What Do All Those Instant Pot Buttons Do Anyhow
All the buttons except the sauté, yogurt , and slow cooker settings are actually pressure cooker shortcuts. Even steam is a special version of a pressure cooker setting. Ill explain in more detail below, but each button has a preset time and cooking level that you can still adjust manually if you like.
Formula To Adjust High
Increase pressure cooking time by 5% for every 1000 ft above 2000 ft elevation
For quick calculation of increased cooking time locate your altitude and multiply the recommended cooking time by the corresponding multiplier .
For example: The elevation in Denver, CO is 5280 ft. If you had a recipe that called for cooking for 20 minutes you would calculate the adjusted cooking times by looking at the 5000 ft column and using the “multiply by” of 1.15
20 x 1.15 = 23 minutes
Instant Pot Rice Setting
This button is made for cooking medium and long-grain white rice. The Rice setting uses low pressure and a 10-minute natural release is recommended for perfect results, however, we found that 2-3 minutes natural release followed by quick release is sufficient. Below is how to use the Rice setting on Instant Pot.
- Turn the Instant Pot on, it will say OFF to indicate the Stand-By mode. Add rice, water or stock and seasoning if you wish. Secure and lock the lid. Press the Rice button. The default setting is pre-programmed to set the pot to cook at Low pressure for 12 minutes, which is suitable for slightly larger rice kernels. If you press the button again, you can adjust the mode from Normal to Less or More .
- Less mode 8 minutes at Low pressure tender but firm to bite texture great for thinner white rice such as Basmati and Jasmine rice.
- Normal mode 12 minutes at Low pressure for normal texture white rice great for regular medium to long-grain white rice and for more al dente Arborio risotto rice.
- More mode 15 minutes at Low pressure for softer texture white rice great for slightly softer risotto.
If desired, use the / + buttons to further customize the time. The cooking time may be adjusted at any time during pressure cooking.
RICE COOKING TIPS
1 cup of dry white rice usually yields 3 cups of cooked rice.
The perfect grain to water ratio is 1 cup white rice to 1.25 cups liquid if cooking risotto rice, the ratio is 1 cup Arborio rice to 2 cups liquid .
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Main Instant Pot Buttons
1. Manual or Pressure Cook Button
This is the mode you will use most frequently on your Instant Pot . This is the main button to pressure cook any dish. Most recipes you will find online use the Pressure Cook button.
Press “Pressure Cook” button, then “+” or “-” to set the time to pressure cook. The maximum time you can pressure cook is 240 minutes.
Note: In old versions and models, the button was called Manual and in newer models it is rightly called “Pressure Cook”.
2. Pressure Level Button
This button is to switch between high and low pressure cooking. Press “Pressure Cook” button, then “Pressure Level” to switch.
3. “+” and “-” Buttons
These buttons are used to increase or decrease the cooking time.
4. Sauté Button
This is the mode to Sauté or brown food in the Instant Pot . Sauté with the lid open or with a glass lid. This is one of the main advantages of the instant pot, that you can sauté and cook directly in the same pot. This is the second most frequently used mode.
Sauté mode defaults to 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, the mode is canceled.
I use this mode in my Carrot Pudding recipe, and it makes cooking the pudding so much easier without much monitoring.
5 Adjust Button
6. Keep Warm/Cancel Button
Press this button to cancel the operation and switch off the Instant Pot.
When the instant pot goes in “Keep Warm” mode, the display shows L0:00 and starts counting up.
7. Timer Button
8. Steam Button
- Normal
- Less
- More .
9. Rice Button
10. Slow Cook Button
Instant Pot Slow Cook Setting
The Slow Cook is a non-pressure cooking setting that is compatible for use with any common slow cooker/Crockpot recipe. The pot is heated but is not pressurized and the Less, Normal and More modes correspond to Low, Medium and High slow cooker settings but you will need to adjust the time manually.
You might want to use this setting for making dishes ahead of time while youre away from home or overnight. There are times when slow-cooking might work better for certain recipes than quicker pressure cooking. Below are the steps for how to use the Slow Cook setting on Instant Pot.
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How To Use The Instant Pot Slow Cooker Setting
Do you want to use the Instant Pot slow cooker setting? Heres exactly what you need to do to use your Instant Pot as a slow cooker
First, let me say that I got this info from reading a couple of Instant Pot user manuals online and from my own personal trial-and-error. I own the 7-in-1 Instant Pot and several different slow cookers.
Faq For Slow Cooking In The Instant Pot
Below are a few tips and tricks that will help you get the ideal result when using your Instant Pot as a slow cooker:
- Do you still need to add 1 cup of liquid? No. Youre not using the pressurizer function. If the recipe already has liquid in it, add it. Otherwise there is no need to add an extra cup of liquid to the recipe.
- Do you use the regular Instant Pot lid? Yes. You dont have to use the heavy lid but you can. Again, the pot is not being pressurized so you can use any lid that fits. Personally I use my Instant Pot tempered glass lid when I slow cook in my Instant Pot.
- Can you use slow cooker liners? Yes. If youre using the slow cook function in the Instant Pot you can use slow cooker liners. If you are using your Instant Pot for any other function you can not use slow cooker liners.
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Instant Pot Smart Wifi
The Instant Pot Smart Wifi contains many of the features that you might expect with each of the other models. However, it outdoes each of these by adding in smart technology and much more. This should mean that youll be able to do much more with it than many others.
Perhaps the largest draw of this is the Wifi connectivity that it has. This should mean that youll be able to set and control your settings from anywhere. It also means that you should be able to monitor your dish when its cooking.
This can be done from anywhere, so you shouldnt have to be tied to the house if a particular dish takes several hours to cook. The Instant Pot app is also included with this, which offers over 750 recipes to try out. This could be an attractive thing for quite a significant number of people.
Theres also a variety of pre-programmed settings that you can use. These should be accessed with one touch, which should mean that theyre easy to start using.
How To Make Instant Pot Yogurt Cups
Yogurt cups are a convenient way to portion out your yogurt into individual or smaller servings. After adding the starter culture to the pasteurized or warm milk, carefully pour the milk into your yogurt cups and seal them tightly. Clean the inner pot thoroughly and place the steam rack/trivet on the bottom of the inner pot. Place the sealed yogurt cups on the steam rack and add water to the inner pot until the cups are submerged halfway. Follow steps in Fermenting Yogurt above.
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How To Use The Instant Pot Buttons
Updated | By Tracey Black | Affiliate disclosure
Confused by all the buttons on the Instant Pot? Check out this easy tutorial to learn how to use those Instant Pot buttons for the best pressure cooker recipes.
Are you new to cooking with the Instant Pot? Or maybe youve had your Instant Pot for a while, but dont know how to use all the buttons?
Dont sweat it. I started from scratch just like you and figured out how to use the buttons on the Instant Pot. I mean, yeah, you do have your manual but its SO much easier just to look it up here or on Google right?
So there are 7 functions but the unit has 14 buttons . So what does it all mean? Lets get down to the nitty gritty and break it down. Im going to focus on the IP-DUO60 Instant Pot model. This it the 7-in-1 version that seems to be the most popular.
This particular Instant Pot has 7 programmable features, including:
Ill explain how to use each button below.
If youre just getting started with the Instant Pot, check out my quick start guide Top 10 Instant Pot Tips and Tricks You Need to Know and How to Clean Your Instant Pot.
When To Use High Or Low Pressure On The Instant Pot
Electric pressure cookers can be surprisingly difficult to understand, thanks to the abundance of multifunction buttons and not a lot of explanation about what those buttons do.
Take the pressure settings. On some models, high pressure is the only option. Others offer both a high and low pressure setting. And one in particular even allows you to select a specific psi .
So whats a cook to do?
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Instant Pot Vs Slow Cooker
The Instant Pot also has one heat source at the bottom. However, the inner pot is too thin to retain heat in its walls for long. Also, the heat is generated by the steam thats trapped in the pot, which is fantastic for quick cooking, but not so great for slow cooking.
The uneven heat distribution will have an effect on the final texture of the food and a slight impact on its taste. So professional chefs and foodies may know you cheated and used an Instant Pot instead of a traditional slow cooker.
But you and me, probably wont be able to understand the difference. So for us, Instant Pot is a great option for slow cooker recipes :]
Most Used Instant Pot Duo Buttons
Keep Warm/Cancel Button
- Press to cancel current program/cooking selection.
- Adjust temperature with the adjust button
- When you press the button it will turn the Instant Pot off.
You will use the Keep Warm/Cancel button often to end the sauté function before you start your next cooking program, such as pressure cooking added ingredients.
Sauté ButtonNote: No lid is used with this function.
- Change the temperature with the adjust button
- The sauté function can also be used to heat the pot so it will come up to pressure faster
- Use this setting after a pressure cooking cycle to reduce the amount of liquid left if needed
This button is used to sauté right in the pot so you dont have extra cleanup. We will use it to cook onions and the like before adding the ingredients that will be finished on the manual or slow cooker settings.
You will click the cancel button to stop sautéing before you click the pressure cooker setting.
Manual/Pressure CookNote: Pressure cooking lid is always used with this setting with the vent sealed
- Adjust cook time in minutes with the + and buttons.
- Adjust temperature with the adjust button
This is the function you will use most often with your electric pressure cooker.
Timer ButtonNote: You must select a cooking method, like manual/pressure cook, before you can set the time.
- Adjust cook time in minutes with the + and buttons
- The timer will count down until its time to begin cooking
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The Practical Guide You’ve Always Wanted For Those Confusing Instant Pot Buttons And Settings
Your dreams have officially come true! You finally got that Instant Pot and its time to start whipping up a few delicious meals. Buthow, exactly, do you work this thing?
People rave about how easy and quick it is to use, but looking at all the Instant Pot buttons, it seems that only a genius could actually figure out what all of them mean. Which button do I choose for what? Whats the difference between the NormalMore and Less settings? And should I cook on Low Pressure or High Pressure?
These questions instantly come to mind, but dont sweat, we got you covered. Heres a full guide to all of your Instant Pots buttons. So make sure to bookmark this for later!
Inspecting Your Instant Pot Before Each Use
1. Remove the stainless steel inner pot and look inside the instant pot base. You will see the heating element. The heating element should always be free of debris and dry before you use you the Instant Pot. After washing, I always dry my stainless steel inner pot thoroughly before returning it to the base unit.
2. Check that the silicone sealing ring is fitted properly onto the lid and is clean and free of tears.
3. Remove the steam release valve from the Instant Pot lid by gently pulling it straight up. Make sure it is clean and free of debris. Some foods, such as applesauce, pasta and oatmeal may froth and foam when you cook them and can clog the steam release valve. Check the steam release valve each time you use your Instant Pot. If it is dirty clean it under running water and then put it back on the Instant Pot lid.
4. Check the float valve to ensure it is clean and free of debris. Clean it with warm water as needed. You may place the lid under running water as needed to wash it.
Making sure that all parts of your Instant Pot are clean and in good working condition can help you to have the best success with pressure cooking. My post about the Instant Pot burn message tells you both how to prevent getting this warning and what to do if you do get a burn message.
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Factory Reset The Less
Its possible to return your settings for your less-normal-more mode to its factory settings for each specific cooking program.
It is also possible to reset everything on your Instant Pot to a true factory reset for all cooking programs and other settings.
Whats So Great About The Instant Pot
Safety, speed and easy cleanup are just a few of the reasons for the rising popularity of these trendy kitchen appliances.
an Instant Pot isnt just an electric pressure cooker. As a true multi-cooker, it sears, browns and sautés food like a stove-top skillet. It also steams delicate items such as fish, eggs and vegetables. Instant Pots double as standalone electric rice cookers as well.
You can use them to bake bread, cakes and other sweets like custards, flan, even cheesecakes. Many Instant Pot models come with special yogurt modes. And yes, they function as slow cookers, too.
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The Second Question Is How Do I Saute Or Brown In The Power Pressure Cooker Xl
The Power Pressure Cooker doesnt have a saute button instead they recommends using the pressure cooking buttons without the lid on. Since the meat/chicken button has the longest cook time, its a good choice for sauteing and browning.
Releasing the Pressure. The symbols on the pressure valve are really easy to understand on the Power Pressure Cooker XL. Line up the image of the steam coming out with the triangle to quickly release the pressure the open position. Line up the circle and the two triangles to pressure cook the locked position.
You can get more information about releasing the pressure in my Quick Release or Natural Pressure Release Post.
The Power Pressure Cooker XL lid has an outer lid and an inner liner with a gasket. When cleaning the lid, be sure and remove and clean the liner use the pull tab to separate the liner and gasket from the lid. Also remove the gasket from the liner and wash it.
When youre reattaching the liner and the gasket to the lid, be sure the pull tab is visible.
The 8 quart Power Pressure Cooker XL I bought at Costco came with a trivet, steamer tray, ladle and measuring cup.
You can view the Power Pressure Cooker XL manual for more information and order replacement parts on their website.
Basic Instant Pot Tips
First of all, make sure to read through the manual that came with your Instant Pot. Each model is different and some have more function buttons than others. For this guide, well be using the 7 in 1 IP-DUO . The manual also includes some handy tips and suggestions about the various features. And it goes into detail on how important things, like the steam release handle, work.
Now before we get into my Instant Pot guide for beginners, the first thing you need to remember is that an Instant Pot is not just a pressure cooker. It can also sauté and cook things slowly . Getting additional accessories like a steam basket or small springform cake pan makes it even more versatile .
Also remember that an Instant Pot isnt exactly instant. While the cook times for most foods in the Instant Pot are amazingly short, your Instant Pot will also need time to get up to pressure and time to release that pressure. So something with a 10 minute cook time could actually take 25 minutes from start to finish. But still, most of that time passes without you having to actively interact with the Instant Pot, so compared to cooking on a stove top, youre still saving a lot of time!
One last thing before I start this Instant Pot guide for beginners- be aware that many foods are best cooked with additional liquid added. The Instant Pot needs this to create the appropriate steam to cook your food fully. Thick liquids dont count. Dairy also doesnt pressure cook well.
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