The power quick pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that can dramatically cut down on cooking time for a variety of dishes. With the ability to cook food up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods, the power quick pot is a great tool for busy home cooks who want to get dinner on the table quickly without sacrificing quality or flavor.
What is a Power Quick Pot?
A power quick pot is an electric, programmable multi-cooker that utilizes pressure cooking technology to drastically reduce cooking times. It combines the functions of multiple appliances – pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and more – into one convenient device. Power quick pots like the Instant Pot are “set it and forget it” appliances, allowing you to simply input cooking time and temperature settings and walk away while your food cooks quickly and evenly.
Inside the power quick pot, a tightly sealed lid and internal pressure allow the temperature to rise above the boiling point of water, driving steam into the food. This high-pressure environment cooks food much faster than standard simmering or boiling. Foods that normally take hours to cook on the stove or in the oven can be ready in minutes using a power quick pot.
Benefits of Using a Power Quick Pot
- Saves cooking time – Cooks food up to 70% faster
- More nutrients retained – Vegetables cooked under pressure have higher vitamin retention compared to other cooking methods
- Tender, juicy results – Meats and beans cook evenly and come out fall-off-the-bone tender
- Energy efficient – Uses up to 70% less energy than conventional cooking
- Convenient – Combines the jobs of several appliances into one
- Versatile – Can make just about any dish from soups to desserts
- “Set it and forget it” ease of use – Just input time and temperature and walk away
Choosing a Power Quick Pot
There are a few things to consider when selecting a power quick pot:
Size
Power quick pots typically range from 3-8 quarts in capacity. Consider how many servings you normally cook at a time. A 6-8 quart size can easily feed a family of 4-6 people.
Functions
Make sure the model you select has the functions you’ll use most often like pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and more. Some higher end models have specialty functions like cake baking and egg cooking.
Safety Features
Since these appliances cook under pressure, key safety features are a must. Look for power quick pots with automatic pressure release, safety locks, lid position sensors, overflow protection, and more.
Quality Materials
Stainless steel interiors that are dishwasher safe make cleanup easy. Sturdy exteriors like brushed stainless steel can handle daily use.
Budget
Power quick pots range from $70 on the budget end to $200+ for high end models with more features. Figure out how much you’re comfortable spending.
Top Brands
Some of the best reviewed and most popular power quick pot brands include:
- Instant Pot – The original, with several product lines and sizes
- Ninja Foodi – Combines pressure cooking with air frying
- Breville – Known for quality appliances with lots of features
- Cuisinart – A trusted brand for kitchen appliances
- Cosori – Affordable but reliable models
How to Use a Power Quick Pot
Using a power quick pot is easy once you understand the basics. Follow these steps for simple pressure cooking:
1. Add liquid
The inner pot of the power quick pot needs a minimum amount of liquid in order to build up steam and pressure. For most dishes, 1 cup of water or broth is sufficient.
2. Place food in cooking pot
Put all your ingredients into the removable cooking pot and secure the lid. The food needs to fit loosely, not packed too tightly.
3. Select cooking function and adjust time
Choose a cooking function like Pressure Cook or Slow Cook and adjust the time based on recipe directions. Set the pressure level if applicable.
4. Let pressure build
As the pot builds pressure, the cooker will indicate when pressure is achieved. At this point the cooking time will start counting down.
5. Allow pressure to release
At the end of cooking, you can quick release the pressure manually or let it natural release. Your model’s user manual will specify times.
6. Serve and enjoy!
Carefully open the lid when pressure is fully released. Your meal is ready to eat!
Tips for Getting Started
Follow these tips when using your power quick pot for the first few times:
- Refer to the user manual for operating instructions specific to your model
- Start with a simple recipe like chicken soup or chili to get the hang of it
- Use the preset programs and timer functions to take the guesswork out of cooking times
- Adjust the liquid amount as needed – some recipes may require more or less than 1 cup
- Allow the natural pressure release for more delicate foods like fish, eggs, and some vegetables
- Use a quick release for foods like beans and tough cuts of meat
- Track cook times and make note of adjustments for future recipe tweaking
Cleaning Your Power Quick Pot
Power quick pots are very easy to clean since all interior pieces can be removed and cleaned. Here are some tips:
- Wash the removable cooking pot, lid, and accessories (trivet, steaming rack) in hot soapy water or load in the dishwasher
- For stubborn dried-on food, soak cooking pot in hot water for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing
- Wipe the housing and control panel clean with a soft, damp cloth and dry thoroughly
- To remove odors and stains, cook equal parts vinegar and water for 5-10 minutes using the steam function
- If scale builds up in the pot over time, mix a solution of water and citric acid and simmer for 15 minutes
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Power quick pots are generally very user-friendly, but occasional issues can come up. Here are some common problems and solutions:
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t pressurize | Not enough liquid Lid not sealed tightly |
Add at least 1 cup liquid Check lid seal and reseat lid |
| Burn or overcooked food | Too little liquid Cooking time too long |
Use at least thin liquid like broth Reduce cooking time |
| Undercooked food | Not enough pressure build up Cooking time too short |
Ensure venting knob is in “sealing” position Increase cooking time |
| Pressure release stuck | Clogged steam release valve | Clean valve with pin or needle |
| Warped inner pot | Inner pot was empty when cooking | Always cook with minimum 1 cup liquid |
When to Get Help
For error messages or malfunctions, consult your user manual or contact customer support. It’s also wise to get assistance if the lid is extremely difficult to close or open when pressurized.
Recipes to Try
The power quick pot can make an endless array of fabulous recipes. Here are just a few delicious dishes to try:
Main Dishes
- Chicken tikka masala
- Pulled pork
- Beef stew
- Chili
- Pot roast
- Ribs
- Risotto
- Jambalaya
Soups & Stews
- Chicken noodle soup
- Vegetable soup
- Beef chili
- Lentil stew
- Beans and greens
- Potato leek soup
- Clam chowder
Side Dishes
- Rice
- Quinoa
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed vegetables
- Corn on the cob
- Yogurt
Desserts
- Cheesecake
- Crème brûlée
- Rice pudding
- Applesauce
- Poached fruit
Conclusion
The power quick pot is revolutionizing home cooking by drastically reducing cooking times without sacrificing quality or nutrition. These multi-functional electric pressure cookers make it easy to whip up delicious soups, stews, rice dishes, desserts, and more in a fraction of the time of traditional cooking. With a little practice using the presets and suggested cook times, anyone can unlock the time-saving potential of the power quick pot. Say goodbye to long simmering times and hello to fast, flavorful meals.