With an enameled insert that’s pretty enough to go on the table plus Instant Pot technology, this hand counter-top appliance gets full marks from me! Curious about this appliance? Read on for my Instant Pot Dutch Oven Review!
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I’m a huge foodie and when I heard about this new product coming out, I lined up in virtual space to get my hands on one. I should tell you that this review is UNBIASED and Instant Pot did not contact me or sponsor me to write this review. Can you use a regular Instant Pot as a Dutch oven? Not really which is why there is this one! Read on for a comprehensive Instant Pot Dutch Oven review!
Official Name
Officially called the Instant Precision Dutch Oven, I think that’s a mouthful. Call it what you will, but there’s no doubt that precision is what it is all about!
Securely Shipped
My IP Dutch Oven arrived safe and sound. It was REALLY well packed. It came in an octagonal box which the kids all went nuts over. When’s the last time you saw an octagonal box? Anyhow, it was really REALLY well packed in there. A box inside a box and plenty of packaging to keep it from shifting around.
Instant Precision Dutch Oven – Quality Materials
The first thing you’ll notice about the Instant Pot Dutch Oven is how heavy it is! This is a hefty appliance, owing almost entirely to the solid cast iron insert and lid. It is enameled, and at the time of this post it was available in two colors: red and blue.
I chose red just because I thought red would look nicer with food.
The Instant Precision Dutch Oven comes with silicone handles to slip on the cast iron insert, and you’ll need them, because it gets HOT! It also comes with a functional – but not very pretty – silicone mat to protect your table if you want to put the insert right onto the table.
I did, and boy, is it pretty! It is shiny and glossy and oh-so pretty. I swear, from a distance you’d think it was a Le Creuset Dutch oven!
The lid has a solid and well-secured handle, and I like that the very top ridge, where the pot meets the lid, is not enamaled so that it won’t get scratched up and look yucky from moving the lid on and off.
Overall, it is very attractive.
Pair the pretty look with Instant Pot technology, and it’s a winner!
Instant Pot Technology
The interface on this Dutch oven is simpler than a regular Instant Pot. There aren’t quite so many functions. There are:
Sear – for browning food
Slow Cook – to mimic the function of a Crock Pot or slow cooker
Braise – to braise meats and stews
Manual – more about this below
It is all touch-activated, with a shiny knob in the middle that lets you adjust the time and temperature.
Instant Pot Dutch Oven vs Oven
What I really like about this device is that I don’t have to heat up my whole oven to cook something. The unit sears and braises all in one device, also cutting down on the number of dishes I need. It is one-pot cooking at its finest!
I found the temperature controls to be very accurate and you can go with the pre-set function of Slow Cook or Braise, or use the Manual button to control the heat yourself.
Manual Function
On my model, the Manual function allows you to precisely control the temperature. Manual mode 1 (pressing it once) which covers the lower heats, and Manual mode 2 (pressing it twice) for higher heats.
Instant Pot Dutch Oven vs Slow Cooker
I think I’m going to retire my slow cooker. Not only is this Dutch oven nicer to look at, but it is way smarter than my slow cooker. The IP Dutch Oven can be set from a minimum of 3 hours up to 12, and when it is done, it automatically enters the Keep Warm phase for up to 3 more hours. And, it cooks perfectly.
Better yet, I can sear everything IN the insert – which is something you can’t do with a traditional slow cooker – and then cook it.
Instant Pot Dutch Oven vs Regular Dutch Oven
This is the real test, isn’t it? Will Instant Pot convince people to retire their heavy and expensive traditional Dutch ovens for this new device?
My guess is YES! Not only is this as attractive as expensive enamaled Dutch ovens, but there’s no moving it from stove top to oven – which can be a chore if it’s full and super heavy. And, at about half the price, it does the job of several different appliances so it’s not just one-trick pony.
Plus, you get Instant Pot precision cooking – set the temperature to whatever you like, set the time, and walk away.
Convinced? Click here to get your own! And, I hope this Instant Pot Dutch Oven review has been helpful!
How Does The Food Taste?
I put my new Instant Precision Dutch Oven through its paces! Let me tell you, it’s had a workout!
First, I made a faster cooking meal: Chicken and Dumplings.
I really appreciated the ease of doing the whole dish in one pot without having to move it into the oven. Then, to take it out again to stir or check if it’s done. Plus, the IP Dutch oven is big enough that I made a BIG batch of Chicken and Dumplings.
I got a lovely sear on the meat and the pot heated up very quickly.
Then, I did a long, slow braise, making Garlic Short Ribs. The long braise is where this IP really shines. Specific controls allowed me to turn the heat down to a low simmer, and by setting the time, the family and I went out for the afternoon and came home to perfectly tender and oh-so delicious Garlic Braised Short Ribs.
The Verdict?
YES! DOUBLE YES!
For anyone who loves Dutch oven cooking, slow cookers, or just wants to get more into cooking, this Instant Pot Dutch Oven is for you!
It is:
- Affordable – considerably less than good quality enamelware and certainly less than a regular Dutch oven and a slow cooker
- So pretty – the red color is gorgeous and looks fabulous on my table
- Easy – IP technology makes using this appliance so easy!
- Accurate – to the degree and minute, I can customize each recipe.
Where Can I Buy an Instant Pot Dutch Oven?
I got mine on Amazon, though I’m sure they’ll be available in other places soon enough. Click below to see how pretty it is:
Is the IP Dutch Oven Easy To clean?
YES! Easier than my IP with the funny silicone ring that always seems to smell. The insert cleans nicely, and the front and top wipe down easily with a damp cloth. That’s it!
What Else Do You Need?
Enameled cookware is scratch resistant but to keep your Dutch oven in perfect shape, I recommend using silicone kitchen tools. Silicone tongs, spoons, spatulas, etc. are heat resistant and won’t scratch your Dutch oven.
- This is a nifty set of silicone spatulas
- Silicone spoons for serving, too
- Silicone tongs – an essential for browning meat
- Silicone flippers – for easy browning
