How To Clean The Instant Pot Sealing Ring
If you want your Instant Pot sealing ring to last longer than 6-months, its imperative that you clean it and inspect it after each use. If you are having issues with a funky order, follow the steps below to clean the sealing ring:
Float Valve Is Up But Instant Pot Just Says On And Countdown Timer Hasnt Begun
If the Instant Pot just says On, its could be because there can be a delay between the float valve rising up and the timer starting to countdown.
Ive had this happen when Ive used less liquid than is recommended. The Instant Pot comes to pressure and the float valve comes up, but the display just says On and never counts down. In my case, it was just a one-time thing.
SOLUTION:Wait a bit to let the timer begin. The float valve coming up locks the lid but the Instant Pot may need more time to pressurize in order for the timer to begin. If the On never changes to counting down, youll need to set an external timer and press Cancel when the times up. Try doing a water test to make sure the problem doesnt recur. If the problem persists, youll need to open a support ticket.
What Do I Do If I Cant Find The Right Size
This is sometimes the case if you have a very old model that hasnt been sold in a few years. Your first step would be to contact the manufacturer. They normally keep stocks of old partsespecially sealing rings as they know they have a limited lifespan.
Failing this, I have known people to post on Facebook groups or forums to find out if anybody else has a sparethis is actually a very good way of finding something very specific.
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Reasons For Your Instant Pot Not Sealing
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Published: | Author: Paint the Kitchen Red |
Here are the top reasons for your Instant Pot not sealing. This guide helps you troubleshoot a common problem most Instant Pot users encounter i.e. the Instant Pot not pressurizing. Learn how you can prevent the issue and how to seal your Instant Pot correctly the first time.
Instant Pot Sealing Ring How To Install Instant Pot Seal
To clean or replace the pressure cooker sealing ring is very simple. All you do is grab the sealing ring and pull on it. It should remove very easily regardless of the pressure cooker sealing ring sizes.
When you replace the sealing ring, it doesnt matter whether it has just been cleaned or you are replacing it, you simply place it in the track. They are the same both sides so it is irrelevant which way you put it in they are identical both sides.
You need to place it inside the track. The only thing you need to make sure is that the sealing rack fits inside the track of the sealing ring. Follow the circumference of the sealing ring, continuing to press in the sealing ring.
Make sure it is sitting well inside the track. You will know that it is sitting well inside the track because if you take a hold of the sealing ring, you will be able to spin it a little. If you can, you will know that it is seated properly.
So, the only real things you need to remember aside from cleaning it, is to remember to check it before you use itto see if it is properly inside the track.
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Large Quantity Of Liquid In Instant Pot
If youre making a soup or cooking a larger quantity of food in the Instant Pot, you may have a lot of liquid. The more liquid you have, the longer it takes for the Instant Pot to seal.
You also need to make sure your ingredients are not going above the Max Fill mark . For foods that expand you should not go above the 1/2 full mark.
SOLUTION:Wait a bit longer to see if the Instant Pot will seal. If youre above the above recommended fill lines, split the recipe up and cook it in two batches.
Pressure Cooker Sealing Ring Sizes What You Need To Know
Pressure cooker sealing ring sizes are specific to manufacturers and the models they produce. Therefore, when you are looking to replace one, you need to ensure that you are buying one that fits your model and brand.
Since these sealing rings are commonly replaced, there is no shortage of them available on the market. The important thing is that the pressure cooker sealing ring sizes are the same.
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The Instant Pot Float Valve Or Anti
When you cook foods like pasta or other messy foods, the anti block shield and the float valve can get dirty and be obstructed.
SOLUTION:Remove the anti-block shield and float valve and clean with a clean toothbrush and soapy water. Clean the hole that the float valve goes into with a brush or pipe cleaner. Clean all parts of the lid. Dry well and replace the parts.See my Instant Pot Beginners Guide to find out how to remove these.
Where Do I Buy Pressure Cooker Sealing Rings
You need to be careful here and the choice you make will change things.
If you buy an after-market brand that is not authorized by the manufacturer, then you may void the warranty if something goes wrong. Lets take the case of Instant Pot. They tell their customers that if they do not use an official after-market sealing ring, their warranty is voided.
They are keen to ensure that their customers buy the rings from them because they say that the strength and size has been tested to their standards. Since you need to be careful with a pressure cooker, you can see why Instant Pot are keen to limit any dangerous outcomes.
Having said that, there are plenty of companies that offer replacement seal without any issueand they can be significantly cheaper than the official ones.
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Sealing Ring Is Not Properly Seated
If the ring cannot be rotated around the sealing ring rack, its not properly seated. You should be able to turn it in place, with a bit of effort. If the sealing ring hasnt been installed correctly, you may find that steam is leaking out of the sides of the lid.
SOLUTION: Open the Instant Pot and push down the sealing ring all around the ring rack to make sure its properly seated. Try and turn it in the ring rack. It should move/rotate around the ring rack, albeit with some effort.
Not Enough Liquid In Instant Pot
According to the Instant Pot manual, the Instant Pot requires at least 1 cup of liquid. Ive used as little as 1/2 cup and done fine with many recipes. Some liquids like canned tomato sauce are too dense and require thinning out with broth or water.
SOLUTION: Add more water or broth. If the final result is a dish thats too thin/liquidy, you can use the Saute function and let the liquid reduce and thicken, or you can use a thickener like cornstarch, flour, potato flakes, etc.
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Instant Pot Clear Sealing Ring 2
This Instant Pot sealing ring is designed, engineered and built with the optimal material to achieve the highest safety standards and is an integral part of the Instant Pot safety mechanisms.
PRODUCT FEATURES
- Manufactured from the highest-quality food safe silicone
- Passed UL, FDA, and LFGB tests for safety, including food safety
PRODUCT CONSTRUCTION & CARE
- For warranty information please click here
PRODUCT DETAILS
- Includes 2 sealing rings
- Model no. Genuine Instant Pot Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker
- Designed for the 5 or 6 Quart Instant Pot: IP-DUO50, IP-DUO60, IP-LUX50, IP-LUX60, IP-LUX60V3, Smart-60, Ultra-6, IP-CSG60 and IP-CSG50
Scan the code to downloadthe Kohls App today.
KOHLS® and Kohls brand names are trademarks owned by KIN, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Instant Pot Leaking Steam Even Though The Float Valve Is Up
Theres a metal safety clip inside some older models of the steam release handle and steam release valve. It appears to be there to prevent the Instant Pot from over-pressurizing.
Unfortunately, this metal ring can get bent over time or through shipping. This causes the steam release handle to tilt in the sealing position as if it was set to the venting, allowing steam to escape.
Newer models of the steam release handle and the steam release valve do not have this problem since they now have a silicone retaining ring and cannot get in the way of it sitting level on the steam pipe creating a good seal.
SOLUTION: Purchase a new steam release handle or remove the metal ring, straighten it with a pair of pliers, and put it back in. Heres a Youtuber whos posted a video on how to fix the Instant Pot not building pressure due to this issue:
I would like to thank Donald Task and the Reddit Instant Pot community for bringing this problem and solution to my attention!
I hope this Instant Pot troubleshooting guide has helped you find out the reason for your Instant Pot not sealing. Over time and with experience, you should encounter this problem less frequently.
If you continue to have issues with the Instant Pot not pressurizing, try and do a water test to see if its an issue with your unit. If the water test fails, you should either return the Instant Pot to the place of purchase or contact the company to file a support ticket.
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The Steam Release Handle Is Not Properly Seated
If you take the Instant Pot steam release valve or steam release handle out while cleaning the Instant Pot lid, it may not be put back correctly. It needs to be pushed in all the way. If it isnt securely seated, steam will leak from the steam release handle or valve.
SOLUTION:Push in the Steam Release Handle and move it from Sealing to Venting and back again a few times so it sits properly.
Pressure Release Handle Is In The Venting Position
This is one of the most common Instant Pot problems encountered by new owners.
- The steam release handle can be moved from Instant Potg Sealing position to Venting position.
- In addition to the handle on some models , there are other steam release mechanisms used on the various models of the Instant Pot. The steam release button is pushed down for Venting position and turned counter-clockwise for Sealing position. The steam release switch slides from Sealing to Venting.
The pressure release needs to be in the Sealing position when cooking on any mode other than Slow Cook or Yogurt or Sous Vide.
SOLUTION: Open the Instant Pot and make sure theres enough liquid. If too much liquid has evaporated, the Instant Pot wont pressurize, so add more liquid if necessary. Close the Instant Pot and resume pressure cooking. If you have trouble closing the lid, move the steam release handle to the VENTING position. Since the contents are warm, this will allow you to close the pot properly. Once its closed, move the steam release handle to the SEALING position.
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Custom Replacement Instant Pot Seals & Cooker Gaskets
1. Excellent sealing performance, waterproof and no leak.2. Good preservation effect, completely non-toxic and tasteless.3. Cooker gaskets can be heated at high temperature without deformation and harmful substances.4. Good tensile performance, after special inspection and test.5. Cooker Gaskets & instant pot seals will not fade after long-term use.6. Corona resistance, arc resistance, high and low temperature resistance, aging resistance,in line with FDA and Reach standards.
- Product Details
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Instant Pot Seal & Cooker Gasket is a kind of annular ring which is made of silicone rubber and fixed on the mechanical bearing to play the role of anti-skid, tightness and sealing.
Silicone Instant Pot Seal & Cooker Gasket ApplicationThe main function ofpressure cooker gasket seal is waterproof, sealing and fresh-keeping. It is not only suitable for household appliances such as electric water heater, electric iron, microwave oven, etc., but also suitable for all kinds of articles in contact with human body, such as kettle, water dispenser, lunch box, rice cooker, etc.
Silicone Pressure Cooker Gasket Advantages
1. Excellent weather resistance
Silicone rubber has excellent resistance to ozone and oxide attack. Without any additives, it has excellent weather resistance, even if it is used outdoors for a long time, it will not break.
2. Material safety and environmental protection
3. Good electrical insulation
How Do I Find My Pressure Cooker Sealing Ring Sizes
The important thing is that you get it right. If you fail to buy the correct size, your pressure cooker will not work.
The recommended way of finding pressure cooker sealing ring sizes is to look at the manual it came with. In it, it will detail the sizes and the one you need. If it doesnt, make sure you know the model name and size you have in terms of quarts. This will be enough information to track down the size you need.
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Should I Have An Extra Sealing Ring
We recommend always having a replacement ring on hand in case the one you are using goes bad without notice. Additionally, no matter how well you clean it, it may still hold onto odors. For that reason, we recommend having a sealing ring for savory dishes and for sweet dishes so the odors do not transfer between the two types of dishes.
Many potheads have different colored rings for different flavored foods. Blue sealing rings are for savory foods such as chicken, tikka masala, and curry. Red sealing rings are for sweet foods such as cakes, desserts, or orange chicken. And, many people also use a third clear sealing ring for common uses like cooking hard boiled eggs. Having different colored sealing rings is totally optional, but a good way to make sure you always have one on hand.
Sealing Ring Has Expanded Too Much And Wont Seal Properly
The sealing ring naturally expands when its heated. Once cool, it should return to its natural state. If youve just completed cooking something, the sealing ring may still be in its expanded state preventing the Instant Pot from sealing.
SOLUTION: Try placing the Instant Pot sealing ring in the freezer or run it under cold water to contract it. You can also try and turn the sealing ring over and replace it.
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Timer Function Was Used Instead Of Manual Or Pressure Cook
Some older models of the Instant Pot have a Timer button. The Timer button allows you to set a delayed time to start cooking. When you press the timer button, the time that shows up is the number of hours till cooking starts. So if your Instant Pot timer is not starting, this could be the reason.
SOLUTION: Press Cancel to cancel the timer. Press Manual or Pressure Cook and wait a few seconds for the Instant Pot display to change to On. If you wish to use the timer functionality, select the cooking function first, then press Timer or Delay Start .
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