The Instant Pot is one of the most popular kitchen gadgets out there. However, for many years, the Crock-Pot was actually one of the most highly sought-after gadgets, before the Instant Pot made its way to the modern cooking scene. Both the Instant Pot and the Crock-Pot can be excellent additions for any contemporary home cook. So, let’s compare the 2 cooking devices side by side, Crock-Pot vs Pressure Cooker:
Crock-Pot vs Pressure Cooker
What exactly is a Crock-Pot?
A lot of cooks often use Crock-Pots and slow cookers interchangeably. However, you should know that all Crock-Pots are actually slow cookers but not all slow cookers are Crock-Pots. Crock-Pot, is, therefore, simply a brand name that refers to a type of popular slow cooker.
Introduced for the very first time in 1970, the Crock-Pot was originally created to prepare beans. Over time, the Crock-Pot underwent several re-designs to evolve into the modern kitchen gadget that we love and appreciate today. Crock-pots and other types of slow cookers work by utilizing moist heat to prepare food over an extended period.
The differences between Crock-Pots and pressure cookers
Crock-Pots and other slow cookers prepare food slowly for periods between 4 to 10 hours. They are not used on stovetops and once they are loaded with food and plugged in, they can be left unattended so the food can cook slowly overnight or when you are outside the house.
When foods are left to slow cook, they become tender and moist, which is great for tough cuts of meats and poultry, that are often difficult to prepare. Crock-Pots are constructed using a ceramic or porcelain pot that sits inside the heating unit.
Pressure cookers, on the other hand, are designed like regular pots and pans, but with lids designed to clamp tightly so that a seal can be created to trap steam. Because the steam is trapped and unable to escape, this builds up pressure, thereby raising the temperature inside the pot.
This allows food to not only cook faster (about 70% faster), but it also allows all the nutrients, as well as the color and flavor of food, to be retained. Most pressure cookers are designed to be used on a stovetop, but there is also electric version that can simply be placed on a counter and plugged in for use. Most pressure cookers are constructed using stainless steel, which cooks food quickly and safely.
On average, Crock-Pots come with 2 settings that allow you to either cook food slowly on low or on high. Pressure cookers, alternatively, come with several settings, especially electrical ones. They can permit a range of cooking tasks and techniques such as sautéing, steaming or making yogurt simultaneously.
Deciding based on your needs
Both the pressure cooker and Crock-Pots come in similar sizes; they can both be used to prepare large, one-pot dishes. Your choice between either one to buy should be based on your cooking preference. The pressure cooker prepares food fast while the Crock-Pot takes its time and can be left unattended all day.