Prior to cooking, the potatoes were poked all over with a fork or knife to allow steam to escape, which prevents the potato from bursting and encourages even heat distribution. Once the potatoes were finished cooking, testers sliced the potatoes to release steam, which prevents moisture from building up and creating soft skin.
Instant Pot
A potato that was cooked in an instant pot multi-cooker.
Food & Wine / Photo by Greg DuPree / Food Styling by Julian Hensarling / Prop Styling by Julia Bayless
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Rating: 4/10
Method: One of the biggest advantages of using a programmable electric pressure cooker like an Instant Pot is that you don’t need to turn on your oven. To bake a potato in the Instant Pot, first place the steam rack inside and fill with 1 cup of water. Place the potatoes on the steam rack, cover with the lid, lock in place, and turn the steam release handle to the sealing position. Pressure-cook on high for 27 minutes. Note that it will take 5 to 8 minutes for the cooker to come up to pressure before cooking begins. Once the cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release, which can take up to 20 minutes. Transfer the potatoes to a plate and rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Results: This method was the least preferred by the testers, largely because the cook time is so unpredictable. There is no easy way to open the pressure cooker and test for doneness, so if the potato isn’t finished at the end of the cycle, you’ll need to start the process over again and add a few minutes, or finish in the oven or microwave. The actual results were poor, as well. Testers said the potato flesh was flaky and the skin was very thin and underseasoned, likely from the moist cooking environment.
Pros: No need to heat the kitchen by turning on the oven. Mostly hands-free cooking.
Cons: Very unpredictable cook time. Potato flesh was flaky and the skin was underseasoned and flimsy.
Microwave
A potato that was cooked in a microwave.
Food & Wine / Photo by Greg DuPree / Food Styling by Julian Hensarling / Prop Styling by Julia Bayless
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Rating: 5/10
