If you follow along on my Instastories, you might have caught glimpses of my kitchen’s newest star: the Instant Pot. I bought mine last year when I was making some big changes to my diet to better manage my endometriosis. To be honest, I wasn’t sure if it would actually live up to the hype, but I figured anything that could save me time and energy in the kitchen was worth a try. Fast forward a year later, and I’m here to report that the Instant Pot has been nothing short of a game-changer.
It’s not exactly “new” technology—my grandma has been loyal to her stovetop pressure cooker for decades—but the Instant Pot has reimagined the pressure cooker for modern cooks. It comes packed with built-in functions for everything from making yogurt to cooking rice, steaming vegetables, and even baking cakes. The convenience is unmatched, and I honestly can’t imagine my weekly meal prep without it.
So, is an Instant Pot right for you? Let me break down a few reasons why this gadget might deserve a spot on your counter.
1. You follow a special diet.
When I shifted toward a more health-focused diet, I realized quickly that cooking wholesome meals meant spending a lot more time in the kitchen. My Instant Pot became the helping hand I didn’t know I needed. It made what used to feel like a chore—soaking beans, cooking grains, simmering broths—simple and fast.
And while it does wonders for braised meats, it’s equally powerful when it comes to plant-based cooking. Think perfectly fluffy quinoa, creamy steel-cut oats, tender chickpeas, or steaming heaps of sweet potatoes. It has made it so much easier for me to keep up with my goal of eating more plant-based meals.
Some of my go-to recipes include lentil soup, vegan chili, chana masala, buckwheat porridge, and even risotto made with chickpea miso. And if you’re following a specific eating style—paleo, keto, vegan—you’ll find entire communities online dedicated to Instant Pot cooking for your diet. The recipe inspiration is endless.
2. You like to meal prep.
Meal prepping used to intimidate me, but the Instant Pot has completely changed that. Every Sunday, I batch cook staples like beans, lentils, and grains, which I then turn into easy meals throughout the week. From soups to tacos to grain bowls, having a stocked fridge makes it so much easier to stay on track with healthy eating (and avoid those last-minute takeout temptations).
The Instant Pot also shines when it comes to one-pot wonders like chili, stew, or hearty vegetable soups—perfect for cold weather or busy weeks. I usually make big batches and freeze half for later, which feels like a little gift to my future self.
Lately, I’ve been hooked on savory porridges. A bowl of rice or oat porridge topped with sautéed greens and scallions has become my go-to breakfast on chilly mornings. It’s warm, comforting, and thanks to my Instant Pot, ridiculously easy to make.
3. You cook for a crowd (or a big family).
Even though it’s just Jeff and me most of the time, my Instant Pot really earns its keep during holidays and gatherings. For birthdays and parties, I’ve used it to whip up enormous batches of hummus, creamy risottos, and even hot apple cider that kept guests cozy all evening. Last Thanksgiving, it helped me crank out a mountain of lima beans for cassoulet without breaking a sweat.
If you entertain often or have a large family, I’d highly recommend the 8-quart version. You’ll be amazed at how much food it can handle in one go.
4. You love Indian food.
One of my happiest discoveries has been how well the Instant Pot handles Indian cooking. The flavors develop beautifully under pressure, and the time savings are incredible. There are entire communities online dedicated to Instant Pot Indian recipes, plus several cookbooks that focus solely on this style of cooking. Vegan Richa’s recipes are a personal favorite of mine for quick, flavorful weeknight dinners.
And here’s something I’m counting down to: Madhur Jaffrey has an Instant Pot cookbook coming out soon, which feels like a dream come true for anyone who adores Indian food.
Final thoughts
The Instant Pot isn’t just a trendy gadget—it’s a real workhorse. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier, keep up with meal prep, feed a crowd, or expand your cooking repertoire, it has a way of making life in the kitchen more manageable and a lot more fun.
For me, it’s been empowering not only as someone who loves cooking, but also as someone navigating a restricted diet. The Instant Pot has given me back both time and energy, and that’s something I’ll never take for granted.
So, if you’ve been on the fence about getting one, consider this your sign. Your future weeknight dinners (and your freezer stash) will thank you.
