Instant Pot Guide: A Beginner's Guide to Using Your Force per unit area Cooker

Wondering how to use your new Instant Pot? In this Instant Pot Guide, I'll walk you through what you demand to know to outset cooking with your Instant Pot today. Condom features, how to practice an Instant Pot water test, what's the deviation betwixt a natural pressure release and a quick release, and what volition happen footstep by footstep through the cooking process.

Beginner's Guide for the Instant Pot

I'll be honest – the first time I used my Instant Pot, I was overwhelmed and a bit scared. An Instant Pot tin be intimidating for a new user. In that location are so many buttons and safety warnings.

All the same, I guarantee that one time you lot become started, you'll wonder what you ever did without your Instant Pot. I dearest mine so much that I now own two Instant Pots!

I'm going to assist you get started with all of the tips and tricks that I have learned through trial, error and research. This Instant Pot transmission will tell you everything you need to know to utilise your Instant Pot for the starting time time.

What is an Instant Pot?

An Instant Pot is an electric pressure level cooker. It is a multi-utilize appliance that can cook foods quickly at loftier force per unit area. Steam pressure builds up inside the pot, which creates a higher temperature environment that cooks foods faster. Unlike old fashioned pressure cookers, the Instant Pot has many safe features that make information technology safety and piece of cake to use.

An Instant Pot is a pressure level cooker, sauté pot, slow cooker, steamer, rice cooker, yogurt maker and warmer all in one. I've been amazed at the versatility of my Instant Pot and the flavor and texture of the foods that I am able to cook in it. The high pressure level inside the Instant Pot can tenderize even tough cuts of meat. It creates rich, complex flavors – seriously, I've never had improve chili than Instant Pot chili!

If you are not certain which Instant Pot to buy, check out my guide to the Best Instant Pots. I've also tested out many Instant Pot accessories so that I can share my favorites with you.

Unpacking your Instant Pot box

If yous haven't taken your Instant Pot out of the box, now would exist a good time to do so. To open your Instant Pot, plough the lid counter clockwise and lift. To close turn clockwise. Remove any plastic wrap from the inner pot and the accessories.

Instant Pot Parts and Accessories

Instant Pot parts and accessories: base unit, inner pot, lid, steam release valve, condensation collector, trivets

  1. Base Unit of measurement – this contains the heating element.
  2. Stainless Steel Inner Pot – fits into the base unit.
  3. Lid – the wait of the lid varies between Instant Pot models.
  4. Steam Release Valve (too chosen Steam Release Handle) – this fits on the height of the lid and may already be attached.
  5. Condensation Collector – attach this to the back of your Instant Pot. (LUX models exercise non have a condensation collector.)
  6. Trivet – be certain to keep this, as you will use it often.
  7. Power Cord – removable in some Instant Pot models.
  8. Measuring Cup & Utensils – These come with the Instant Pot. I use my own measuring cups and utensils instead of these.

The first affair you'll want to do is wash the parts of your Instant Pot. The Instant Pot hat, steam release valve and stainless steel inner pot are dishwasher safe; however, I wash mine by hand. The base unit of measurement is not dishwasher condom – never immerse the base unit in water.

The Ii most important safety instructions for your Instant Pot

The Instant Pot transmission is filled with safety instructions, only these 2 are the disquisitional ones to remember:

Get-go, never put your confront nearly the steam release valve or float valve while the Instant Pot is on. When I toggle the steam release valve, I utilise a long handled wooden spoon so my mitt and arm are non near the valve opening.  Whatever kitchen utensil with a long handle volition practice. Alternatively, you tin can use an oven mitt to advisedly plow the steam release valve to the "venting" position when you are fix to release the pressure level in your Instant Pot.

Opening the Instant Pot steam release valve with the handle of a wooden spoon.

Second, never open the Instant Pot lid until the force per unit area has been released through the steam release valve. You will know that all the pressure has been released when the bladder valve (pivot) drops downwardly.

Depending on which Instant Pot model you have, the float valve may be red or silver. Information technology may pop up to a higher place the level of the lid when the pot is pressurized, or it may pop upward to be affluent with the level of the lid. In my 6 quart LUX, the silver float valve is below lid level normally and pops upward to be flush with the level of the chapeau when pressurized. You volition become to know how your Instant Pot model works.

These photos show my 8 quart DUO and you lot see that the float valve is above the lid level in the left photo, which shows a pressurized pot.

Instant Pot float valve drops down when pressure is released and it is safe to open the Instant Pot.

If a recipe calls for a natural release, wait for the natural release time specified in the recipe and so move the steam release valve to the "venting" position to make sure all of the steam and pressure have released. Make certain the bladder valve has dropped down and then information technology is condom to open the Instant Pot lid. Open the lid slowly, tilting it so any hot steam will non accident towards your face.

Never endeavor to open the hat of your Instant Pot while it is pressurized.

Inspecting your Instant Pot before each employ

1. Remove the stainless steel inner pot and wait inside the instant pot base. You will see the heating chemical element. The heating chemical element should always be free of droppings and dry out before you apply you the Instant Pot. Subsequently washing, I always dry my stainless steel inner pot thoroughly before returning it to the base unit.

Heating element inside the Instant Pot base unit.

2. Check that the silicone sealing band is fitted properly onto the hat and is make clean and costless of tears.

Instant Pot lid with sealing ring.

3. Remove the steam release valve from the Instant Pot lid by gently pulling information technology straight up. Make certain it is clean and complimentary of debris. Some foods, such every bit applesauce, pasta and oatmeal may froth and foam when you lot melt them and can clog the steam release valve. Cheque the steam release valve each time you employ your Instant Pot. If information technology is dirty clean it under running water and then put it back on the Instant Pot lid.

How to take the steam release valve off of the Instant Pot lid for cleaning.

iv. Check the bladder valve to ensure information technology is clean and gratis of debris. Make clean it with warm h2o every bit needed. You may place the chapeau under running water every bit needed to launder information technology.

Instant Pot DUO and Instant Pot LUX model steam release valve and float valve.

Making certain that all parts of your Instant Pot are make clean and in good working condition can help you to accept the best success with force per unit area cooking. My post about the Instant Pot burn message tells you both how to prevent getting this warning and what to do if y'all practice get a fire message.

Instant Pot Water Test

Before you use your Instant Pot for the offset time, you should perform a h2o exam. The Instant Pot water exam is like an initial examination run for your Instant Pot.

The water test will both ensure that your Instant Pot is working properly and will familiarize you with using your Instant Pot.

One of the Instant Pots that I purchased was defective. A water test helped me to determine that the Instant Pot wasn't working properly. I was able to contact Instant Pot back up and become a replacement.

Note: If you accept the Instant Pot Ultra, yous volition utilise the dial to select cooking programs and modify the cook time and then press "outset." Instead of a steam release valve that you turn, the Instant Pot Ultra has a steam release button that you will printing if y'all desire to manually release the pressure. The steam release valve will seal automatically on the Ultra, whereas on other models you turn the valve between a venting and a sealing position.

How to do an Instant Pot water test

  1. Make sure that the power cord is firmly connected to your Instant Pot. Plug it into a ability outlet in your wall.
  2. Place the stainless steel inner pot in the base unit. Add 3 cups of cool water to the inner pot.
  3. Bank check that the silicone sealing ring is fitted properly into the Instant Pot lid. Place the hat on the Instant Pot and turn information technology clockwise until it is in the closed position. Your Instant Pot will chime each time you lot close and open the lid (if the Instant Pot is plugged in).
  4. Plough the steam release valve to the "sealing" position. (If you take an Instant Pot Ultra it will automatically set the steam release to "sealing" when you lot close the lid.)
  5. Press the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" button. (Some Instant Pot models have a button that says "Manual" and others accept a "Pressure Melt" push button. They do exactly the same thing.)
  6. Utilise the +/- buttons to fix the time to 5 minutes. Wait for 10 seconds and the Instant Pot display will say "On" and the cycle will begin. Instant Pot water test steps: Display shows "On."
  7. The Instant Pot will take anywhere from 5-15 minutes to achieve pressure level. Once it reaches pressure the float valve will pop up, the Instant Pot will beep once, and the cook time will begin to count down from 5 minutes. You might notice hissing sounds and some steam escaping from the steam release valve or float valve hole while the pressure builds – this is normal. You may also notice a plastic odor the showtime fourth dimension yous employ your Instant Pot. This is also normal and shouldn't happen over again.Instant Pot water test steps: Display shows 5 minutes.
  8. One time the v minute cook fourth dimension ends, the Instant Pot volition beep a few times. It will switch to the keep warm mode and the display will brainstorm to count upwards minutes instead of down. During this time, you lot will know that the cook cycle has ended and the numbers are now counting up because there will be an "L" displayed before the numbers. The count-up timer is handy if you desire to do a certain number of minutes of natural release.Instant Pot display after the cooking cycle has ended.
  9. For the water test, you will do a quick release (QR) to release the pressure in the Instant Pot. I will tell yous more about a quick release vs. a natural pressure level release (NPR) below. To do a quick release, carefully turn the steam release valve to the "venting" position. Use the handle of a long spoon to toggle the valve to continue your hand safety from the hot steam that will escape from the valve.
  10. When the float valve drops down remove the Instant Pot lid.

If the water test does not get equally planned (and your Instant Pot does not reach pressure), be sure that you turned the steam release valve to the "sealing" position during the test. Also check that the sealing ring is fitted properly onto the chapeau. If neither of these was the problem, you lot may want to contact Instant Pot client service for further assistance.

Now that you lot have completed the water examination, you lot are set up to melt in your Instant Pot!

How to use an Instant Pot: What yous need to know to go started with Instant Pot cooking

At that place are a few basic things that y'all need to know when using an Instant Pot electrical force per unit area cooker. In one case you employ yours a few times, these will be like 2d nature. Depending on which Instant Pot model you own, the buttons may exist labeled slightly differently. Consult the manual that came with your Instant Pot.

Minimum Liquid Required: As a general dominion, y'all want to apply at least 1 loving cup of liquid in your Instant Pot every fourth dimension yous melt with it. The Instant Pot uses steam and pressure level to cook food, and yous need liquid to create the steam and pressure. Some recipes may call for more or less liquid. I recommend following recipes from a trusted source while you are learning to use your Instant Pot.

Fill Level: Inside the Instant Pot inner pot, you will see a 1/2 and a 2/three line marked. Never fill the Instant Pot higher than the 2/3 line with nutrient or liquid (before cooking). If yous are cooking food that will expand during the melt time such every bit rice, quinoa or beans, do not fill the Instant Pot higher than the 1/2 line.

The front displays and buttons on the Instant Pot DUO model and Instant Pot LUX model.

"Pressure Melt" or "Manual" Button: Depending on which Instant Pot model you own, the Pressure Cook push is sometimes labeled "Manual" and sometimes "Pressure Cook." This is the button that you will press to start a pressure cooking bike. Information technology'south your basic force per unit area cooking button.

+/- Buttons: Utilise these buttons to adjust the cook time.

"Go along Warm/Cancel" Push: Use this button to terminate a cooking program or turn on/off the keep warm role. (Later on a cooking cycle ends the Instant Pot automatically switches to proceed warm.)

"Sauté" Button: Pressing this button allows yous to sauté foods in your Instant Pot. This is convenient because yous don't have to use some other pot on the stove. You can sauté and brown foods correct in your Instant Pot. (Never place your Instant Pot base unit or inner pot on the stove height.) You tin also use sauté fashion to thicken sauces after pressure cooking. Never sauté with the chapeau on. When you press the sauté button the time will default to 30 minutes, but yous tin plow it off at any time by pressing the abolish button.

"Adjust" Button: The Accommodate key switches between Less, Normal and More cooking modes. These are useful if you are using sauté mode, as they control the amount of heat.

"Pressure" Button: The Force per unit area (sometimes labeled "Pressure Level") button toggles between loftier and low pressure settings. Pretty much every Instant Pot recipe you volition observe will direct you to cook at high pressure. If y'all ain the LUX series, you will non take this button since the Instant Pot LUX only has a high pressure setting.

Plan Buttons: Depending on your Instant Pot model, the program options might include Soup/Goop, Bean/Chili, Meat/Stew, Cake, Egg, Rice, Multigrain, Porridge, Yogurt, Steam and Dull Cook. These programs have pre-set melt times. Honestly, I never utilize these buttons because I prefer to command the melt times myself.

Using the Trivet: Utilize the metal trivet that came with your Instant Pot when you desire to raise food up then that it does not come in contact with the bottom of the pot. You might use the trivet if you lot want to keep certain foods out of the liquid in the base of the pot, or away from the direct heat on the lesser of the pot. If yous melt hard boiled eggs or baked potatoes, for example, you will set them on the trivet.

Endmost the Lid: Yous volition see a track on the back upper edge of your Instant Pot base. Hold the chapeau handle and fit the lid on using the rails every bit a guide, turning the lid clockwise to close it. The arrow on the forepart of the Instant Pot lid should line up with the arrow next to a locked symbol on the base unit. If your Instant Pot is plugged in, yous volition hear a chime when the chapeau closes.

Sealing the Instant Pot: Plough the steam release valve to the "sealing" position to seal the Instant Pot. The steam release valve is meant to be a bit wobbly and volition fit loosely. Y'all will need to plow the valve to the sealing position every time you pressure cook in your Instant Pot.

Instant Pot steam release valve in sealing position and venting position.

Cooking Time vs. Total Time: The cooking cycle will take longer than the actual cook time of a recipe. Before the cook time starts, your Instant Pot volition take some fourth dimension to achieve cooking pressure. This commonly takes about 10 minutes and varies with the size of your Instant Pot, blazon and amount of food, and the temperature of the food and liquid in the pot. Y'all besides need to account for the time needed to release the pressure after the cooking bicycle.

Natural Pressure Release (NPR): A natural pressure release is when you let the force per unit area release naturally by letting the Instant Pot sit down after the cook bike ends. This usually takes between x and 20 minutes. Use a natural release for foamy foods or when your Instant Pot is full to avoid hot foam coming out of the steam release valve or float valve.

Quick Release (QR): A quick release is when you manually force the pressure level to begin releasing from the Instant Pot past turning the steam release valve to the "venting" position. You demand to be conscientious when y'all plough the valve as hot steam will immediately begin to escape. I use the handle of a long spoon to slowly move the steam release valve so that my hand is not near the valve. Yous also want to go on your face up away from the valve. Utilize a quick release when you desire to stop the cooking process quickly to avoid over-cooked food, and for tender cuts of meat.

Safely Removing the Chapeau: Never try to remove the Instant Pot lid while the pot is pressurized. Wait until the bladder valve (pivot) on the lid drops down to let you know that all of the pressure has been released. Then, hold the chapeau handle, plough the lid counterclockwise and carefully lift.

Exercise you need to double the melt fourth dimension for a double recipe?

If you would like to double an Instant Pot recipe, you may double the ingredients (then long equally y'all don't exceed the max fill line). You practice not demand to double the cook time.

Nonetheless, you may need to adjust the cook time based on the size/width of meat and vegetables. For instance, a small eight ounce chicken breast volition cook faster than a large 12 ounce chicken breast and a small sweet white potato will cook faster than a large sweet potato. Read all recipes and directions carefully to make up one's mind how long to cook your food.

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners

  • For your first fourth dimension cooking in your Instant Pot, I recommend making some Instant Pot hard boiled eggs.
  • This Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is a recipe that I make often for repast prep. You can also cook frozen craven in an Instant Pot.
  • Instant Pot Brown Rice is a hands-off, easy recipe.
  • Try out the sauté setting on your pot with my Instant Pot chicken noodle soup.
  • These Love Garlic Instant Pot Craven Breasts are one of my about popular force per unit area cooker recipes. Also endeavor my delicious Instant Pot Orange Craven.
  • Instant Pot Beefiness Stew is a quicker way to make this classic comfort food repast.
  • Find new family favorites with these 29 Good for you Instant Pot Recipes.
  • twenty+ Vegetarian Instant Pot Recipes
  • More than Instant Pot Recipes

If you take questions about how to use an Instant Pot that were non answered in this Instant Pot guide, go out them in the comments below.

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