[m3s]

I originally got one on amazon days as it's cheaper than a rice cooker but does far more

I've been meaning to get a stackable pot to stack the main dish and side in one instant pot, is there a technique to use the original pot for that? I've cooked chicken with water/spices and rice just needs water.. so I suppose you could just throw it all together. It's very handy even just for rice or steamed veggies (need a steamer accessory) Anything you'd boil can just go in this instead

It has pretty much replaced my stovetop pots as it's just faster and easier. The only thing I really use the stovetop for now is frying

 

[m3s]

I haven't successfully made rice in it, I tried once and it didn't turn out very well, so I went back to using my rice cooker. If my rice cooker ever dies I will likely try again before buying a new rice cooker.

You probably just have to adjust the rice-water ratio. I have to adjust this when I change rice sometimes. There's other techniques on youtube I never bother with

I think of it this way. If you want to make the best dish possible, do it the way the best chefs do it. Do you think any of them are using an Instant Pot? It's appeal is in the word 'Instant'. Designed to appeal to people who don't want (think they don't have) the time to cook properly. Dare I say 'fad'.

I resist a lot of kitchen appliances as fads. I don't even use a microwave or a electronic coffee maker (I can make far better coffee the way the Italians taught me with a $20 bialetti)

If I was living in an RV I would consider having a power inverter just for the Instant Pot. It uses far less energy energy because it's insulated and also requires much less water (heats faster)

As for the professional comment.. I find anything homecooked is better than $$$$ "professional" food which is made just to "look" special compared to what you can do at home on purpose.

 

[m3s]

Yea that's what I was considering a "stackable pot" for. They're about $30 on amazon US. I tend to use the IP for the side and bake/fry/grill the main dish. 1 button perfect rice or steamed veggies is nice in a world of constant distractions

 

[m3s]

I don't think I use it enough to justify the price tag.

They go on sale on amazon for less than half the price tag

At that price if you were going to buy a rice cooker/slow cooker/pressure cooker etc why not just get this instead

 

[m3s]

Black Friday/Cyber Week/Prime Days in the US is the best (no sale tax on amazon US) but it's not much lower considering the hassles and timing

 

[m3s]

It's one of the best selling items on amazon. Usually goes on sale at all the predictable times

 

[m3s]

In my experience amazon returns are even faster

Click return, receive barcode, drive item to closest post office (typically closer than big box stores and less hectic/busy), hand over item, scan barcode, receive instant credit or refund

Also don't need to find tiny paper receipt if you buy in store

 

[m3s]

Keepa browser extension shows seasonal sales $60usd for that model. A bit lower but nothing really worth waiting months for

The nova seems to be marketed for "beginners" because some people don't understand the steam release (turn to close before and keep your hand away from steam vent when opening it..) They made a button a few inches away so you don't burn yourself with steam and the release closes automatically when the lid is on?

Personally if the classic went on sale for cheaper I'd get that myself (I'm watching for a 3 qt classic to pair with my 6 qt) Looks like the 3 qt classic can be down to $30usd but I mean they are all amazing value imo. I've prob spent that just on steamers/pans/rings for them

 

[m3s]

I just got an Ultra for $40 US prime day sale (retail $120)

 

[m3s]

They didn't plan enough obsolescence like all the other companies do.

I have several and they all work perfectly. Why would I need to buy another? Nothing breaks so I never need expensive parts.

Maybe they needed a subscription model to unlock each "mode"

 

[m3s]

I pretty much just use mine for soup, but love it for that.

Mostly I use it for side dishes now. Steaming veggies, rice etc. Stovetop rice is annoying to get right everyday but instant pot rice is super convenient.

In the winter I use it daily for steel cut oats in the morning - start it before shower and it's ready for breakfast. I also use it for boiling eggs etc but that's just because I have it.

 

[m3s]

They do sell a lot of expensive accessories too.

I've replaced the lid seal from time to time and found the aftermarket chinese seal was not as good fitament as original.

I think I picked up some InstaPot accessories set at Costco on sale at some point.