Instant Pot vs Stovetop: Cooking Time Comparison
Side-by-side cooking times for 18 foods. See which method is faster for each food.
By the CookTimeGuide Editorial TeamKitchen-tested Jan 2026
Foods Compared
18
Instant Pot Faster
15
Stovetop Faster
3
| Food | Instant Pot Temp ? | Instant Pot Time | Stovetop Temp ? | Stovetop Time | ← Instant Pot fasterStovetop faster → |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barley | high-pressure | 20-25 min | low | 40-50 min | ← 22 min slower |
| Basmati Rice | high-pressure | 4-5 min | low | 15-20 min | ← 13 min slower |
| Beef Stew Meat | high-pressure | 30-40 min | low | 90-120 min | ← 70 min slower |
| Brown Rice | high-pressure | 15-18 min | low | 40-50 min | ← 28 min slower |
| Chicken Breast | high-pressure | 10-12 min | medium-high | 5-7 min | 5 min faster → |
| Chole (Pressure Cooker) | high-pressure | 35-45 min | high-pressure | 20-30 min | 15 min faster → |
| Dal (Chana) | high-pressure | 18-22 min | high-pressure | 20-25 min | ← 3 min slower |
| Dal (Masoor) | high-pressure | 6-8 min | low | 18-25 min | ← 15 min slower |
| Dal (Moong) | high-pressure | 8-10 min | low | 20-30 min | ← 16 min slower |
| Dal (Toor) | high-pressure | 12-15 min | high-pressure | 15-20 min | ← 4 min slower |
| Dal (Urad) | high-pressure | 25-30 min | high-pressure | 25-35 min | ← 2 min slower |
| Farro | high-pressure | 10-12 min | low | 25-35 min | ← 19 min slower |
| Jasmine Rice | high-pressure | 3-4 min | low | 12-18 min | ← 11 min slower |
| Lentils | high-pressure | 8-12 min | low | 20-30 min | ← 15 min slower |
| Quinoa | high-pressure | 1-2 min | low | 15-20 min | ← 16 min slower |
| Rajma (Pressure Cooker) | high-pressure | 25-35 min | high-pressure | 20-30 min | 5 min faster → |
| White Rice | high-pressure | 3-4 min | low | 15-20 min | ← 14 min slower |
| Wild Rice | high-pressure | 25-30 min | low | 45-55 min | ← 22 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 Stovetop?
Instant Pot is faster for 15 out of 18 foods in this comparison. Stovetop is faster for 3 foods.
Should I use Instant Pot or Stovetop?
Both methods produce great results. Instant Pot and Stovetop 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 Stovetop?
18 foods on CookTimeGuide have cooking times for both Instant Pot and Stovetop. See the full comparison table above.