Using solar energy comes to mind if you want to cook with your Instant Pot in situations like camping off-grid. But is it possible to run an instant pot on solar?
Key Takeaways:
It is possible to run an Instant Pot on solar energy using a solar generator like a Jackery 1000. However, it can still consume considerable power, so it is good to cook with it on solar power on a bright, sunny day so there is enough time for the generator batteries to recharge.
Keep reading to learn in detail about using an instant pot on solar power, its wattage, and more.
How Many Watts Does It Take To Run an Instant Pot?
As a general rule, the majority of 6-quart Instant Pots are about 1000 watts, while the 3 and 8-quart models average between 700 and 1200 watts, respectively.
On average, an instant pot takes around 1000 watts. So to give you an idea, here’s a chart showing the comparison of it with the two other common household appliances.
| Device: | Watts: |
| Toaster Oven | 1200 |
| Instant Pot | 1000 |
| Hair Dryer | 1800 |
Remember that the Instant Pot still requires power even though it consumes less than other appliances.
However, the Instant Pot model you have and the frequency of your use will determine whether or not you find it to be energy efficient.
In contrast to other kitchen equipment, such as a stove or oven, the Instant Pot is incredibly energy efficient and has a low electrical footprint. Check out this guide to learn about instant pot vs. oven.
In short, Instant Pot is a fantastic choice for anyone concerned about its environmental impact. It’s practical, adaptable, and useful for making tasty dishes. So give it a go and see if it works for you.
Recommended Solar Generators for Running an Instant Pot?
The Jackery 1000 (available on Amazon) is a great solar power generator for using an instant pot, especially for a 3-quart instant pot. Usually, 3-quart instant pot models need only around 700 watts. Therefore, a Jackery 1000 generator can easily handle that.
Jackery’s solar generator 1000 combines their portable Jackery Explorer 1000 power station with SolarSaga 100W solar panels.
It transforms solar energy gathered by SolarSaga 100W solar panels into electrical energy, then stores it in the Explorer 1000 portable power station.
Powering campers, RVs, or as a backup in the event of a power outage, this solar generator is dependable and environment-friendly.
However, if you have a higher model instant pot like an 8-quart, you can check out the OUPES 1800W Solar Generator (available on Amazon). An 8-quart instant model uses around 1200 W, so the sOUPES 1800 should be enough.
How to Conserve Energy While Using an Instant Pot?
Get an Instant Pot with a low power rating. Keeping the wattage of your kettle low will reduce its energy use. In other words, an eight-quart pot is overkill if you’re only going to be feeding only yourself and your partner. You can get by with a three-quart size.
Use the keep warm feature as little as possible. It is essential to only utilize the warming function when absolutely necessary because doing so will continue to use power.
Use the instant pot’s “Keep Warm” function if you’re not ready to serve the dish straight away. This mode will keep your meal warm until you’re ready to eat while consuming far less power than remaining on the “Cook” option.
Ensure everything is cooked properly in the Instant Pot. It will take longer to cook and more energy; if the food is not evenly cut. If you want to save your instant pot some extra effort, chop up all of the food into smaller pieces before you start cooking.
Keep the pot clean at all times. Due to the additional layer of food particles on the liner, such a pot will take up more energy than a clean one.
Ensure the water in the pot is filled before using it. If you do this, you can reduce the likelihood of scorching and, thus, the amount of energy required to cook the dish.
However, if you’re preparing something prone to getting soggy, it is important to stick to the appropriate water levels.
Use the natural release option whenever possible. Instead of activating the rapid release feature, the pressure is allowed to dissipate gradually on its own. The quick-release mechanism consumes more power than typical heating options.
If you want to have dinner on the table faster with your Instant Pot, use the pressure cooker setting. Since this approach is speedier, less energy is required to complete the cooking process.
The Instant Pot is a helpful tool for saving time and effort when cooking many dishes at once.
Cooking in bulk and putting the extras in the freezer is an excellent way to save both time and money. Moreover, if you plan ahead, you can reduce the time and energy spent cooking.
Add the ingredients in the order that you’ll cook them.
The food will cook more quickly, and you won’t have to worry about it becoming overdone.
Skip preheating the pot – To avoid wasting power, preheating is not necessary while using an instant pot.
Refer to our guide on using an instant pot in an RV for the best instant pot meal tips, sizes, and more.
Bottom Line:
Usually, the most practical and easy way to cook off-grid is using a wood-burning stove or a gas. It’s way cheaper and easier than going the route of an instant pot with a solar power setup.
That said, if you already have the right arrangements to power your instant pot with a good solar generator – it’s worthwhile to have fun cooking in an instant pot too.
Ensure you have chosen a bright sunny day so that batteries have enough time to recharge even if the instant pot sucks more power than expected.
Good Luck!
Further Reading: Learn How To Safely Use Instant Pot For RVing
