Ahoy, fellow sailors and onboard chefs! I want to share with you the culinary magic of using an Instant Pot while cruising. The Instant Pot has transformed our onboard cooking experience, bringing convenience and flavor to our floating home.
The Instant Pot, sometimes called the “Insta-Pot”, is a versatile, multi-function kitchen appliance that combines several cooking capabilities, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, and sautéing. Its standout feature is pressure cooking, which drastically reduces cooking time while sealing in flavors. This makes it perfect for cooking on a boat where space and time are limited. Imagine being able to make a hearty beef stew in under an hour or a tender pot roast without spending hours in the galley. Sounds pretty enticing, right?
One of the best things about the Instant Pot is its “set-it-and-forget-it” capability. I no longer have to stand watch over a stove, worrying about whether my meal will burn. Instead, I just prepare the ingredients and select the cooking function I need, and then I can go on deck and relax while my dinner takes care of itself. This feature is particularly freeing since using propane on board is not always ideal. It’s one less thing to worry about, which translates to safety and efficiency.
The Instant Pot is incredibly versatile, capable of everything from cooking rice to slow-cooking a tender stew. I can even brown meat directly in the pot using the sauté function before adding my liquids and other ingredients. This not only enhances the flavor but also simplifies the cleanup process. There’s no need for multiple pans and pots—just one appliance to wash, which is a huge advantage in a boat’s compact galley.
The limited storage space on a boat makes it challenging to accommodate larger appliances. With just two of us aboard, the Instant Pot Mini is the perfect solution. Its compact size allows it to fit into tight spaces without sacrificing functionality, making it ideal for sailing with a small crew or family.
The power usage of the Instant Pot ranges from 40 to 80 watts, so if you’re using batteries with an inverter while cruising, you’ll need to plan accordingly. However, the brief power draw for such versatile and effective cooking makes it worthwhile. Unlike a traditional stovetop pressure cooker that requires constant vigilance to maintain pressure and avoid potential mishaps, my electric Instant Pot lets me set the desired function and simply walk away.
The Instant Pot comes in a range of sizes, each catering to different needs and crew sizes. For us, the Instant Pot Mini has been ideal. It not only saves space but also conserves portions, prevents waste, and eliminates leftovers in our limited refrigerator space.
In addition, the Instant Pot’s versatility is further enhanced with a wide range of accessories. These include steamer baskets for cooking vegetables or fish, cake pans for baking, and egg racks for preparing perfectly boiled eggs. With these accessories, you can explore a variety of culinary options, ensuring that meals remain diverse and exciting. Imagine hard-boiling 14 eggs for deviled eggs in just 8 minutes! You’ll be the hit at docktails!
The Instant Pot revolutionizes cooking on the water. It simplifies meal prep, conserves energy, and ultimately transforms the onboard cooking experience into something joyful rather than a chore. Whether you’re embarking on a day trip or a long passage, having the Instant Pot onboard means you can enjoy gourmet meals without the fuss, keeping the focus on the adventure itself. Bon appétit and smooth sailing!
Want An Instant Pot? 
Affiliate Link
Instant Pot Recipes
Do you have an Instant Pot on board? What is your favorite Instant Pot recipe?
Share it in the comments below! 
Leave a Comment