The Instant Pots Function Buttons
Manual
Im going to start this section of my Instant Pot how-to guide off with the manual button. Its not technically classified as a function button, but I think it should be. I like it because its the one that gives you the most control. With this button you get to choose whether you cook your food at high or low pressure, and you can set your own cook time. If any of the preset buttons dont work as youd like, just go with the manual button! Once you become more used to working with your Instant Pot, you may decide to use this button most of the time.
Soup
The soup button is for cooking liquids like soup and also broth. Whats great about this function is that it makes the Instant Pot hot enough to get your liquid simmering, but not scalding hot. This way your soup ingredients dont get too broken down.
Meat/Stew
This preset meat button is for non-poultry meats like beef and pork. Its also for cooking thick stew-type meals. Use the Adjust button to change the final texture of the meat. Set your Instant Pot to the More setting if you want the meat to be very tender and more broken down.
Bean/Chili
Did you know that you can cook dry beans in your Instant Pot? Its a great way to save money, compared with buying canned beans . You can use this setting to cook your raw beans, or you could use it to cook bean-based dishes . Id suggest using the Adjust button to set your Instant Pot to the More setting for thoroughly cooked, tender beans.
Poultry
Rice
Multigrain
Steam
Whats The Big Deal With Instant Pots Anyway
Instant Pots are multifunction, programmable electric pressure cookers. Think of them as little cooking robots.
If youre not familiar with pressure cooking, the entire point of an Instant Pot can be confusing.
The big sell here is pressure cooking is up to 70 percent faster than other ways of cooking. Pressure cookers reach higher temperatures because their lids lock into place without steam escaping, which creates a pressurized environment inside the pot. In this environment, the cooker reaches 250°F .
With pressure cooking on a stove, you have to keep a close eye on the cooker because you regulate the heat source. If you let the burner get too hot, the pressure builds up too much and the cooker spews out angry jets of steam .
But with an electric Instant Pot, the cooker regulates its own heat via sensors. Thats the other win. No need to carefully monitor it as your food cooks. Program the Instant Pot and once its going, youre free to go for a walk, vacuum the living room, check your emailyou get the idea.
Instant Pots can do other things besides pressure cook, too. With the lid off, you can sauté ingredients before pressure cooking. You can also use it as a slow cooker or make yogurt in your Instant Pot. Were not going to worry about doing those things here, though. This guide is all about pressure cooking.
Coco Morante
How The Timer On An Instant Pot Works
An Instant Pot is one of the most useful kitchen items one can have. While in its simplest form it is usually described as a pressure cooker, its much more than that.
An Instant Pot can saute, slow cook, and it can even make rice and steam vegetables and poultry. They make cooking much easier and cut the time it takes to prepare a meal by a huge amount.
In fact, you can actually make those time-consuming like pulled pork in about an hour.
One of the most important components of an Instant Pot is the timer. Its responsible for letting you know how much longer you have to wait, while also making sure your food is always cooked just right.
At first glance, the timer can be overwhelming as there are so many buttons and settings to choose from that it leaves a lot of first-time users confused.;
While the buttons on your pot all have names of different types of food on them, they actually correspond to a specific set of minutes that you can adjust manually.
In this article, we take a look at how the timer on an Instant Pot works, and how you can make adjustments to really make the best meal possible.;
Recommended Reading: How Do I Use An Instant Pot
How To Safely Use The Pressure Valve On Your Instant Pot
So you just got an Instant Pot and can’t wait to use it to cook up some quick and easy delicious meals. There’s one problem: that pressure release valve can be a bit scary at first, and you don’t want to get hit with super hot steam as you try and get to your food! Don’t worry, we’re going to show you how to safely release the pressure from the valve in this guide.
Instant Pot Bean/chili Setting
The Bean/Chili setting button can be used to cook larger dry legumes such as beans and chickpeas in liquid or to cook chili or another type of stew that uses dry beans. The program settings use High pressure and result in different doneness of beans. When cooking beans, always use NR to release pressure after cooking is done. Below is how to use the Bean/Chili setting on Instant Pot.
- Turn the Instant Pot on, it will say OFF to indicate the Stand-By mode. Add dry beans, liquid and salt to the pot. Secure and lock the lid. Select the Bean/Chili button. The default setting is pre-programmed to set the pot to cook at High pressure for 30 minutes. If you press the button again, you can adjust the mode from Normal to Less or More .;
- Less mode 25 minutes at High pressure for a firmer bean texture or to cook black beans, dry lima beans, Navy beans,; black-eyed peas, Adzuki, anasazi, dry peas.
- Normal mode 30 minutes at High pressure for a softer bean texture or to cook red kidney beans, white kidney beans , Pinto beans, black-eyed peas .;
- More mode 40 minutes at High pressure for a very soft bean texture or to cook harder legumes like chickpeas and soybeans .
COOKING TIPS
Ensure dry beans are completely submerged in water. Dried beans double in volume and weight after soaking or cooking. To avoid overflow, please do not fill the inner pot more than to the ½ mark to allow for expansion.
Note: You can also use the Multigrain setting to cook most beans.
Read Also: Which Instant Pot Has The Recall
There Are So Many Recipes For Your Instant Pot
The internet has gone wild for the Instant Pot, with countless personal blogs, cooking websites and Facebook groups devoted to it. Together they also generate a copious and steady supply of recipes. From Instant Pot Turkey and Gravy to Instant Pot Elderberry Syrup, its all there for the taking and tasting!chances are someone has tried it.
Something’s Up With Your Instant Pot
Pressure cookers can be picky, and if one thing is off, your food is at risk. Some of the most common culprits include using a damaged or dirty sealing ring, not closing the lid all the way, and a dirty Instant Pot. If there are food debris in your Instant Pot, they can compromise the pressure by blocking a part, such as the float valve, or simply burn up along the inner pot’s underside.
Don’t Miss: How To Warm Food In Instant Pot
How To Set Up Instant Pot
Steam Rack :
Instant Pot Condensation Collector:
Instant Pot Lid:
integral
Steam Release Valve:
sealingventing1. Sealing: 2. Venting or How to Release Pressure from the Pressure Cooking Setting-Quick release.
-Natural release. If you do NOT do a quick release by pushing the valve to the venting position, the Instant Pot will naturally begin to release the steam on its own immediately after the programmed cooking time is over. This;allows the pressure to naturally dissipate on its own. It will start counting to let you know how many minutes it has been releasing the pressure. Usually this takes about 10-20 minutes depending on what and how long you have been cooking something.
The Underside of the Instant Pot Lid:
The Anti-Block Shield:
Instant Pot Sealing Ring:
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!
Recommended Reading: What Is Instant Pot Poultry Mode
What To Do If Your Instant Pot Timer Isnt Working
Before you go looking for solutions because your timer isnt working. Make sure to wait. This is because the timer only starts when the desired heat and pressure inside the pot is reached.
This can take some time, so be patient and wait it out to really see if the timer isnt working.;
While that is the most common solution to a timer not working, if the timer really is busted, its best to go to a professional to fix it.
This is because fixing it without experience or the right knowledge on Instant Pots can actually lead to your pot being damaged even further.;
So there you have it, all the basics of an Instant Pot timer. An Instant Pot is one of the greatest kitchen tools of its time. It allows people to cook great tasting, nutritious meals without having to wait hours on end.
Theyre also generally safer than standard pressure cookers and much more convenient. So now that you know how the timer works and how to use it properly, all thats left to do is get cooking!;
The Instant Pot Display Wont Turn On
Most display issues are often the direct result of a power problem. One quick way to try and fix your display is to make sure the power cord is fully plugged into your Instant Pot. If you previously tried this and the screen still wouldnt turn on, you should try to plug your Instant Pot into a separate outlet entirely. If youre still unsuccessful, contact Instant Pot support.
Don’t Miss: Does Walmart Sell Instant Pot
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.
Understand The Instant Pot Time Display
This can be a little confusing so lets walk through it. After you set your cook time, you will hear a series of beeps and the display will show the word On, indicating that it is starting to build pressure. Once pressure is reached, the float valve pops up and the display changes from On to the programmed cook time. You will see this time count down to indicate the remaining time in minutes. Once it reaches zero, you will hear a beep and the Instant Pot will go into the Keep Warm cycle. During this cycle, the display shows an L in front and the time will count up to indicate how long it has been on Keep Warm. This is helpful when you are doing a 10 minute natural release since you can just wait until the Keep Warm display shows L0:10.
Note: So remember that if your time display shows the letter L in front that it has finished cooking and is in Keep Warm mode.
You May Like: How To Cook Beets In Instant Pot
What Is Quick Release
This is the fastest way to release the pressure from your Instant Pot and stop the cooking process. To use the quick release method, turn the steam release handle on the top of the Instant Pot from the sealed position to the venting position. This will allow the excess steam to shoot out of the lid immediately, and the Instant Pot will be depressurized within minutes.
We like using quick release for fast-cooking vegetables like broccoli, or delicate seafood like this lemony poached salmon recipe.
Editors Tip: Be sure to read the safety precautions before using the quick release method!
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 .
Recommended Reading: What Is Instant Pot Natural Release
Need Help Learning The Instant Pot Or Want To Help Family & Friends
Check out the preview for this awesome FREE cheat sheet. It has;14 Instant Pot tips and tricks! And is the perfect list to laminate and post on the fridge or near your own pressure cooker. It will help you remember as you become more familiar or will help others in the household learn to use this great kitchen tool too.
What All The Buttons On Your Instant Pot Mean
Just press a button and go? Not so fast!
Many of the Instant Pot;buttons may seem self-explanatory with just a few on the iffy side, but trust me, all is not what it seems. Most of them need to be combined with other buttons for a proper cook. Here’s what you need to know.
Read more: The complete guide to your Instant Pot
You May Like: How Long Do You Cook Pork In The Instant Pot
All About Your Instant Pot: How To Use All The Buttons
If you are brand new to the Instant Pot game , then this is the article for you. Heck, even if you have had your Instant Pot for a while, all of those settings and buttons can seem a little intimidating. But not to fret. Ill take you through exactly how to use your Instant Pot and show you what each and every button does. It really is easy to use and pretty self-explanatory!
Ready Lets Cook Some Water
The first time you use your Instant Pot, make waternot food. This way, you can familiarize yourself with simply operating itno anxiety over ruining dinner. Ive been pressure cooking for over a decade, and I still do the water test every time I try out a new cooker.
Here’s what to do:
First, check the gasket. Make sure its snugly in the ring in the lid; 99 percent of the time, if your Instant Pot isnt coming to pressure, its a simple issue of the gasket not sitting in the ring quite right.
Next, put 3 cups of water in the insert. When following recipes, you should still measure liquids, but note that the insert has hash marks to give you a rough idea of the volume.
Now, lock on the lid. Use the arrows on the lid and the cooker to guide you.
Check the steam release valve to see its in Sealing position. If the valve is in Venting position, the cooker wont come to pressure.
Press Manual” on the Duo or select “Pressure Cook” on the Ultra. The display will say to 30:00. Its programming initially defaults to 30 minutes cook time of high pressure, which we can toggle up or down depending on how much time the recipe calls for. For our water test, well leave it at 30 minutes.
Now…do nothing. In a few seconds, the cooker will beep three times, and the display will read On. That means its heating, but not at pressure yet.
Emma Christensen
Also Check: What Is L000 On Instant Pot
