Instant Pot Zest Rice and Grain Cooker Unboxing Review and Demo

Instant pot Zest Rice and Grain Cooker - Instant Pot Zest Unboxing Review and Demo
This is a review on the newly released Instant Pot Zest Rice and Grain Cooker. Easily cook rice, oatmeal, quinoa, and more in the Instant Zest Rice and Grain Cooker.
********
To purchase any of the products I have used/mentioned in my videos:
Instant Pot Zest Rice and Grain Cooker: amzn.to/2CRS3XK
Click this link to subscribe and make sure to turn on your notifications:
/ @nighttimemommyreviews
Join my Amazon Coupon and Savings Facebook group:
/ amazondealfinder
#InstantPotZest #BestRiceCooker #InstantPotZestRiceandGrainCooker
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting Night Time Mommy Reviews so I can continue to provide you with free content each week!

[@That1CoolChick]

This was so helpful! I bought this bc I thought it would be a great time-saver but realized after putting everything in it to make my rice, I had no idea if it was working or not! Good to know I wasn't the only one a bit confused

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

You're so welcome!

[@ApexFuturesTrader]

I bought it yesterday and today I went to youtube and I found your video. Thank you!

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

For under $30 it truly is a great rice cooker. I am glad I could help :)

[@Reggie2000]

Thanks for the video. I just got mine and was trying to make my first batch of rice and didn't know it took 20 minutes to heat up, so I'm just standing there like an idiot pressing buttons because I have zero clue about this step, as it doesn't cover that in the manual. Thanks.

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

Hi Reggie, I truly wish Instant Pot would have included better instructions. I stood around watching mine too, hoping it would start. Even while recording I kept watching and recording over an over thinking something would happen haha.

[@BudHines1234]

I suggest using two cups of water to one cup of rice. That works great. Be sure to add a bouillon cube for flavor. Please show a video on how to steam vegetables with this steamer.

[@sunitagarcha4711]

I bought one yesterday and i checked your video. I tried my rice cooker today. It's perfect, I liked it , no regrets. Thanks for the video.🙏🌷

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

Yay! I am so glad I could help. Thank you for watching. :)

[@kallenvlogs123]

I bought this 3 months ago. Best rice cooker ever. I like that it’s not expensive yet it makes great rice each time. U can play with the water ratio to get ur desired rice consistency. I use mine every day! And of course its easy to clean!!!!

[@marlonbrown5763]

Can you keep the rice warm after cooking it

[@kallenvlogs123]

@@marlonbrown5763 yes. There is a keep warm button. 11 months later.. we still use this rice cooker!

[@marlonbrown5763]

@@kallenvlogs123 wow!!!!!!!!!!!

[@CarolAnneChapman]

Thanks, I really like this review. It's clear, easy-to-understand, and answers my questions about how to use it. I got mine from Walmart and chose it because it has a non-stick ceramic tray/pot, which is much safer than the non-stick teflon-coated ones. I want to use it to cook quinoa. You asked about another small rice cooker. Safe is important to me, so I found the Aroma Simply Stainless one on Amazon. However, reviews say the stainless is plated and can come off. So, in the end, I think the Instant Zest with the ceramic tray is best for small and safe.

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

Thank you for your comment, and suggestion. I have not heard about the Aroma rice cooker, but I am going to look into it. :) I am glad I could help with my review.

[@lisacypert1154]

I just got my Instant Pot Zest and the instructions say it can take 26-60 minutes for white rice. Thanks for the video. I wanted to see someone use it before I tried it.

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

Thank you so much for watching :)

[@oscarbadillo3844]

I threw away the instructions, that's why I'm here 👋

[@timking1924]

Same 😂😂😂

[@joelombrdo]

Thanks for explaining sbout the! condenser tray

[@Litcheck]

Thank you for this video. I really appreciate the help!

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

Thank you for watching :)

[@elizabetheden6692]

Thank You. So helpful. ORDERED!

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

Hope you like it!

[@eviwilliams433]

Just bought mine on sale at Fred Meyer for $20..price can't be beat..it is so cute & compact..thanks for video 😘😋🤍🧐 Can't wait to try it out tomorrow w Oatmeal 😁

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

Thats an amazing deal! Happy cooking :)

[@FlashOhJoy]

I used to use a rice cooker, but since buying an instant pot pressure cooker I don’t have any need for a rice cooker. I use my 3 qt instant pot for rice and grains. My son just bought the little zest, (against my advice) I’d like to compare rice cooked in the zest with rice cooked under pressure… That said…Zojurishi makes rice cookers in a lot of configurations.

[@peruvianprincess8040]

Very helpful, just bought this one and currently trying it.

[@luvluv8929]

Thank you so much for this Video. Instant Pot can break up Family 🤣🤣🤣.

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

Yes!! So true. Haha. Thank you for watching :)

[@annr7096]

i was looking at kohls and seen this one but i wanted to watch a youtube video.. and i seen yours im a try this i want a rice cooker/ steamer so bad and yes i do know you can steam vegetables with the container that it comes with. .thank you so much. .this will be my gift this christmas

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

Hi Ann, I am so glad my unboxing and demo could be of help. I actually made rice in it yesterday, and it makes the rice perfectly every time. I love it. You will too :)

[@retrodog63]

They have a code online that will knock off another 25% (or something like that) right now, as part of their Black Friday week blah blah blah. Just in case you didn't get one yet. I think it makes the price something like $25.

[@annr7096]

retrodog63 I got it. I got it for 22 dollars

[@TylerW.]

@@annr7096 how did you get it for 22? It's showing 27.02 for me?$25.50 not counting tax. hmm...

[@annr7096]

CinematicMediaCellar I think ur right. I bought a bunch of stuff

[@happymonk4206]

Thanks for the video it's easier than it looks

[@daphnemiller5910]

Did I hear you ask about other small rice cookers? I happened to see this small rice cooker online: Aroma Simply Stainless Rice Cooker, White [Cooks 3 cups of uncooked rice].

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

Yes :) Thank you so much :)

[@rupabunan]

​@@NightTimeMommyReviews , I also have an aroma rice cooker, but an 8 cup version (cooked rice) . It has functions for white rice, brown rice, keep warm, steam, delay, and flash rice (faster cooking white rice). I need another small rice cooker for my daughter to cook barley. The rest of us eat white rice. Thanks for the review !

[@daphnemiller5910]

You usually cover every angle of a product and do a wonderful job. This time you did a great job but I was wondering what you think about the liner in the lid. Is it detachable? Did you include it when you washed the other rice cooker parts before your first use? I have more rice cookers than I can count right now and the lids are always my least favorite parts.

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

Hi Daphne, thank you so much. The lid was not something that could be washed in the sink, but it has been incredibly easy to clean. Once I am finished with the rice cooker, I leave the lid open, and just wipe it down with a damp rag, and its good as new :)

[@daphnemiller5910]

@@NightTimeMommyReviews You may want to watch other videos on the Zest because at least one of them I watched indicates the inside of the lid is detachable. Some of mine are also, but I don't have the Zest.

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

@@daphnemiller5910 I just checked, and it seems to be screwed on. It could be that the 20 cup Zest is detachable. I will have to play with it. Crossing my fingers. Thank you

[@daphnemiller5910]

@@NightTimeMommyReviews Last one, I promise. The lid itself isn't detachable, but I was thinking the plate or baffle or whatever it's called would be removable in case you wanted to get it out.

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

@@daphnemiller5910 Lol no worries. Yeah, the plate is what seems to be screwed in. In the center there is some sort of screw with a silicone cover. I will have to play with it when I get home. I just don't want to break it off haha

[@alexbia5689]

Nutri bullet grain cooker is actually great cooks much faster glad i waited to make a purchase.

[@retrodog63]

Takes 20 minutes to "come to pressure"? Is it a pressure cooker or not? Or does it take 20 minutes to heat up? I'm so confused. More importantly, is there a setting for steel cut oats? Is that the brown rice or oatmeal setting? I found the online manual but it doesn't have a chart of alternate food items and what they should be set for on this unit. I guess I could always get the non-stick liner pan for my Duo-60, but it's a beast to use just for breakfast, and that pan costs as much as this thing. Oh, great review, thanks.

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

So after a few trial runs, I realized I misspoke. It is not a pressure cooker, but it takes about 20 minutes to heat up for one cup of rice. It takes about 25 minutes for 2 cups of rice to heat up. There is an oatmeal setting, but I have not played with that setting just yet. Unfortunately, as you mentioned, the chart is very vague, and does not provide times. I wish they would provide a chart at the very least, but they didn't. Hope this helps. I will try to test the oatmeal setting with steel oats this weekend. Thanks for commenting :)

[@retrodog63]

@@NightTimeMommyReviews Thanks for the response. It would be interesting to see if the process could be sped up by using hot water (boiling, or near boiling). If so, I'd have no problems with nuking it in the microwave first. Might be worth a try.

[@justinjt7843]

Thank you for review.

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

Thank you

[@SharonBurnettArtisan]

I have a Sunbeam ricer/steamer that's over 15 years old. It takes 38 minutes to make long grain rice. So 28 minutes to heat up and cook is nothing. I'm debating about this or the Duo Nova (for pressure cooking). BTW my Sunbeam is at the point where the outer plastic section is beginning to crack. So I need to make my decision soon. Thanks for video!

[@AS-uy2ud]

That seems like a long time to make rice? Is it really worth having another gadget instead of cooking it on the stove for 20 min? Guess it's more for convenience?

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

I believe its more for the convenience. There are some days when I am cooking meals for my family, and all of my burners are being used on the stove, and this comes in handy. I can also meal prep for the week and use this while I am cooking everything else, and no attention is ever needed. It really is a convenient device :)

[@freedom4moms437]

Or for people like me that want to switch to brown rice but it never cooks perfectly

[@brittbrat9328]

For me it's a convenience. As an Asian woman, we always eat rice. I can set the delay timer to start cooking it just before I get home from work. It has a feature to keep it warm for so many hours, thus always having your rice at the ready. With the stove top method, I would have a lot of cleanup, transfering it into another container, and having to reheat portions as I go.

[@KaydenceKronicles]

Hello new subscribers here. Great video. I might have to look into this!

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

Thank you for subscribing :)

[@sism3028]

Thank you so much for this. I have been thinking about buying this. Are you happy with this size or would you rather have the 20 cup?

[@icy.diamond]

Thank you for the help!

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

I am glad I could help :)

[@clarinetjunkie]

Thank you for the review :)

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

Thank you :)

[@carolyngeolagon]

Hi thank you for this video...

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

Hi Owen. I am glad you enjoyed my review :)

[@jalenjose3905]

Father's present. Because I love cooking. Right now am eating white rice with fried plantains

[@PanickingPat]

Thank you so much

[@JaiNormis]

Could you also throw in ground meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc. to make a "one pot wonder" assuming that the rice setting is at a high enough of a temperature to safely kill the bacteria in the meat? Is there a max line in the inner pot?

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

Hello :) There is max line in the inner pot, but you could make meat in the steamer tray on top of the rice. It is possible. I may need to try that out, and make a video. :)

[@JaiNormis]

@@NightTimeMommyReviews I was talking about adding all those ingredients in with the rice and water, then cooking that entire concoction. I can do this "dump and go" style of cooking with my instant pot duo, but I wasn't sure if I could do the same with this product. Also, what is the max line amount?

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

@@JaiNormis Ah I see. I do not believe the Instant Pot Zest 8 cup would be a good pot for a dump and go type of meal. The max line is at 8 cups, but they do sell a larger model which is a 20 cup Instant Pot Zest. The Instant Pot Zest Plus 20 cup would be a good option for "dump and go" as it has more functions, including slow cooking. However the Instant Pot Zest Plus 20 cup runs about $60 on amazon, and the Instant Pot Lux is currently priced at $64.99 on Amazon for a 6qt.

[@sashas3362]

No you shouldn't do that because this thing doesn't pressure cook. It is a steamer and it has a steam vent through which liquids will bubble out and create a huge mess. Rice can make a mess too. Although it makes great rice I don't recommend this rice cooker. It is difficult to clean. Get a 3 or 6 quart instant pot and you will be much happier. Just steam your rice in the instant pot instead of pressure cooking it and you will get the same quality of rice. You might be able to do that by leaving the vent open while cooking. Or is that what you are supposed to do when using the rice mode?

[@IdontrunDMC]

@@sashas3362 This rice and grain cooker is not hard to clean at all and does not make a mess. If yours is you are doing something incorrect. For me this is best rice cooker I have ever had.

[@Arth0618]

What setting could i use to cook chili in the smaller instant pot? There is not a chili/bean setting and there is no Manuel setting.

[@tswanso8374]

Have you tried to cook meat? Can you use it as a regular Instant Pot?

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

Unfortunately, this product cannot be used as an instant pot. They have a 20 cup version which is fairly larger that offers a slow cooker option, but the 8 cup model only steams, and has rice and grain functions. I think it would be possible to steam meat, but I haven't tried. Thank you for watching :)

[@neimatkhatib3574]

Thank you for this video. Did you ever try to take off the lid? i want to clean that. thanks!!

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

Hi Neimat, I was not able to remove the lid as this is the 8 cup version. I believe you can from with the 20 cup, but not the 8 cup. After each use, I use a wet cloth and place it between the lid and that silver disk to remove any food residue and moisture.

[@ladonnadhluni508]

It's EXACTLY the same as the Aroma rice cooker - www.aroma-housewares.com/kitchen/appliances/ARC-914SBD.html I've been using the Aroma for years - but when mine stopped working, Walmart only had this available, so I got one. A little more "modern" design as they've added the quinoa button (which can be done with rice button) and a couple of extras. The pot is the same size, except the Zest is non-sick. I haven't been able to find specific recipes for this model. But I'm sure the Aroma recipes beyond basic rice and grains will work in the Instant Zest as well.

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

Thank you for providing a link. I am going to have to look into the Aroma. I know someone else mentioned the aroma as well. So far the Instant Zest seems to be doing really well though. I love it haha

[@zaurike]

La Donna Dhluni they’re all made at the same factory in Guangzhou, China. That’s why they all look / perform the same. You can order a batch of 1000 of these called Dhulni from Alibaba.

[@bigwobs90723]

Love the channel cuzin

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

Thank you cuzin. I appreciate the support :)

[@axyelsalifewithtwodogs260]

Hello new sub here, interesting video 👍🏽

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

Thank you for subscribing to my channel :)

[@kareenyirenkyi6720]

Thanks 😘

[@Maryamrockify]

Have you tried cooking rice in any of the other instant pots? Should we get a separate rice cooker?

[@adityashukla702]

may i know if the steam tray can be used to boil eggs?

[@SeekerFitness]

is that a 6 qt or 8 qt insant pot that you compared the size of the units?

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

Hi Sandy, I compared the zest with a 6 qt instant pot :)

[@buzzstrawberry6372]

Mine came in today and I was so confused on why the timer wasn’t working at first then you said it takes 20 minutes to warm up

[@blackhorse4659]

It's not a pressure cooker. It doesn't "come to pressure". It gauges the amount of grains etc in it, and it starts an eight minute countdown timer when there is eight minutes left to done.

[@brittbrat9328]

Ah.... Thanks for clearing that up

[@joyekeji501]

So it doesn’t slow cook?

[@winebox]

Glad Kroger didn’t have one in stock. I was going to buy one but settled on the 3 quart instant pot for backup to my 6 quart. I wanted it for quinoa and such. I prefer the stainless liners. I have a couple of nonstick pans but really don’t trust them for durability and non leaching.

[@cindypattana6071]

Can you make boxed rice like Zatarain's in one of these? I just got one but haven't tried it yet.

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

Hi Cindy, I imagine it is possible, but I would need to try it. Is there a particular flavor or rice type you would like me to try?

[@cindypattana6071]

@@NightTimeMommyReviews Zatarain's yellow rice. Thanks.

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

@@cindypattana6071 Of course :) Anytime

[@TheSebastiansanto]

All due respect but it would be helpful to read the instructions before demonstrating the product. Just a few things to note: 1. This isn't an Instant Pot as you describe in the video. An Instant Pot is an entirely different product, this is called an Instant Zest and it's just a rice and grains cooker 2. The smart programs are pre set, so there's no need to press anything else than the program key 3. This does not "come to pressure", there is no pressure inside because it's not an Instant Pot, it's a rice and grains cooker.

[@KH-px9yg]

Is the cord loose or removable? or is there an organizer on the bottom?

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

Unfortunately it is not removable, and there is no organizer at the bottom. Its loose.

[@tinoman1980]

Kool

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

Thank you :)

[@jalenjose3905]

Rice can be eaten with shopstick. Do not add oil.

[@rajspec]

Can we make yoghurt in this?

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

Unfortunately this particular machine is a rice cooker with a couple other features, and yogurt is not one of them. However they do sell instant pot models with the yogurt function

[@rajspec]

@@NightTimeMommyReviews thanks for the reply dear. Much appreciated !!!

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

@@rajspec Anytime :)

[@mayademorest3020]

what kind of rice do you use?

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

I use the mahatma white rice :)

[@ishmealgomez3751]

Rice cooker is good just wish it cooked faster than 28min lol!

[@ItsAverysWorld]

🤗🤗🤗

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

Thank you for visiting my page :)

[@sabikakashani897]

Can you just steam veggies in it??

[@gustavogomez8578]

can i cook beans ?

[@eddie8158]

Can you make meat recipes with this version?

[@SupremeNerd]

No. This is not a pressure cooker

[@martinegagnon4708]

Je voudrais avoir en français svp merci

[@lesliealghareeb3099]

My Instant Rice pot has delay on the start button so when I try to press start it says it will take a hour .

[@SupremeNerd]

Because the majority of that time is taken for the pot to heat up

[@marianne8636]

Can the lid be removed?

[@SupremeNerd]

No

[@yenisvillegas5211]

Let’s say I want to make 3 cups of rice, is it still only 8 minutes to cook?

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

Hi Yenis, it will take much longer than 8 minutes to cook as this is a rice cooker. The instant pot pressure cooker may get you the 3 cups of rice in 8-12 minutes. :)

[@lindadikkema3544]

It does not pressure cook the rice. There was no pressure set or released In your video.

[@mythical.Cels143]

does 8 cup fit in here?

[@SupremeNerd]

It's an 8 cup rice cooker so I would say it can

[@natividad7147]

I did the same exact s#!+ 🙃

[@vancourverite7779]

thi isi a stupid product with a faulty design. The fact that i have to read the manual and also watch this video to learn how to cook rice already means the product designed failed. It won't cook! just stuck on warm mode

[@normadavilaperez8640]

en español por favor

[@hinairfan1984]

Hello🌺 I am your new friend Abeer and Family🌺🌺

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

Thank you for visiting my channel

[@chris23219]

Can I cook ribs in this one ? I got the wrong one 😭😭😭

[@reddalchemy5970]

No. This is for rice and grains. For meat dishes, you should really get an instant pot.

[@jalenjose3905]

One thing, don't bang the plastic spoon on the pot

[@seelamramya1022]

Nice ,I need help me, but free I need.

[@NightTimeMommyReviews]

Just successfully made Steel Cut Oats Oatmeal in the Instant Zest. Going to upload this weekend :) Be sure to subscribe, and turn on your notifications 😀

[@SuperSandhool]

Hey there can I can coook with camel meat ca 🐪 🥩