Do I want a slow cooker or an instant pot?

[Puppermint]

My much loved and well used slow cooker is on the blink so the time has come to replace it. I've seen lots on here over the years about instant pots and am wondering if I'm better going for one of them or sticking with a slow cooker. Any opinions?

Instant pot for sure. I've very rarely used my slow cooker since buying an instant pot two years ago. Risotto with no stirring is a god send!

If you can wait a month, they usually come down in price during Black Friday.

I want a duo crisp, but they're so expensive.

instant pot...I got rid of my slow cooker within the week!

I have the 6lduo and use it almost every day for something

and I'll say two words to you.... RISOTTO and CHEESECAKE

lots of puddings are really good in there too, I try not to get too involved in that side as I have adored the sticky toffee puds, the chocolate fondants, the creme caramels...ALL OF IT! They do so quickly it's very very dangerous!

You want the instant pot. It has a slow cooker function so you can still slow cook with it if you want. You can cook dried beans in under an hour. I use mine nearly everyday.

Just as a suggestion, I bought mine last year on Amazon on Black Friday for 60 odd pounds so if you can wait, you might get a good deal.

Yes, I got mine on Black Friday about 4 years ago. I've never really used the slow cook function, pressure cook does the same thing in about 1/4 of the time.

And it does amazing boiled eggs; the shells just slip off.

Got an Instant Pot last Christmas and haven't used my slow cooker since. I haven't used the slow cook function on it though, just the pressure cooker, but I have cooked the things I used to do in the slow cooker.

I second what pp said about instant pot risotto - no stir risotto! I would have an Instant Pot just for that!

Thanks for all the info everyone and to @MustardMitt for your very kind offer.

I’ve ordered an IP from Amazon and it’s coming today. I am beyond excited

@chocolatesaltyballs22 - Yes, and if you do end up browning something, the IP has a saute button so you can use the IP pot for browning and then switch to another function and avoid washing two pots.

Puppermint can I suggest you join the Instant Pot UK community on facebook - loads of tested recipes and suggestions for getting the most out of your pot.

I'm going to use mine to prove dough amd steam sticky toffee pudding today. Yes to the FB group, its really helpful.

Right am on it on Black Friday. Just spent 20 minutes browning ingredients for a chilli to chuck in the slow cooker. Having to do this defeats the object of an easy slow cooker dinner!

@EerilyDeleted

I'm going to use mine to prove dough amd steam sticky toffee pudding today. Yes to the FB group, its really helpful.

it's the BEST for proving bread, I started after I gave up on the lockdown sourdough, normal dough loves the IP. I do put mine in a plastic bowl though as I felt just setting the dough in the pot was causing it to get a bit crusty on the bottom while proving.

My loaf tin sits beautifully across the top hanging on its corners so i manage the second prove in there too.

Another recommendation for a ninja foodie.

@LaurieSchafferIsAllBitterNow I've gone the otherway, successful with sourdough in lockdown so haven't used it that way for a while except for pizza dough. But DS requested "soft bread" this weekend. I sit the metal bowl of my Kenwood mixer in it (most of it fits in) with the lid perched on top. I tend to make rolls so I haven't used it for a second prove but might try my loaf tin out as you've suggested.

I have had an IP for 10 months and still too scared to get it out and try it

Me too. But mine's been in the cupboard for 18 months

It’s just an electric pressure cooker though, just because some women used them incorrectly in the 70’s and had to clean stew off the ceiling is no reason to not use something nearly 50 years later.

eBay it and buy something you will use. There’s going to be someone on eBay who’d love one but can’t afford it full price.

I'm going to have to go and look at these recipe pages, because our instapot just sits there unused - the only things I really liked from it were tomato soup and char siu pork... seemed a lot of faff for anything else, but I'm prepared to be converted.

The airfryer however, that's fantastic - use it for everything from roast chickens to cupcakes.

@LaurieSchafferIsAllBitterNow; I line the bowl with cling film-makes it easier to tip the dough out.

I love my instant pot, I use it almost daily, even if its just for the mash or rice to go with another dish, if not for the main course itself.
I also make yogurt in it which is so easy, it's fab. And the slow cooker function gets used pretty regularly too.