Since the Instant Pot’s introduction nearly a decade ago, the multicooker and many Instant-branded products have become kitchen essentials. And the newest addition to the famous brand is the Instant Precision Dutch oven, an electric Dutch oven that permits precise searing, braising, and slow cooking.
Although an electric stovetop cooker is not an invention, this model from Instant Brands has a contemporary design that helps individuals with limited stovetop space and offers a more hands-off cooking method. We evaluated each function of this Dutch oven to determine whether it stood out from the competition.
What Is the Instant Pot Dutch Oven?
The Instant Precision Dutch Oven is a countertop-mounted, electric Dutch oven. Each Instant Precision Dutch Oven includes a 6-quart enameled cast iron pot with a matching lid that is safe for the dishwasher and oven.
An electric cooker base with five functions for precise cooking, a silicone pad to protect countertop surfaces, and a silicone handle for serving. A guidebook containing recipes is included with every purchase and is currently available in red, blue, and black.
A key feature is also a user-friendly control panel on the cooker base (similar in design to other Instant Pot products) with a touchscreen and dial that makes it simple to adjust the temperature and cooking time. In addition, the enameled cast-iron pot’s nonstick coating makes it very simple to clean with dish soap and warm water.
Instant Pot, 6-Quart 1500W Electric Round Dutch Oven, 5-in-1: Braise, Slow Cook, Sear/Sauté, Cooking Pan, Food Warmer, Enameled Cast Iron, Free App With 50 Recipes, Perfect Wedding Gift, Red
Instant Pot, 6-Quart 1500W Electric Round Dutch Oven, 5-in-1: Braise, Slow Cook, Sear/Sauté, Cooking Pan, Food Warmer, Enameled Cast Iron, Free App With 50 Recipes, Perfect Wedding Gift, Green
$125.06
Key Features
- 5-in-1 braise, slow cooking, sear/sauté, cooking pan and warmer
- Precise control over cooking time and temperature for professional results, easily
- Heavy-duty enameled cast-iron cooking pot is removable, oven and stovetop-safe and looks beautiful on your table
- Matching lid has self-braising grid on underside to keep food evenly moist
- Cook up to 6 servings: perfect for growing families
- Dishwasher-safe cooking pot and lid for quick and easy cleanup
- Includes silicone protective pad to protect surfaces and silicone handle covers for serving
- BPA/PFOA/PTFE-free cooking
- 1500 watts, 120 V~ 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed
How We Tested
To test the Instant Precision Dutch Oven, we utilized the five functions with various recipes and preparations. In addition, we tested the Almost No-Knead Bread recipe from the provided cookbook. What we discovered was:
Sear/Sauté and Braise Functions
To test the Sear/Sauté and Braise functions, we decided to make Food Network Kitchen’s The Best Beef Stew. The Sear/Sauté function is designed to replace a skillet or saucepan and evenly brown the food’s surface. The braise function is used to brown food over medium-high heat, whereas the simmer function is used for cooking food until tender over low heat.
With just a few button presses, the Sear/Sauté function quickly preheated and produced a golden-brown exterior on the beef cubes. We loved that you could sear and braise or slow cook in the same pot, requiring less equipment and cleanup. The default temperature and time for the Sear/Sauté function are 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, but the time can be adjusted between 10 minutes and one hour. In tests, preheating took only three minutes.
The default temperature and time for the Braise function are either “Browning” at 230 degrees Fahrenheit or “Simmering” at 185-205 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours. Additionally, you can adjust the duration from one hour to four hours. The beef stew simmered aggressively (nearly boiling) on the browning setting, whereas on the simmering setting, it simmered gently. We found the simmering setting ideal for slow cooking the beef stew for an extended period.
The beef was incredibly tender, the sauce was ideally reduced, and the vegetables were crisp, tender, and flavorful. In the end, we found the Sear/Sauté and Braising functions accurate, efficient, and comparable to a stovetop braise.
Slow Cook and Keep Warm Functions
Slow Cooker Chicken and Ginger Congee from Food Network Kitchen were used to test both the Slow Cook and Keep Warm functions. The Slow Cook function is designed to simmer food at a low temperature for an extended period, whereas the Keep Warm function keeps food warm until it is ready to be served.
The default temperature and cooking time for the Slow Cook function is 203 degrees Fahrenheit for four hours. However, the cooking time can be adjusted between three and twelve hours. As most online slow cooker recipes require “High” or “Low” settings, we were dismayed to discover that it only offered a single default temperature for slow cooking.
We tested the recipe and were pleasantly surprised to find out that the Slow Cooker Congee did indeed cook in the time specified by our recipe, resulting in a tasty dish. The Keep Warm function also performed as described and was effective when utilized.
It kept the congee warm for 30 minutes while we waited to serve. We would have liked to see both high and low-temperature options for the Slow Cook function, but we were pleased with the results overall.
Manual Function
We prepared two bread recipes to test the Manual mode: Stovetop Bread from Food Network Kitchen and Almost No-Knead Bread from the included recipe book.
The Manual function allows you to manually adjust the temperature and cooking time, cooking various recipes with the precision and even cooking offered by the Instant Precision Dutch Oven. Manual Mode provides two options: one with lower temperatures and longer cook times for slow cooking, sous vide, or dough proofing, and the other with higher temperatures and shorter cook times.
In both bread recipes, the dough was proofed directly in the Dutch oven pot on the Manual Mode 1 setting, and we found that the Instant Precision Dutch Oven performed exceptionally well for proofing dough. We also found the recipe for Almost No-Knead Bread to be quite successful; the crumb was lovely, and the bread was simple to make.
Bonus points, it didn’t require a stand mixer! However, you let the bread rise in the Dutch oven and bake it in a conventional oven. We did some research and discovered some negative online reviews about this, in which people wished you could bake directly on the electric cooker base. While this was disappointing, we did not find it problematic enough to provide a negative review.
In addition, we discovered that the Dutch oven pot retained heat exceptionally well in a standard oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit. It was convenient to have the silicon handles and mat to safeguard our counter services.
We attempted to prepare Stovetop Bread in the base of the cooker. It ultimately worked, and the bread was cooked without burning on the bottom, but it wasn’t easy to achieve, and the bread was not nearly as tasty as when baked in a conventional oven. In conclusion, we recommend proofing bread dough on one of the Manual settings, and we found the Dutch oven pot ideal for baking in the oven. However, we do not recommend baking directly in the electric cooker base.
Instant Pot Dutch Oven – FAQs
Before simmering, the sauté function of the Instant Pot allows you to brown ingredients (and build flavor). This gives it the same functionality as a pressure cooker or Dutch oven. It is swift. Like the stovetop version, the Instant Pot transforms your favorite low-and-slow recipes into an hour-long meal.
VERSATILE ELEGANCE: The heavy-duty enameled cast-iron cooking pot is removable, oven- and stovetop-safe, and offers the same features as a traditional Dutch oven, as well as a lovely appearance on your table.
The Instant Dutch Oven is a 5-in-1 electric multicooker with an enameled cast iron insert of superior quality. The capabilities include sear/sauté, braise, slow cook, manual mode, and keeping warm. It utilizes a direct heat source in the appliance’s cooker base to cook food.
Cast-iron skillets, Dutch ovens, and muffin tins can be used for a wider variety of recipes than you might expect. Pots and pans made of cast iron are versatile in the kitchen and absorb and retain heat well, making them ideal for dishes you wish to keep warm for an extended period.
Who Should Purchase an Instant Pot Dutch Oven?
The Instant Precision Dutch Oven is ideal for those with limited stovetop space, such as apartment dwellers, or for large gatherings requiring additional burners.
It’s also great for those who prefer to set the temperature and forget about it; you don’t have to worry about adjusting the temperature while your food cooks for an extended period. In addition, if you are already in the market for a well-made, oven- and stovetop-safe enameled cast-iron Dutch oven, you also receive the electric base. Dual for the price of a single!
Related Posts
How do you cook rice in a Dutch oven?
Disclaimer: There are affiliate links in this post. At no...
Read More
What is the best Dutch oven for roast?
Disclaimer: There are affiliate links in this post. At no...
Read MoreWhy Trust Us
You will find what you are looking for at dulceriabakery. From classic to luxury brands, you'll find both. We will help you to select appliances that fit your needs, budget and lifestyle. Whether you want to stop by to learn more — or plan to make a major purchase — we’ll treat you like family and assist you every step of the way. Shop with us today to receive friendly and experienced help along the way.