…but still have access to an electric pressure cooker (or any other item, for that matter – grill, smoker, brand of food, kitchen utencils, etc.). There’s a reason why companies exist to bring less expensive options to the masses. They try to cater to those who cannot afford the name brand items but still want to experience the joys of <<insert any product here>>. I grew up in a family where money was not in abundance, so you had to make due with what you could get/find. More and more there are less expensive options available for nearly anything you wish to purchase. The risk you take is whether the cheaper version is as good as the name brand and if not, is it good enough. There is also something to be said for buying quality brands, as you often times do get what you pay for. That isnt always the case.
One example is the Farberware 6 Qt Pressure Cooker, which you can usually find at Walmart for around $50 or less. I think at the time I bought mine, Instant Pots were going for somewhere around $100 and my budget wouldn’t allow for that. However, it would allow for me to get a less expensive option that should do the same job.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Farberware-Programmable-Digital-Pressure-Cooker-6-Quart
As you can see, it has many of the same presets that an instant pot has. It does not have the ability to make yogurt or oatmeal. One thing I’ve found with this is that if you dig around long enough on the internet, you’ll find a method that will usually work. Keep in mind that the presets just take some of the guesswork out of it – by setting temperature and cook time.
The common presets I’ve used on this were Slow Cook, Soup/Stew, Beef, Chicken, Vegetable Steam and Brown/Sear. To be fair, since I own a separate slow cooker, I think I’ve only used the slow cooker option once. Otherwise, Ive used either Soup/Stew for soups and stews, Beef and Chicken for any meats (Beef works well for making ribs), and vegetable steam when making hard boiled eggs.
Instant Pots generally come with a stainless steel inner pot, whereas this unit comes with a non-stick coated pot. Additionally the trivet is different in that the Instant Pot folds up, whereas the Farberware does not. That said, neither take away from the usefulness of the pressure cooker.
Venting is similar to what I’ve seen on Instant Pots. To be fair, I really like what they’ve done with the DuoCrisp, as it has a button that you press to release the pressure, then you flick the button when you want to reset it. The Farberware has a valve methodology with a small handle molded to the valve. When the handle is pointing up, then its set to hold pressure. To release pressure, flip the handle down. I don’t think I have to tell you not to put your face over it when releasing the pressure. PSA:The steam that shoots out when you release pressure is pretty hot – so don’t put your face in front of it.
An issue I see with a cheaper model is that recipes online only reference the Instant Pot, but never a way to translate what they are asking to a different pot with less options. Since there are many different options available, it would be impossible to keep up with every possible option. The rule I used with this was to try to base it on whatever I was making and then use that option. So if I’m working with beef or pork, I would use the beef option. Likewise if Im making a soup or stew or something that at the time resembles a soup or stew, then I would use that option. If I wanted a saute option, I would use the Brown/Sear.
So how do I know this? Sadly, trial and error. Err on the side of caution. If you undercook something, you can always put it back on for more time. Also, until you’re comfortable with the unit, have a backup plan in case it goes south. Anything I try for the first time, I take this approach only because it may be a flop.
Can you do this with grilling too, so you don’t have to buy an elaborate setup for smoking or controlling temp? Absolutely. Will it be as seamless as something that already comes with the option – no. But, it may present enough of an option to accomplish the overall goal. But I think the approach can be done similarly – a little trial and error and a little research and you can get the same experience as a name brand product without spending name brand money.
What kitchen appliance or tool do you use that isn’t name brand but works close to its brand name counterpart?
You can always improvise, as this Reddit user did.
