As you adjust to being back to school or back in the office, we know the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen making dinner, am I right? There are so many gadgets to help you simplify cooking, but how do they stack up? We’re comparing two of the most popular kitchen gadgets to help you make the right choice for you. 

Instant Pot

You’ve likely heard a lot about the infamous Instant Pot over the years and you may be wondering, what even is an Instant Pot? An Instant Pot is an electric pressure cooker, rice cooker, and yogurt maker all in one. The Instant Pot is great for two reasons: saving time and space. Here are some pros and cons to help you understand if an Instant Pot is right for you!

PROS: 

  1. You can save TONS of time 

With an Instant Pot, you can cook a whole chicken in an hour. If you’re looking for a quick meal, like chicken breast, you can have this cooked in less than 25 minutes. This makes an Instant Pot the perfect fit for someone who is on the go and short for time. 

  1. You don’t have to babysit the Instant Pot 

When you are using a slow cooker or the stovetop, you often have to check in on what you are making, maybe give your food a little stir to check on the liquid levels. None of that is required with the Instant Pot. You can turn it on and do your thing without needing to worry about burning or scorching. 

  1. The flavor is AMAZING

Since all of your ingredients stay inside the Instant Pot, the flavors of the food become more concentrated resulting in an unbeatable taste. 

CONS: 

  1. It isn’t really “instant” 

Although the Instant Pot can cook things much faster than other appliances, it is not necessarily instant. Since it is a pressure cooker, it does take some time for it to come to pressure before it can cook your food. Sometimes this can take up to 30 minutes depending on the temperature of the ingredients.  

  1. It’s bulky and hard to clean 

The instant pot is a big piece of equipment so it may not be suitable for small spaces. Additionally, it can be hard to clean, especially if you clean it properly. There are many cracks and crevices around the sealing area, and since the seal can hold smells and flavors, it’s important to clean it well. Some people buy additional sealing rings so they can swap them out depending on whether they are cooking sweet or savory foods. This limits the risk of flavor contamination. 

  1. Not good for cooking everything 

An Instant Pot does a lot, but it doesn’t do it all. If you are not a fan of stews and saucy things, then the instant pot may not be for you. 

Still not sure exactly what you would use the Instant Pot for? Here is a list of common foods that are made in an Instant Pot:

  1. Rice 
  2. Pot Roast 
  3. Beef 
  4. Salmon
  5. Chicken 
  6. Chili 
  7. Soup
  8. Yogurt 

If this sounds like an appliance that would fit your lifestyle and food preferences, find the Instant Pot on sale on Flipp.

Air Fryer

Air fryer recipes seem to be everywhere, but what even is an air fryer and how does it work? 

An air fryer mimics the results of deep-frying with just hot air and little to no oil. The top of an air fryer holds a heating mechanism and a fan. There is a fryer basket that you place your food in, and once you turn it on, the hot air rushes to the food and the rapid circulation makes the food crispy like a deep-fryer would, minus the excessive amounts of oil. Here are some pros and cons to see if an air fryer is right for you. 

PROS: 

  1. Easy to use and clean 

An air fryer is very simple to use. All you need to do is throw your frozen snacks in, set the mode and timer, and wait for it to be done. Easy, peasy. Not only is it easy to use, but it is also easy to clean. The minimal oil used in an air fryer makes cleaning it super simple. The job can get done with just a soft bristle brush, dishwashing soap, and water. 

  1. Healthier meals 

Since air fryers use minimal to no oil when cooking, the excess oil doesn’t get soaked up by your food, making your favorite snacks a bit healthier. 

  1. Space conscious 

Most air fryers are the size of a small oven or a coffee machine. They are small enough to leave on the countertop and they have also become aesthetically pleasing. 

CONS: 

  1. Quite expensive

There are a lot of air fryer options out there, but the high-performing and aesthetically pleasing ones can be quite expensive, scanning in at $300+. There are definitely some in-between models but the quality will likely not be as high. We recommend adding an air fryer to your Flipp Watch List so you’re notified whenever one does go on sale.

  1. Too small for large families 

Air fryers are typically small, although they vary in capacity. Most medium-sized air fryers allow you to cook meals for two people, so if you have a larger family an air fryer may not be for you. 

  1. Requires experimentation

There are many brands and models of air fryers and they all have slightly different settings and modes. This means you often need to experiment before perfecting your recipe. What works in one air fryer may not work in another. Read the instructions booklet before you attempt any experiments and stick to what air fryer recipes suggested.

Still not sure exactly what you would use an air fryer for? Here is a list of common foods that are made in an air fryer:

  1. Chicken wings/tenders 
  2. French fries 
  3. Fried vegetables (brussels sprouts, cauliflower, etc.)
  4. Apple chips 
  5. Fish fillets 
  6. Mozzarella sticks 
  7. Eggplant parmesan 
  8. Baked apples 

The final verdict: Which appliance is right for you? 

As you can see, both the Instant Pot and an Air Fryer provide an endless amount of recipe options. When it comes down to it, if you plan to cook hearty meals for a large family the Instant Pot is likely the better option. You can cook larger meals quickly which is often a goal for families. If you are living alone or with a roommate, and love fun finger foods, then the air fryer will be a great addition to your appliance line-up. There isn’t anything you can’t fry, and with this healthier option, the opportunities are endless.

Make sure to download the Flipp app to find deals on Instant Pots and Air Fryers, as well as all of the ingredients you will need to make delicious recipes in your new kitchen appliance!

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