The Instant Pot burn error is a common problem that many Instant Pot users come across, so you’re not alone! Find out why you’re getting the Instant Pot burn message, how to avoid the problem in the future, and what to do when the Instant Pot says Burn, and in the process, save dinner. See special instructions at the bottom to find out how to deglaze your inner pot and clean the burnt food easily.
What You Will Learn in This Article
What to do When the Instant Pot says Burn – How to Save Your Meal
If you’re getting the burn message i.e. your Instant Pot display says ‘burn’ or ‘food burn’, this section will tell you what you need to do to save your meal.
I strongly urge you to read the entire article because there are many reasons for the burn error and you’ll need this information to successfully use the Instant Pot in the future.
Sometimes the Instant Pot says ‘burn’ or ‘food burn’ and then changes to ‘On’. If this happens to you, just say ‘thank you’ and let it keep cooking. You’ll probably have some food stuck on the bottom, but you should be able to salvage most of it.
In some rare cases, the scorched/burnt taste may penetrate the entire dish and you may need to start over. But in most cases, it’s possible to salvage your meal when you get the burn error.
How to Correct the Instant Pot Burn Error
Supplies
Equipment
Instructions
Turn off the Instant Pot
- Press ‘Cancel’ to turn off the Instant Pot.
Do a Quick Release of Pressure
- If the float valve is up and the Instant Pot has sealed, move the steam release handle, button or switch (depending on your model) to the ‘Vent’ position.
Open the Lid
- Once the pressure has completely released, turn the lid counter-clockwise to open the lid. Lift the lid and remove it.
Remove the Inner Pot from the Base Unit
- Lift the inner pot out of the base unit and place it on a heat-resistant surface.
If there’s Nothing Stuck to the Bottom, Add More Liquid
- Let the Instant Pot cool down.
- Most likely, the original liquid may have partially evaporated.
- Add enough liquid to replace the original liquid that evaporated, plus an additional 1/2 to 1 cup.
- Lift the food with a spatula to allow the liquid to reach the bottom of the inner pot.
If Food is Stuck on the Bottom, Clean Inner Pot
- Transfer contents that are not stuck to the bottom to a separate bowl.
- Scrape and clean out the inner pot so there’s nothing stuck on the bottom. Find out more on how to deglaze your Instant Pot to clean it easily.
- Allow the Instant Pot unit to cool down.
- Most likely, the original liquid may have fully or partially evaporated. Add enough liquid to replace the original liquid that evaporated, plus an additional 1/2 to 1 cup.
Continue Pressure Cooking
- Resume pressure cooking the recipe. You might be able to reduce the original pressure cooking time since the food might have already partially cooked.
Reduce the Liquid
- If there’s too much liquid left after pressure cooking has completed, reduce the liquid by cooking on ‘Saute’ mode.
Option: Use the Pot-in-Pot (PIP) Method to Finish Cooking the Dish
- Check out my comprehensive guide to using the Pot-in-Pot (PIP) pressure cooking method.
- This is a great alternative if you want to avoid any further hassles with the Instant Pot burn error.
- Just transfer all ingredients to a separate oven-proof dish that will fit in your inner pot and use PIP to finish pressure cooking.
What is the Burn Error?
The Instant Pot has over a dozen safety features to protect you and the food you’re cooking. These safety mechanisms also protect the Instant Pot from being damaged. One of these safety features is a burn-protection sensor that monitors the temperature.
The Instant Pot gets very hot under pressure and this heat needs to be regulated and controlled during the pressure cooking process.
According to the Instant Pot company, when a high temperature is detected at the bottom of the inner pot, the burn-protection sensor suspends heating. On older Instant Pot models, the warning ‘ovHt‘ (overheat) is displayed. This message has been changed to ‘burn‘ or ‘food burn’ on Instant Pot models produced around January 2018 and later.
Getting the burn alert doesn’t mean that there’s something wrong with your Instant Pot. It just means that your Instant Pot works differently from previous models and so recipes written for older models may not work as written, and you’ll need to make a few modifications and follow some tried and tested pressure cooking techniques.
If you’re seeing the Instant Pot burn code, the following sections tell you why this may be happening, how to avoid it in the future, and how to fix it when it happens to you.
NOTE: Some Instant Pot users notice certain ‘hot spots’ on the bottom of the inner pot, where food tends to scorch. Although this is rare, if you encounter this, you should file a ticket with Instant Pot customer support.
[You Should Also Read: 16 Reasons Why your Instant Pot is not Sealing]
Why You’re Getting the Burn Error
1. Sealing Ring Issues
If your sealing ring is not installed properly or if it’s missing, your Instant Pot will leak steam, and that will cause the food at the bottom to scorch and your Instant Pot display will say burn.
2. Steam Release is Venting
If your steam release handle is in the Venting position or the steam release button is accidentally stuck in the down position (Ultra model), your Instant Pot will leak steam, and that will cause the contents to burn.
3. Not Enough Liquid
Pressure cookers work by building pressure from steam generated in the pot, which in turn cooks food at high temperatures. This steam cannot be created if there isn’t enough liquid in the Instant Pot.
4. Food Scorched on Bottom During Saute Mode
If you’re using the Saute function, food can get stuck on the bottom of the Instant Pot and get scorched. This can block the heat sensor and trigger the Instant Pot burn warning when you start pressure cooking.
5. Recipe Contains Tomato Products or Prepared Sauces
Recipes containing products like tomato paste, tomato puree, tomato sauce, cream of chicken, cream of mushroom and alfredo sauce tend to scorch on the bottom while the Instant Pot is coming to pressure.
These ingredients are not thin enough to build steam and some contain fillers like corn starch, flour or cheese which tend to scorch. I see lots of complaints about chili recipes and pasta sauces causing the burn notice.
6. Recipe Contains Starch (Pasta, Rice)
Stirring in and incorporating pasta and rice with all the other ingredients may give you a burn code. This may have worked for some older models of the Instant Pot and that’s possibly why the recipe you’re following directs you to do that.
7. Instant Pot is Too Hot After Sauteing
If you use the Saute function immediately before pressure cooking, especially if you’re using high heat, it can lead to a burn error during pressure cooking.
8. Recipe was Tested with Different Instant Pot Size
If the recipe was written for the 6-quart Instant Pot, and you are using an 8-quart, it’s possible that there may not be enough liquid for the 8-quart to come to pressure.
9. Recipe was Tested with an Older Instant Pot Model
If you’re following a recipe you’ve found in a cookbook or on the internet, you could be getting the burn message because that recipe was developed using an older Instant Pot model (before January 2018) which didn’t have the burn error as a safety feature.
Back in the ‘old days’ of when the Instant Pot was first introduced, if there was an overheat condition, the Instant Pot would countdown as though it were pressure cooking even though the float valve wasn’t up and the Instant Pot hadn’t sealed.
How to Avoid Getting the Burn Warning
1. Install Sealing Ring Properly
You need to make sure that the sealing ring is pushed into the sealing ring rack all the way in and all around. Clean the sealing ring after use and don’t forget to put it back in place when you begin pressure cooking. Sealing rings can also get worn out or stretched out over time, requiring replacement.
2. Steam Release Should be in the ‘Seal’ Position
The steam release handle or button (depending on the model) needs to be in the ‘Sealing’ or ‘Seal’ position. If it’s venting, steam will escape and there won’t be enough liquid to pressurize the Instant Pot.
3. Add Sufficient Liquid
According to the Instant Pot company, your Instant Pot pressure cooker requires 2 cups of liquid. If you’re just starting out, you can prevent the burn notice by always using the minimum recommended quantity of liquid.
Through trial and error, I make recipes with less liquid, even as little as 1/2 cup. To figure out what your minimum quantity of liquid is, you can experiment by doing the water test or initial test run with different quantities of water. According to Jill Nussinow of The Veggie Queen, and author of Vegan Under Pressure cookbook, start with 1/4 to 1/2 cup, and increase the quantity with each subsequent test until you’re able to get the Instant Pot to come to pressure and stay under pressure for 5 minutes.
Keep in mind that many foods (e.g. vegetables, meats) release liquid and that counts toward the minimum liquid requirement. Canned tomato products and thick sauces don’t count toward the quantity of liquid because they are too dense.
Note: When you’re adding liquid, make sure it gets underneath any food that’s already in the inner pot. This prevents the food from scorching and creates steam.
4. Deglaze Inner Pot After Sauteing
After sauteing and before pressure cooking you need to deglaze the inner pot. Deglazing involves adding a thin liquid like wine, water or broth to the hot surface and scraping the bottom with a silicone scraper or wooden spatula to remove the caramelized and brown bits that are stuck.
Deglazing adds wonderful flavor to your dish, but more importantly, it cleans the inner pot. So any liquid that you add will make full contact with the bottom of the inner pot and that allows the sensor in the Instant Pot to properly register temperature and pressure.
5. Layer Ingredients
One pressure cooker technique that’s commonly used to prevent the Instant Pot from burning food and having it stick to the bottom is to layer problem ingredients such as tomato-based and starchy ingredients.
- Add the dense and starchy ingredients last e.g. tomato sauce, tomato paste, pasta, rice.
- Don’t stir.
- Gently push pasta, rice, and other starchy ingredients so they are submerged in the liquid.
- Close lid and pressure cook as directed.
The layering technique described above can also be used for starchy ingredients. Instead of stirring them in, add them at the end, right on top.
The pasta or rice needs to be submerged in liquid, so push down on it with a large spoon or spatula to make sure it’s covered in liquid.
6. Use Pot in Pot (PIP) Cooking Method
Another option is to use the Pot-in-Pot (PIP) cooking method to cook dishes that have thick sauces. You don’t ever have to worry about the burn message when you use the PIP technique.
7. Control Saute Temperature
Use medium temperature for sauteing and turn off and cool down the Instant Pot after sauteing and deglazing. You can cool it down quicker if you remove the inner pot from the unit and set it on a hot pad or cooling rack. Be sure to use gloves.
Alternately, you can saute on the stovetop and transfer the sauteed food to the Instant Pot to pressure cook.
Note: I find that allowing the Instant Pot to cool down after sauteing is one of the best ways to avoid the burn error.
8. Modify Recipes for the 8-Quart
If you have an 8-quart Instant Pot but you’re using a recipe developed for the 6-quart Instant Pot and the quantity of liquid is below the manufacturer-recommended quantity, either double the recipe or add an extra 1/2 to 1 cup of liquid. Keep the cooking time the same.
9. Raise the Food Using a Trivet
- I frequently put the food I’m pressure cooking (especially meat) on a trivet to raise it up a bit so that the liquid can cover the bottom of the inner pot
- This works really well when the quantity of liquid in my recipe is minimal.
[Read all about the Instant Pot trivet types and how to use them.]
10. Grease the Inner Pot
- Use a cooking spray or oil to grease the inner pot before you begin pressure cooking. This can help prevent food from sticking to the bottom of the inner pot.
How to Use the Deglaze Technique to Clean the Inner Pot
- Select Saute mode and allow the Instant Pot to get hot.
- Add 1/2 cup of water to deglaze.
- Scrape the bottom of the inner pot until the food gets unstuck, adding more water as needed.
- Turn off the Instant Pot.
- Empty out the inner pot, wash, and dry.
Nothing Works and You Keep Getting the Burn Warning No Matter What You Do!
If you are not cooking with problematic (e.g. tomato-based or starchy) ingredients, you have enough liquid, and you’re not making any of the mistakes detailed above and your Instant Pot keeps saying Burn, the first thing I suggest is you read the article on why your Instant Pot is not sealing.
If you’re not making any of the mistakes detailed in that article, the next thing to do is a water test.
How to do a Water Test
- Add 2 cups of water to the inner pot.
- Close the lid.
- Pressure cook on high pressure for 2 minutes.
- Do a quick release of pressure.
- If the Instant Pot does not seal or you get the burn error, you might have a defective unit.
If the water test fails, you should file a support ticket with Instant Pot support.
I hope this article has helped you learn about the Instant Pot burn code and how you can avoid it and fix the problem. Please share on social media using the links at the top and bottom of this article. Thanks so much!
You might also find these helpful:
Michael (no saute)
Neena, thank you for the wonderful recipes. I make them all but with major modifications. I am obsessive- compulsive workaholic with limited time 3 quart ultra. Live alone with occasional guest. I get home around 5pm and watch the news (BBC) at 5:30. So, I have about 1/2 hour to change clothes, make a drink (martini or negroni) and prepare dinner. I cannot accomplish this if I saute. I know that I am missing out on some flavor but it works for me. I just throw everything in, push the button at 5:29, and chill in front of the TV until 6 when dinner is ready. Another 1/2 hour of leisure and bak to work. Works for me! Thank you again.
Paint the Kitchen Red
Wow, thank you Michael! I have to say your comment is one of the most unique and fun ones I’ve received. Thank you so much for taking time to share. You made my day 🙂
Lynne
After 2 yrs of ip use, I got the dreaded burn notice. I had tried to make a whole chicken in tomato sauce, onions and mushrooms, wine and spices. I kept getting the burn notice and leaking steam, I ended up putting the still raw bird in the oven to finish. I then brought the sauce to a boil on the stove. I think there were three things I did wrong. I will try it another time using wine and extra water on the bottom, the trivet, and keep the tomatoes on top of the bird. It did make the best sauce I have ever made, and I learned from an excellent Italian cook. Thank you for this article, it is extremely helpful. I’ve been cooking for more than 70 years.
Paint the Kitchen Red
Lynne, thank you for your comment. I’m glad you were able to get past the burn message and complete your meal. Your years of experience probably helped 🙂
Joe
I have a different problem. After the on comes on the countdown timer does not happen. What am i doing wrong ? I am a new timer with IP.
Paint the Kitchen Red
Joe, I would suggest doing a water test first, to eliminate any variables based on the recipe e.g. a large quantity of food takes a long time to come to pressure. Pressure cook 2 cups of water for 5 minutes. If the On doesn’t change to 00:05 within about 15 minutes, it’s possible that you have a defective unit. I would return it if that’s an option. Otherwise, open a support ticket with the company at support.instantpot.com
Nat Haight
Detailed and very useful!!
Paint the Kitchen Red
Hey Nat, glad you found it useful and good luck with avoiding the error in the future!
Shelley
Thank you great info…now I have a better understanding
Paint the Kitchen Red
You’re welcome, Shelley. I’m glad you found it helpful!
Connie
Thank you for explaining the food burn error! Coming from a different brand epc, I didn’t panic, but was frustrated that this error is not even mentioned in the user manual! I made one pot pasta last night and had to stop 3 times because of the error. I released the pressure, stirred the stuck on food from the bottom and tried again. I think 1, it was too hot from sauteing meats and veggies before starting and 2, I had a lot of sauce, but also had broth and wine. My mistake I believe was stirring it all together including the pasta. Next time, I will pour the thin liquids on the bottom and “float” the heavier sauce. Also resist the urge to stir the pasta in! You can stir and taste test once the pressure cycle is done.
Thank you for the informative and thorough article.
Paint the Kitchen Red
You’re welcome, Connie. Hopefully you’ll be able to avoid the error in the future.
wanda l abbott
where can i get one
Paint the Kitchen Red
Wanda, I’m not sure what you’re referring to.
Jan
This was VERY helpful. Thank you!
Paint the Kitchen Red
You’re welcome, Jan!
Michelle
Thank you for explaining the burn message. I was nervous just trying out the instant pot and freaked when it showed the burn message. They really should put it in the instruction manual. I was ready to pack it up and return it.
Paint the Kitchen Red
Michelle, glad to be of help 🙂
Julie
I am so glad I found this article! I am brand new to the instapot and pressure cooking world. I have made about 5 things in it so far and 3 of them have had the BURN notice. 🙁
I was shocked to see it the first time and then to find that NONE of the “instructions” that it comes with, tells you what to actually DO when it happens. No talk of how to deglaze or why you need to deglaze. I couldn’t believe it. And searching for help on the internet can be just as frustrating because as I am sure you know, there are plenty of people willing to help and while they are well meaning, some of them are just doing it wrong! Lol
I will be looking for more of your articles and recipients now that I have found you. The 3 dishes I had issues with are:
Chicken and Rice- Garlic Parmesan
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Beef Stroganoff
I’d really like to try the chicken and rice again but afraid of it now lol. Any hints or tricks?
Thanks!
Paint the Kitchen Red
It is very frustrating! Without knowing the details of the recipe I can give you general advice about the chicken and rice: don’t stir in the rice, just add it in at the end and push down gently. You may also want to add some extra water/broth. Check out my Instant Pot Jambalaya recipe for ideas on how you can adapt your recipe using the technique in my recipe. Thanks for your comment!
Laura L.
Thank you for this article! Every time I use tomato paste I get the BURN notice. Couldn’t figure out how to get around it and still use it to get that deep flavor I like. Now I’ll just put it on top before I seal the pot!
Paint the Kitchen Red
I used to be skeptical about just pressure cooking tomato paste on the top, but find that it works quite well. Glad to be of help 🙂
David S Laker
It’s been almost a year since I posted my comment regarding the BURN message/problem.
The original IP did not have such a function and I never had a problem. The 2018 model has the BURN notification. WHY? I cannot duplicate my perfectly satisfactory recipes done in the older version in the new model. Why would a manufacturer add a wrinkle like this? Has there been any investigation? Something stinks.
Paint the Kitchen Red
David – I believe they did it because in the old models if something was burning, it would start counting down even when the Instant Pot didn’t pressurize. But I understand what you’re saying, they need to make it smarter maybe?
Cindy Thompson
This article is great; however, I think my issue might actually be a defective IP. I was sauteing some cubed chuck roast for a soup and the burn notice came on (while sauteing). I turned the pot off and added some liquid (about 2 cups) to deglaze it. I turned it back on and almost immediately the notice came back on. I tried turning off, unplugging and scrapping the bottom 4 or 5 times and the notice came on immediately each time. I ended up cooking my soup on the stove. I cleaned the IP thoroughly. This was about 5 days ago. Yesterday I was going to hard boil some eggs and the IP immediate gave the burn notice. The pot wasn’t even hot yet. I think I’m going to have to get a new IP. 😢
Paint the Kitchen Red
Cindy, I’m so sorry this has happened to you. But it definitely sounds like a defective Instant Pot. So frustrating!
Marsha Eckels
Hi….. I came across your article by accident. I’m a cook from way back. Last Christmas I received a 8 qt IP as a gift. Circumstances of the new year had me moving about these last several months, so I haven’t used the pot as of yet. After reading your article , I have decided to regift the pot to someone else. Having been a blue ribbon chef for the past 70 years allows me a trick or two for making many meals quickly n delicious at the finish line. This IP sounds like a headache waiting to happen ..what a very nice person u must b trying to explain all of this to IP enthusiasts. Perhaps the manufacturer should step forward n send a book to everyone that buys one of these pot. It should b called “The dos n don’t do with your IP”… plus an address to ship back for a full refund. LOL. Good luck to u.
Paint the Kitchen Red
Hi Marsha, pressure cooking is great for cooking eggs, rice, pulses/beans, and of course tougher cuts of meat. You might be pleasantly surprised if you try it out. But yes, there are do’s and don’ts for sure!
David J
I also think the manufacturer should allow me the option of bypassing the burn notice and continue cooking my food. When I get the burn notice I don’t know how long my food has been cooking or how much longer to continue cooking it. It should be the users decision to continue cooking if there is a burn notice.
Nancy
The instructions I have seen say to some or rinse rice become cooking. I have not seen you mention that. Is that necessary in all rice dishes? I also get burn notice when I cook a rice, chicken and veg combination.
Paint the Kitchen Red
I generally do rinse my rice when I’m making it plain. When I’m making it with spices, I often rinse but do occasionally skip the rinse. If you’re getting a burn error, put the liquid in first, then the veg, and finally rice and don’t stir the rice in. See if that gives you better results. I would add more liquid if you still get the burn.
DSHEPP
Hi Neena,
I have an Ultra 6qt. and I’ve tried both your “easy spaghetti” and “penne with sausage” recipes, and both times got the dreaded “burn” error. It’s my fault that I should have read further on your website (I just printed the recipes). But next time I will let the inner pot cool down after sauté, layer ingredients, add tomato based products last, don’t stir, and add an extra 1/4 cup liquid (if needed).
Thank you for all the great info here, I was able to salvage both meals and they were still the best spaghetti I’ve ever made, and the penne with sausage was better than East Side Mario’s (which was what I was trying to accomplish @ home), so thank you for the recipes.
P.S. I will update your website my 2nd attempt on both recipes, as they are that good.
Paint the Kitchen Red
Hi there – you’re very welcome! I’m sorry you had some troubles but glad to hear that you were able to salvage and enjoy the meals! Once you get the liquid quantity right, and follow those suggestions, you’ll be all set to make these recipes again and again – feel free to shoot me an email if you continue to have troubles. And thanks for the lovely comment 🙂
Paul Nielsen
How annoying. Spent the last hour trying to get chicken and rice to cook and repeated burn message. Gave up and went to the oven. Instant pot ended up making cooking time twice as long and more dirty pans to wash as well. I guess I should just use it to sterilize water
Paint the Kitchen Red
Sounds very frustrating, Paul. Did you stir in the rice or did you leave it on top? It might help to not stir it in.
Kay
I’m a newbie. Reason 1 solved my problem. Thanks.
Tracy
Thank you for this! I’ve had my IP for over a year and had never gotten the burn notice. I tried restarting 2 times, got the same results. I deglazed the itty bit that was there, ( I hadn’t seared or sautéed anything) but I’m pretty sure putting the roast on The trivet was the trick!
Paint the Kitchen Red
Yes, that trivet trick was something I discovered a year after getting my Instant Pot!
KGaylin
Thank you so much for your instructive Instan Pot videos and posts. This latest one on The Burn message explained why I got this signal after sautéing on Hot. I will modify future sautés to medium and allow a cool down period in the future. Incidentally, your instructions are much better than the company’s own documentation.
Paint the Kitchen Red
I’m happy to be of help – thanks for your kind words 🙂