Can my instant pot take over my slow cooker completely?

Question

Still new to the instant pot (only used the pressure cooker function so far) and my crock pot decided to call it quits. And to be fair to my IP - I really haven't played around with it much. 

So this brings me to my question, how do you like the slow cooker function on the instant pot? Can I manage with just the IP or should I just look for another crock pot? 

Thanks!

Answer

Thanks!! This is great news to hear. I am going to try it out next time. 

I will admit, also slow to embrace the IP in general (my husband who is the non cook bought it and tried a few things). But with the death (lol) of my slow cooker - its about time I try it out. 

Pretty happy to have one less appliance taking up space (if all works out!)

Answer

Seeing the new one on sale today reminded me of this post. http://gear.lifehacker.com/your-favorite-slow-cooker-is-instant-pot-1787709239

Answer

I just used IP as a slow cooker for the first time. I agree with what's written. The key thing is to do it on the high setting. The other settings are way too low. My "real" slow cooker would generally cook much hotter. I think sometimes too hot. So, the IP on the highest setting is a true slow cook and worked well in my first try.

Answer

I decided to run some tests today just to find out what my various slow cookers are doing. They're weird, to say the least. I used a Thermapen for measurements.

Low setting for 2 hours, starting with water at 79º.

IP 6qt DUO - 207º
IP 3qt Mini - 202º
HB 6qt Stay or Go - 140º
Cuisinart 3.5qt Programmable (PSC-350) - 195º

High setting, 2 hours, starting with water at 82º

IP 6qt DUO - 210º
IP 3qt Mini - 202º
Cuisinart 3.5qt Programmable - 204º

I moved the HB 6qt to another outlet and repeated the Low test, starting with 82º water, and got a final reading of 151º. I'm testing it on High right now, will report on that test when it finishes. Clearly, the HB is broken, and suspect it has to do with the analog dial, which 'settles' into Low position instead of landing with a hard click as my small 2qt analog slow cookers do. It brought a 7.25 pound bone-in turkey breast to 162º a couple of weeks ago, so think it must have broken in the interim. Or else it has always taken a hellacious long time to come to temp. Either way, it's too long to leave food in the danger zone. This opens up options for replacement. Any recommendations?

When I saw the same temp twice on the IP Mini, I checked and it was indeed set to High. No idea why it read the same twice. In fact, I'm not sure what's going on with both of my IPs. The 6qt seems to cook at High on both settings, while the 3qt is cooking at Low. I get that there's a power difference in the 2 units, but still, one seems to be permanently on Low while the other defaults to High? I mean, WTF?

The owner's manual for the Cuisinart says it's set to 200º on Low and 212º on High, but I really like the temps mine is reaching because I'm pretty sure gentle is better for braising. I didn't test it's Simmer setting (supposed to be 185º) because I've no idea what I'd use it for. Maybe a lean roast like top round?

Duffy

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