Here are the top reasons for your Instant Pot not sealing. This guide helps you troubleshoot a common problem most Instant Pot users encounter: the Instant Pot won’t come to pressure. Learn how to seal your Instant Pot correctly the first time, and how to avoid the issue.
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➡ Need more help? Check out my Instant Pot troubleshooting guide!
Pressure Release Valve Parts
Here are some of the parts that I refer to throughout this article. The steam release mechanism varies by Instant Pot model; some newer models may look slightly different.
- Float Valve: a metal pin that pops up once the Instant Pot has pressurized.
- Steam Release Valve: Steam is released through the vents in the steam release valve. It’s also referred to as the Instant Pot pressure valve, pressure release valve, or venting knob.
- Steam Release Handle: Steam is released through the vents in the steam release handle. To seal the Instant Pot pressure cooker, turn this pressure knob to the Sealing position, and to release pressure, move it to the Venting position. The steam release handle is sometimes referred to as the Instant Pot venting knob or pressure valve.
- Steam Release Button: Click it counterclockwise to spring it up into the Sealing position. To release pressure, push the button until it clicks down into place in the Venting position.
- Steam Release Switch: To put it in Sealing mode, slide it into the Seal position. To release pressure, slide it into the Vent position.
- Silicone Sealing Ring: a flexible ring that creates a seal between the Instant Pot’s base unit and the lid, allowing pressure to build up and pressurize the Instant Pot. It’s also referred to as a gasket.
- Float Valve: a metal pin covered with a silicone cover on the inside of the lid, which keeps it in place. It can be removed and cleaned.
- Anti-block Shield: metal cover that prevents food particles from entering and blocking the steam release pipe. The anti-block shield covers the exhaust valve and can be removed and cleaned.
Why Is Your Instant Pot Not Sealing?
One of the most common issues people encounter with Instant Pot (aka Instapot) is that their Instant Pot won’t pressurize or seal.
This happens to me, and I’m sure it happens to most electric pressure cooker users. Usually, it’s an easy fix!
New Instant Pot users, in particular, have difficulty troubleshooting what’s wrong when their Instant Pot is not sealing. They may think that the pressure sensor is busted or something is wrong with the unit.
If the countdown timer has begun and the float valve is not rising, the Instant Pot won’t seal.
If the Instant Pot is not pressurizing but counting down, timer has begun and the float valve is not rising, the Instant Pot won’t seal.
I’ve compiled a list of possible reasons why your Instant Pot is not pressurizing. You’ll most likely be able to troubleshoot your issue in one of the following cases.
Another common problem when the Instant Pot is trying to come to full pressure is the Burn or Food Burn Message, so I encourage you to read that article too!
📍 PRO TIP
- There are various reasons for sealing problems, ranging from the Instant Pot sealing ring not being in place to the pressure release handle being in the Venting position. I’ll go into detail shortly.
- Once you diagnose the reason for your Instant Pot not coming to pressure, make sure you have enough liquid in the Instant Pot before you continue with pressure cooking.
- Often, some of the liquid evaporates while the steam is leaking. If you restart the pressure cooking process without compensating for the lost liquid, you will likely have more sealing issues.
Should steam come out of the Instant Pot when pressurizing?
Yes, steam will escape from the steam release and float valves until the Instant Pot is sealed.
When you initially program the Instant Pot to pressure cook, the display says On. After a few minutes (anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the quantity and temperature of the food), you’ll see steam coming out of the pressure release (steam release) handle and/or float valve on the top of the lid. This is perfectly normal.
After some hissing, steaming, and hesitation, the float valve usually rises to the Up position, and the Instant Pot is sealed. After a few minutes, the display should start counting down from the number of minutes you programmed the Instant Pot to pressure cook.
Should steam come out of the Instant Pot once sealed?
No heavy steam should come out once the float valve is in the sealing position (up position).
However, I have occasionally seen tiny wisps of steam when it’s sealed, and this is not a cause for concern. This usually happens when cooking something with a lot of liquid, such as soup.
1. The Instant Pot Pressure Valve is in Venting Position
Different models of Instant Pot have different pressure release mechanisms.
- Steam Release Handle: The venting knob can be turned from Venting to Sealing.
- Steam Release Button: When the button is up, it seals, and when it’s down, it vents.
- Steam Release Switch: The switch can go from Vent to Seal.
When using the Instant Pot for something other than Slow Cook, Yogurt, or Sous Vide, the pressure release needs to be in the Sealing position.
SOLUTION: Open the Instant Pot and make sure there’s enough liquid. If too much liquid has evaporated, the Instant Pot won’t pressurize, so add more liquid if necessary. Close the Instant Pot, ensure it’s in Sealing position, and resume pressure cooking.
If you have trouble closing the lid, it’s probably because the contents are hot. Move the steam release handle to the Venting position and make sure the lid is properly closed. Then, move the steam release handle to the Sealing position.
2. The Silicone Sealing Ring (Sealing Gasket) is not Properly Seated
If the ring cannot be rotated around in the sealing ring rack, it’s not seated correctly. You should be able to turn it in place, maybe with a bit of effort. If the sealing ring hasn’t 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 the way around the ring rack to make sure it’s properly seated. Then, try turning it in the ring rack. It should move/rotate around the ring rack. A new sealing ring can be harder to move, but you should be able to.
3. Sealing Ring is Missing/Misplaced
It’s possible that the sealing ring or gasket was removed for cleaning and not placed back in the Instant Pot lid’s ring rack. If your sealing ring is missing, you will see the Instant Pot leaking steam from the sides of the lid.
SOLUTION: Replace the Instant Pot gasket.
4. Not Enough Liquid in Instant Pot to Build Pressure
This is one of the most common Instant Pot issues when it’s trying to come to pressure. According to the official manual, the Instant Pot requires at least 1 cup of liquid. I’ve used as little as ½ cup and done fine with many Instant Pot recipes. Remember that it needs to be thin liquid such as water, broth, lemon juice, and soy sauce.
Some liquids like canned tomato sauce are too dense and require thinning out with broth or water. If your Instant Pot isn’t sealing, this is one of the more common reasons.
SOLUTION: Add more water or broth. If the final result is a dish that’s too thin or liquidy, you can use the Saute function and let the liquid reduce and thicken, or you can add a thickener like cornstarch, flour, potato flakes, etc.
5. Food is Scorched at the Bottom of the Inner Pot
If food is scorched on the bottom of the pot, the liquid won’t make contact with the bottom, and the Instant Pot won’t build steam. Here are a few of the reasons food gets scorched on the bottom of the Instant Pot:
- After browning or sauteing, if browned bits are sticking to the bottom of the pot, you need to deglaze the pot. Deglazing involves adding liquid (e.g., water, broth) to the heated pot and stirring to allow the browned bits to come free.
- The liquid is too thick. This can happen with thick sauces such as tomato sauce, mole sauce, or pasta sauce. Thick sauces should be placed at the top without stirring them in, and you can also thin them out with water or broth.
- Starchy foods are making contact with the bottom of the inner pot. Starchy foods, such as pasta, rice, etc., should be layered on top of other ingredients without stirring them in.
- The Instant Pot is overfilled with food and there isn’t enough room for the liquid to circulate.
SOLUTION: Open the Instant Pot, transfer the contents to a large bowl, and clean the inner pot by scraping it with a plastic or wooden scraper. (You might even need to soak it with warm water and dish detergent for a bit.)
I have several of these pan scrapers that work well. Once the inner pot is clean, resume cooking, but add more liquid.
[Read More about layering problem ingredients such as sauces, pasta, rice, etc.]
6. The Sealing Ring has Expanded Too Much and Instapot Won’t Seal Properly
The sealing ring naturally expands when it’s heated. Once cool, it should return to its natural state. If you’ve just finished 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 running it under cold water to contract it. You can also try turning the sealing ring over and replacing it.
7. Instant Pot Sealing Ring has Debris or Food
The Instant Pot sealing ring must be clean to create a proper seal.
SOLUTION: Make sure no food is stuck to the sealing ring and clean it with soap and water.
8. Too Much Water has Evaporated Before Problem was Fixed
If the pot wasn’t initially sealed properly and you corrected the problem, it’s possible that too much liquid evaporated, leaving the pot without enough liquid in the pot to create the required steam. This can cause the Instant Pot to not pressurize.
SOLUTION: Open the Instant Pot and check the quantity of liquid. You need ½ cup to 1 cup. Add more liquid if necessary.
9. The Sealing Ring is Damaged or Torn
If your seal is heavily used or pulled on too hard, it can wear out or tear, and you may need a new seal.
SOLUTION: Purchase a new sealing ring. Keeping a spare sealing ring on hand is always a good idea.
10. 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 start time. When you press the timer button, the time that shows up is the number of hours until cooking starts. So, if your Instant Pot timer is not starting, this could be the reason.
SOLUTION: Press Cancel to cancel the timer. Select Manual or Pressure Cook mode (or another cooking option, e.g., Poultry or Meat) 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 (e.g., Manual, Pressure Cook, Poultry) first, then press Timer or Delay Start (on newer models).
11. The Instant Pot Lid Area or Liner is Dirty
The Instant Pot lid and the area where it fits on the base unit need to be clean and free of food debris.
If food is stuck to the rim of the Instant Pot inner pot, the seal will not be tight when you close the Instant Pot lid, and steam can escape.
SOLUTION: Open the Instant Pot lid and use a cloth or clean toothbrush to wipe around the rim of the Instant Pot lid and the base unit. Thoroughly clean the inside, outside, and rim of the inner pot.
12. The Instant Pot Float Valve or Anti-Block Shield Has Debris
When you cook pasta or other messy foods, the Instant Pot valve and anti block shield can become dirty and 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 Beginner’s Guide to find out how to remove these.
13. Food is Frozen
Frozen food takes longer to cook, and the Instant Pot takes longer to come to pressure.
SOLUTION: If you’ve added frozen food to the pot, wait a bit longer to see if the Instant Pot will seal. If you’re cooking a large quantity of frozen food, I recommend thawing it first, because it will take a very long time to come to pressure and cook!
14. Large Quantity of Liquid in Instant Pot
If you’re making 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 ensure that your ingredients do not exceed the Max Fill mark (⅔ full). For foods that expand (e.g., rice, beans, and pasta), you should not exceed the ½ full mark.
SOLUTION: Wait longer to see if the Instant Pot will seal. If you’re above the recommended max fill lines, split up the recipe and cook it in two batches.
15. The Float Valve is Up, but Instant Pot Just Says On and the Countdown Timer Not Starting
If the Instant Pot just says ‘On,’ it could be because there is a delay between the float valve rising up and the timer starting to countdown.
I’ve had this happen when I’ve used less liquid than is recommended. The Instant Pot comes to pressure, and the float valve comes up, but the display 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 start. If the ‘On‘ never changes to counting down, you must set an external timer and press Cancel when the time’s up. Try doing a water test to make sure the problem doesn’t recur. If the problem persists, open a support ticket.
16. The Power Cord is Loose
Some Instant Pots have detachable power cords. The power cord needs to be pushed into the base unit all the way. It can come loose if you move the Instant Pot or accidentally bump it.
SOLUTION: Push the power cord all the way into the base unit. Also, make sure the power cord is securely attached to the wall outlet. Test the outlet to make sure it is working with another appliance or an electrical outlet tester.
17. The Wrong Size Inner Pot was Used
If you have multiple Instant Pots of different sizes, you may be using the wrong stainless steel inner pot/liner. The 6-quart inner pot fits into the 8-quart Instant Pot. It’s an easy mistake and a common issue!
SOLUTION: Make sure you use the correct inner pot.
18. The Float Valve is Missing
If you remove the float valve while cleaning the Instant Pot lid, you may forget to replace it.
SOLUTION: Put the float valve back in and replace the silicone cover.
19. The Steam Release Handle is Missing
If you remove the steam release handle while cleaning the Instant Pot lid, you may forget to replace it.
SOLUTION: Put the steam release handle back onto the lid and push it down to make sure it’s properly seated on the steam release pipe.
20. The Lid Locking Pin is Stuck
The spring-loaded pin (lid locking pin) on the rim at the back of the lid could be stuck in the retracted position and this means your Instant Pot lid won’t close properly.
SOLUTION: Push on it from the inside and outside of the lid or gently jiggle it to get the spring mechanism to reset the pin.
21. The Exhaust Valve is Loose
In rare cases, the exhaust valve inside the anti-block shield can become loose, such as during shipping.
SOLUTION: Carefully tighten the valve so it’s not loose anymore. Don’t overly tighten it.
22. The Steam Release Handle is Not Properly Seated
If you remove the Instant Pot steam release valve or handle while cleaning the lid, it may not be put back correctly. It needs to be pushed in all the way. If it isn’t securely seated, steam will leak from the valve or handle.
SOLUTION: Push in the Steam Release Valve and move it from Sealing to Venting a few times so it sits properly.
23. Instant Pot Display Says noPr
If the Instant Pot is showing the noPr error message, it could be that it couldn’t reach a high enough temperature during the pre-heating stage. This could be due to the quantity of food or liquid, frozen ingredients, or any of the reasons in this article.
SOLUTION: If you’re not making any of the above mistakes but get the noPr error, press Cancel and try restarting the pressure cooking program again.
24. Instant Pot Leaking Steam Even Though the Float Valve is Up
There’s a metal safety clip inside some older pressure release valves. It appears to prevent the Instant Pot from overpressurizing.
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 were set to the Venting, allowing steam to escape.
Newer models of the steam release handle and sealing valve do not have this problem since they now have a silicone retaining ring that prevents them from being improperly seated on the steam release pipe, thus 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. Here’s a Youtuber who’s posted a video on how to fix the Instant Pot not building pressure due to this issue:
I thank Donald Task and the Reddit Instant Pot community for bringing this problem and solution to my attention!
25. No Liquid for Pot in Pot Cooking
The pot-in-pot cooking method is used for cakes, eggs, lasagna, and other dishes that require steaming. If you don’t add water to the bottom of the pot, it will not come to pressure.
I hope this Instant Pot troubleshooting guide has helped you find out the reason for your Instant Pot float valve not sealing so you can get back to cooking your favorite Instant Pot recipes. 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 to do a water test to see if it’s an issue with your unit. If the water test fails, you should either return the Instant Pot to the place of purchase or contact Instant Pot customer service to file a support ticket.
✅ Why Trust Neena at Paint the Kitchen Red?
I’m Neena, and I have a lifetime of experience working with pressure cookers. I know how to maximize the potential of a pressure cooker to consistently produce delicious and easy meals. With my Instant Pot expertise, I can provide valuable insights, troubleshooting advice, and innovative recipe ideas so you can trust me on all things Instant Pot!
➡ New to the Instant Pot? Get my Instant Pot instructions for beginners.
If you’re new to the Instant Pot and aren’t familiar with how to use it, here are my guides on how to use some popular Instant Pot models:
- Instant Pot Directions for Beginners
- Instant Pot ULTRA Beginner’s Manual
- Instant Pot DUO EVO PLUS Beginner’s Manual
- Instant Pot DUO NOVA Beginner’s Manual
- Instant Pot DUO GOURMET Beginner’s Manual
- Instant Pot PRO Beginner’s Manual
- Instant Pot DUO CRISP Beginner’s Manual
- Instant Pot PRO CRISP Beginner’s Manual
- Instant Pot PRO CRISP vs DUO CRISP
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Troubleshoot Common Instant Pot Problems
Find out some of the frequently encounter Instant Pot problems and how to fix them. From the burn message to error codes, these resources will help you out.
Janet says
Saw this great video about the float valve. I hope this helps!
https://youtu.be/SJW4QNwTmn0
Markee says
What if the float valve won’t pop up? What do I do then?
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Markee – have you made sure it’s none of the reasons in the article? Have you done a water test? If it comes up during the water test, then it’s something having to do with the recipe you’re using – maybe not enough liquid?
Lisa says
I am new at all this. Last night I used it and it never went to count down. It stayed “On”. Then after awhile it went to “burn “. I did a quick release and when I opened. It had cooked and some of the chicken got scorched. I had plenty of liquid. I don’t know but it was still delicious.
Also my release valve is and came very wabblie. I thought it was broken when I got it cause it was so loose. Is that normal?
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Hi Lisa – depending on what you’re cooking it does take time to go from “On” to counting down. However, since you ultimately got a “burn” error, it sounds like there was something about the recipe you’re using that caused this. If you want, I can take a look at the recipe and see if anything stands out. The steam release handle is supposed to be wobbly in order to allow steam to escape so that is not an issue.
Don says
I am trying to cook Chili tonight. EXTREMELY FRUSTRATED to the point of nearly tossing the InstaPot in the Trash. I’ve got a VERY wet Chili mix in the pot and it kept trying to come up to pressure but then went into BURN mode repeatedly as the pressure weight was steaming away but not popping up. I finally decided to move the pot a little because all the steam was going straight up into a light fixture and as soon as I grabbed it by the handles on the side and touched the tabs on the lid, the valve popped up instantly!@#$%
It seems like the lid was just slightly not at full lock all the way to the right and the pressure on the lid tabs was enough to get it to seal and pop up.
I’ve been fighting with it for about 90 minutes now and just looked again and while it is still pressurized, it’s gone into burn shut down mode again.
If my Chili is ruined, I’m going to sledge hammer it in the garage tomorrow. I’ll post a YouTube video if I do. There is no way the lid should not have a very solid lock into place. There should be resistance to make you very firmly lock the lid into place so this doesn’t happen.
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Don, I can sympathize with your frustration and I’m sorry you’re having trouble with the Instant Pot. So have you tried cooking other dishes in the IP? Do you get the burn error with other recipes? It could be that the recipe you’re using has some fillers that are causing the sticking. I would suggest that you read my post on the burn message and use the layering technique: put any dense sauces or starchy ingredients on top. I don’t think it’s the lid, but without knowing more about the recipe, I can’t give you a clear answer.
carla says
Today is the first time I’ve had a noPr message, been using IP for about a year…mostly yogurt…the IP has paid for itself in yogurt. Thank you so much for this thorough discussion of the noPr message. First time making chicken stock today and of course I want to get as much out of it as possible. Filled it full without over filling it. Received noPr message about when it should have heated up sufficiently to seal. Following your advice, I just reset it (shut off, turned on, set 45mins at high pressure) and not too long after that it had sealed and was counting down. Just needed a bit more time to get up to pressure. No issue at all. Thank you!!!
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Thanks for your comment, Carla. I’m glad to hear you got it figured out!
Viki Nelson says
Hi. I love my instant pot and your website. I’ve been having recent problems with my float valve not rising although there’s plenty of steam coming out. I’ve gone through the fix-it list to no avail but done a runaround by placing a silicone spatula over the hole to block the steam which essentially forces the float valve up. This leaves me with a few questions: 1) is this safe to do (not from a burn perspective, but explosion) and 2) what else could be keeping the valve from rising on its own? Thanks so much!!!
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Viki, I would not advise that you block the steam in any way – that is dangerous. You could gently tap the float valve with a chopstick. One thing that I’ve heard people do is to gently push down on the lid when the float valve appears to be ready to go up. I can’t attest to how well the food cooks in this instance, but it isn’t dangerous like blocking the steam. Always make sure you have enough liquid, and that your sealing ring, float valve, and anti-block shield are completely clean. You might try to borrow a sealing ring to see if it’s the problem.
SAM says
Thank you for your hard work. However it is absolutely absurd that they would sell a product that works this poorly and needs so much attention. I’ve spent hours at times trying to get it to work and not burn my soup or other meal. My first electric pressure cooker worked way better than this ever has, even when the instant pot was right out of the box. I’m never buying another one. I’ve never been able to use all the “special” settings since I can hardly get “manual ” to work.
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Sam, I’m sorry you’ve been having trouble. I did have a learning curve initially, but once I figured out what not to do (to prevent sealing issues), I’ve pretty much not had any major problems. I hope it works out for you. If you can’t get it to work even with soup and no tricky ingredients (tomato sauces, starches) then maybe you have a defective unit and need to contact the company. I wish you luck.
Chris says
Many thanks for all the helpful information. There were some comments about manually tightening the steam release handle when it appeared it had become unseated. Someone asked how to do that but I didn’t see a response. Do you know how? Also wondering if there is a rough guide about how long to wait for the pot to pressurize. I realize it depends on what you are cooking but since my IP never seems to come to
Pressure , wondering if this could be my issue. I will try the water test again and also the tip about pressing down on the lid.
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Chris, I must have missed that question – I’ll go in and check. To answer your question re: steam release handle, it is supposed to be loose and wobbly, so that should not be an issue. The steam release valve has a nut on the inside of the lid and it should not be loose (a rare situation, by the way). You would tighten it with a wrench, but not over-tighten.
You definitely need to try the water test to eliminate ingredients or specific recipe as a possibility. If it doesn’t come to pressure, then you have an issue. If you’ve tried all the suggestions I made, you may want to contact the company. Good luck.
Sue Leroux says
THANKS! I’ve been working with the company to figure out why my IP is not holding pressure. They determined my sealing ring was defective and sent me a new one today. (It was the right size but loose in one section.) Imagine my consternation when the new ring didn’t work either! But I read your suggestions and decided that I might not have enough liquid in my beef bourguignon, even though I added what the IP-tailored recipe suggested. And voila, the valve just sealed and I am cooking away. I SO wish the IP included an indicator that assured you of whether you had a good seal BEFORE you discovered this in the middle of cooking. Thanks for recounting the hundreds of reasons an IP might not build pressure!
Paint the Kitchen Red says
The newer models try to address this issue by giving a ‘Burn’ error if the IP is not going to seal. The problem is that it can sometimes be too sensitive and people get the ‘burn’ error when they shouldn’t! Can’t win 🙂 Anyway, I’m glad you figured it out. Read my Burn Message article to see if you can possibly cook the recipe you have without changes, by layering ingredients that can stick (e.g. tomatoes, etc.)
David says
I would like to have two Instant pots. One 6 qt, one 8 qt. I like the look of the duo plus & the Ultra. The Ultra because I am forgetful & I like the pressure venting. Haven’t used them before. Which would you recommend for the 6 qt? I may start on that first. Don’t know which is better to learn on. Also are the accessories interchangeable? Wonderful info. Thanks, David.
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Hi David, thanks for your comment. I have the Duo and the Ultra. What I think you’ll find is that once you start with one, you’ll just get used to it. I really don’t think you can go wrong with either (the Duo Plus is similar to the Duo in terms of using the buttons, etc). For me personally, because I’ve been using the Ultra more lately, I like it better, and yes I do like the push button steam release a lot. The accessories like pans, trivets (not sealing ring or inner pot) for the 6 quart can be used in the 8 quart but not vice versa due to the diameter. The accessories for the same size Ultra can be used in the Duo/Plus and vice versa. That being said, when you first get the Ultra, you might notice that all the instructions on blogs and websites tend to be for the Duo (i.e. press this button, etc) and you’ll have to learn how to translate that. You can use my Instant Pot Ultra Quick Start Guide to get familiar with the Ultra. All the best!
Catherine P Goodwin says
Thank you for writing this. Turns out, I justneeded to clean the bottom of the pot after searing!
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Hi Catherine, very common issue; especially for new users – glad you got it figured out!
Bonnie says
Thanks for this list of things to check! I was beginning to become concerned that it was taking so long for my IP to pressurize. It just needed more time, thankfully. The food I put in there wasn’t overly hot, so it had to get up to temp first.
This was a great way to pass the time and as I was finishing, the timer started!
Paint the Kitchen Red says
I’m glad you figured it out; thanks for commenting!
Dave says
New instant pot ultra here, and it never worked. I’m getting the infamous “burn” message with everything and it leaks steam continuously, even with the test run with water only. This problem seems common, browsing amazon reviews. Their customer support takes days to respond with some of the common advice I see here, which is a little silly for a product fresh out of the box. I might have to try appealing to Amazon for a return, because the customer service is awful. After sending photos of the outside, product tag, inside of the lid, the serial number (ironically next to a “QC pass” sticker), and video evidence of the steam leaking, they still take forever. A broken new product and horrible customer service completely kills this brand for me. Those considering jumping on the IP bandwagon should consider this before buying. With a product so prone to failure and requiring such debugging, you’re also saddled with this level of customer support. And I think the fad may subside once people’s products start nearing that warranty date.
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Hi Dave – I’m sorry to hear that you’ve had such a bad experience. My experience has been the opposite because I own two products and any sealing issues have been user-generated. I hope that the problems you’re describing get solved with the next generation of Instant Pots.
Dave says
No worries. Worse things in the world. It’s hard for me to overlook the odd customer service, but perhaps the issue is specific to this ultra line. Customer service has concluded the cause was a faulty pressure sensor at the base of the unit. I’m guessing there’s no fixing this, because they quickly began shipment of a new unit, before I could reiterate that I originally asked for a refund! I’m just glad some manner of resolution has been made, though I’m afraid to unbox the next one and discover a similar issue. Nonetheless, this might help you troubleshoot some of the newer units.
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Yes, you’re right – other readers will benefit from you having shared your experience – thank you! And glad to hear that you’re getting a replacement. No sense waiting, just get it out and test it right away!
MandyW says
Dave thanks for sharing your experience. I just bought an Instant Pot during a BF sale and I’m going to be rigorously testing it tomorrow and making sure there are no problems with it before the return period expires.
My mother cooked with an old fashioned pressure cooker and buying an instant pot seemed like a no brainer. However, I really don’t want to spend more time troubleshooting than necessary or ruining meals because it’s unreliable. I want cooking to be simple not a hassle and these issues make it seem like a hassle.
The bandwagon may just be that. Let’s see how well my new 10in1 6qt instant pot works and if it’s worth the still hefty price tag.
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Hi Mandy, I think it’s a great idea to test it out. Many people buy the IP and don’t open it for months and then have no recourse. That being said, the problems that occur are usually avoidable if you follow certain guidelines: use enough liquid, layer tricky ingredients, deglaze well, etc. For your first few recipes, avoid tomato-based sauces and make recipes that have plenty of great reviews. A soup would be a great choice. Just to get familiar with the appliance. btw, the model you purchased is a great one – I love it! All the best!
Diane says
I love my IP and I love your helpful information. I’ve only had it for a month but I’ve used it a lot without any problems – until tonight. It wouldn’t pressurize so after reading your blog I did the water test and that worked fine. I’m hoping that it’s fine now but I’m going to make sure it’s all clean and not scorched and that there is enough liquid! Fingers crossed! Thanks again for all your useful information.
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Thanks for letting me know, Diane – I’m always happy to be of help. It probably was a one-time thing, maybe something stuck in the nooks and crannies or food stuck on the bottom.
Sarah M says
My steam release handle seems very loose recently. During a water test steam was escaping with the countdown going on. I had to keep moving it and adjusting it till it finally stopped leaking.
Yesterday’s beef stew got burnt because all the water had steamed out, I was shocked because it was in the sealed position but not actually sealed.
Can a replacement be bought? Or how to tell if it’s faulty?
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Sarah – the steam release handle should be pretty wobbly to begin with. Is it more than usual? I wonder if it’s time to replace your sealing ring? I feel mine is ready to be replaced!
Cindy L. says
This is exactly the problem I have. My sealing ring is brand new. I got this last year for Christmas but haven’t pulled it out to use until about a month ago. I’ve made about 4 or 5 dishes and each and every time, it releases steam throughout the process, even when it says it’s pressurized. I really am getting annoyed and angry that we wasted the money on this thing. Everything is always scorched on the bottom no matter how much liquid I put into it. I seriously needed this to work for us. We are living the RV life and this gas stove won’t bring a pot of water to boil, but that’s another story. I do not feel that I should have to buy another ring when this one is still new and in very good shape. Oh and it’s not just the 8 quarts having problems because mine is a 6 quart. I do not overfill it, etc.
Cindy L. says
I didn’t make something clear, my husband bought this for me for Christmas, hence the gift and wasting money.
Madli says
My grandma, may she rest in peace, taught my mom to put some oil inside the lid then put the sealing ring in. I blot any excess oil with a paper towel and it seals right up.
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Hi Madli, I’ve never heard of that before. Thank you for sharing.
Cindy L. says
I’m pretty sure your grandmother was talking about a stove pressure cooker and not an electrical one. If all else fails I suppose it’s worth a try but I don’t know how safe that is. Just an FYI for others.
joshua says
I had an issue with steam coming from the sides, not the vent, even though the lid closed. I use my IP a few times a week for 2 years and never had I seen that before. I hit cancel, removed the inner pot with these handy clamps I got for the task, checked everything out and it turned out that I had a remnant piece of food on the rim of the inner pot from when I sauteed first before transferring to a pot within a pot (quiche), That was enough to prevent proper sealing. Just another thing to check.
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Hi Joshua – so interesting! Thank you so much for sharing that. I’m sure you’ll be helping out someone who has the same issue in the future.
sabrina says
I have 2 IP, one old Lux 6in 1, and one new Ultra 10 in 1. Had no problems with Lux, but the Ultra ‘s first water test failed as steam was coming out of that safety shield. The floating valve was up, but no counting down. I tried 3 times, the same result. I was so frustrated. I inspected the lid, no problem, I just played a little with the upper part of the shield. Tried again, it worked. It work without any issue until today. Actually it first happened a few days ago, when I did some soup. I boiled the meat before and it worked, but after adding some vegetables (next day) it failed to seal like in the fist water test. The floating valve was up, but steam was coming from the blocking shield on and on, and no counting down. I tried to move that shield to no result. I suspected it was too much liquid. I moved the inner pot in the LUX it worked!. Today I used the pressure menu to boil some meat in 2 l water. The same problem. I ended up using the old LUX. I removed the shield to clean it, although it looked clean. It was clean but still used some detergent and a lot of water to clean it. I did the water test. It worked. I wonder why it happens. I have never ever opened that shied in the LUX lid. It always worked. I love my new Ultra as it has options the Lux lacks. but There is something wrong with the lid, though that shield looks the same with the LUX. I don’t know what’s wrong.
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Hi Sabrina, when you say ‘safety shield’, I think you’re referring to the steam release valve (the wobbly round part) on the outside of the lid right? Sounds like your steam release valve is defective, maybe. Try also cleaning the hole that the valve is covering too. Sorry for your troubles – I hope you’re able to contact the company to try and get the lid replaced.
Cameron Haase-Pettingell says
I have pressure issues when I try to use my IP 2x in a nite
I have a
Instant Pot LUX60 -EMW-MM 6 Qt
I purchased it from Amazon about Apr 2017
I love my Instant Pot, but once I cook in it as a pressure cooker, it will not re pressurize. I have never been able to use it 2x in a night in pressure mode. This has happened about dozen times
-for example, I make a sauce and want to cook pasta in it.
liquid is not too high
I know it is heating because the food is burnt to the bottom.
the valves are clean, there is enough liquid, I clean the top after the first use – I have tried the following in many variations
I have tried the clean the top, changing gasket -still not re-pressurizing –
I have tried putting the top in the freezer thinking the metal had expanded and with new gasket still no re-pressurizing.
I am in Boston, so in total frustration, tonight I put the whole pot outside, – ajar, freezing temps ( 30 min) and then changer the gasket still no pressure.
My husband thinks the metal is expanding due to the heat but thought cooling it down would correct that
Help
I really want to be able to use my Instant Pot 2x in a night in the pressure mode.
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Hi Cameron – that sounds so frustrating 🙁 The fact that it always works fine the first time but not subsequent times even with cooling it down is stumping me. Just a thought – have you tried to do two water tests, back to back? Just to eliminate all other variables? You could also open a ticket with the Instant Pot support at https://support.instantpot.com/
Ruth says
Thanks for this list. My pot has been failing to seal recently. I will go through your list as a checklist the next time. Very handy. I use it every day, especially when traveling with the RV.
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Hi Ruth – I hope you find our what’s happening with your IP. It could be it needs to be cleaned thoroughly or the sealing ring needs to be replaced.