In this article: Practical tips for choosing an Instant Pot and mastering basic Instant Pot cooking for beginners, from an interview with Jen of Instantpot Creations.
I recently had the privilege of interviewing Jen from Instantpot Creations. As someone who didn’t yet own an Instant Pot, I had plenty of questions about how it works and whether it would fit into my kitchen routine.
Jen joined me via Instagram Live, walked me through her Instant Pot, answered my questions, and demonstrated how to use this popular electric pressure cooker.
Jen’s Instagram channel | Jen’s blog
Here are the key takeaways from our conversation.
Instant Pot Cooking Basics for Beginners
(An interview with Jen from Instantpot Creations and Jenuine Home)
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Harbour Breeze Home participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
How did your Instagram channel “Instantpot Creations” start?
Jen explained she bought an Instant Pot to see what the fuss was about, but she was intimidated by it at first. Finding few helpful resources, she began sharing her own recipes and step-by-step posts to help others who felt the same way. Her practical approach and clear demonstrations attracted many followers, and Instantpot Creations grew quickly as more people searched for straightforward guidance.
How is an Instant Pot different from the old stovetop pressure cooker?
The Instant Pot automates much of the process. You load your ingredients, lock the lid, and set the time. The device seals, brings itself to pressure, cooks for the programmed time, and then releases pressure—either automatically or manually—without you having to watch a dial or gauge. The hands-off convenience is a major difference compared with traditional stovetop models.
Why do people love the Instant Pot?
Busy households appreciate how the Instant Pot saves time and effort. It helps you:
- cook more efficiently,
- reduce the number of dishes, and
- prepare healthier meals faster.
Which Instant Pot should I buy? What features matter?
There are multiple brands and models on the market now. Jen recommends prioritizing a model with a stainless steel inner pot for durability and longevity rather than nonstick coatings. The 6-quart Duo model is one of the most popular and affordable options and fits most families’ needs. Some people buy a smaller 3-quart model as a second unit for cooking rice or side dishes independently from a larger pot. An 8-quart model is also available for larger batches.
Watch for seasonal deals—Jen notes early November is often a good time for discounts.
For Canadian shoppers: the 6-quart Duo is the most popular Instant Pot.
What should I do when I first bring an Instant Pot home?
Follow these initial steps to ensure safe and proper use:
- Unpack every piece. Remove any paper or packing material between the pot and the heating element. Never run the unit without the inner pot in place—doing so can damage the cooker.
- Wash the removable parts according to the manual.
- Perform a simple water test to confirm the unit functions correctly. (Jen keeps a water-test demonstration in her Instagram highlights.)
During a successful water test you should see the pressure pin rise, a small amount of steam escape while it seals, audible working sounds, a timer display, and a beep when cooking finishes.
Jen also saves beginner video tutorials in her Instagram highlight feed under Instant Pot 101.
Is there a steep learning curve?
The Instant Pot has a learning curve, but it’s manageable. Each recipe type has its nuances; it’s similar to learning different Crock-Pot methods but with important differences. One key rule: always include enough liquid—pressure cooking relies on steam to build pressure, so adding water or other liquid is essential. Even experienced users keep discovering new tips and techniques over time.
Tell me about your Instant Pot recipe e-book.
Jen developed her recipe e-book out of personal need. Her family adjusted their diet to help a child with oral allergy syndrome and to address other food sensitivities like nut and dairy allergies. The e-book focuses on whole-food recipes that are flavorful and adaptable to common dietary restrictions, including gluten-, dairy-, and soy-free options. The recipes reflect the family’s healthier eating approach and aim to be accessible for home cooks using the Instant Pot.
What accessories do you recommend?
Jen shared several practical accessories she uses:
- Extra silicone sealing rings—kept separate for savory and sweet dishes so flavors don’t transfer.
- A cheesecake pan designed to fit inside the Instant Pot for desserts.
- Small containers with lids that double as muffin cups or baby-food storage.
- Loaf pans suitable for baking bread in the Instant Pot.
- A clear lid for using the Instant Pot as a slow cooker when you want to watch food without opening the unit.
- Oven-safe glass bowls, like Pyrex, for pot-in-pot cooking to prepare side dishes or steam delicate items.
What can people expect on the Instantpot Creations Instagram channel?
Jen’s goal is to encourage home cooks to use their Instant Pots confidently by creating a supportive community. She hosts weekly challenges—typically on Thursdays—centered on a theme ingredient or recipe idea so followers can cook together, share results, and learn from one another. The series helps people gain hands-on experience and discover new recipes while connecting with others who are learning pressure cooking.
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Many thanks to Jen for sharing her time and expertise. If I do find an Instant Pot under my Christmas tree, Instantpot Creations will be the first place I turn for tips and recipes.
Photo credits: Jennifer Whiting and Lisa DeJager Photography
