How does an Instant Pot compare to a Crock Pot for making stew?

When comparing an Instant Pot to a Crock Pot slow cooker for making stew, several factors come into play, including cooking time, texture, flavor development, and convenience. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each aspect.

Cooking Time

Instant Pot: Quickly cooks stew in about 30-60 minutes by pressure cooking. This method is ideal for those seeking a hearty meal without a long wait. Crock-Pot: Typically takes 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. The longer cooking time allows flavors to meld and deepen gradually.

Texture and Flavor Development

Instant Pot: The pressure cooking method tends to tenderize meats quickly. However, the depth of flavor might not match that achieved by long slow cooking. Browning ingredients using the sauté function before pressure cooking can enhance flavor. Crock-Pot: The slow cooking process results in a richer and more complex taste due to the gradual melding of flavors. The low heat helps break down tougher cuts of meat over time, leading to a tender texture.

Convenience

Instant Pot: Offers versatility, combining pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and steaming in one appliance. It is perfect for quick meals and can be operated while performing other tasks. Crock-Pot: Requires less hands-on time. You can prepare ingredients, set the cooker, and leave it to cook for several hours without worrying about monitoring it.

Cleanup

Instant Pot: Generally has multiple components (inner pot, sealing ring, etc.) that may require more cleaning post-use. Crock-Pot: Typically consists of a single pot, making cleanup easier, especially if it has a removable insert.

Conclusion

If you need a quick meal and value convenience, the Instant Pot is a great choice. On the other hand, if you have the time to let the stew cook slowly and prioritize a rich developed flavor, the Crock Pot is the better option. Ultimately, the decision depends on your time constraints and flavor preferences!

It's also worth noting that while the Instant Pot uses less liquid during cooking, the stew won’t end up as thick as with a slow cooker. If you need to thicken the stew at the end, you can do so by adding flour or corn starch.
I’ve personally cooked the same beef stew in a Dutch oven slow cooker, Crockpot brand, stovetop pressure cooker, and an electric pressure cooker (Instant Pot DUO60). In my experience, I wouldn’t go back to the traditional Dutch oven or stovetop pressure cooker.