In the early 2010s, the Instant Pot burst onto the scene like a culinary comet—bright, fast, and impossible to ignore. Suddenly, every kitchen influencer, busy parent, and meal-prep enthusiast had one. It promised to replace seven appliances, cut cooking time in half, and deliver restaurant-quality results with the push of a button. But nearly a decade later, the question arises: Is the Instant Pot still a must-have, or has it quietly fizzled out?
The answer isn’t as simple as checking Amazon’s bestseller list. While the frenzy has cooled, the device hasn't disappeared—it’s evolved. To understand where the Instant Pot stands today, we need to look beyond viral hype and examine real-world usage, market data, and shifts in consumer habits.
The Rise of the Instant Pot: A Quick Recap
The Instant Pot didn’t invent the electric pressure cooker, but it did redefine it. Launched in 2010 by Canadian company Core Dynamics, the first model struggled to gain traction. Everything changed around 2015 when online communities, particularly Facebook groups and Reddit threads, began raving about its versatility. Users shared recipes for everything from perfect hard-boiled eggs to pulled pork in under an hour.
By 2017, the Instant Pot had become a cultural phenomenon. It was featured on morning talk shows, endorsed by celebrity chefs, and even referenced in sitcoms. Sales skyrocketed—from $30 million in annual revenue in 2015 to over $300 million by 2018. The product line expanded rapidly, introducing models like the Duo, Lux, Ultra, and Vortex (its air fryer counterpart).
Its success stemmed from three key factors:
- Convenience: One-pot meals saved time and cleanup.
- Safety improvements: Unlike older stovetop pressure cookers, the Instant Pot had multiple fail-safes.
- Viral community support: Thousands of users shared tips, hacks, and troubleshooting advice online.
But as quickly as it rose, signs of fatigue began to appear.
Signs the Hype Has Cooled
By 2021, cracks in the Instant Pot empire started showing. Google Trends data reveals a steady decline in search volume since its peak in January 2017. While still searched regularly, interest is now closer to baseline than fever pitch.
Retail presence tells a similar story. Once dominating kitchen appliance displays at Target and Best Buy, Instant Pots now occupy modest shelf space, often buried among blenders and coffee makers. On Amazon, while several models remain in the top 100 kitchen gadgets, they no longer command the #1 spot as consistently.
Consumer sentiment has also shifted. Many early adopters admit their units now gather dust. “I used mine religiously for six months,” says Lisa Tran, a former food blogger from Austin, Texas. “Then I realized most recipes still required prep work, and cleanup wasn’t as easy as advertised. Now it lives in my pantry.”
“Trends don’t die overnight—they plateau. The Instant Pot moved from ‘must-have’ to ‘useful tool,’ which is actually a sign of maturity, not failure.” — Mark Riedl, Consumer Technology Analyst at GadgetInsight Group
Why the Instant Pot Never Really Left
Despite fading headlines, the Instant Pot remains relevant—not as a trend, but as a functional appliance with loyal users. Several factors explain its staying power:
1. Niche Utility in Specific Households
Families with tight schedules, people living with dietary restrictions (like low-sodium or plant-based diets), and caregivers preparing meals for others still rely heavily on pressure cooking. Beans, grains, bone broth, and tough cuts of meat benefit dramatically from high-pressure cooking, reducing time from hours to minutes.
2. Expansion into New Categories
Instant Pot adapted by diversifying. The release of the Instant Pot Vortex (air fryer) and Instant Readi (slow cooker with smart features) kept the brand visible. These newer models tap into current health and convenience trends, such as low-oil frying and programmable cooking.
3. Strong Third-Party Ecosystem
Thousands of cookbooks, blogs, and YouTube channels are dedicated to Instant Pot cooking. Brands like America's Test Kitchen have published well-tested recipes, lending credibility. This ecosystem ensures continued discovery and learning, even without aggressive marketing.
4. Affordability and Longevity
Most basic models cost between $60 and $100, making them accessible. And because they’re built with durable components, many original 2015–2017 units are still in use. Repair parts like sealing rings and lids are sold separately, extending lifespan.
Comparison: Then vs. Now
| Aspect | Peak Era (2016–2018) | Current Status (2024–2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Public Perception | Viral sensation, “life-changing” gadget | Practical tool, one of many appliances |
| Social Media Buzz | Daily posts, massive Facebook groups | Niche communities, recipe sharing |
| Market Competition | Few direct rivals | Ninja Foodi, Cosori, GoWISE, and more |
| Usage Frequency | Multiple times per week | Once weekly or situational use |
| Price Range | $70–$120 | $50–$150 (with broader features) |
The table illustrates a shift from novelty to normalization. The Instant Pot is no longer seen as revolutionary—but that doesn’t mean it’s obsolete.
Who Still Uses the Instant Pot—and Why?
A 2023 survey by HomeTech Insights found that 42% of U.S. households still own an Instant Pot. Of those, only 18% reported using it daily. However, usage spikes during specific seasons and life stages:
- Winter months: Soups, stews, and comfort foods dominate.
- New parents: Quick baby food and sterilizing bottles.
- Meal preppers: Batch-cooking beans, rice, and proteins.
- Caregivers: Tenderizing food for elderly family members.
One real-world example: Maria Gonzalez, a nurse in Phoenix, uses her Instant Pot three times a week after long shifts. “I throw in frozen chicken, some salsa, and spices before bed. Wake up to shredded chicken for tacos or salads. It’s not glamorous, but it keeps me eating healthy when I’m exhausted.”
This kind of practical, repeatable utility is what sustains long-term adoption—even without TikTok fame.
Common Mistakes That Turned People Off
Not all failed relationships with the Instant Pot were due to the device itself. Many users abandoned it due to avoidable errors:
- Overestimating ease: While convenient, recipes still require chopping, measuring, and monitoring liquid levels.
- Burning food: The “burn” error frustrates beginners—often caused by insufficient liquid or starch buildup.
- Underusing functions: Many only use pressure cooking, ignoring sauté, yogurt, or slow cook modes.
- Poor maintenance: Not replacing sealing rings leads to lingering odors and improper sealing.
How to Maximize Your Instant Pot’s Potential
If you own one—or are considering buying a used model—here’s how to get the most value:
Step-by-Step Guide: Reviving Your Neglected Instant Pot
- Inspect the unit: Check the inner pot for dents, the lid gasket for cracks, and the float valve for blockages.
- Clean thoroughly: Wash removable parts with warm, soapy water. Run a vinegar-water cycle to deodorize.
- Test basic functions: Use the sauté mode to heat oil, then pressure cook 1 cup of rice with 1.5 cups water for 4 minutes.
- Update settings: Ensure firmware is current (for Wi-Fi models) via the Instant Pot app.
- Explore new recipes: Try a lentil soup, yogurt, or cheesecake to rediscover its range.
Checklist: Is the Instant Pot Right for You in 2025?
- ✅ Do you cook dried beans, rice, or grains frequently?
- ✅ Are you short on time during the week?
- ✅ Do you value fewer dirty dishes?
- ✅ Are you open to learning a few new techniques?
- ✅ Do you have storage space for another appliance?
If you answered yes to three or more, the Instant Pot likely still holds value for your kitchen.
FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
Can I use my Instant Pot if I haven’t touched it in two years?
Yes, but inspect the sealing ring and valves first. Old rubber can crack or retain smells. Run a cleaning cycle with equal parts water and white vinegar before cooking.
Are newer models better than the original Duo?
They offer incremental improvements—better displays, quieter operation, and additional presets—but the core functionality remains the same. If your old model works, upgrading isn’t necessary.
Is the Instant Pot worth it if I already have a slow cooker and stove?
Only if speed and energy efficiency matter to you. Pressure cooking reduces bean-cooking time from 2+ hours to 25 minutes and uses less electricity than an oven. For occasional use, it may not justify counter space.
What’s Next for Smart Cooking Appliances?
The future isn’t about single-function dominance—it’s integration. Emerging trends include:
- AI-powered cooking assistants: Devices that suggest recipes based on ingredients on hand.
- Multi-use combo units: Like the Ninja Foodi, which combines pressure cooking, air frying, dehydrating, and roasting.
- App-connected kitchens: Ovens and cookers that sync with smartphones for remote monitoring.
Instant Pot has responded with Wi-Fi-enabled models and app integration, but faces stiff competition from brands investing more aggressively in smart tech.
“The next wave of kitchen innovation won’t be about pressure—it’ll be about personalization and automation.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Food Tech Researcher at MIT Media Lab
Conclusion: From Fad to Fixture
The Instant Pot never truly lost its steam—it just stopped boiling over. What began as a viral sensation has settled into a dependable role in modern kitchens. It’s no longer the center of attention, but for many, it remains a trusted tool.
Trends come and go, but utility endures. The Instant Pot’s legacy isn’t measured in social media likes, but in millions of meals quietly prepared after long days, dietary needs met, and traditions maintained. It may not be trendy anymore, but for those who use it wisely, it’s still very much alive.
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