightforward owner’s manual.
There are also a growing number of websites with recipes to follow or inspire you with ones of your own. There are also easy-to-follow videos on how to use the slow release valve and other functions of the gadget if you need further info. For example, if you want to know how to use the Instant Pot as a slow cooker, my friend at corrie cooks has a great article to help you with that.
Save money with an Instant Pot
The spread of COVID-19 has been financially draining on people around the world. Many folks have been made redundant, so people have to be more careful than ever with their finances.
While an Instant Pot is an upfront investment, I’ve seen great sales online for them and noted that the price has come down over time. There are also different models, so you could choose a cheaper one.
Also, consider that you can save money over time with this kitchen appliance in the house. That’s another answer to the question of “why is Instant Pot so popular?”
There are many ways you’ll get your money back, including:
It’s a multifunction appliance.
Instead of buying a slow cooker, ricer, yogurt maker, and a steamer, purchase a single Instant Pot. It does all of those functions. Not only will it save you money, but it will also allow you to have more space in your kitchen as you won’t have all those separate items to find room for in the kitchen.
Save money on electricity bills.
Instant Pots are one of the most energy-efficient appliances on the market. Using a traditional slow cooker, you have to wait for hours for a meal to be ready. Meanwhile, an instant cooker can complete the same task in a fraction of the time (and does it well).
You might think that instant cookers are very expensive, however, due to such high demand, there are lots of different makes and models available. So, you can find one that won’t break the bank.
It’s a healthy way to cook
Of course, this point depends on what ingredients you put into your Instant Pot (wink, wink). When using it as a pressure cooker, the pot distributes heat evenly throughout. It doesn’t need you to immerse the food in the water.
This appliance only needs the right amount of water to generate steam. Most meals only need one cup of water in the Instant Pot to cook properly.
Due to the pandemic, many gyms, swimming pools, and other fitness facilities have had to shut down their doors temporarily. Many people have found it difficult to stay active, which has resulted in lots of people gaining a few pounds.
Unfortunately, lots of people eat unhealthy meals because they are easy to prepare and cook, or even pick up fast food as it’s quick. Well, this special pot makes it super easy for anybody to whip up a delicious meal packed with nutrients and vitamins. The other day, my hubby made split pea soup in it!
Why is Instant Pot so popular? Concluding thoughts
Owning an Instant Pot is a game-changer during the pandemic and it’s sure to stay that way long after it because so many folks realize its usefulness. When life goes back to “normal,” and many of us go back into the rat race, days will likely be go-go-go again.
The clever appliance can store your food and keep it warm for whenever you’re ready to eat it. You might notice that you are not wasting as much food as you had done in the past because you can leave your leftovers inside the device and eat it later or even the next day.
Finally, Instant Pots are sealed, so you won’t lose many vitamins when the soup or other recipe sits inside it for several hours. Take your time, instead of rushing your lunch, and enjoy a healthy meal soon!
Do you have one of these appliances in your kitchen?
Sounds like a very neat product. I might invest in one in the future.
I’ve been making some very interesting, healthy meals (no food waste) during this poundemic!
Ohhhh “poundemic” I hadn’t heard it called that yet! ;)
Lol!Someone said I should copyright it!
Haha you made that up?! YES
I made it up! lol
;) Clever you
I haven’t heard the term Instant Pot, but I surely do love my Crock Pot. I have two, one for two of us, and one for when company comes (B.C. – Before Covid) lol. I wouldn’t be without them, been using for decades. And now, wouldn’t be without my airfryer. :) <3
OMG my hubby wants an air fryer! It sounds like you’re a great cook, which is another one of the many skills you have, Debby xo
LOL, thanks for the vote of confidence. Not bad, but not as adventurous as I once was. And trust me, you need zero cooking skills to use an airfryer. I don’t know how I ever lived without it :) xxx
Ohhh now I’m looking forward to having one of those air fryers in the home!
Check them out on Amazon. Lots of great buzz on the Ninja fryer/grill! :) x
Yes, that’s the brand that we’re looking at! Thanks Debby xx
Happy cooking! <3
xo
Instant pot is such a useful appliance , one of the best things is you dont need to baby sit some of the food you make with so many options. The yogurt mode is great for rising dough , batter in cold conditions and making yogurt itself !
Oh wow, I didn’t know about rising dough in the yogurt mode, thanks for the tip!
I love my Instant Pot, and I have quite a few recipes posted where I have switched to it in practically everything, from soup to dessert.
We love making soup in it too! Great that you find it useful ~ You’re a food connoisseur!
Oh, I love making anything and everything in it! I hope more people will take advantage of it, thanks to your wonderful post.
Thanks for your nice reply too :) Have a good weekend, Dolly!
You too, darling!
Thanks!
I love my Ninja! It is versatile and I can whip up something quickly if I don’t have time and forgot to put something in my slow cooker. I use a Crockpot for slow cooking and the Ninja for fast cooking. Great review!
It sounds like you have a great system Bonnie for which meals you cook with which appliance! Awesome. We were gifted our Instant Pot a few Christmases ago and can’t imagine our kitchen without it.
I don’t have an Instant Pot but Ihave been very interested in all the hoopla surrounding them. It’s unlikely I will add another small appliance to my kitchen at this point. Maybe if my slow cooker gives up on me …
That’s the only thing about it is the space it takes up. But as you say, if your slow cooker stops working then it could be something you look into in its place.
I’ve often wondered about these sorts of slow cookers. I’ll admit I had no idea how they operated. “Most meals only need one cup of water in the Instant Pot to cook properly” – that’s pretty amazing. It’s such a good idea for convenience while getting some decent nom noms to sustain you. xx
Yes, it’s great that it’s a fast way to make meals that can be healthy and fill us up too. Thanks Caz for always being so thoughtful with your comments xx