Can Instapot be a Slow Cooker? How to Use Its Slow Cooker Mode

Introduction

If you’ve ever stared at your Instant Pot (often misspelled as Instapot, and we’ll use that common shorthand throughout this guide) and wondered, Can Instapot be a Slow Cooker?, you’re not alone. Millions of home cooks own these multi-functional electric pressure cookers, but many never even realize they have a built-in slow cook mode that can replace a standalone countertop slow cooker entirely. Whether you’re short on kitchen space, tired of owning duplicate appliances, or just curious if your Instant Pot can pull double duty, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using your Instant Pot as a slow cooker, from how the mode works to pro tips for perfect results every time.

We’ll cover the key differences between Instant Pot slow cook mode and traditional slow cookers, step-by-step instructions for using the feature, the best recipes to test out, common mistakes to avoid, and even answer the most frequently asked questions about this versatile cooking function. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to decide if your Instant Pot can replace your slow cooker, and exactly how to use it if it can.

• Introduction
• What Is Instant Pot Slow Cook Mode, Anyway?
• Key Differences Between Instant Pot Slow Cook Mode and Traditional Slow Cookers
• Can Instapot Really Replace Your Standalone Slow Cooker?
• Step-by-Step: How to Use Instant Pot Slow Cook Mode Correctly
• Best Recipes to Make in Instant Pot Slow Cook Mode
• Pro Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Slow Cook Results Every Time
• Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Instant Pot as a Slow Cooker
• Heat Level Comparison: Instant Pot vs. Traditional Slow Cooker
• How to Adjust Your Favorite Slow Cooker Recipes for Instant Pot
• Cleaning and Maintaining Your Instant Pot’s Slow Cook Feature
• Frequently Asked Questions About Using Instant Pot as a Slow Cooker
• Final Thoughts

What Is Instant Pot Slow Cook Mode, Anyway?

Most Instant Pot models (including the popular Duo, Ultra, and Pro lines) come with a dedicated Slow Cook function that works exactly like a traditional countertop slow cooker, but uses the Instant Pot’s inner pot and heating element instead of a separate ceramic crock. Unlike the pressure cooking function, which uses trapped steam to raise the internal temperature and pressure to cook food faster, slow cook mode uses gentle, consistent low heat to cook food over a period of hours, just like the slow cooker you might already have in your cabinet.

When you select the Slow Cook setting on your Instant Pot, you’ll be able to adjust the heat level (Low, Medium, High, or Keep Warm, depending on your model) and set a cook time, just like you would with a standard slow cooker. The function is designed to mimic the low-and-slow cooking process that breaks down tough cuts of meat, melds flavors in soups and stews, and makes hands-off meals with minimal effort. For anyone still asking Can Instapot be a Slow Cooker?, this built-in mode is the resounding yes.

It’s worth noting that older Instant Pot models may have slightly different slow cook settings, and some entry-level models may not include the slow cook function at all, so it’s always a good idea to check your user manual if you can’t find the option on your control panel.

Key Differences Between Instant Pot Slow Cook Mode and Traditional Slow Cookers

While Instant Pot slow cook mode is designed to replicate the function of a standalone slow cooker, there are a few key differences that are important to understand before you start cooking. These differences don’t make one better than the other, but they do mean you may need to adjust your cooking times and expectations slightly when switching to your Instant Pot.

Heating Element Placement

Traditional slow cookers heat from the bottom and sides of the ceramic crock, which means food cooks evenly from all angles. Instant Pots, by contrast, heat only from the bottom of the stainless steel inner pot. This can lead to slightly hotter spots on the bottom of the pot, so it’s a good idea to stir your food halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heating, especially for thicker stews or dishes with dense ingredients like potatoes or meat.

Lid Design

Most traditional slow cookers have a heavy, vented lid that traps just enough moisture to prevent food from drying out, while allowing excess steam to escape. The Instant Pot’s lid is designed for pressure cooking first, so when using slow cook mode, you’ll want to leave the pressure release valve in the “venting” position (not sealed) to allow steam to escape, just like a standard slow cooker lid. You don’t need to lock the lid in place for slow cook mode, either – just set it on top loosely to allow for air circulation.

Temperature Range

As we’ll cover in more detail later, the temperature settings on Instant Pot slow cook mode don’t always line up exactly with traditional slow cooker settings. For example, the Instant Pot’s “High” setting runs slightly cooler than most traditional slow cookers’ High setting, which means you may need to adjust cook times slightly when converting recipes.

Capacity

Most 6-quart Instant Pots have an actual usable capacity of about 5 quarts when cooking with the slow cook mode, which is comparable to a 5- to 6-quart standalone slow cooker. If you have an 8-quart Instant Pot, you’ll have even more space for large batches of soup, chili, or pulled pork. The main difference here is that Instant Pot inner pots are made of stainless steel, not ceramic, so they retain heat slightly differently, but this rarely impacts cooking results for most recipes.

Can Instapot Really Replace Your Standalone Slow Cooker?

For most home cooks, the answer is a definitive yes – but it depends on your cooking habits. If you use your slow cooker once or twice a week for soups, stews, pulled meats, and overnight grains, your Instant Pot can easily handle all of those tasks without any loss of quality. In fact, many cooks prefer using their Instant Pot for slow cooking because it takes up less counter space, is easier to store, and can be used for dozens of other cooking functions (pressure cooking, sautéing, steaming, making yogurt, and more) that a standalone slow cooker can’t do.

That said, there are a few scenarios where a standalone slow cooker might still be preferable. If you regularly cook for a large crowd and need a 8-quart or larger capacity slow cooker, you may find the 6- or 8-quart Instant Pot limiting. If you love the aesthetic of a ceramic crock and prefer to serve directly from the slow cooker at the table, a standalone model might be more convenient. And if you frequently cook recipes that require very long, unattended cook times (10+ hours), some traditional slow cookers have longer maximum cook times than Instant Pot slow cook mode, which typically maxes out at 20 hours depending on the model.

But for the vast majority of home cooks who want to declutter their kitchen and consolidate appliances, the answer to Can Instapot be a Slow Cooker? is a resounding yes, with minimal tradeoffs.

Step-by-Step: How to Use Instant Pot Slow Cook Mode Correctly

Using your Instant Pot’s slow cook mode is simple, but there are a few key steps to follow to get the best results, especially if you’re used to using a traditional slow cooker. Follow this step-by-step guide to avoid common pitfalls and get perfectly cooked meals every time.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Just like with a traditional slow cooker, start by prepping all your ingredients ahead of time: chop vegetables, brown meat if you want extra flavor (you can use the Instant Pot’s sauté function for this to avoid dirtying extra pans), and measure out spices and liquids. For slow cook mode, you’ll generally need at least 1 cup of liquid (broth, water, sauce, etc.) to prevent the pot from overheating and triggering the burn error.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Inner Pot

Place all your prepped ingredients into the stainless steel inner pot. If you’re making a recipe with meat and vegetables, add the harder, longer-cooking ingredients (like carrots, potatoes, and onions) first, then layer in quicker-cooking ingredients (like leafy greens or delicate fish) halfway through cooking, or add them at the end if your recipe calls for it.

Step 3: Secure the Lid Correctly

This is one of the most common mistakes new users make: you do not need to lock the lid or seal the pressure release valve for slow cook mode. Simply place the lid on top of the inner pot, making sure the pressure release valve is in the “venting” position to allow steam to escape. If your model has a “Slow Cook” lid setting, you can use that, but the standard lid works fine as long as it’s not sealed.

Step 4: Select the Slow Cook Setting and Adjust Heat Level

Press the “Slow Cook” button on your Instant Pot’s control panel. Depending on your model, you may be able to scroll through heat levels (Low, Medium, High, Keep Warm) using the adjustment buttons. Select the heat level your recipe calls for, then set the cook time using the time buttons. Most Instant Pots allow you to set cook times from 30 minutes up to 20 hours for slow cook mode.

Step 5: Start Cooking and Stir Halfway Through (If Needed)

Press “Start” to begin the slow cook cycle. For most recipes, you’ll want to give the contents a good stir halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heating, especially since the Instant Pot heats only from the bottom. If your recipe calls for adding ingredients partway through cooking, you can open the lid, add them, stir, and replace the lid to continue cooking.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once the cook time is up, you can either switch the Instant Pot to “Keep Warm” mode to hold food at serving temperature for up to 10 hours, or open the lid and serve immediately. If you want to thicken sauces or gravies, you can use the sauté function on high heat to reduce the liquid for a few minutes after slow cooking is complete.

Best Recipes to Make in Instant Pot Slow Cook Mode

One of the biggest benefits of using your Instant Pot as a slow cooker is that it can handle almost any recipe you’d make in a traditional slow cooker, with the added bonus of being able to switch to pressure cooking mode for faster cooking if you’re short on time. Below are some of the most popular and foolproof recipes to test out when you’re getting started with Instant Pot slow cook mode.

Hearty Meat Recipes

Slow cook mode is perfect for tough, budget-friendly cuts of meat that need low, slow heat to break down connective tissue and become tender. Try making pulled pork by rubbing a pork shoulder with brown sugar, paprika, and garlic powder, adding a cup of apple cider and chicken broth, and cooking on Low for 8 hours. Shred the meat with a fork and serve on sandwiches or tacos. You can also make beef stew by browning chuck roast, adding potatoes, carrots, onions, beef broth, and tomato paste, and cooking on Low for 7–8 hours for fall-apart tender meat and vegetables.

Vegetarian Options

Instant Pot slow cook mode works beautifully for plant-based meals, too. Make a creamy lentil soup by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery, adding red lentils, diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and vegetable broth, and cooking on Low for 6 hours. For a protein-packed vegetarian main, try chickpea curry with canned chickpeas, spinach, coconut milk, and curry powder, cooked on Low for 4 hours and served over rice.

Desserts and Breakfasts

Don’t limit your Instant Pot slow cook mode to dinner! Make overnight oats by combining rolled oats, milk (or almond milk), chia seeds, honey, and fruit in the inner pot, and cooking on Low for 6–8 hours for a creamy, no-fuss breakfast. For a warm dessert, try slow cooker apple crumble by tossing sliced apples with cinnamon and sugar, topping with a crumble of oats, flour, butter, and brown sugar, and cooking on Low for 3 hours until the apples are tender and the topping is golden.

Pro Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Slow Cook Results Every Time

To get the most out of your Instant Pot’s slow cook mode, follow these expert tips to avoid common issues and get restaurant-quality results at home.

• Always use at least 1 cup of liquid. Unlike some traditional slow cookers that can cook with very little liquid, Instant Pot slow cook mode requires a minimum of 1 cup of liquid to prevent the pot from overheating and triggering a burn error. This is especially important for thick stews, chili, and recipes with a lot of meat or dense vegetables.
• Don’t overfill the pot. For slow cook mode, fill the inner pot no more than 2/3 full to allow for proper air circulation and prevent spills or overflow. This is especially important for recipes that expand as they cook, like rice, beans, or grains.
• Stir halfway through cooking. Because the Instant Pot heats only from the bottom, stirring your food halfway through the cook time ensures even heating and prevents hot spots that can burn the bottom of the pot. This is especially important for thick sauces, stews, and recipes with ingredients that sink to the bottom, like potatoes or meat.
• Adjust cook times for thicker ingredients. If you’re cooking a recipe with dense ingredients like whole potatoes, carrots, or large chunks of meat, add 30 minutes to 1 hour to the recommended cook time to ensure they cook through completely. You can always test for doneness with a fork or knife to check if meat is tender or vegetables are soft.
• Use the Keep Warm setting for potlucks and parties. The Instant Pot’s Keep Warm setting holds food at a safe 160–170°F for up to 10 hours, which is perfect for transporting soup, chili, or pulled meat to a potluck or keeping dinner warm for family members who eat at different times.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Instant Pot as a Slow Cooker

Even experienced Instant Pot users make these common mistakes when using slow cook mode for the first time. Avoid these pitfalls to get perfect results every time.

1. Sealing the lid or locking the pressure release valve. This is the most common mistake, and it will cause the Instant Pot to build up pressure, which can be dangerous and will also overcook your food. For slow cook mode, the lid should sit loosely on top of the inner pot, with the pressure release valve in the “venting” position to allow steam to escape.
2. Using too little liquid. As mentioned earlier, Instant Pot slow cook mode requires a minimum of 1 cup of liquid to function properly. If you use too little, the pot will overheat and trigger a burn error, stopping the cooking cycle entirely. If you’re making a low-liquid recipe like pulled pork, add a splash of broth, apple cider, or even water to meet the minimum requirement.
3. Skipping the sauté step for browning meat. While you don’t have to brown meat before slow cooking, taking 5 minutes to use the Instant Pot’s sauté function to brown the outside of roasts, chicken, or pork adds a huge depth of flavor that you can’t get from slow cooking alone. It also prevents the meat from releasing excess liquid into your dish as it cooks.
4. Overcooking delicate ingredients. Delicate ingredients like fish, leafy greens, or soft fruits will turn to mush if cooked for the full slow cook time. Add these ingredients in the last 30 minutes to 1 hour of cooking, or add them after you turn off the Instant Pot and let the residual heat cook them through.
5. Forgetting to adjust cook times for altitude. If you live at high altitude (above 3,000 feet), water boils at a lower temperature, which means slow cook times will be slightly longer. Add 15–30 minutes to your recommended cook time, and check for doneness regularly to avoid undercooking.

Heat Level Comparison: Instant Pot vs. Traditional Slow Cooker

One of the most common questions new users have when switching to Instant Pot slow cook mode is how the heat settings line up with traditional slow cooker settings. The table below breaks down the approximate temperature ranges for each Instant Pot slow cook setting, their traditional slow cooker equivalents, and the best use cases for each.

As you can see, the Instant Pot’s Low setting is almost identical to a traditional slow cooker’s Low setting, while the Medium and High settings run slightly cooler than most traditional slow cookers’ High setting. This means you may need to add 30 minutes to 1 hour to cook times when converting traditional slow cooker recipes to Instant Pot slow cook mode, especially for recipes that call for the High setting.

How to Adjust Your Favorite Slow Cooker Recipes for Instant Pot

Converting your favorite traditional slow cooker recipes to work in Instant Pot slow cook mode is simple, with just a few small adjustments. Follow these guidelines to get the same delicious results you’re used to:

• Reduce cook times by 10–15% for High setting recipes. If your traditional slow cooker recipe calls for cooking on High for 4 hours, cook it in the Instant Pot on High for 3 to 3.5 hours, then check for doneness. For Low setting recipes, you can usually keep the cook time the same, but check for doneness 30 minutes early to avoid overcooking.
• Add an extra 1/2 to 1 cup of liquid. Instant Pot slow cook mode evaporates liquid slightly faster than traditional slow cookers, so add a splash of broth, water, or sauce to your recipe to prevent it from drying out. If your recipe already has a lot of liquid, you can reduce it slightly after cooking using the sauté function if it’s too thin.
• Skip the pre-cooking step if you’re short on time. While browning meat adds flavor, you can skip this step if you’re in a hurry – the slow cook mode will still tenderize the meat and cook it through, just with a less rich, caramelized flavor.
• Adjust for thickness. If your recipe has a lot of thick ingredients (like tomato paste, cream of mushroom soup, or large chunks of meat), add an extra 1/4 cup of liquid and stir halfway through cooking to prevent burning on the bottom of the pot.

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Instant Pot’s Slow Cook Feature

Cleaning your Instant Pot after using slow cook mode is just as easy as cleaning it after pressure cooking, and regular maintenance will keep the slow cook function working perfectly for years.

After each use, let the inner pot cool completely, then wash it with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. The stainless steel inner pot is dishwasher safe on the top rack, making cleanup even easier. If you get any burnt-on food on the bottom of the pot, fill it with warm water and a drop of dish soap, let it sit for 30 minutes, then scrub with a non-abrasive scrubber to remove the residue.

Once a month, check the pressure release valve and the anti-block shield (the small metal cover over the valve) to make sure they’re free of food debris. If you notice any buildup, remove the parts and wash them with warm, soapy water to keep the Instant Pot functioning properly. Avoid using harsh abrasive cleaners or steel wool on the inner pot, as this can scratch the stainless steel and cause food to stick in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions About Using Instant Pot as a Slow Cooker

We’ve answered hundreds of questions from home cooks about using their Instant Pot as a slow cooker, and these are the most common ones we hear.

Can I use Instant Pot slow cook mode for frozen meat?

It’s not recommended to cook large frozen cuts of meat in slow cook mode, as they will spend too much time in the “danger zone” temperature range (40–140°F) where bacteria can grow. If you need to cook frozen meat, use the pressure cook function instead, which will bring the food to a safe temperature quickly. For smaller frozen items like frozen chicken breasts, you can add them directly to the slow cook mode, but add 1–2 hours to the cook time and check for doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F internally.

Do I need to use the trivet in slow cook mode?

No, you do not need to use the trivet for slow cook mode. The trivet is only used for pressure cooking to lift food above the liquid. For slow cooking, you can place ingredients directly in the inner pot, just like you would in a traditional slow cooker.

Can I leave my Instant Pot on slow cook mode all day?

Yes! Most Instant Pot models allow you to set slow cook times up to 20 hours, and the Keep Warm setting will hold food at a safe temperature for up to 10 hours. This makes it perfect for cooking meals while you’re at work or overnight for breakfast. Just make sure there’s at least 1 cup of liquid in the pot to avoid overheating.

Why does my Instant Pot keep showing a “burn” error during slow cook mode?

The “burn” error usually means there’s not enough liquid in the pot, or the food is burning on the bottom because it’s too thick. To fix this, add at least 1 cup of liquid, stir the contents of the pot to release any stuck-on food from the bottom, and restart the cooking cycle. If the error persists, you may need to add more liquid or cook the recipe on a lower heat setting.

Is Instant Pot slow cook mode as good as a traditional slow cooker?

For most recipes, yes! The results are nearly identical, with the only minor difference being slightly hotter spots on the bottom of the pot that require occasional stirring. Many cooks actually prefer Instant Pot slow cook mode because it takes up less space, has a longer maximum cook time, and can be used for other cooking functions as well. The only time a traditional slow cooker might be better is if you need a very large capacity (over 8 quarts) or prefer serving directly from a ceramic crock.

Final Thoughts

So, to answer the question Can Instapot be a Slow Cooker? – absolutely, yes. The built-in slow cook mode on most Instant Pot models is a fully functional, reliable replacement for a standalone slow cooker for the vast majority of home cooking tasks. With a few small adjustments to your cooking routine, you can make all your favorite slow cooker recipes in your Instant Pot, from pulled pork and beef stew to overnight oats and apple crumble, without any loss of quality or flavor.

The biggest benefits of using your Instant Pot as a slow cooker are the space savings, the ability to use the same appliance for dozens of other cooking tasks, and the longer maximum cook times that let you set it and forget it for up to 20 hours. While there are small differences between Instant Pot slow cook mode and traditional slow cookers, they’re easy to adjust for with a few simple tips and recipe tweaks.

If you’ve been on the fence about ditching your standalone slow cooker, we encourage you to test out the slow cook mode on your Instant Pot with a simple recipe like chili or pulled pork first. Once you see how easy it is to get perfect results, you may never go back to your old slow cooker again.