If you’re looking for Instant Pot instructions, this easy-to-use beginners guide tells you everything you need to know to get started. This Instant Pot manual has step-by-step instructions that show you how to use an Instant Pot pressure cooker. Find out about parts, setup, safety features, pressure release, and the water test. [Video included.] Show
If you have an Instant Pot Duo, you’re in the right place. If you have another model, you can still use this user guide to get a general overview but you might want to check out the tutorial for your particular model. Here are some of my other instruction guides:
Table of Contents
Introduction with VideoIf you just bought an Instant Pot and want to learn how to use it or if you already own one but are too intimidated by it, you’ve come to the right place.
This is the Instant Pot instruction manual that you wish had been shipped with your unit! This Instant Pot guide covers the Instant Pot IP-DUO60 7-in-1 Multi-Functional Pressure Cooker, also known as the Duo. The 7 functions are Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Saute/Browning, Yogurt Maker, Steamer & Warmer. Although written for the Duo model, this tutorial can be followed for models including the Duo SV, Lux, Nova, and Smart Wifi because they have similar controls. If you’re considering the Duo Plus model, check out my comparison of the Instant Pot Duo vs Duo Plus. When I got my first Instant Pot (the Duo model) years ago, I have to admit that it was a bit scary! So many buttons and so many features. The Instant Pot instructions that came with the unit was confusing and unclear. That’s what prompted me to write this Instant Pot guide. I also own an Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus, Duo Nova, Ultra 6 quart and 8 quart, and a Smart Wifi. In this easy-to-understand Instant Pot user manual, I give you a quick introduction to the parts and directions on how to use the Instant Pot pressure cooker for the first time. Here are some Instant Pot articles that may be helpful to you: What is an Instant Pot?Sometimes incorrectly referred to as Instapot, the Instant Pot has become so popular in recent years that Instant Pot is being used by some as a generic name for pressure cookers of any brand. In reality, Instant Pot is the brand name of a multicooker that serves as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, sauté/searing pan, steamer, and warming pot all in one convenient appliance. The Instant Pot Company (Instant Brands) started out with one product – the Instant Pot multicooker – and now makes a wide range of kitchen appliances including air fryers, blenders, and toaster ovens. Although the Instant Pot pressure multicooker has many different functions, the most commonly used is the Pressure Cook function. Pressure cooking allows you to cook foods at a fraction of the time it would take in a pan or in an oven. Although I’ve used a stovetop pressure cooker for decades, I much prefer the Instant Pot for three main reasons:
How Does a Pressure Cooker Work?Pressure cookers create a closed environment where steam builds up in a tightly sealed pot. This, in turn, causes the internal temperature to rise and pressure to increase. Under high pressure, the fiber in the food is tenderized and flavors develop in a very short time. Nutrient-rich steam condenses in the pot instead of evaporating and nutritional value is retained because of the speed of cooking. Is the Instant Pot Safe to Use?According to the Instant Pot company, most pressure cooker disasters in the past could be attributed to user error. Instant Pot pressure multicookers are carefully designed to eliminate and avoid most of these potential problems. There are lots of safety features that help reduce common errors. Safety features include pressure sensor technology, lid close detection, lid lock technology, overheat protection, and automatic temperature and pressure controls. Bottom line: the Instant Pot is very safe to use! Safety PrecautionsAlthough there are many built-in safety features as explained above, as a user you need to follow common-sense precautions:
If you want more technical and detailed information about the Instant Pot, you can also visit the Instant Pot website. In this post, I’ll just be going over the basics of how to use the Instant Pot: assembling the Instant Pot and doing the water test. I’ll get you going and make you comfortable enough to explore its features! PURCHASE THE INSTANT POT DUO ON AMAZON! First Thing You Need to Do: Open the Box!I regularly hear from people who purchased or got the Instant Pot as a gift, and leave it unopened because they’re too scared. And that’s understandable, but there’s nothing to worry about. The Instant Pot has many layers of safety features! Besides, if you don’t get it out of the box and try it out, in the event you have a defective unit you might miss the warranty period and be stuck with a bulky paperweight! I’m going you get going to the point where you’ll be pressure cooking in no time. And the first thing you’ll pressure cook is water, when you do the water test! Take everything out of the box and discard the packaging. Open the lid by turning it counter-clockwise. Instant Pot Parts and AccessoriesThe Instant Pot comes with the following main parts and accessories:
Instant Pot LidExterior Parts
Steam Release PartsThe steam release pressure valve consists of:
Interior PartsThe inside of the Instant Pot lid consists of the following parts:
Sealing RingThe silicone sealing ring should be washed after each use. I wash it in the top rack of the dishwasher. You can also wash it with soap and water. How to Remove the Sealing Ring
How to Replace the Sealing Ring
Float ValveThe float valve needs to be cleaned periodically, especially after cooking frothy or starchy foods. I use a bottle brush to clean the float valve. How to Remove the Float Valve
How to Replace the Float Valve
Float Valve Position
Anti-Block ShieldThe anti-block shield should be cleaned periodically, especially after cooking frothy or starchy foods. Pay particular attention to the holes. How to Remove and Replace the Anti-block Shield
Instant Pot Setup
Condensation CollectorThe condensation collector catches any moisture that builds up on the rim. This usually comes from moisture dripping from inside the lid into the rim of the Instant Pot base, when the lid is propped open. In my experience, the condensation collector rarely fills up but I have found that when I cook pasta, in particular, liquid tends to collect and it can get messy! Get into the habit of checking for liquid in the condensation collector after every use. To attach the condensation collector:
Open and Close the LidHow to Close the Lid
How to Open the Lid
How to Prop Open the LidPropping open the lid keeps it out of the way and allows you to use the Instant Pot hands-free.
Pressure ReleaseThere are a few different ways to release pressure from the Instant Pot:
[Find out more details about these pressure release methods.] Instant Pot FunctionsThe Instant Pot has many buttons that may appear confusing and complicated. But they really aren’t. Just think of them as presets or shortcuts, such as those on a microwave oven. How to Start Instant PotIf your Instant Pot display is blank, make sure it’s plugged in and press any button to turn on the Instant Pot display. If you’re wondering how to turn on the Instant Pot, this model does not have a Start button. You’ll program your Instant Pot and wait a few seconds in order for the pressure cooking process to begin. On some other models, in order to begin a smart function (e.g. Pressure Cook, Soup, Saute, Rice), you have to program the function and press Start. For the purposes of just getting you going, in this guide I’ll show you the most commonly used Instant Pot buttons and functions:
Pro TipYou may encounter Instant Pot recipes that tell you to press Start. The Duo, Lux, Nova, Viva, Smart Wifi do not have a Start button. Instead, once you program the Instant Pot, it automatically starts after a few seconds. Some other models such as the Ultra, Duo Evo Plus, Duo Crisp, Pro, Pro Crisp, and Max require you to press ‘Start’ after programming the Instant Pot. [Note: models undergo design changes periodically so this information can change.] SauteThe Saute function allows you to saute food in the Instant Pot before pressure cooking, and to reduce the liquid after pressure cooking. I love this function because I don’t need to get out another pan and that helps keep cleanup to a minimum.
To change the Saute temperature:
Safety TipDon’t use the Instant Pot lid while sauteing. A glass lid with a venting hole (purchased separately) may be used. As a safety precaution, the cooker automatically enters standby mode (display says Off) after 30 minutes if you have not pressed Cancel. Pressure Cooker InstructionsPressure Cook is the most useful feature of the Instant Pot. Pro Tip* Manual and Pressure Cook are the same thing. Manual was replaced with Pressure Cook in newer versions of the Instant Pot Duo and Lux.
Pressure LevelThe Instant Pot Pressure Cook program can use high or low pressure. A majority of the recipes that you encounter will use High pressure. If a recipe doesn’t state whether to use high or low pressure, you can probably assume it’s high pressure.
Keep Warm and CancelThe Keep Warm function is useful when you want your food to stay warm after being pressure cooked. Having the Keep Warm function on allows you keep track of the amount of time since pressure cooking completed. This is useful when you’re doing a natural release.
Instant Pot Water Test Instructions
What is the Water Test?A water test is done by pressure cooking water for a few minutes. According to the Instant Pot manual you need to use 3 cups of water, but I’ve found that using 2 cups of water is adequate. The advantage of using 2 cups is that it takes less time for the Instant Pot to come to pressure. Why You Should do the Water TestThe initial test run or water test serves two purposes: it familiarizes you with using your new Instant Pot and it allows you to establish that your Instant Pot is working properly. If you have a defective unit, the water test will identify that and you can get a replacement unit. You should do a water test before the first use but you can also do it when you’re having problems with the Instant Pot pressurizing. Doing the water test will pinpoint whether there’s something about the recipe that’s causing your sealing issues. How to do the Initial Test Run / Water Test
What to do if the water test failsIf the water test fails and you’re not able to get the Instant Pot to come to pressure, use the following articles to troubleshoot the issue:
If you can’t solve your problem, open a support ticket with Instant Pot. FAQsIs an Instant Pot a pressure cooker? The Instant Pot is a pressure cooker. It’s also a rice cooker, slow cooker, and has other features like Saute and Steam. How to turn on the Instant Pot? – The Instant Pot first needs to be plugged in. What is the Instant Pot Manual setting? On older models of the Instant Pot, the Pressure Cook program was referred to as Manual. If you see a recipe that tells you to use the Manual setting, use the Pressure Cook function. How to close the Instant Pot? To close the Instant Pot, line up the arrow (triangle) on the lid with the open lock icon on the base unit edge. Turn clockwise till the arrow on the lid lines up with the closed lock icon. The Instant Pot will beep. How to open the Instant Pot? To open the Instant Pot, turn the lid counterclockwise until the arrow (triangle) on the lid lines up with the open lock icon on the base unit edge. The Instant Pot will beep. How to seal the Instant Pot? The Instant Pot pressure valve needs to be in the Sealing position. Program the Instant Pot and the display will change to On. Once the pressure builds up, the float valve goes up and the display begins counting down. The Instant Pot is sealed and pressure cooking. How to set Instant Pot to high pressure? To set the Instant Pot to high pressure, press the Pressure Level button. It allows you to toggle between High and Low pressure. How long for pressure cooker to reach pressure? The amount of time it takes for the pressure cooker to reach pressure and the float valve to go up depends on the amount of liquid in the Instant Pot and the temperature of the food. The more liquid and the colder the food, the longer it takes the pressure cooker to reach pressure. What can you make in an Instant Pot? The Instant Pot is best for cooking meats that have higher fat content such as chicken thighs, pork shoulder, and chuck roast. It does a great job of cooking beans too. Rice and eggs are really easy to make in the Instant Pot. Recipes for the Instant PotHere’s a tip for you: don’t try to improvise or wing it with your first recipe. Select a recipe from a trusted Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker cookbook or blog, and follow the recipe as written. If you want to make changes or adjustments, you might want to contact the blogger or ask for advice from an experienced Instant Pot user. All of my recipes are thoroughly tested many times and I have step-by-step photographs and Instant Pot directions so even a beginner can follow along and make more complex recipes. I do my very best to respond to comments or emails, so you can contact me if you have any questions about a recipe or your Instant Pot. Here are some of my favorite easy recipes:
If you found this article to be helpful, please share it on social media using the social media share buttons at the top and bottom of this post. Thank you so much! BACK TO TOP Related ArticlesI hope you’ve found these Instant Pot instructions useful. Here are some more articles that are helpful to beginners and intermediate Instant Pot users. Instant Pot Tips and FAQsAre you new to the Instant Pot and want to learn more about how it works? Here are my Top Instant Pot Tips for any new Instant Pot user. Find out about the Manual mode, leaking steam, doubling recipes, the difference between quick release and natural release, and much more. GET RECIPE DETAILSInstant Pot Common Problems and SolutionsWhether it’s your Instant Pot not sealing, error codes, burn message, or leaking steam, find out how to troubleshoot common Instant Pot problems encountered by beginners and experienced users. GET RECIPE DETAILSReasons why Instant Pot is Not SealingHere are the top reasons why your Instant Pot is not sealing. This guide helps you troubleshoot the main problem most Instant Pot users encounter: that the Instant Pot is not being pressurized. How do I Pressure Cook in my Instant Pot?Turn the steam release valve to the “sealing” position. (If you have an Instant Pot Ultra it will automatically set the steam release to “sealing” when you close the lid.) Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button. (Some Instant Pot models have a button that says “Manual” and others have a “Pressure Cook” button.
How do I set my Instant Pot to 7 minute high pressure?Secure the lid and turn the pressure valve to sealing. Select manual and pressure-cook on high with the timer set to seven minutes. Once the time is up, set the pressure valve to venting and let the Instant Pot depressurize.
How do I make my Instant Pot cook in a pressure cooker for 10 minutes?Press the Manual Button (“Pressure Cook” Button for newer models). Press “-” button or “+” button to change the cooking time to 10 minutes.. |