Instant Pot vs Microwave: Cooking Time Comparison
Side-by-side cooking times for 4 foods. See which method is faster for each food.
By the CookTimeGuide Editorial TeamKitchen-tested Jan 2026
Foods Compared
4
Instant Pot Faster
2
Microwave Faster
2
| Food | Instant Pot Temp ? | Instant Pot Time | Microwave Temp ? | Microwave Time | ← Instant Pot fasterMicrowave faster → |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baked Potato | high-pressure | 12-18 min | high | 5-10 min | 7 min faster → |
| Spaghetti Squash | high-pressure | 7-10 min | high | 10-15 min | ← 4 min slower |
| Sweet Potato | high-pressure | 15-20 min | high | 5-8 min | 11 min faster → |
| White Rice | high-pressure | 3-4 min | high | 12-18 min | ← 11 min slower |
Times shown are for the default recommended temperature for each method. Actual times may vary based on cut thickness, starting temperature, and equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Instant Pot faster than Microwave?
Microwave is faster for 2 out of 4 foods in this comparison. Instant Pot is faster for 2 foods.
Should I use Instant Pot or Microwave?
Both methods produce great results. Instant Pot and Microwave each excel with different foods. Use the comparison table above to see which method is faster and at what temperature for your specific food.
How many foods can be cooked with both Instant Pot and Microwave?
4 foods on CookTimeGuide have cooking times for both Instant Pot and Microwave. See the full comparison table above.