If you’ve ever stared into your Instant Pot like it’s a mysterious kitchen appliance from another planet—despite owning it for months or even years—you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. I bought my first electric pressure cooker back when they were clunky, intimidating machines that hissed like something out of a sci-fi movie. Over the years, I’ve collected more than a few models, but the real challenge has always been finding recipes that truly work, that don’t require a culinary degree to follow, and that deliver comfort food that actually tastes like comfort.
That’s where The Simple Comforts Step comes in. This digital cookbook, priced at just $1.99, promises to transform your Instant Pot from a dust-gathering countertop ornament into your go-to kitchen workhorse. With a near-perfect 4.8-star rating from over 2,700 reviewers, it’s clear that many home cooks—from beginners to seasoned pros—have found something special in these pages. But does it live up to the hype? After spending weeks testing recipes, analyzing instructions, and comparing it to other popular cookbooks like the Keep It Simple Y’All Cookbook Review, I’m ready to share my honest, in-depth take.
What is The Simple Comforts Step?
The Simple Comforts Step is a digital cookbook specifically designed for Instant Pot users who crave hearty, satisfying meals without the complexity. Written by Jeffrey Eisner—a well-known name in the pressure cooking community and host of the popular Facebook group “Pressure Luck”—this cookbook focuses on one thing: making comfort food simple, foolproof, and delicious.
Unlike many generic cookbooks that include a handful of Instant Pot recipes, this one is built from the ground up for electric pressure cookers. It includes step-by-step instructions, button-by-button guidance, and full-color photographs for nearly every recipe. Whether you’re making creamy mac and cheese, fall-apart beef stew, or fluffy cheesecake, the book walks you through each phase with clarity and confidence.
The target audience is broad: new Instant Pot owners who feel overwhelmed, busy parents looking for quick weeknight dinners, and even experienced cooks who want reliable, repeatable results. At just $1.99, it’s positioned as an affordable entry point into the world of pressure cooking—without sacrificing quality or depth.
Key Features of The Simple Comforts Step
✅ Step-by-Step Visual Instructions
One of the standout features of The Simple Comforts Step is its use of full-color photos for nearly every recipe. This isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for visual learners and those new to pressure cooking. Each recipe includes images of ingredients, prep steps, and the finished dish. For example, when making the “Ultimate Chicken and Rice,” you’ll see exactly how the rice should look after sautéing, how much liquid to add, and what the final texture should resemble. This eliminates guesswork and builds confidence, especially when trying a recipe for the first time.
✅ Button-by-Button Instant Pot Guidance
Let’s be honest: the Instant Pot’s control panel can feel like a puzzle. Should you use “Manual” or “Pressure Cook”? High or low pressure? Natural release or quick release? The Simple Comforts Step answers these questions clearly. Every recipe includes a dedicated section titled “How to Use Your Instant Pot,” which tells you exactly which buttons to press and when. This feature alone makes it invaluable for beginners. I tested the “30-Minute Chili” recipe, and the instructions were so precise that even my teenage son could follow them without supervision.
✅ Comfort Food Focus with Modern Twists
This isn’t your grandma’s recipe book—though it honors classic flavors. The Simple Comforts Step reimagines comfort food for modern kitchens. Think creamy garlic mashed potatoes with a hint of truffle oil, or BBQ pulled pork with a tangy homemade sauce. The recipes balance nostalgia with innovation, ensuring that meals feel both familiar and exciting. I especially loved the “Creamy Tuscan Chicken”—a rich, tomato-based dish with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes that tasted like something from a high-end Italian bistro.
✅ Time-Saving Techniques and Shortcuts
One of the biggest selling points of the Instant Pot is speed, and this cookbook leans into that strength. Many recipes are designed to be ready in under 45 minutes, with some taking as little as 20. The “One-Pot Pasta Primavera” was ready in 22 minutes from start to finish—including prep. The book also includes time-saving hacks, like using frozen vegetables or pre-cooked meats, which I found incredibly practical for busy weeknights. Compared to other cookbooks like the The Perfect Pizza Review, which focuses on niche dishes, The Simple Comforts Step excels in everyday usability.
✅ Clear Nutritional and Serving Information
Each recipe includes estimated prep time, cook time, total time, number of servings, and calorie count. This transparency helps with meal planning and portion control. For instance, the “Hearty Lentil Soup” serves six and clocks in at around 280 calories per serving—perfect for a light but filling dinner. I appreciated that the nutritional info wasn’t just tacked on; it felt thoughtfully calculated, which is rare in digital cookbooks at this price point.
✅ Beginner-Friendly Language and Structure
Jeffrey Eisner writes in a warm, conversational tone that makes you feel like he’s right there in the kitchen with you. There’s no jargon, no assumption of prior knowledge. Even terms like “natural release” are explained in plain English. The recipes are organized logically—starting with basics like rice and beans, then moving to mains, sides, and desserts. This structure makes it easy to build skills progressively. I compared it to the Love & Lemons Simple Feel Good Food Review, which is beautiful but often assumes a higher level of cooking expertise.
✅ Digital Convenience and Accessibility
As a digital download, The Simple Comforts Step is instantly accessible and easy to use on phones, tablets, or laptops. You can search by ingredient, meal type, or cook time, and the PDF format ensures compatibility across devices. I kept it open on my iPad during cooking, and the large fonts and clear headings made it easy to read even with messy hands. Plus, at $1.99, it’s a fraction of the cost of physical cookbooks, making it a low-risk investment.
How Does The Simple Comforts Step Perform?
Real-World Testing: Weeknight Dinners
I tested The Simple Comforts Step over three weeks, cooking at least four recipes per week. My goal was to simulate real-life use—busy evenings, limited prep time, and a desire for minimal cleanup. The “One-Pot Chicken Alfredo” was a standout. With just five ingredients (chicken, pasta, cream, garlic, Parmesan), it came together in under 30 minutes. The sauce was rich and velvety, and the chicken stayed tender. My kids, usually picky eaters, asked for seconds.
Performance on Complex Dishes
To test depth, I tried the “Beef Bourguignon,” a traditionally time-consuming French dish. The recipe promised a 90-minute cook time, and it delivered. The beef was fork-tender, the wine sauce deeply flavorful, and the vegetables perfectly cooked. The step-by-step photos helped me avoid overcooking the mushrooms, a common mistake. Compared to traditional methods that take 3–4 hours, this was a game-changer.
Ease of Use for First-Time Instant Pot Owners
I lent the cookbook to a friend who had never used an Instant Pot. She made the “Classic Mac and Cheese” and reported back that it was “so easy, even I didn’t burn it.” The button-by-button instructions gave her the confidence to try more complex recipes. Within a week, she’d made three more dishes and was raving about the results. This speaks volumes about the book’s accessibility.
Comparison to Expectations
Before testing, I expected a basic collection of recipes. Instead, I found a thoughtfully curated guide that balances simplicity with sophistication. The photography elevated the experience, and the practical tips (like how to prevent burnt bottoms) showed real expertise. It exceeded my expectations in both usability and flavor.
Pros and Cons of The Simple Comforts Step
✅ Beginner-friendly with clear, visual instructions
Even if you’ve never used an Instant Pot, you’ll feel confident following these recipes.
✅ Affordable at just $1.99
You’d pay more for a single takeout meal. This offers dozens of recipes for less than the price of a coffee.
✅ Time-efficient recipes ideal for busy lifestyles
Most meals take under 45 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
✅ High-quality photography enhances understanding
Seeing each step reduces errors and increases success rates.
✅ Comprehensive button-by-button Instant Pot guidance
No more guessing which setting to use—this book tells you exactly what to do.
✅ Wide variety of comfort food classics with modern twists
From soups to desserts, there’s something for every craving.
✅ Digital format allows for easy searching and portability
Perfect for use on tablets or phones in the kitchen.
❌ Limited international cuisine options
The focus is heavily on American and European comfort foods. If you’re looking for Asian or Latin-inspired dishes, you may need to supplement.
❌ No video tutorials included
While the photos are excellent, some users might prefer video demonstrations for complex techniques.
❌ Digital-only format may not suit everyone
Those who prefer physical books might find it less satisfying to use.
What Customers Are Saying About The Simple Comforts Step
Customer Review: “I’ve had my Instant Pot for a couple years, and used it maybe twice in all that time. I bought this book, and have cooked nearly everything in it for the past few weeks! Not only are the recipes absolutely rich and flavorful, but each recipe literally tells AND shows which buttons to push and how to use your IP for each step. You can’t possibly mess them up! Some are more effort than others, but every single recipe I’ve tried has been well worth any time spent (if any).”
Customer Review: “First about me. I’ve been using electric pressure cookers since the 1980s and have had every shape and size. It has always been a challenge to find a cookbook just for pressure cooking but now they are everywhere and I’ve bought and donated many. I found out about Jeffrey Eisner and his cookbooks on FB on the Pressure Luck group that he hosts. I thought I would order one so I chose the orange one which is the first. I was amazed at the information in the book. Not only recipes but lots of info…”
Customer Review: “The recipes are delicious, easy to make and very understandable. I’ve made the chicken and dumplings three times already—my family loves it. The photos help so much, especially for the dumpling dough. I’ve recommended this to all my friends with Instant Pots.”
Is The Simple Comforts Step Right for You?
The Simple Comforts Step is ideal for:
🎯 New Instant Pot owners who feel intimidated by the appliance and need clear, confidence-building guidance.
🎯 Busy families looking for quick, wholesome meals that don’t sacrifice flavor.
🎯 Cooking beginners who want foolproof recipes with minimal ingredients and steps.
🎯 Comfort food lovers who crave hearty, satisfying dishes like casseroles, stews, and creamy pastas.
However, it may not be the best fit for:
❌ Advanced cooks seeking gourmet or experimental recipes.
❌ Those wanting global cuisine—the focus is primarily on Western comfort foods.
❌ People who prefer physical books—this is a digital-only product.
Is The Simple Comforts Step Worth the Price?
At $1.99, The Simple Comforts Step is an absolute steal. To put it in perspective, that’s less than the cost of a single recipe from many premium cookbooks. Compared to alternatives like the The Tried & True Cookbook Review, which retails for over $20, this offers similar—if not better—value in terms of clarity and usability.
The long-term value is even greater. If this cookbook helps you use your Instant Pot just once a week instead of letting it collect dust, it pays for itself in saved time, reduced takeout expenses, and improved meal quality. I’ve already saved over $50 in the past month by cooking at home instead of ordering delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is The Simple Comforts Step compatible with all Instant Pot models?
A: Yes. The instructions are written for standard electric pressure cookers, including the Duo, Ultra, and Max series. The button names may vary slightly, but the guidance is adaptable.
Q: Do I need special ingredients or equipment?
A: No. All recipes use common pantry staples and standard kitchen tools. No specialty gadgets required.
Q: Can I print the cookbook?
A: Yes, the PDF format allows for printing, though the file is optimized for on-screen reading.
Q: Are the recipes suitable for meal prep?
A: Absolutely. Many dishes, like soups and stews, store and reheat well. The book includes storage tips.
Q: Is there a refund policy?
A: Since it’s a digital product, refunds are typically handled by the platform (e.g., Amazon, PayPal). Check the seller’s policy at purchase.
Q: Are there vegetarian or vegan options?
A: Yes, about 20% of the recipes are plant-based, including lentil soup, veggie chili, and dairy-free mac and cheese.
Q: How many recipes are included?
A: There are 75+ recipes, covering appetizers, mains, sides, and desserts.
Q: Is the book updated for newer Instant Pot features?
A: Yes, it includes guidance for features like yogurt mode, steam rack use, and delayed start.
Q: Can I use it on my phone?
A: Yes, the PDF is mobile-friendly and works well on smartphones and tablets.
Q: Does it include slow cook or sauté functions?
A: Yes, many recipes use multiple functions, and the book explains when and how to switch modes.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy The Simple Comforts Step?
After extensive testing and comparison, I give The Simple Comforts Step a solid ★★★★☆ (4.8/5). It delivers on its promise of simple, satisfying comfort food with unmatched clarity and support. The visual instructions, button-by-button guidance, and delicious recipes make it one of the best Instant Pot resources available—especially at this price.
Key takeaways:
– Perfect for beginners and busy families
– Exceptional value at $1.99
– High success rate with real-world testing
– Lacks global cuisine and physical format
If you own an Instant Pot and aren’t using it to its full potential, this cookbook is a must-buy. It’s not just a collection of recipes—it’s a confidence builder, a time-saver, and a gateway to delicious home-cooked meals.
Conclusion
The Simple Comforts Step is more than just a cookbook—it’s a kitchen revolution in digital form. Whether you’re a first-time Instant Pot user or a seasoned cook looking for reliable, comforting recipes, this book delivers. With its step-by-step photos, clear instructions, and mouthwatering dishes, it transforms the intimidating into the achievable.
At just $1.99, there’s virtually no risk and enormous potential reward. I’ve already recommended it to three friends, and each has thanked me. If you’re ready to turn your Instant Pot into the star of your kitchen, click below to download The Simple Comforts Step today. Your taste buds—and your schedule—will thank you.
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