Highly regarded as an entry level cooker, the Instant Pot LUX Mini 3 Quart is a 6 in 1 programmable multi cooker. It is ideal for small families and can be used as a companion cooker for other larger Instant Pot Lux models. Using state of the art 3rd Generation Technology, the microprocessor controlled LUX Mini has ten built-in programs that speed up the cooking process, while retaining all the nutrients, aromas and flavors within the food. It features an aesthetic stainless steel design that is durable, fingerprint resistant and with the ability to blend in with any type of kitchen décor.
6 Cooking Appliances in One
The Instant Pot Lux Mini can be easily brushed off as just any other pressure cooker in the market. However, this appliance is actually a hybrid of six appliances: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pot and warmer. With this instant pot, you will have no reason to purchase other cooking appliances, which will save you a lot of money and kitchen space. In addition, it also includes other built-in programs that are simply activated by buttons. They include;
– Soup/Broth
– Egg
– Meat/Stew
– Porridge
3rd Generation Technology
What do you get when you combine smart technology with top class cookware? You get the Instant Pot Lux Mini. It comes with a built-in microprocessor that monitors the pressure and temperature in the pot during the cooking process. The microprocessor also adjusts heat intensity and cooking time to ensure that all dishes are prepared perfectly and on schedule. Thanks to the 3rd generation smart technology, this Instant Pot works well without any supervision. It will even turn off automatically when the food is ready. Alternatively, you may program it to switch to keep warm function after some time. This will allow you to carry out other errands, as the Lux Mini performs its magic.
Adjustable Temperature Settings
The Lux Mini comes with three adjustable temperature settings in the Sauté for simmering, searing and thickening. In addition, it also includes three more temperature settings in Slow Cook, which allows you to prepare a wide range of dishes. It also has one high-pressure setting, which reduces the cooking time by 70% and in the process saves energy costs. The pressure cooking can last up to 4 hours, while the Keep Warm feature can function for a maximum of 10 hours, which is just enough to run all errands and still come back to warm delicious food. It also features a delay start function that can patiently wait for 24 hours, before it starts to cook food.
Aesthetic Design Constructed from Durable Material
The exterior is constructed from brushed stainless steel that aesthetically blends well with all types of décor in the kitchen. The stainless steel is fingerprint proof, which makes it very easy to clean. One feature of the Lux Mini that quickly captures the eye is the large control panel nicely placed at the center of the pot. It has easy to operate control buttons that are also labeled to guide you. Internally, it comprises of stainless steel food grade 304 cooking pot with no chemical coating. The cooking pot is constructed with 3-ply at the bottom for even distribution of heat. Other accessories include a lid and a steam rack, which are also made from stainless steel. The cooking pot, steam rack, and lid are dishwasher safe, which is very convenient.
Alexa Skill & Smartphone App
What separates this instant pot from others is the ability to communicate with it verbally. With the assistance of Amazon’s Alexa Skill, the Lux Mini can basically respond to various commands you ask it to do. For instance, you can ask the Lux Mini to search for an Italian recipe, and it will give you a list of all ingredients and guide you through the cooking process. It also comes with a free App that features more than 300 recipes and DIY videos to convert you to a seasoned chef.
No loopholes for safety risks
One of the most commendable jobs by the manufacturer is installing all safety measures to ensure that your health is not exposed to risk. It is UL & ULC Certified, which makes it one of the safest appliances to use in the kitchen. It has ten safety mechanisms, which are designed to eliminate all common errors associated with cooking appliances. The first safety measure is a steam release valve, which releases excess pressure. Secondly, there is the anti-block shield, which prevents food particles from penetrating and blocking the steam release pipe.
Third, there is the safety lid lock. This feature automatically locks the lid when the cooker is pressurized. Fourth, it has a lid position detection feature. If the lid is not locked in a safe position, the Lux Mini will not cook. The fifth measure is the automatic temperature control, which ensures that the temperatures in the inner pot are within a safe range. Another measure is the overheat/burn protection, which reduces the risk of food burning by regulating the heat output.
Then, there is the automatic pressure control. This feature maintains the right pressure levels by either increasing or suspending heat to increase pressure or reduce pressure when it exceeds the optimal limits, respectively. Also, there is the electrical fuse which is designed to cut off power when the electrical current exceeds the safety limits. In addition, there is a thermal fuse that also cuts off power if the internal temperatures go beyond the safety limits. Lastly, it has a leaky lid detection feature, which prevents the cooker from pressurizing.
Conclusion
The Instant Pot Lux Mini is an entry-level Instant Pot that will initiate you into a world of smart cookware. Once you get the hang of things, you can then move on to a larger Instant Pot. It is a budget-friendly pot and is the only one in the Instant Pot series that comes in various colors. It definitely gets our seal of approval.
