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Cooking Efficiently – Using the Instant Pot in your RV

cooking in your rv instant pot tips rv boondocker

The Instant Pot is many appliances in one.

There are several series including the NOVA Series 

  • Pressure Cooker
  • Slow Cooker
  • Rice Maker
  • Steamer
  • Saute Pan
  • Food Warmer
  • Yogurt Maker
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Instant Pot – RV Cooking

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Instapot in RV

Is the Instantpot really worth it?

In times when you have electrical hook ups, it’s nice to play with modern inventions. We love to cook, so it is nice to experiment to find out how instant pot rv cooking can blend. 

When we aren’t out boondocking in our RV. We love to indulge in the modern conveniences of invention too. Cooking outdoors is great, but it is not always convenient.  People assume we cook outside everyday. Sometimes we do, sometime, it doesn’t make sense for us. We love to cook and have enjoyed many years of tinkering with an Instant Pot. So, an Instant Pot in an RV?  A big Y-E-S 

Eating healthy and delicious meals is important to us, and doing it quickly is the just as essential sometimes.

Living in a tiny space with a tiny kitchen, means the kitchen gets messy really easily. The space gets used up quickly when chopping and preparing for any meal.

Mini Camper Pressure Cooker

Thankfully, it cleans up quickly too, but we have to be mindful of how we are using the space. If not, you wind up balancing your plate of delicious eggs and broccoli on the edge of the counter and next thing you know it has crashed to the floor! Whoops! -That just happened.

The convenience of the instant pot in an RV may seem odd at first glance. Hopefully, after this article, you will see how useful of a tool it is.

If you’ve never used an Instant Pot at home or in your RV, it is helpful to know the basics. I was definitely a little intimidated when I first opened this she beast device that does everything. Yes, she is a “her”. She is the ultimate multi-tasker. Completely new ? – Check out the official Instant Pot Website.

Beginner Instant Pot Users

Basic DO NOT’S when using your Instant Pot

Do Not: Place your body parts over the hot steam! The steam releases quickly when you flip the toggle over. Never ever ever get your fingers in the way. Do not put your face over it either. It is not a facial. It will burn you.

Do Not: Place the top of your instant pot on the hot stove. I’ve caught myself, almost doing this many times. Be sure you place it somewhere it will not be damaged. Also, remember that it will have water dripping from it when you take it off. This water is also very hot. I always open it and hold it at an angle, allowing the water to drip into the pot. Then, turn it upside down and set it on the counter.

Do Not: Place the pot liner back into the device if it has any moisture or water on it. Be sure to completely dry it before putting it back. Avoiding this mistake will save your instant pot from frying out.

Do Not: Pull your hair out when the top won’t go on correctly. Most times you will find that the rubber liner is out of place. Turn the lid over and look at it, then, push it back into place. Be sure that it is lined up and then close. With some practice, you will have it down in no time.

I’m sure there are many other Do not’s, but these are the ones I find the most common and can cause the most damage.

What we tend to use the Instant Pot for in our RV.

We love to use the instant pot for boiling eggs. It does a fantastic job every single time. Even with farm fresh eggs, If you have ever tried to boil farm fresh eggs, you know, those shells do not come off. There is something magical that the steam does that makes the shells come off so easily.

Perfect Eggs in the Instant Pot in a RV

I’ve seen several variations of methods. We came up with this one because it is easy to remember and it works every time. It is the 4, 3, 2, 1 method.

Hard Boiling Eggs in the Instant Pot

When you have fresh eggs, they can be hard to peel after boiling. I’m sure you have had the experience of peeling an egg one tiny jagged piece at a time. 

Never Again! Thanks to the Instant Pot, it makes perfect eggs every time. 

Now, I will say, it is not a set it and forget it method. It may not even be the most popular way to accomplish boiling an egg. 

This “recipe” is thoroughly tested and it works, every time. 

The Instant Pot, especially in an RV is a fascinating and intriguing way to cook. 

Perfect Boiled Eggs

You will need:

Ice 

Large Bowl – Heat/Cold Resistant

Eggs

Instant Pot

Water

Egg Stand 

Tongs or Large Slotted Spoon 

Instructions:

Fill large bowl 1/2 or so with ice cubes, set tongs and bowl next to your Instant Pot

Add eggs, using an egg holder or just taking your chances with putting the eggs on the bottom. Sometimes they will crack, especially if you are doing a large batch or 6 or more. You save more eggs when you use a rack

Also, always designate a spot to put your lid after removing it, it will be dripping with water. When cooking inside the RV, I’ve found it is best to turn upside down and set on the counter. It is not flat so it will roll if you don’t prepare for it. Another method is to set it in a sink or on a towel. 

Add water – about 1/2 cup 

4 – Manually set cook time to 4 minutes

3 – When the 4 mins cook time is done, the Instant Pot switches to Low Mode (L), let it stay at Low for 3 minutes. It will say L3

Safely – Release the steam manually as soon as it gets to L3

RV Tip for cooking inside – The steam release can be intense in an RV. If possible, use your Instant Pot outside. If using it inside remember to direct the steam away from wood cabinets. There are some fun accessories helpful for RV cooking that help divert steam where you want it. 

Remove the eggs immediately using a utensil. Place them into their ice bath. 

2 – Saying 2 is just a great way to pause and let your eggs cool. Of course, you can try one out if you like. 

1 – Eat one! Enjoy now, or put away for later. 

4, 3, 2, 1 

How many amps does an instant pot use?

Instant pots have different wattage values for instance the 5-quart duo model has 900 watts, the six quart has 1000 Watts and ENW model has 1100 Watts. Here is the conversion wattage divided by 100 x .83333 equals the number of and used by the individual instant pot. For example 900 watts divided by 100 = 9 × .83333 = 7.49997 amps or 7.5 amps.
1000 watts is 8.4 amps
1100 watts is 9.2 amps
1200 watts is 10 amps

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What is the Instant Pot made of?

food-grade stainless steel 304 (18/8) cooking pot is dishwasher-safe and durable, with no chemical coating.

Cooking Dried Beans in the Instant Pot 

I love to use dried beans. They are versatile, inexpensive, easy to find, and delicious. Boiling beans on the stove for hours is not a convenient option in an RV. The whole RV heats up really easily. That may be nice if the weather is cold, but not so nice when it is hot outside.

Also, when you have something that needs to boil for a long time, that means, it is taking up your burner for a long time. When you are cooking a meal and using multiple burners, on a three burner stove, it doesn’t work well.

So enter the magical Instant Pot in RV again! The perfect tool for cooking beans. It can cook the beans from dry in a quarter of the time. It takes a little tinkering to get the timing right. I find most small beans will be done in about 20 mins and larger beans take about 35-40. Here is the chart commonly used.

cooking time for beans in an instant pot in an rv

Instant Pot Perfect Rice 

We also make a lot of rice, and find it easy to make room on the stove for other things when we use our Instant Pot in the RV.

I love to make a double batch. We eat one for dinner and save the other. Most times we will have a bit with our eggs for breakfast the next day. Also, since it’s best to use cold rice for fried rice, we plan our fried rice day soon after. Yummy veggies and eggs, and sometimes even shrimp-divine!

Making rice in an instant pot is so simple. You literally put the rice and water inside, stir, put the lid on, now the big step….Press Rice. Done. Yum.

perfect instant pot rice and grains chart

You can even bake in it! I haven’t played much with baking in it, please feel free to share your baking stories!

The Instant Pot in an RV doesn’t seem to make sense at first, but I hope you see now how convenient it is. It is my go to, number one friend in the kitchen. I love her. She is well worth the space she takes up. So, saute, steam, boil, pressure cook, and slow cook away!

Instant Pots come in several different sizes and options

They are measured by the quart size.

3 Quart

6 Quart

8 Quart

10 Quart

 

The Instant Pot Duo Plus Series Offers 

  • Upgrades include the easy-seal lid to automatically seal when pressure cooking and a cooking progress indicator, so you know when cooking begins.
  • Cooks fast and saves time: The Instant Pot Duo plus Multi-Cooker combines 9 Appliances in one: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, egg cooker, yogurt maker, warmer and sterilizer – and cooks up to 70% faster
  • Consistently delicious: 15 one-touch smart programs put cooking ribs, soups, beans, rice, poultry, yogurt, desserts and more on autopilot – with tasty results
  • Easy to clean: fingerprint-resistant stainless steel lid and components and accessories are dishwasher safe
  • Advanced safety protection – the 10+ built-in safety features, including Overheat protection, safety lock and more to ensure safe pressure cooking
  • Most popular size capacity: 6-quart large capacity cooks for up to 6 people – perfect for families, and also great for MEAL PREPPING and batch cooking for singles and smaller households
  • Cookware-grade inner pot: The Instant Pot stainless steel inner pot is made with a 3-ply bottom for durability and is healthy and dishwasher-safe

Official Instant Pot Accessories

Instant pot offers official accessories. You can trust that they were made for your specific type of cookware.

This Steamer Insert is compatible with 6 Quart and 8 Quart size Instant Pots

  • Enjoy delicious, nutritious foods: Use for steaming all kinds of vegetables, fish & more
  • Handles interlock: Secure-lock handles fit under lid while cooking, and hook into feet for easy storage
  • Protects food: Raised feet protect food from boiling water
  • Flexible: Pleated design accommodates different cooker sizes
  • Smart Lift: Allows you to safely & easily lift food from instant pot after cooking
  • Durable & Safe: Made from Bpa-free Silicone; Heat resistant to 450° F

Instant Pot Glass Lid

  • Use instead of the pressure lid when slow cooking, sauteing, browning or using the keep warm function
  • Colorless tempered glass, large Stainless Steel lid knob. It has a steam release vent to reduce condensation on the underside of the lid
  • It is dishwasher safe and can also be used on the stainless steel inner pot in the oven up 
  • It is 9 inch in diameter 

Instant Pot Stainless Steel Inner Cooking Pot 

  • Durable  stainless steel with 3 PLY bottom for even heat distribution
  • Internal measuring graduations with rolled edges
  • Mirror polished surface for easy cleaning

7 Inch Instant Pot Official Round Cake Pan

  • Multi-use: Use the pan for cooking, baking, storing, reheating, and serving meals & snacks
  • Durable: Designed to go right from the freezer to your instant pot
  • Perfect fit: Compatible with 6-quart and 8-quart cookers
  • Material type: Steel

Instant Pot Official Mesh Steamer Baskets

  • Protects Food: Raised feet protect food from boiling water
  • Smart Lift: Easy-lift handle on each basket allows you to safely & easily lift food from Instant Pot after cooking
  • Dual-purpose; Use as steamers & as strainers
  • Made from durable, rust-resistant stainless steel

Instant Pot Recipes and Info

I believe the best place to find recipes and information is by joining groups. There are some really great groups on facebook. Additionally, the people that use these groups try out recipes usually found online and tell you if they really work. They have useful information in a real world experience. 

Connect with people on FACEBOOK GROUPS for great instant pot recipes and tips.

Instant Pot Beginners Recipes and Tips

Vegan Instant Pot Recipes & Tips

Instant Pot® Community

“Dump and Push Start” Easy Instant Pot Recipes

Vegetarian Recipes

Healthy Eating
Instant Pot for Indian Food

Keto Instant Pot Community

Fun Instant Pot Accessories

Steam diverters help save the cabinets in your RV. No matter where you are using an Instant Pot, remember to be mindful and safe when releasing steam. 

Thank-You for Likes, Comments, Follows, and Shares..Every little bit helps us create useful and creative content for you. 

3 Responses

  1. Hey guys — great article!!! We’re the inventors of the PotHeadz Brand Bird Steam Diverter and just launched on Amazon!!!! We’re full-time RVers and Instant Pot fanatics. Thanks for featuring us and stay tuned for more accessories that we’ll be rolling out. Great job!

    Debbie Long
    PotHeadz

  2. Good article, thank you.
    When boon-docking, how do you clean the instant pot using minimal water. We’re finding it takes a lot of water to clean it properly. Is there a hack?

    1. That is a great question! However, I am not sure exactly how often you would be using it while boondocking. It takes quite a lot of energy to run an instant pot, so you would need a pretty large generator if that were the case. But, if so, and you have food particles sticking to the side afterwards, we typically use the runoff water from cleaning other dishes, and allow it to soak for a while with that water. Then scrape out any excess food particles and wash it like a regular dish.

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