The Instant Pot is one of the most popular electric pressure cookers on the market today. With its versatility and convenience, it has become a staple in many home kitchens. One of the most common questions about using the Instant Pot is whether it cooks at 12 or 15 psi (pounds per square inch). The answer to this question depends on the specific model of Instant Pot.
How Pressure Cookers Work
To understand the psi difference between models, it helps to first look at how pressure cookers work in general. Pressure cookers speed up cooking by trapping steam inside a sealed pot to build up pressure. The higher pressure raises the boiling point of water above 100°C (212°F), allowing food to cook faster. The psi indicates the amount of pressure inside the cooker.
Most pressure cookers today have two pressure settings – high and low. On the high setting, the pressure ranges between 10-15 psi. At 15 psi, the temperature can reach upwards of 250°F, allowing food to cook up to 70% faster compared to conventional cooking. The low setting is around 5-8 psi and is suitable for delicate foods like seafood, eggs, rice, vegetables, and more.
12 psi vs 15 psi Instant Pot Models
When it comes to Instant Pots specifically, some models are designed to reach 12 psi on the high setting, while other models can go up to 15 psi. Here is a breakdown of some common Instant Pot models and their psi levels:
12 psi Models
- Instant Pot Duo 6 Quart
- Instant Pot Duo 8 Quart
- Instant Pot Duo Plus 6 Quart
- Instant Pot Duo Plus 8 Quart
- Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus 6 Quart
- Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus 8 Quart
15 psi Models
- Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 6 Quart
- Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 8 Quart
- Instant Pot Ultra 10-in-1 6 Quart
- Instant Pot Ultra 10-in-1 8 Quart
- Instant Pot Max 6 Quart
As you can see, the most popular Duo models reach 12 psi, while the higher-end Pro, Ultra, and Max models can go up to 15 psi. The lower 12 psi is still perfectly sufficient for most types of cooking. The main difference is that 15 psi can cook foods slightly faster.
Cooking Time Differences Between 12 and 15 psi
Since 15 psi Instant Pots can reach higher temperatures and pressures, they generally cook foods faster compared to 12 psi models. However, the differences are fairly small. Here is a comparison of estimated cooking times for some common foods:
| Food | 12 psi Time | 15 psi Time |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts (frozen) | 12-15 mins | 10-12 mins |
| Chili (dried beans) | 25 mins | 20 mins |
| Ribs (frozen) | 25 mins | 20-22 mins |
| Hard-boiled eggs | 4 mins | 3 mins |
| Steamed vegetables | 1-2 mins | 1 min |
As you can see from the table, cooking time can be reduced by just a few minutes when using a 15 psi model compared to a 12 psi model. The differences are small enough that you can still use the same recipes and guidelines interchangeably between the two.
Tips for Adapting Recipes Between 12 and 15 psi
The minor cooking time differences mean that most recipes can be used on either a 12 or 15 psi Instant Pot with easy adjustments:
- For 12 psi pots, add 1-3 minutes to the cooking time if the recipe was created for 15 psi.
- For 15 psi pots, reduce cooking time by 1-3 minutes if the recipe was created for 12 psi.
- Use the natural pressure release method for an additional 5-15 minutes of cooking if food seems undercooked.
- Check food for doneness earlier when converting 15 psi recipes down to 12 psi.
- Adjust cooking time as needed based on food type and quantity.
With a little experimentation, you can adapt just about any Instant Pot recipe between the different models. Get to know your specific model’s timing for staple foods like eggs, rice, beans, and meats.
12 psi vs 15 psi: Which Should You Choose?
When purchasing your Instant Pot, the 12 vs 15 psi decision may come down to a few factors:
- Budget – Typically the 12 psi models are more affordable than the higher-end 15 psi models. The Duo models provide excellent bang for your buck.
- Features – The 15 psi Ultra/Pro models boast extra functions like custom programming, sterilization, and sous vide. The Max is ideal for larger batch cooking. Consider which features are important for your needs.
- Frequency of use – If you plan to use your Instant Pot multiple times per week, a few minutes of saved cooking time with a 15 psi model could make a difference over time.
For most home cooks, the 12 psi Duo models have everything you need for fast, convenient pressure cooking. Don’t feel like you have to splurge on a pricier 15 psi model for it to be worthwhile.
Conclusion
The majority of Instant Pot models reach 12 psi on the high pressure setting, while some higher-end models can go up to 15 psi. The difference in cooking times between the two is relatively small. Most recipes and cooking guidelines can be used interchangeably. With a few time adjustments, you can adapt recipes between 12 and 15 psi Instant Pots. Consider your budget, features needed, and frequency of use when choosing between the two. But overall, the popular 12 psi models offer reliability and value for everyday home cooking needs.