Instant Pot Electric Round Dutch Oven 6-Quart 1500W From the Makers of Instant Pot 5-in-1 Braise Slow Cook

This came out at a time when I was actively looking for a slow cooker. I didn't really use a slow cooker before but I was interested in trying simple recipes where you can just add ingredients in the morning and then have dinner ready without further prep. Being busy with work often, this sounded like a great option to have available. I am glad this came out at that time and that I chose it. It has lived up to and exceeded my expectations. This is a very versatile cooking machine. Slow cooker - I think it works like any other slow cooker. Just press the slow cook button or set a custom temp and come back in 5 - 8 hours for a nice hot meal. Searing plus slow cooking - This is a bit of game-changer and a lot like the Instant Pot. You can set the temp to high in order to sear meats in the pot first and then lower the temp for slow cook. I sear and saute meats and veggies first and then set to slow cook. All in one pot and all very quickly. You can also simply use this as another burner when you are using all of the burners on your stove. I use it to simmer sauces while cooking other things on the stove. The controls are simple to use and very intuitive. Also, the control screen is just a glossy surface, very easy to clean. I also love that I have an extra cast iron pot that I can use in the oven and stove. Like I mentioned before, very versatile product. Last, but not least, it comes with rubber handles and place mat to pick up the hot pot and set it down on the counter. Nice touches. I have this and my Instant Pot right next to each other and use them both about 4-5 times a week to make various meals for my family. They are workhorses and I view them as my dynamic duo. They work well and save me time. Read more

So far I like it very much. For sauteing it came up to temp very quickly. For cooking overnight oatmeal on warm (which is a big deal at our house) it came out perfectly. I was afraid we might find a dried out mess in the morning, but no. Controls, very straightforward. The lid has spikes to keep food moist and it is very tight fitting so no steam escapes. One mistake I made and I already threw the packaging out so too bad for me, the "matte black" is an ordinary cast iron, unfinished exterior, best I can tell. The interior of the pot and underside of the lid are enameled, but not the outside so it can't go into the dishwasher in spite of what the manual says. The same system is available with a completely enameled pot. I should have bought that version. It's fine, but sometimes I appreciate the ease of letting the machine do the washing for me. I really appreciate that this cookware doesn't have a nonstick finish, but it's still very easy to cook with and clean. Read more

Truth be told, this is almost perfect. For a family of 4. 6 quart size is on the minimum size. We stepped down from a 7 quart which died. I would say that the trade off from ceramic to cast iron is worth it. It sears extremely well and because of that, you loose no flavour browning on the stove and then transferring to a slow cooker. If they made an 8 quart version of this. I would buy it. Even if it weighed 100 lbs. I cam very close to purchasing a green pan, or all-clad. I just think that Aluminium is not healthy to cook in. I am very happy I went with this one. It works fantastic, and it WILL upgrade your cooks. I dont think I could ever go back to a ceramic pot again (without sear) Read more

This small appliance has a bit of a learning curve and I had to go to the internet because the user manual is lacking. But there are many things I like about this kitchen tool: 1. The saute/sear function. I made a pot roast and it was so nice to sear the meat first and then just throw in the juices and veggies. Turned out perfect. (Sear heats to 400°, so don't throw in your meat and walk away.) 2. The slow cooker function heats to 203°. This is just slightly above a normal slow cooker low of ~190°, which is what I like to use.* 3. But if you're in a hurry or short of time, there is a Manual Mode where you can adjust the temperature higher. Just be careful: Manual Mode 2 reaches 400°.** 4. Cooking time and temps can be adjusted. 5. This comes with very clever silicone handle holders which you just slip on the hot handles if you need to lift the pot out--and a round silicone pad to set the hot pot upon. From kitchen to table. *Although the function says "slow cooker", like the Instant Pot, this only heats from the bottom. Put thicker, denser items on bottom and I wouldn't advise cooking without liquids included. I also stir periodically. Also, as said, if you need a higher heat, use Manual Mode. **I advise "playing around" with the different modes before adding ingredients. Adjusting times/temps took some practice and although I read there is a Manual Mode 1 & 2, I haven't found 2 yet. And don't expect the timer sound to be very audible. Typical IP volume. This all being said, the more I use it, the more I appreciate what it can do. But I still have my Slow Cooker because sometimes I want that all-around heat. Read more