Using an Instant Pot on the Stove
Instant pots have become an indispensable item in many kitchens around the world. It is a stellar combination of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, electric steamer, rice cooker, and yogurt-maker. You can make a lot of amazing dishes in an instant pot from aromatic curry and spicy rice to dessert puddings.
But, can you actually use the Instant Pot on the stovetop?
Can You Use an Instant Pot on the Stove?
The short answer to this question is no; you cannot place an Instant Pot on the stove or stovetop. There are a few reasons behind this.
- The exterior is made of heat-sensitive plastic. Instant Pots are designed to be used with electricity and not on the stove. The exterior is made of heat-sensitive plastic, making it unsuitable for use on the stove.
- The shape makes it impossible to use. Instant Pots have several parts that come together to form one unit. Placing them on a stove top could cause them to vibrate and potentially come apart or create other malfunctions.
- Stovetops cook too quickly. TheInstant Pot is designed to slowly cook food over a period of time. This allows the food to properly cook and infuse with flavor. However, an open flame will heat up the interior of the Instant Pot too quickly, resulting in overcooked and dry food.
What Can You Do Instead?
Just because you cannot use your instant pot on the stove doesn’t mean you can’t use it to replicate stovetop recipes. Here are some tips for how you can make your favorite stovetop dishes using an Instant Pot:
- Follow the instructions. Every Instant Pot is different, so make sure to follow the exact instructions in the user guide for your specific Instant Pot. The instructions will guide you through the different settings and functions that you need to use to get the best results.
- Adjust the recipe. Many of the recipes used on the stovetop require high heat, quick cooking, and constant stirring, this may not be possible in the Instant Pot. If you have a stovetop recipe, make sure to adjust it to fit the Instant Pot by adding extra liquid and avoiding too much stirring.
- Experiment. You may need to tweak the recipes a bit until you get the desired outcome. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the ingredients accordingly. Keep notes on your experiments and remember to adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts for best results.
The bottom line is that the Instant Pot can be used to make most stovetop recipes, but it’s not recommended to place the pot on the stovetop. Adjust the recipes and experiment to get the desired outcome and explore the amazing dishes you can make with your Instant Pot.
