The instant pot's value is the automation. Yes, you can achieve the same results with a stovetop pressure cooker or even a regular pan/pot. You will be spending

The instant pot's value is the automation. Yes, you can achieve the same results with a stovetop pressure cooker or even a regular pan/pot. You will be spending more of your time on it because if you don't pay attention, adjust the heat, turn it off after 20 minutes, etc. you will end up with a mess or worse on your stove. Regular induction cooktops and ovens are starting to get similar features where they can be set on a timer, sense the temperature of the food, etc. It may not seem like much, but it's very important because it saves people time and makes more of the manual housework optional.