Does Instant Pot Work as a Slow Cooker? Performance Review & Tips

Introduction

If you’ve ever stared at your Instant Pot wondering, Does Instant Pot Work as a Slow Cooker? you’re not alone. This multi-functional kitchen staple has taken over countertops worldwide, promising to replace everything from pressure cookers to rice makers—but can it truly stand in for a dedicated slow cooker? Many home cooks swear by their Instant Pot’s slow cook function for weeknight meals and weekend meal prep, while others argue it falls short of the low, even heat of a traditional crockpot. In this in-depth review, we’ll break down exactly how the Instant Pot’s slow cook mode performs, share step-by-step instructions for using it correctly, highlight common pitfalls to avoid, and help you decide if you can ditch your separate slow cooker for good.

• How the Instant Pot Slow Cook Function Actually Works
• Key Differences Between Instant Pot Slow Cook and Traditional Slow Cookers
• Step-by-Step: Using Your Instant Pot as a Slow Cooker
• Best Settings for Common Slow Cooker Recipes
• Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Instant Pot as a Slow Cooker
• Pros of Using an Instant Pot Instead of a Separate Slow Cooker
• Cons and Limitations to Keep in Mind
• How to Adjust Traditional Slow Cooker Recipes for the Instant Pot
• Cleaning and Maintenance Tips for the Slow Cook Function
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Final Verdict: Does Instant Pot Work as a Slow Cooker?

How the Instant Pot Slow Cook Function Actually Works

Unlike traditional slow cookers that use a constant low wattage heating element to maintain even heat, the Instant Pot’s slow cook mode uses intermittent heating cycles, similar to how a stovetop simmer works. It cycles the bottom heating element on and off to maintain your set temperature, rather than running continuously. Most Instant Pot models have two slow cook settings: Low (around 190°F / 88°C) and High (around 230°F / 110°C), which are slightly different from traditional slow cooker temperature ranges. It’s important to note that the slow cook function does not use pressure—you must position the lid correctly to avoid triggering the pressure cooking mode. Many newer models also include a Keep Warm function that runs for up to 10 hours, matching the functionality of most standard slow cookers. One key difference to keep in mind is that the Instant Pot’s heating element is located only on the bottom of the pot, so heat distribution is less even than traditional slow cookers that have heating elements on both the sides and bottom, which can lead to minor hot spots if you don’t stir occasionally.

Key Differences Between Instant Pot Slow Cook and Traditional Slow Cookers

To understand if the Instant Pot can replace your slow cooker, it helps to compare the two side by side across key performance metrics:

The biggest takeaway from this comparison is that the Instant Pot’s slow cook function runs slightly differently than a traditional slow cooker, primarily due to its heat source and lid design. The tighter-fitting lid means far less evaporation during cooking, so you’ll need to adjust liquid levels in your recipes to avoid watery results. For most everyday meals, however, these differences are minor and easy to work around.

Step-by-Step: Using Your Instant Pot as a Slow Cooker

The biggest mistake most people make when trying to use their Instant Pot as a slow cooker is locking the lid into the pressure sealing position, which triggers pressure cooking mode instead of slow cooking. Follow these steps to get perfect results every time:

1. Prep ingredients as you would for a traditional slow cooker recipe. Chop vegetables, trim meat, and measure spices and liquids. If your recipe calls for browning meat first, use the Instant Pot’s Saute function, then deglaze the bottom of the inner pot with a splash of broth or water to avoid burn warnings later.
2. Add all ingredients to the stainless steel inner pot. Do not exceed the “Max Fill” line—for slow cooking, never fill the pot more than 2/3 full to avoid overflow as ingredients heat up and bubble.
3. Position the lid correctly. This is the most critical step: do not lock the lid into the pressure sealing position. Instead, align the lid with the arrow on the pot base and turn it clockwise until it clicks into the “Venting” position (the small metal pin on the lid will pop up, indicating it’s not sealed for pressure).
4. Select the Slow Cook function and set your time and temperature. Most models offer Low (~190°F / 88°C) and High (~230°F / 110°C) settings, with cook times ranging from 30 minutes to 20 hours depending on the model.
5. Let the Instant Pot run for your set cook time. The pot will cycle heat on and off to maintain your chosen temperature. Stir every 2-3 hours for long cooks to ensure even heat distribution and avoid hot spots on the bottom of the pot.
6. Finish with optional browning (optional). For extra flavor on roasts or stews, switch back to the Saute function on High for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to thicken sauces or crisp the top of meats.
7. Switch to Keep Warm (optional). Once cooking is complete, the Instant Pot will automatically switch to Keep Warm mode for up to 10 hours, just like a traditional slow cooker.

Best Settings for Common Slow Cooker Recipes

Cook times and temperatures will vary slightly based on your Instant Pot model and the ingredients you’re using, but these general guidelines work for most common slow cooker recipes:

• Hearty stews and soups: Use the High setting for 4-6 hours, or Low for 8-10 hours. Reduce liquid by 1/4 to 1/2 cup compared to traditional slow cooker recipes, and add delicate vegetables like spinach or zucchini in the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from turning mushy.
• Pulled pork, beef roasts, and large cuts of meat: Use the Low setting for 8-10 hours, or High for 5-7 hours. Avoid lifting the lid more than once or twice during cooking to retain heat, and finish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes if you want a crispy crust on the meat.
• Oatmeal and breakfast dishes: Steel-cut oats, breakfast casseroles, and overnight grains cook perfectly on the Low setting for 6-8 hours, or High for 3-4 hours. The even, gentle heat prevents burnt bottoms, which is a common issue when cooking oatmeal on the stovetop. Add milk or cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking to avoid curdling.
• Vegetarian bean and lentil dishes: Dried beans and lentils cook evenly on the High setting for 4-6 hours (pre-boil kidney beans for 10 minutes first to remove toxins). Add acidic ingredients like tomatoes or lemon juice in the last hour of cooking to avoid toughening the beans.

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

Even experienced Instant Pot users run into issues when using the slow cook function for the first time. Avoid these common errors to get perfect results every time:

• Locking the lid into the pressure seal position. This is the most common error, and it will trigger the Instant Pot’s pressure cooking mode instead of slow cooking, leading to overcooked, mushy food or even safety warnings. Always double-check that the lid is turned to the Venting position before starting.
• Overfilling the inner pot. Unlike pressure cooking, where you can fill the pot up to 2/3 full, slow cooking requires more headspace for ingredients to bubble and expand without overflowing. Stick to the 2/3 fill line at most.
• Using the same liquid measurements as traditional slow cooker recipes. Because the Instant Pot’s lid fits more tightly, there is far less evaporation during cooking. Reduce the liquid in your favorite slow cooker recipes by 1/4 to 1/2 cup to avoid a soupy, diluted final dish.
• Lifting the lid too often. Every time you open the lid, heat escapes, and cook times can extend by 15-30 minutes per opening. Only lift the lid to check for doneness in the last 30 minutes of cooking, or to add delicate ingredients.
• Ignoring hot spots on the bottom of the pot. Since the Instant Pot only heats from the bottom, starchy ingredients like potatoes or beans can stick and burn if not stirred occasionally. Stir every 2-3 hours for long cooks to distribute heat evenly.
• Using the wrong temperature setting. Many traditional slow cooker recipes call for a “Low” setting that is slightly hotter than the Instant Pot’s Low mode. If your recipe normally takes 8 hours on a traditional slow cooker’s Low, you may need to extend the cook time by 30-60 minutes on the Instant Pot’s Low setting, or bump it to High for the first 2 hours to get the same results.

Pros of Using an Instant Pot Instead of a Separate Slow Cooker

• Saves counter and storage space. Ditching a separate slow cooker frees up valuable kitchen real estate, and you don’t have to store a second appliance when not in use.
• All-in-one cooking convenience. You can brown meat, saute vegetables, and slow cook all in the same pot, meaning fewer dishes to wash after meal prep. No need to transfer ingredients from a stovetop pan to a slow cooker.
• More precise programmability. Unlike basic traditional slow cookers with simple dials, the Instant Pot lets you set exact cook times, delay start times, and automatic keep warm settings for hands-off cooking, even when you’re not home.
• Safer for extended use. The automatic shut-off and keep warm function eliminate the fire risk associated with older, faulty traditional slow cookers left on all day.

Cons and Limitations to Keep in Mind

• Smaller capacity than most traditional slow cookers. Most Instant Pot models top out at 6-8 quarts, while traditional slow cookers are widely available in 10+ quart sizes for large families or bulk meal prep. If you regularly cook for a crowd, the Instant Pot may not have enough space for your recipes.
• Less even heat distribution. The bottom-only heating element can create hot spots, especially when cooking large batches of starchy foods. You’ll need to stir more often than you would with a traditional slow cooker to avoid burnt ingredients.
• Not portable. Unlike cordless traditional slow cookers that you can bring to potlucks or family gatherings, the Instant Pot is tethered to its base, so you can’t transport it while it’s cooking.
• Thinner sauces by default. The tighter-fitting lid leads to less evaporation, so gravies and sauces may be thinner than what you’re used to from a traditional slow cooker. You can thicken them easily with a cornstarch slurry at the end of cooking if needed.

How to Adjust Traditional Slow Cooker Recipes for the Instant Pot

If you have a library of favorite slow cooker recipes you don’t want to abandon, you don’t have to—you just need to make a few small tweaks to get the same results in your Instant Pot:

1. Reduce liquid by 25%. Cut the amount of broth, water, or sauce in your recipe by 1/4 cup for every 4 cups of liquid called for, to account for the reduced evaporation in the Instant Pot’s tighter-fitting lid.
2. Adjust cook times. For recipes that call for 8+ hours on a traditional slow cooker’s Low setting, reduce cook time to 6-7 hours on the Instant Pot’s Low setting, or 3-4 hours on High. For recipes cooked on a traditional slow cooker’s High setting, use the Instant Pot’s High setting and reduce cook time by 1-2 hours.
3. Add delicate ingredients later. Ingredients like fresh herbs, soft vegetables, dairy, and seafood will turn mushy if cooked for the full recipe time. Add them in the last 30-60 minutes of cooking to preserve their texture and flavor.

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips for the Slow Cook Function

Keeping your Instant Pot’s slow cook function in good shape is easy with a few simple maintenance steps:

• Clean the inner pot after every use. The stainless steel inner pot is fully dishwasher safe, so you can toss it right in the dishwasher after cooking. For stuck-on food, soak the pot in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes before scrubbing with a non-abrasive sponge.
• Clean the lid and sealing ring regularly. The lid and silicone sealing ring can absorb odors from strong spices or meats, so remove the sealing ring after every use and wash it with warm, soapy water. Wipe the lid with a damp cloth to remove any food splatters.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners. Never use steel wool or harsh chemical cleaners on the inner pot or lid, as they can scratch the stainless steel and damage the sealing ring. Stick to non-abrasive sponges and mild dish soap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave the Instant Pot on slow cook all day?
Yes, just like a traditional slow cooker, the Instant Pot’s slow cook function is designed for extended cooking times of up to 20 hours, and will automatically switch to Keep Warm mode for up to 10 hours once cooking is complete. Just be sure to follow all safety guidelines, such as not overfilling the pot and ensuring the lid is positioned correctly.

Do I need to use the sealing ring for slow cooking?
No, you do not need the sealing ring to be engaged for slow cooking. In fact, you should not lock the lid into the pressure sealing position at all for slow cooking—just position the lid in the Venting position as outlined in the step-by-step guide. The sealing ring is only required for pressure cooking, steaming, and other sealed functions.

Why is my Instant Pot slow cook burning food on the bottom?
Burning usually happens for one of three reasons: you didn’t deglaze the bottom of the pot after browning meat (stuck-on sugar or fond from the meat triggers the Instant Pot’s burn sensor), you didn’t add enough liquid, or you didn’t stir the pot occasionally to distribute heat. To fix this, always deglaze the pot with a splash of broth or water after using the Saute function, ensure you have at least 1/2 cup of liquid in the pot for slow cooking, and stir every 2-3 hours during long cooks.

Can I use the Instant Pot slow cook function for frozen meat?
It’s not recommended to cook large frozen cuts of meat on the slow cook setting, as they spend too long in the “danger zone” temperature range (40-140°F / 4-60°C) where bacteria can grow. If you need to cook frozen meat, use the Instant Pot’s pressure cook function, which cooks food quickly enough to avoid bacterial growth. For slow cooking, always thaw meat in the refrigerator first before adding it to the pot.

Is the Instant Pot slow cook temperature the same as a traditional slow cooker?
Almost, but not quite. The Instant Pot’s Low setting runs at ~190°F (88°C), which is nearly identical to a traditional slow cooker’s Low setting (~190-200°F / 88-93°C). The Instant Pot’s High setting runs at ~230°F (110°C), which is lower than a traditional slow cooker’s High setting (~250-300°F / 121-149°C). This means cook times on the Instant Pot’s High setting will be slightly longer than what you’re used to with a traditional slow cooker.

Can I double a slow cooker recipe in the Instant Pot?
You can double a recipe as long as you do not exceed the 2/3 fill line on the inner pot. If doubling the recipe would fill the pot more than 2/3 full, split it into two batches, or use a larger Instant Pot model (such as the 8-quart or 10-quart versions) if you have one. Keep in mind that doubling a recipe may extend cook time by 30-60 minutes, as there is more food to heat through evenly.

Final Verdict: Does Instant Pot Work as a Slow Cooker?

So, to circle back to the question on every home cook’s mind: Does Instant Pot Work as a Slow Cooker? The short answer is yes—for most everyday cooking needs, the Instant Pot’s slow cook function works perfectly well, as long as you know how to use it correctly. It may not be a perfect replacement for a dedicated large-capacity slow cooker if you regularly cook for big crowds or need the portability of a cordless crockpot, but for small to medium batches of stews, soups, roasts, and breakfast dishes, it delivers consistent, delicious results with the added benefit of saving counter space and reducing dishwashing time.

If you already own an Instant Pot, there’s no need to go out and buy a separate slow cooker unless you have specific needs that the Instant Pot can’t meet. Just remember to position the lid correctly, adjust liquid levels, and stir occasionally to avoid hot spots, and you’ll get the same tender, flavorful meals you’d get from a traditional slow cooker. For anyone on the fence about buying an Instant Pot, know that the slow cook function is just one of many useful features that make it a worthy investment for almost any kitchen.