Ninja vs. Instant Pot: Best for BBQ Ribs?

Ninja vs. Instant Pot: If you’re wondering whether the Ninja or Instant Pot is better for slow-cooking BBQ ribs, you’ve come to the right place! Both devices are popular, but when it comes to achieving tender, fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs, one might have the edge over the other. Let’s dive into the strengths of each to help you make the best choice for your next cookout.

Ninja Slow Cooker: Pros & Cons for BBQ Ribs

The Ninja Slow Cooker is known for its versatility. Here’s how it performs when making BBQ ribs:

• Pros:
  1. Multiple functions: Not only is it a slow cooker, but it can also sauté and sear. This means you can brown your ribs in the same pot before slow cooking, locking in flavor.
  2. Precision temperature control: With customizable settings, you can control the cooking time and heat, making it easier to achieve perfectly tender ribs.
  3. Larger capacity: If you’re cooking for a crowd, the Ninja’s large size can handle more ribs in one go.
• Cons:
  1. Price: While its versatility is a plus, the Ninja tends to be on the pricier side compared to the Instant Pot.
  2. Complexity: The multiple functions can be overwhelming if you’re looking for something simple.

The Ninja may be a multitasking ninja in the kitchen, but it won’t disappear the moment the dishes are done!

If you like this versatility, you might also enjoy our Ultimate Guide to Slow Cooking Curries.

Instant Pot: Pros & Cons for BBQ Ribs

The Instant Pot is another powerhouse, with millions of fans swearing by it. Here’s how it performs for BBQ ribs:

• Pros:
  1. Speed: If you’re in a rush, the Instant Pot’s pressure-cooking function can drastically reduce the cooking time, delivering tender ribs faster than a traditional slow cooker.
  2. Multiple preset modes: The Instant Pot has settings for everything from sautéing to slow cooking, making it a versatile kitchen tool.
  3. Affordability: Instant Pots are generally more budget-friendly compared to the Ninja.
• Cons:
  1. Not as spacious: The Instant Pot’s smaller size means it might not be the best option if you’re cooking large batches of ribs.
  2. Limited slow-cooking features: While it can slow-cook, it doesn’t have the same level of precision as the Ninja, which might affect your BBQ ribs’ tenderness.

The Instant Pot might cook fast, but it won’t help you eat faster! Enjoy those ribs slowly. 🐷

Want to see more from the Instant Pot? Check out our Instant Pot vs. Crock-Pot: Which is Best for Slow-Cooked Chicken? article.

Which Is Better for BBQ Ribs: Ninja or Instant Pot?

When it comes to making BBQ ribs, it’s all about how you like to cook:

• Go for the Ninja if you want more control over cooking temperature and enjoy slow-cooking large batches. Its ability to sear the ribs before slow cooking is a bonus if you like an extra layer of flavor.
• Pick the Instant Pot if you’re pressed for time or working with a smaller budget. Its pressure-cooking feature can have your ribs ready in a fraction of the time, but the slow-cooking function may not give you the same results as the Ninja.

Ultimately, both devices can produce mouth-watering BBQ ribs, but your decision will depend on how much control and speed you need.

Bonus Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs

Ready to put your new slow cooker to the test? Here’s a quick BBQ ribs recipe you can try in either the Ninja or Instant Pot:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 rack of pork ribs
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Directions:
  1. Rub the ribs with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  2. Place the ribs in your slow cooker.
  3. In a bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Pour the sauce over the ribs.
  4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for fall-off-the-bone ribs in the Ninja or Instant Pot’s slow-cooker setting.

These ribs are so good, you’ll be licking your fingers clean… and maybe your slow cooker too!

For more BBQ recipes, check out our Best Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Breasts article.

Conclusion

So, which slow cooker is better for BBQ ribs—Ninja or Instant Pot? It depends on your cooking style. The Ninja offers precision and space, while the Instant Pot gives you speed and affordability. Both are excellent choices, so you really can’t go wrong.

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