(Part 2) Best products from r/instantpot

My friend got one & said it's actually pretty good.

Granted, you need to make sure your expectations are calibrated about how air-fryers really worked. I've had an Oyama, a Philips XL, and currently a Breville Air (countertop oven with bonus super-large airfryer function). Air fryers are a bit of a hoax (advertising-wise), but they do work really well for specific things (especially frozen convenience foods, like chicken nuggets) & also work well if you've specifically calibrated your recipes to work for them. For example, I love Kenji's quesadilla procedure:

https://www.seriouseats.com/2017/02/food-lab-great-quesadillas.html

This is what I do for air-frying them:

1. Make a batch, per the procedure above (ex. Instant Pot crack chicken for the filling + extra shredded cheese for melting as the "glue")
   
2. Let them cool & then slice into triangles
   
3. Flash-freeze on a Silpat-lined rimmed baking sheet for 2 hours
   
4. Vacuum-seal as many as you want into a single bag (excellent budget sealer + bags on a roll + titanium scissors for clean cuts)
   
5. To re-heat, air-fry at 400F for 6 minutes; they puff out like a frozen Pizza Puff & are even better this way, than fresh!
   
   Photo of an air-fried quesadilla triangle:
   
   https://i.imgur.com/faBdxbO.jpg
   
   We do tuna, pulled pork, crack chicken, all kinds of flavors. I'll probably whip up a turkey-themed one this week too lol.

You can do it, but basically you'll just be using the IP like any large container with a lid you can insulate once the milk has been heated (if you elect to do that in the IP). The models without a Yogurt mode (LUX's) can't do the other step/s automatically.

Here are some things I've written before about "making yogurt" in a LUX:

… You can only use a LUX in the same sense you'd use any large container with a lid that you could insulate after heating the milk to try and create and hold a good fermenting temperature inside.
So you could heat the milk (if you want) using the IP (or just in the microwave, on the stove, etc), then you'd keep, or put, the heated milk in the LUX, close the lid, and wrap the whole IP with towels, etc, for the 6 or more hours you'd like to ferment it.
The models with a Yogurt button will actually have a setting for creating and holding the temp at around 109 F which is a reasonable fermentation temperature (the LUX won't have any setting that low).

... The actual temps that can be set in the LUX models are all too high for the incubating/fermenting cycle of making yogurt so would kill the beneficial bacteria.
You could perhaps just scald the milk in the IP (or microwave, etc), then cool it down to 115F or so. THEN for the fermenting cycle, just use the still-warm IP as a "closed box" to hold the heat in for 5-24 hrs like you would if putting a container of fermenting milk into a cardboard box or foam cooler and surrounding it with a towel, or in an oven with the pilot light or regular light on.
...I guess that presumes you'd be fermenting in a separate container/s though, or you could put the IP pot into a cardboard box, etc, covered, as above.

Or you could do the fermentation cycle in an inexpensive yogurt maker like the Dash:

http://www.amazon.com/Dash-DSY101BLU-Bulk.../dp/B00EUVVTM8

https://www.facebook.com/groups/InstantPotCommunity/permalink/946454725448516

As stated, all your links are the same pot.

[Here] (https://www.amazon.com/Instant-Pot-IP-DUO60-Multi-Functional-Pressure/dp/B01B1VC13K/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1486881326&sr=1-1&keywords=instant%2Bpot&th=1) is a link to the DUO pot, and a choice between 5, 6 or 8 qts.

[Here] (https://www.amazon.com/Instant-Pot-IP-LUX60-Programmable-Electric/dp/B0073GIN08/ref=sr_1_2?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1486881326&sr=1-2&keywords=instant%2Bpot&th=1) is a link to the LUX. The main difference here is there isn't a yogurt function.

How large you want it is really your preference and how much kitchen space you want to use up. Whether or not you would like to spend a little extra for the yogurt function is also your preference. You can fit a chicken in both the 6 or 8 qt, obviously depends on the size of the chicken.

I personally have the 8 qt, with a 4 year protection plan, and couldn't be happier. I'm positive I'd be just as happy with the 6 qt. I'm pretty sure they stand by their product based on the many stories I've read of random issues, even some that seem user caused.

There's not real wrong answer here. I believe you may have a longer wait for the 6qt DUO, I've heard people are waiting 8-10 weeks or so for them.

I haven't used it yet, but I just picked up this 3.5 qt bowl on Amazon for exactly this purpose. Reviews state that it fits in the 6qt Instant Pot and it's the largest single container that I could find confirmation of it being able to fit. It's twice the volume of the pyrex 7 cup bowl that the other comment mentioned.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B001C09S00/

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If you're okay with multiple containers, there's also something like this that can fit less per pot, but about the same/slightly more across the two containers (and gives you flexibility if you want to cook two things at once).

Bottom Pan: 6 cups 4 oz (52 oz)
Top Pan: 8 cups 4 oz (68 oz), but can fit up to 10 cups (80 oz) w/o the lid.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DDC34XY/

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3Qt mini chiming in, there is not a lot of accessories or spare parts out yet for the mini from my searching Amazon and the Instant pot website. When you look for an IP safe pot-in-pot, make sure it fits inside with a space all around so the bowl doesn't touch the inside main IP pot.

Two bowls I found are:


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001C0B02E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000VLPZ8/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I1DE08H04C8ZJC&colid=20YF3RUYV7EZ5

I bought the first one I linked and have not used it yet, it looks like it might be too tall even though the lid of my IP closes fine, the top of the bowl kinda flares out and almost touches the main inner IP pot sides. I will eventually test it when I have a chance, so far I haven't needed to use a pot-in-pot recipe yet. The second link bowl looks like it would have been the better choice, if it doesn't work out I'll just use it as a mixing bowl like I'm using the first one I ordered.

How nice of you to research your gift. Your choice will depend largely upon how many people she usually cooks for.

I have the 8 quart Ultra (I usually feed 9-10 people) and don't regret it at all. This is the only version with the knob and I love how easy and intuitive it is.

On Amazon, if you click on an Instant Pot and scroll down, there are charts comparing them. Like here.

I regularly use the glass lid you have to purchase separately. There are other gadgets you can get for it, like stackable pots and extra sealing rings (because yours will eventually smell bad), among other things.

You can just type in "Instant Pot Accessories" on Amazon and see what is available.

Not silicone, but I love this one for my IP.
It's a clever design; the feet can fold flat, the center handle extends, and it can easily be removed with a fork to keep from burning your fingers.

I'm not the OP but I'm pleased to share the bowl that I bought:

Pyrex (6017397) Simply Store 7-Cup Round Glass Food Storage Dish https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LOWN3C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_WKOrtjMAbIYVa

It's a great size for making small dishes, or rice.

Don't forget to put a cup of water in the bottom of the Instant Pot.

Those are 15 amp fuses it looks like. Each circuit can support 15 amps.

1000 watts divided by 110 volts equals 9 amps. So on it's own, it's fine. But go through and do that with everything on the same circuit and you'll get your total amperage draw. You'll probably be okay as long as your microwave or toaster oven or fridge or like... I dunno old school TV or vacuum cleaner isn't on the same circuit. And that's peak power, so while it's actually cooking your wattage is going to go down and only kick on periodically.

You've got around 600 watts of overhead to play with, though I would personally round it down to 500 watts just to be safe. So your toaster oven is a no go, but if you have a couple lamps on the same circuit you're fine.

If you're *really* interested in the power draw of an instant pot, buy a kill-a-watt meter from amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/P3-P4400-Electricity-Usage-Monitor/dp/B00009MDBU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1542156244&sr=8-2&keywords=kill-a-watt

Replacement silicone rings, they work well but absorb and pass on strong smells.
1 for broth, 1 for Japanese or Thai Curry, 1 fir steaming, etc.


Another very useful item are these silicin moulds. Silicone Egg Bites Molds for Instant Pot Accessories - Fits Instant Pot 5,6,8 qt Pressure Cooker, Reusable Storage Container, Baby Food Container and Freezer Tray with Lid (Blue) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077FWR7X9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_8HF1Bb3C7AVJN


Beyond that steamer baskets and the glass lid. I also keep a 2nd pot, so I can make something while the other is washed.

The "silicone egg bite thingy" is used at least thrice a week in our kitchen. This 7" spring-form pan works brilliantly for cheesecakes.

Edit: I forgot! This steamer basket we use for "boiling" eggs in the IP. 5mins, quick release, ice water bath. Perfect.

I bought this steamer basket. Works pretty well and fits in the DUO60.

Doesn't seem to be available on Amazon.com, sorry if you are from the US :(. But I'm sure something like this or this would be almost exactly the same.

Here's what I personally use:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B008FUUQJW - Extra sealing ring to use when you make sweet things to avoid transferring any smelly savoryness from the other ring.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XKPBT1Z/ - Steaming basket, of course.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KHHFCKS/ - A 7" springform pan to make Cheesecake #17 in. (If you only get one thing, this is the one. Because cheesecake.)

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B008FUJ2LK/ - Tempered glass lid for slow cooking and/or letting people peer into the pot in awe while food is being kept warm.

And if you just want to buy fun things, the mini mitts are nice for getting the cheesecake out right away: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B012D33BD4 And not catching on fire when you want to remove the inner pot or hold it in place while you saute.

I also bought these stackable pans the other day (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M130JJL/) but so far all I've used them for was a dual meatloaf. I like them but I can't really think of a lot of uses for them at the moment.

How did you clean it? The upper section lid is dishwasher safe. I usually pull out the ring, release valve and the rectangular cover on the bottom and wash them all on the top rack. I wash the stainless pot on the lower rack. If you tried that and it still smells it's probably the ring that's absorbed the smell. You can order another ring off Amazon pretty cheap.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07588SJHN

Ultra 6 QT - $81.99
Ultra 8 QT - $94.99

I believe that model was discontinued, but it looks like the WiFi model is still available? https://www.amazon.com/Instant-Pot-Smart-Electric-Pressure/dp/B0777XQ4S8


I haven't used it, but just wanted to post since I remembered they're not making the bluetooth model anymore. I'm assuming the WiFi option should still work for you? I haven't heard too many negative things, but hope you get a more helpful comment than this!

Or a [silicone baking mat](AmazonBasics Silicone Baking Mat Sheet, Set of 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0725GYNG6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VLH1DbVR2SK85) if it's an eco-friendly issue for her. Cheap, easy to clean, and lasts a long time!

I use a 1.5 quart for my 6 qt for pot in pot and it works really well. Here it is on Amazon Canada https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B001C0B02E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

looks like they used something like this https://smile.amazon.com/Silicone-Bites-Molds-Instant-Accessories/dp/B077FWR7X9/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1543384494&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=egg+mold+instant+pot&psc=1

The thing I use most is a 7 cup Pyrex dish with lid. It fits perfectly in the 6Q, and it fits 2 cups of rice cooked. With the lid, it can go right into the fridge.

https://www.amazon.com/Pyrex-6017397-Simply-Store-Storage/dp/B000LOWN3C

I was using an aluminum cake pan which has been quite useful but I'm concerned about the aluminum getting in the food and rotting my feeble brain. I've also tried a Pyrex glass bowl, but it doesn't hold quite enough.

Thanks for the suggestion.

I like this steamer basket: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HCBDF2/

Amazon had this model you are referring to (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0777XQ4S8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) in pre-order status for around $100 USD. I was able to get a preorder in before they changed the price to about $150 USD.

I also got notification that Amazon shipped my order, even though the product page is still in pre-order status.

https://camelcamelcamel.com/Instant-Pot-Ultra-Programmable-Sterilizer/product/B07588SJHN0


119.95*

Deal of the day on Amazon

just went on sale on amazon for 81.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B1VC13K/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's the Hiware 7" springform pan I can't find the brackets on my phone to do the link. Hiware 7 Inch Non-stick Springform Pan/Cheesecake Pan/Leakproof Cake Pan Bakeware - Accessories for Instant Pot 6, 8 Qt Pressure Cooker https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KHHFCKS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_QG8IDbHC1RV65

Amazon Canada DUO80 $99.99

Will this work?

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https://www.amazon.ca/Pyrex-Storage-7-Cup-Round-Plastic/dp/B000LOWN3C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1540672892&sr=8-2&keywords=pyrex+7+cup

This is the one I got, but there are several that would work.

Same thing without hidden affiliate link:

https://www.amazon.com/Instant-Pot-Programmable-Pressure-Steamer/dp/B01B1VC13K

I don't know how much bigger an 8 quart is than a 6, other than the obvious 2 quart volume. I got this one from Zulily (not there at the moment), and it fits into my 6 quart, but there's only about ½ to ¾ inch all around, and it comes up almost as high as the IP itself; on the original IP trivet, I can still get the lid on tightly. I'm not sure that's enough space for the IP to come to pressure, so I haven't given it a try, but your 8 may be able to handle this deep 3.5 quart bowl.

3.5 Quart at Amazon