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While our preferred method of Sous Viding food is with a dedicated Sous Vide Machine, I understand that not everyone has the room in their kitchen for more equipment. If you are looking for a good combination type of cooker, look no further than the Instant Pot! An instant pot might just might give you the flexibility you are looking for.
For those of you in a rush, you can find a quick table below summarizing our thoughts.
As a heads up, there may be some affiliate links on this page. This page is reader supported and this means I may receive a commission if you purchase through the links, with no extra cost to you.
What is an Instant Pot?
An instant pot is actually a multifunctional pressure cooker that can function as a slow cooker, pressure cooker, rice cooker, and as you will see, even a Sous Vide!
Pressure cooking actually enables you to cook food much faster than a slow cooker of the same size. They even come with safety features like safe locking lids.
It is also a hands-off cooking method, similar to the Sous Vide, or slow cooker.
What Factors are important when selecting an Instant Pot?
Size
Are you cooking for yourself, your dog, or are you feeding a family of 8 people?
If you get a size that is too small, you will be wishing you had a larger one and perhaps will not use if very often. If you get a size that is too large, it may be wasting unnecessary space.
Most Instant Pots come in 3, 6, or 8 quart sizes. 6 is the most common, and probably the best balance of the different sizes for the average user.
Functions
Today we are focusing on Instant Pots which have Sous Vide functions.
However, there are many different instant pots on the market and some do more than others.
Most of them will offer the same basic functionality such as rice, eggs, steam, etc. Some will have additional functionality such as canning and yogurt making.
Below are some in depth summaries and reviews of Instant Pots that also Sous Vide.
Best Instant Pots with Sous Vide Functions:
Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker
The instant pot pro is a 10-in-1 machine that allows you to cook sous vide with a touch of a button. But it has other options for foods like:
- Soup
- Yogurt
- Eggs
- Cake
It comes in a very cool black color that will fit well in any modern kitchen.
When you open the box, you’ll find that your lid has a small gasket, which allows you to pressure cook foods. The stainless steel pot is also big enough to sous vide a few steaks and some veggies.
It actually comes with 28 different cooking programs, making cooking different recipes a breeze.
To start cooking your food under vacuum with this instant pot, plug it in, click “Start” and then “Sous Vide.” Next, adjust the temperature dial to the temperature you need. Last, set how long you’d like your steak, chicken, or fish to cook. And that’s it!
Once your meat is finished, select the sauté option, and you can sear your steak in the pot without using a pan. Simply add some oil or butter, toss in your steaks, and once it’s finished, enjoy!
Pros
- Comes with stainless steel coating, making the interior very easy to clean
- Includes yogurt function, which is not found on every Instant Pot Machine
- Generous size options ideal for Sous Vide cooking
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with the pressure value
- Cleanup of outer rim can be difficult with the design features
Duo Plus 6-Quart
The Duo Plus comes in 3, 6, and 9-quarts.
If you’re living alone and only cook one steak at a time, then the 3-quart is perfect. It offers the same features as the bigger sizes, so you aren’t missing out on anything.
If you’re cooking for your significant other, then the 6-quart works well. You can comfortably cook two large steaks. So you won’t have to run multiple cooking cycles because your pot is too small.
But if you have a large family or regularly have guests over for dinner, consider investing in the larger 9-quart pot. Depending on how big a cut of meat is, you can sous vide over three pieces.
The build is strong and beautifully designed. Buttons on the Duo Plus are clear, even on the small version. This way, you won’t mistakenly click the wrong option.
The Duo Plus also comes with a recipe book that ensures you don’t run out of meal ideas.
Pros
- Easy to use, intuitive interface
- Ability to save favorite recipes, so you don’t have to remember all the settings each time.
- Great safety features with the new design
Cons
- 3 Quart model does not include a dedicated mode for steel cut oats
- Inner pot prone to staining
- I’d highly recommend the Duo Plus to anyone looking to buy an instant pot because you can cook almost anything with it.
Max Instant Pot 6-Quart
The Max instant pot has a touch screen display that offers features like:
- Sous vide
- Pressure cook
- Saute
- Slow cooker
- Rice cooker
- Yogurt maker
- Food warmer
It also cooks hotter and faster than ever before because of its new top pressure setting of 15 PSI. Meaning, it cooks 15% faster than your traditional pressure cooker.
But the main reason why many users love the Max instant pot is that it’s an affordable and reliable way to cook any meal. You’re basically guaranteed a perfect meal when using it.
The cleanup process is also easy. Most of its parts are simple and can fit in the dishwasher.
This is what you’ll find in the box:
- An inner pot
- A pair of mini silicone mitts
- A steam rack
- Rice measuring cup
- Condensation collector
- A rice paddle and soup spoon
Pros
- Beautiful large touch screen interface
- Ability to adjust PSI easily
- Great pressure canning feature
Cons
- No programmed natural steam release
- Manual can be unclear in terms of directions
- More expensive than other options
But what if you already have an instant pot, and it doesn’t offer a sous vide option? Do you have to buy another instant pot just for sous vide? Not necessarily. Consider purchasing a stand-alone immersion circulator.
What To Do if Your Instant Pot Doesn’t Have a Sous Vide Function
An immersion circulator allows you to sous vide foods without buying an entire setup or a new instant pot.
You can get a quality immersion circulator on Amazon for $100.
Most also come with a mobile app. So if you’re at work or school and want to check on your meal, simply use your phone. You can even adjust the temperature and cook time on the app, which is convenient.
With an immersion circulator, all you have to do is fill your pot with warm water. And instead of clicking the sous vide button, whip out your phone and set it to the temperature you’d like.
Final Thoughts on Sous Vide in an Instant Pot
Sous vide allows you to create restaurant-quality meals consistently.
You also don’t have to slave over a hot stove for hours. Simply pop your steak or fish in the warm bath, and you can continue doing work or hobbies. After an hour or two, take it out, and you’re good to go.
But the best part is, you don’t have to buy an entire sous vide setup. Most instant pots can sous vide food, and if yours can’t, opt for an immersion circulator.
Oh, and don’t forget a good torch!
