The Instant Pot manual that you wish had come with the Instant Pot. An easy-to-use beginner’s guide with lots of step-by-step photos to get you started. This guide shows you all parts of the Instant Pot, how to assemble it and use it (video included). It also walks you through how to do the water test (video included).
If you own an Instant Pot ULTRA, please read the Instant Pot ULTRA Beginner’s Manual and Quick Start Guide.
January 2018 Note: the images in this post have the ‘Manual’ button. Newer models of the Instant Pot have the same function, but it’s been renamed to ‘Pressure Cook’.
I just became an Instant Pot convert and I can’t believe it took me so long to get one! If you just bought an Instant Pot and are ready to start using it or if you already own one but are too intimidated by it, you’ve come to the right place. In this easy-to-understand Instant Pot manual, I’m going to give you a quick introduction to the Instant Pot and its parts, and I’ll show you how to use the Instant Pot. You know how when you buy a new computer, it comes with a Quick Start guide? Well, think of this as a Quick Start guide that will get you going and make you comfortable using the Instant Pot.
When I first got my Instant Pot, I have to admit that it was a bit scary! So many buttons, so many features, and the Instant Pot manual that came with it wasn’t always that clear. At least to me. So today I’m going to give you an overview of the Instant Pot so that you’ll know how to use the Instant Pot for first time without being scared of it! If you’re more of a visual person, like me, you might have an easier time following this Instant Pot manual with photographs. This is the Instant Pot manual you wish had come with your Instant Pot!
Those of you who aren’t yet on the Instant Pot bandwagon may ask “What the heck is an Instant Pot?” Well, it’s this wonderful new appliance that can be used as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker and much more – the convenience is amazing, I just love it. The Instant Pot that I bought from amazon is the Instant Pot IP-DUO60 7-in-1 Multi-Functional Pressure Cooker. The 7 functions are: Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Saute/Browning, Yogurt Maker, Steamer & Warmer.
I used to have a stove-top pressure cooker. Oh my, what a difference! No need to babysit the pressure cooker any more. And it’s not loud like my old pressure cooker. When I was a kid, my mom’s pressure cooker once exploded (!) and there was turmeric-colored dal (lentil soup) all over the ceiling and walls!! I shudder just thinking about it.
No need to worry about such scary things with the Instant Pot. It has lots of safety features including automatically regulating pressuust put the ingredients in it and leave the house and dinner’s ready when I get home. Rice in 5 minutes, boneless chicken breasts in 10 minutes, bone-in chicken in 15 minutes. You can also set a delay timer and have the cooking start later on. Added bonus – I get so much cabinet space back; got rid of my pressure cooker, slow cooker and rice cooker!
You might find these posts to be helpful also: 16 Reasons Instant Pot is not Sealing and 17 Instant Pot Tips and FAQs. 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. Just get you going!
How to Use the Instant Pot for the First Time
Instant Pot Parts
The Instant Pot ships with these parts: base unit, lid, inner pot, condensation collector, power cord, measuring cup, trivet, utensils.
Instant Pot Assembly Instructions
Once you take the Instant Pot out of the box, you’ll place the stainless steel inner pot into the base unit.
Next you attach the power cord.
The Condensation Collector is attached to the Instant Pot by sliding it in at the back of the base unit. As far as I can tell, this little doo-hickey is always dry – I’ve never had any condensation collect in it! [Update May 13, 2017: I have had liquid collect in it when there is a lot of condensation on the lid, and I prop the lid open in the lid fin. The condensation drips onto the edges of the lid and drips into the condensation collector]
Instant Pot Lid Features
The outside of the lid has a steam release handle. The steam release handle needs to be in the ‘Sealing’ position unless you’re using the slow cooker functionality or you are releasing steam manually, which we’ll talk about later on.
Try and push the float valve up and down from the inside of the lid. The float valve will be in the down position when the Instant Pot is not pressurized. That’s how you know it’s safe to open the Instant Pot.
And the float valve is in the up position when it is pressurized. This means you cannot open the Instant Pot until the pressure drops.
The inside of the lid has the float valve (on the left) and the anti-block shield (on the right) which protects the exhaust valve.
You’ll need to know how to remove the anti-block shield to clean the exhaust valve. I found it hard to remove the anti-block shield with my bare fingers. But when I used a silicone flexible trivet and pushed it with my thumbs, it came off really easily. You could probably use a microfiber towel or a silicone jar opener too.
The float valve may also need to be removed to be cleaned. Just take off the silicone cover and remove the float valve. To replace, just put the float valve back in and push the silicone cover back on.
The sealing ring sits in the sealing ring rack and can be removed for cleaning. Don’t pull on it with too much force, or it can be stretched. When replacing the sealing ring, make sure it’s securely seated in the sealing ring rack. You’ll know it’s seated properly if you can turn/rotate it, with a bit of effort. If you don’t put it back in correctly, the Instant Pot won’t seal and your food won’t cook. Trust me, I learned the hard way!
To close the Instant Pot, place the lid on the base unit and line up the arrow on the lid with the “Open” (image of an open lock with an arrow) on the base. Turn the lid clockwise until the lid arrow lines up with the “Close” (an image of a closed lock with an arrow) on the base. You’ll hear a chime. To open the Instant Pot, turn the lid counter-clockwise until the arrow on the lid lines up with the “Open” arrow on the base. Again, you’ll hear a chime.
To keep the lid open, insert the right or left lid fin on the lid into the notch in the handle of the base unit.
How to do the Instant Pot Water Test – a Step by Step Instruction Guide
You’re now ready to use your Instant Pot! The best way to start out is to do the ‘Water Test’. It’s just a way to make sure your Instant Pot is not defective and to get you familiar with the controls.
Plug in the Instant Pot and make sure the steam release handle is in the “Sealing” position.
Add Water: Make sure the inner pot is seated in the base unit of the Instant Pot. Pour about 3 cups of water into the inner pot.
Close the Instant Pot: Put the lid on and close it by turning clockwise. You’ll hear the chime.
Steam for 2 minutes: Press “Steam” on the control panel and set the time to 2 minutes by pressing the (-) / (+) button till the display reads ‘2’.
Pressurizing: The display will read “On” until pressure is reached. Once the Instant Pot is pressurized, the float valve will be in the up position and the display will show the time remaining (starting at 2 minutes and counting down). Total time can be about 5 or 6 minutes. You might notice a funny, plastic smell. Don’t worry – it should go away and shouldn’t happen again.
Cooking complete: Once the 2 minutes have elapsed, the Instant Pot will beep and go into the Keep Warm mode. The display will show “L0:00” which will be a count-up timer telling you how long it has been since it has been in the Keep Warm mode. So if you cooked something and left the house, the Instant Pot will stay on Keep Warm mode for up to 14 hours.
In this case, we’ll turn off Keep Warm mode, by pressing the Keep Warm/Cancel button to turn the Instant Pot off. The display will read “Off.”
The float valve is up, so that means the Instant Pot is pressurized. You won’t be able to open it. You can either allow the steam to release naturally (Natural Release) or you can manually release the steam (Quick Release.) For Natural Release, just wait for the float valve to go to the down position on its own. This can take 10 to 30 minutes.
For Quick Release, you need to move the pressure release handle from ‘Sealing’ to ‘Venting’ position. The steam can burn you, so be sure to keep your face and hands away from the steam. I like to place a folded towel over the sealing handle and move it to the venting position. Remove the towel once you’ve turned the handle, so that it doesn’t obstruct anything. When your Instant Pot is depressurized, the float valve will be in the down position.
Open the Instant Pot by turning the lid counter-clockwise so the arrow on the lid lines up with the “Open” arrow on the base unit. You’ll hear a chime. Lift the lid and tilt it slightly so the water drips into the Instant Pot. Place the lid fin in the lid fin slot to prop the lid open.
There you have it! I think you’ve figured out how to use your Instant Pot, because you’ve just cooked your first “dish” in the Instant Pot – water! I hope my version of the Instant Pot manual and Instant Pot instructions were helpful to you. For your first recipe, I suggest that you start off simply by making either Instant Pot Basmati Rice using Pot-in-Pot Method, Instant Pot Jasmine Rice, or Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs.
Then you can try out your first recipe. Here’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 my recipes are thoroughly tested many times and I have step-by-step photographs and Instant Pot instructions 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.
Please subscribe to the newsletter to get notified when a new recipe is published. And let me know in the comments or through my Contact Page if you’d like to see any particular recipes or cuisine.
You might also like to try:
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| Instant Pot Pot in Pot Cooking | Instant Pot Ultra Beginner’s Guide | 17 Instant Pot Tips and FAQs |
Lindsay
December 10, 2016 at 9:19 pmI recommend your guide to anyone who wants to use this time-saving device in the kitchen. Thank you for clear, concise directions, and the photos help to clarify. You could teach a master class on the Instant Pot!
Paint the Kitchen Red
January 1, 2017 at 8:51 pmThanks Lindsay – I try to make it user-friendly!
Vivian Winn
April 15, 2018 at 1:59 pmWhere do I find your recipes. Thank you for your easy and useful directions.
Thanks
VIVIAN
Paint the Kitchen Red
April 15, 2018 at 6:22 pmHi Vivian – all my recipes can be found if you click on the ‘RECIPES’ on the menu bar on the desktop. On the mobile phone, click on the three lines (like a hamburger!) at the top of the post. Here’s the link though: https://www.paintthekitchenred.com/recipes/. I hope you enjoy the recipes!
Jennifer hartfelder
December 10, 2018 at 6:13 pmYes thank you so much, I like your version it is clear and easy to follow. Whoever wrote this instruction manual needs to read it from a beginners point of view. Thanks again!
Paint the Kitchen Red
December 10, 2018 at 6:23 pmGlad you found it useful! Good luck with your new Instant Pot, Jennifer.
Leslie Birkett
July 9, 2017 at 6:39 pmI was embarrassed to admit that my new, wonderful Instant Pot was “scary!” THEN I read your article. . .I am “cooking” my first dish. . .water! LOL. Hopefully I will be successful in cooking dinner tonight. Thank you so much!
Paint the Kitchen Red
July 10, 2017 at 12:32 pmYou’re welcome. We’ve all been there – nothing to be embarrassed about ? What did you make first?
Amy C
January 1, 2017 at 7:58 pmThank you for posting this SUPER helpful guide for us newbies!!! I was wanting to know when it was safe to open the IP lid !! Feeling a little more confident after trading your guide and going to try to cook our New Year’s traditional black eye peas and following up with cabbage!
Thanks again and Happy New Year!
Amy C
January 1, 2017 at 7:59 pm*reading!! ????
Paint the Kitchen Red
January 1, 2017 at 8:51 pmI am so very glad that was helpful to you, Amy! Good luck with the black eyed peas and cabbage.
LaRene Wolfe
January 1, 2017 at 9:31 pmThese are very clear directions without making anyone feel dumb! Thanks!
Paint the Kitchen Red
January 1, 2017 at 9:38 pmThanks so much for your feedback, I’m really happy they helped you! I will continue to post detailed instructions then.
Sarah
January 1, 2017 at 9:40 pmVery helpful thanks. Can’t wait for some curry recipes! 🙂
Paint the Kitchen Red
January 2, 2017 at 4:04 pmHi Sarah, Chicken curry will be posted tomorrow – please check back! If you’re not yet subscribed to the newsletter, please consider signing up, and when I post a new recipe you’ll know about it.
Lisa
January 2, 2017 at 2:09 amThank you! I keep joking (not really????) that I need an IP for dummies book. Thanks!
Paint the Kitchen Red
January 2, 2017 at 4:51 pmI love those ‘for Dummies’ guides! I’m so glad you found it helpful.
Wonkytonk Woman
January 28, 2019 at 9:49 amThere actually is a ‘Dummies Guide’ for electric pressure cookers. BTW, I am also on WW and hope that some new recipes will help me to lose more weight. 55 down and 35 to go!
Spencer
January 3, 2017 at 1:07 amLet me add my appreciation for your wonderful guide. Well Done!
But simple question: Adjusting the time.
I wish to cook a pot roast. Hit “Meat”…then adjust time. But rather than simple ‘more’ or less’, ‘up’ or ‘down’, it displays blocks of time in undefined units.
The sequence of button pushing is very unclear..to me!
Thanks in advance.
Paint the Kitchen Red
January 3, 2017 at 10:54 pmI’m really not sure what you’re seeing, but you should just be able to press ‘Meat/Stew’, adjust the time with ‘+’ or ‘-‘ and it will display ‘On’. Once it reaches pressure it should display the number of minutes left to cook. Maybe you’re pressing the ‘Adjust’ button? This changes the pressure from less to normal to more, in which case the display will change the amount of time required to cook the meat. You can adjust that time with ‘+’ or ‘-‘. Hope that helps!
Sharron
October 14, 2017 at 7:49 pmI have an IP DUO60 V3 and there is not an adjust button on the control panel. I have been trying to figure out how to adjust the mode (less, normal, more) when doing any of the cooking programs listed in the manual. The + and – signs seem to change only the cooking time. When non-pressure cooking yogurt, my manual says you can adjust from less to normal to more by pushing the yogurt button repeatedly. Do I have to do that with any of the program buttons to change the mode as well?
Paint the Kitchen Red
October 15, 2017 at 9:50 amHi Sharron. It can be confusing, so you’re not alone! The model you’ve listed has an Adjust button with a yellow border. Are you sure that’s your model? What you’re describing sounds like it’s the Duo Plus. Can you please confirm before I answer? You’re welcome to email me a photo of the control panel at paintthekitchenred gmail.com.
Kathy
December 27, 2017 at 4:33 pmI just got the same model for Christmas 2017 ( IP DUO60 V3) and it also has no adjust button. Very confusing.
Paint the Kitchen Red
December 28, 2017 at 6:37 pmKathy, the adjust button on the model I have is used to toggle between the less, normal and more settings for each mode of cooking. So for example for Saute, you press Adjust to toggle between the different levels. On your pot, I believe you just press Saute again and again to toggle between the settings. Let me know if that works for you. Good luck.
Lesley
January 3, 2017 at 5:59 pmThanks for the step by step.
I was reading on the instant pot site and they said the current version of the instruction manual says fill water to 3 mark, but it apparently should really only be 1 cup for the water test.
Paint the Kitchen Red
January 3, 2017 at 10:28 pmYou’re welcome! You can do the 3 mark, Lesley – but it would take forever! 1 cup is fine – takes less time, and it allows you to test out the Instant Pot to make sure it reaches pressure.
Tina
January 5, 2017 at 9:57 amThank you so much for taking the time to write this and add photos for each step. I don’t know how I missed the valve setting – no wonder my beans never cooked! Thanks again – your efforts are greatly appreciated!
Paint the Kitchen Red
January 5, 2017 at 4:49 pmTina, I’m so glad that you found your answer! Happy to help.
Joelle
January 7, 2017 at 1:03 pmI am so excited to find your site! I just got my instant and have been quite nervous to try it. Thanks for all the detailed information…Now for the Country Style Ribs….Wish me luck!
Paint the Kitchen Red
January 8, 2017 at 8:47 amSo glad you found me Joelle! Hope the ribs came out well – you’re going to love your new IP!
Megan
January 10, 2017 at 3:45 pmThank you! I just got an IP and was so scared the first time I used it because the manual was so not user friendly. I’m feeling way more confident! I definitely could not figure out where the darn condensation collector was supposed to go, the photo in the manual was not descriptive at all. Thank you!
Paint the Kitchen Red
January 10, 2017 at 5:53 pmI know! I thought the same thing. Those diagrams were really hard to follow. I was looking to put that condensation collector on the inside! Thanks for the comment – it makes me feel so good that my post is of help to others.
Wendy
January 15, 2017 at 12:02 pmWow – thanks for this clear and concise “getting started” guide… complete with pictures! I sure appreciate it… and am ready to do the water test now. Can’t wait to finally start using my IP! 🙂
Paint the Kitchen Red
January 15, 2017 at 3:35 pmThanks for the feedback, Wendy! Hope the water test went well. Enjoy your new IP!
Linda
January 21, 2017 at 6:27 pmI do understand your guide. Thank you so much. I have made several meals with my UP but was really only “winging” it, hoping I was doing it right. Your post and pictures made it so much easier to understand.
Paint the Kitchen Red
January 22, 2017 at 2:00 pmI’m so glad, Linda! Enjoy your IP!
Tabitha Bucknam
February 19, 2017 at 11:06 amThank you so very much for this guide. I have a question that I haven’t gotten a clear answer googling
I’m running your water test. There were several times a lot of steam came from the steam release handle. I could hear and see it shooting up. I double checked the handle and it is in the “sealing” position. The float valve is up so there is pressure.
Could this be a defective unit?
Thanks again
Paint the Kitchen Red
February 19, 2017 at 1:25 pmHi Tabitha, once the float valve (silver) is up AND the countdown timer begins, you should see minimal to no steam coming from the float valve and pressure release handle (I usually have none.) However, before the float valve comes up, you can see steam coming through both float valve and pressure release valve. Have you seen this FAQ page? http://instantpot.com/faq/questions-after-your-purchase/ If you’re getting more than a tiny bit of steam once the countdown timer begins, try and jiggle the release valve and put it back in sealing position. Also take your sealing ring out, let it cool and put it back in properly. You might need to contact Instant Pot directly if you find the problem doesn’t resolve. But I would definitely try again.
Tabitha Bucknam
February 19, 2017 at 1:30 pmThanks so much for your quick reply. The steam is coming during the pressuring pricess before countdown. After some googling and videos looks like it’s normal. Can’t wait to use it for more than water. ?
Paint the Kitchen Red
February 19, 2017 at 2:04 pmYay, so glad that was resolved. You’re going to have fun trying out different recipes and adapting your own. Rice is a good thing to make for the first time – that’s what I did!
Shanthini Jayanthan
March 6, 2017 at 2:45 pmMy item is coming tomorrow. Glad you have given an easy quick start guide.Thank you. Hope to try the chicken curry.
Paint the Kitchen Red
March 6, 2017 at 4:59 pmWelcome to the world of Instant Pot! I’m sure you’ll love it!
Allison
March 16, 2017 at 9:27 amAh! The Manual had me so frustrated! This was soooooo helpful. Thank you!
Paint the Kitchen Red
March 16, 2017 at 6:28 pmI’m so glad – enjoy your new Instant Pot!
Betsy
March 17, 2017 at 10:17 pmA GREAT BIG thank you!
Your step by step process was perfectly helpful.
I am 65 years old and have used a stove top pressure cooker all my life. Now I’m trying this new contraption and am reminded of my trepidation when first cooking with my mother’s pot. As the Instant Pot did not come with any instructions, it has been wonderful to find this page. I am looking forward to some easy-to-follow introductory recipes. Thank you again.
Paint the Kitchen Red
March 18, 2017 at 6:23 pmOh, I’m so glad and you’re welcome! Rest assured that the Instant Pot has lots of safety mechanisms and the chances of any disasters like with the stovetop version are slim to none. All my recipes are written with step by step instructions. Just read over them and keep all your ingredients ready. If you’re looking for the simplest, rice or eggs is a good starting point. Holler if you have any questions, I always try and answer in a timely way.
Kathy C
March 23, 2017 at 9:02 amOh. My. GOSH! I couldn’t find the quick start guide that came with the Instant Pot, and I have been trying to get the lid on for an hour. It was backwards. ? (Group eye roll!) Thank you so very much for making this quick guide. Bless you, bless you, bless you. Seriously. XX
Paint the Kitchen Red
March 23, 2017 at 10:54 amI’m so glad you found me, then! Don’t feel bad, we’ve all had those moments when we first got our Instant Pot. You should have seen me try to figure out where the condensation collector goes!
Melishia Hoffman
April 6, 2017 at 5:17 pmThanks for posting this! I was truly at a loss!
Paint the Kitchen Red
April 6, 2017 at 8:14 pmMelishia, I’m so glad it was helpful to you. Enjoy your new IP!
Tricia
April 28, 2017 at 5:04 pmVery helpful information thanks . Is the a creamy oatmeal recipe using old fashion oats?
Paint the Kitchen Red
April 29, 2017 at 6:45 amI’m glad you found it helpful, Tricia. I’m not sure which recipe you’re referring to because I’ve not posted an oatmeal recipe.
Kristin Wing
May 6, 2017 at 7:27 amVery very helpful video and website! I’m newbie and this was so helpful
Paint the Kitchen Red
May 12, 2017 at 3:08 pmKristin – I’m really glad you found it useful. Thanks for your feedback!
Dean
July 3, 2017 at 4:20 pmThank you for this awesome guide!!
Paint the Kitchen Red
July 6, 2017 at 11:03 amYou’re welcome!
Connie Lee
July 5, 2017 at 5:11 pmThanks so much. I didn’t get any instructions with my 7 n 1 instant pot. Can only adjust minutes in increments of 10 though.
Paint the Kitchen Red
July 6, 2017 at 11:11 amConnie, it’s possible you’re referring to the timer button – which does adjust the time by 10 minute increments when you press the + or – button. Don’t press ‘timer’, but press ‘manual’, ‘poultry’, ‘meat’, etc and then you’ll be able to adjust the time properly. Let me know if you have further questions.
Marion Dies
July 14, 2017 at 7:59 pmThank you! The instructions and recipes that came with my IP are not well written and super confusing. The steps of the process and the buttons are not fully explained. This was very helpful. 🙂
Paint the Kitchen Red
July 14, 2017 at 8:50 pmI’m really glad you found it helpful. Yes, I know what you mean about the instructions ? Enjoy your Instant Pot!
Em
July 24, 2017 at 9:46 amYikes, thought I was the only confused one out here! Just bought the IP DUO Plus 60 direction are very confusing. Super happy to find your step by step pictures, so informative. Also comforting to hear that others are having the same problems with the manual. Did the test run according to the directions up to information about KEEP WARM, but was left high and dry as to when to open it. Special thanks for your help!!!
Paint the Kitchen Red
July 24, 2017 at 3:18 pmThat’s funny Em! No, you’re definitely not alone. I wish you happy cooking adventures with your new IP!
Peggy
July 30, 2017 at 1:36 pmThank you so much, after staring at the pot and te instructions for 3 weeks, I found your instructions without all the caveats, and am enjoying the instant Pot.
Paint the Kitchen Red
July 30, 2017 at 2:03 pmThat’s the hardest part – getting it out of the box and turning it on ? I’m glad you’re using it now – happy Instapotting!
Diana Dodge
July 31, 2017 at 8:55 pmHello, I have an Instant Pot but stay confused about using manual settings. Is there a “principle” to understand, for example when cooking hard boiled eggs, what exact buttons must I choose? And in what order? Today, I thought I cooked eggs to be hard boiled, but they didn’t cook at all! Can you explain the “concept” of manual, timed etc please? Perhaps my Instant Pot has a problem, maybe malfunctioning, (or maybe it’s just me!!!). Thank you!
Paint the Kitchen Red
August 1, 2017 at 8:24 amHi Diana, don’t worry – you’re not the only one to have questions like this. The buttons like ‘Meat’, ‘Poultry’, ‘Soup’, etc are preset buttons that have been pre-programmed to cook for a certain time. For example ‘Poultry’ is preset to cook for 20 minutes on High pressure. Pressing ‘Manual’ and then ‘+’ or ‘-‘ until you get to ’20’ is the same as pressing ‘Poultry’. I tend to NOT use the preset buttons and always use just the ‘Manual’ button. All recipes on my site guide you with step-by-step photos and instructions. Look at this recipe for eggs and you will probably see where you went wrong: https://www.paintthekitchenred.com/instant-pot-hard-boiled-eggs/ I suspect you pressed ‘Timer’. ‘Timer’ does not cook anything, it just sets a delayed timer for cooking to begin. Does that help? Good luck and feel free to ask more questions.
Cindy K.
September 26, 2017 at 7:00 pmThis was great – thank you! I got mine today and was not sure about that little silicone piece on the float valve! So I Googled and found your blog with all of these helpful pictures and tips! Thanks again.
Paint the Kitchen Red
September 26, 2017 at 7:07 pmHi Cindy – I’m so glad you found me! Enjoy your new Instant Pot.
Terry
November 1, 2017 at 2:38 pmI wish I would have found your site and instructions before I started using my Instant Pot. I bumbled through it, because the instructions that come with the pot are kind of vague. I have used it several times, and I have had some successes and some mediocre efforts. I am looking forward to getting your newsletter and more pointers. Thank you for clarifying the instructions!
Paint the Kitchen Red
November 1, 2017 at 7:04 pmHi Terry – I agree; I wrote the article because I myself struggled through it! Please go to the Tips menu option and read through the 16 reasons why your instant pot is not sealing and 17 tips and FAQs.
Liz
December 2, 2017 at 10:07 amThank you so much. This quick start guide was way clearer than the guide that came with the UP. Question on recipes though. If I want to make a recipe that I find vegetarian and leave out the meat, are there any modifications I should make to cooking time to account for the lower volume of food in the pot? Or if I want to cut the amount of food I’m cooking compared to a recipe, does that matter?
Paint the Kitchen Red
December 2, 2017 at 2:46 pmLiz – you’re welcome! I’ll answer your second question first. In general the only reason to change the cooking time is a) different size/density of ingredient e.g. potatoes: 2-inch pieces of potatoes are going to cook slower than 1-inch or b) different size container for pot-in-pot cooking eg. a cheesecake in a 6 inch pan vs a 7 inch pan. Regarding omitting the meat, you would reduce the cooking time to the amount of time required for the slowest-cooking ingredient. This is where the chart in the Instant Pot manual comes in handy. My suggestion is that you should use tried and tested Instant Pot vegetarian recipes the first few times to figure out how the ingredients cook and how long they take, and that will give you the experience to modify a non-veg recipe. If you have a specific recipe you’d like to modify, you can email me and I’ll give you my opinion.
Kay Rooney
December 30, 2017 at 5:29 pmJust got my instant pot & Im making a rice & porkchop meal. But the countdown never started and it said “burn” I shut it off and restarted it but still no countdown. The float is up, Ill wait for that to go down & open it & see whats going on but I have no clue???
Paint the Kitchen Red
December 30, 2017 at 6:25 pmHi Kay – most likely you either didn’t deglaze the pot before you added all the liquid and started pressure cooking OR you didn’t have enough liquid. Don’t worry – this happens to most Instant Pot users at one time or another, better to get it over with 🙂 Read this post about sealing problems to find out why you may have had problems. Let me know if I can help further.
Judith Utley
December 31, 2017 at 1:05 pmMy first time on here and I have not used my new Instapot yet. How do I make brown rice? Its the only rice I eat due to medical reasons. Your tutorial is excellent!!
Paint the Kitchen Red
December 31, 2017 at 4:31 pmThanks, Judith! For brown rice, follow my jasmine rice or pot-in-pot basmati rice recipe, but cook for 22 minutes. Ratio of rice to water can be 1:1 or 1:1.25. Good luck.
Joanne
January 17, 2018 at 12:20 pmMy ip duo60v3 buttons are labelled differently at the bottom mine read : slow cook pressure level keep warm yogurt On the bottom of that row they read: sauté delay start cancel and pressure cook my question is what is my manual button where is my adjust button which button turns everything off is it keep warm button or cancel button?
Paint the Kitchen Red
January 17, 2018 at 8:12 pmJoanne – A. Manual on your model is Pressure Cook. B. What is controlled by the Adjust button on some models is done by pressing the cooking mode button repeatedly on your model. e.g. to toggle between Less, Normal and More for Saute is done by pressing Saute multiple times. C. Cancel will shut off the Instant Pot and puts it in standby mode, but you should unplug it to completely shut it off. I hope that helps you out.
Nancy
January 17, 2018 at 10:30 pmThank you. Thank you. Thank you. The instructions that came in the box were pathetic and confusing at best. This was my first pressure cooker and was extremely intimidated. Your post saved the day. So happy to have found you and all the great information.
Paint the Kitchen Red
January 18, 2018 at 8:42 amHi Nancy, thanks for the feedback! It’s always a great day when I hear I’ve helped someone – thank you. And good luck.
Steve Bell
January 27, 2018 at 9:57 amThanks so much for a succinct set of instructions – well -written! But here’s a question: I just cancelled an order f/ the model Duo60 7-in-1 b/c the amazon photo of the control panel on that model does not show a “Manual” button like the one I see on your model IPDuo60 7-in-1. But is there a way model 60Duo 7-in-1 can still be manually programmed? Thanks in advance.
SB
Paint the Kitchen Red
January 27, 2018 at 10:24 amHi Steve – the ‘Manual’ button on older models was replaced with the ‘Pressure Cook’ button in newer models- they’re the same thing. So you should keep your order. I’ll try and update the post to mention this – thanks for bringing it up.
Steve Bell
January 27, 2018 at 1:02 pmThanks soooo much again for your answer! But here’s another ques: How is cooking TIME adjusted on the newer Duo60 7-in-1? There’s no “Adjust” button. (Do you do this by repeatedly pressing the cooking mode that you’ve chosen (e.g. Saute) repeatedly, as you mentioned in a reply to “Joanne” dated Jan. 17, 2018?).
Thanx again. Your web page is a gold mine. The company should pay you to write their manuals.
SB
Paint the Kitchen Red
January 27, 2018 at 2:07 pmAww, thanks Steve – that’s a nice compliment! You are partially right – cooking time can be adjusted on the presets by pressing the button repeatedly but that will just give you preset Low, Med and High cooking times. To change the cooking time to a custom time, press + or – . Good luck and feel free to ask more questions – I’m here to help!
Steve Bell
January 27, 2018 at 11:02 pmThanks again! Hate to bug U so much, but didn’t know where else to turn right now. I will be doing most of my cooking w/ manual, b/c I like to tweak programming for my tastes & my wife’s.
I re-ordered the Duo60 as U recommended. Will arrive in 2 days. I probably will have more ques. 4 U after I follow your initial set-up guide & start playing w/ it.
By the way – in case U want to update your page to include tips & instructions for the new Duo60 model, here’s the Amazon web. p. that I ordered from:
https://www.amazon.com/Instant-Pot-Multi-Use-Programmable-Packaging/dp/B00FLYWNYQ/ref=sr_1_5?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1517020863&sr=1-5&keywords=instant+pot+6+quart
Paint the Kitchen Red
January 28, 2018 at 7:09 amThanks Steve, the affiliate links I have on the page usually update to the next model so they should be current. It’s just that the images are older. I did add a blurb to the top of the post saying the ‘Manual’ button has changed to PC. I’m sure you’ll have no trouble getting started, but feel free to ask away.
Steve Bell
January 30, 2018 at 12:11 amFor pot-in-pot cooking (especially steaming), is it OK to use a small ceramic casserole dish made for conventional oven baking? Or must it absolutely be pyrex, oven-proof silicon, or stainless steel?
Paint the Kitchen Red
January 30, 2018 at 7:11 amYes, you can use oven-safe ceramic dishes. Maybe I didn’t mention that in the Pot-in-Pot post; I will edit it. You’ve become my copy editor 🙂
Steve Bell
January 31, 2018 at 9:19 amAnd yet another ques. 4 U:
Re: Use of the CANCEL button: Is it necessary or desirable for any reason to press Cancel after food has finished cooking and the “Warm” function has been turned off? I’m asking, b/c the manual for the new Instant Pot Duo60 (which will arrive at my door later today) lists pressing the Cancel button as a final step (i.e. after food has cooked and Warm has been turned off and pressure released), whereas your instructions stop at turning the Warm function off. Your instructions seem to make more sense, b/c you state that turning the Warm function off after cooking is complete turns the unit OFF (as indicated on the display shown in your photo). Further, it seems that pressing Cancel after that might cancel the Warm off command that you just entered (??). As I understand from my readings, pressing Cancel simply cancels the last set of cooking programming instructions you entered and returns the unit to Standby..
And a related question re: unplugging as a final step after finishing and removing food to turn power to machine off: Does unplugging delete the programming instructions you just used for that round of cooking (as when pressing Cancel)?
Sorry to bug you again. I want to know & be prepared as much as possible on the basics when my Pot arrives.
Thanx so much f/ your patience & expertise!!!
SB
Paint the Kitchen Red
February 1, 2018 at 9:15 amHi Steve – I believe for the the unit you’re getting, the Keep Warm and Cancel are separate so there is no problem pressing the cancel button multiple times. Cancel serves to turn off the current cooking mode and also cancels any programming you’re currently in the process of doing. I am not sure how your IP will work, but many of them ‘remember’ the last programming you did even if unplugged. Good luck!
Jo Anne Corbin
February 1, 2018 at 12:56 pmOh so very very helpful video and website! I’m new to this so I am excited to start. My husband and kids are going to love me even more. 🙂
Paint the Kitchen Red
February 2, 2018 at 6:42 amWelcome to the world of Instant Pot – thanks for your comment – Enjoy!
Steve Bell
February 2, 2018 at 11:52 amMy new IP Duo60 6 qt. V.3 arrived a few days ago and I’ve been experiencing what may be a problem. Perhaps you can shed some light as to whether it is a problem and, if so, the possible cause & cure. As a preface FYI , I followed the initial set-up, check, and steaming test per manual and all passed fine. As for cooking, I’ve only tried veggies using the “Pressure Cook” (manual) setting and found that the cooking times are 3-6x longer than those listed in the IP recipe booklet charts and most online info. (To be clear, I use “cooking time” as defined by IP – the time that elapses AFTER the unit reaches working pressure). E.g. potatoes: Stated cooking time for cubed potatoes = 2-3min. using “Pressure Cook”/ “high” (default pressure). However, here’s what I found using a 3 min. setting: Just one medium (ca. 0.4 lb/ 0.2 kg) fresh Yukon Gold potato peeled, cut into 1cm (ca. 1/2″) cubes, & steamed in an IP-approved stainless steaming basket placed on trivet w/ 1 cup water in the IP inner pot took 9 min., and 18 min. in a 4″/ 10 cm diam. pyrex bowl. No steam is escaping from the steamer during cooking, and the float valve & press. release vent work OK. so where’s the pressure during cooking? And is this even a problem? If so, I suspect a faulty pressure sensor or that the unit is actually cooking on Low press even though the display indicates High. But if you can think of anything I’m doing wrong, please inform. Note: I always make sure the sealing ring is seated, the float valve & anti-block shield on the press. vent are clear, the unit is properly closed, and the pressure vent knob is on “Sealed”. Yet another problem may simply be my definition of “done” re: cooking: Steamed potatoes should come out creamy, but with the indicated cooking times in the IP, they are grainy and the fork sticks in the pieces. I suspect other veggies will take longer than stated also.
Thanx f/ any help/ suggestions you can render.
SB
Paint the Kitchen Red
February 2, 2018 at 12:32 pmSteve – I’ve sent you an email with some information.
christine penberthy
March 27, 2018 at 6:38 amIt seems to take my Instant Pot FOREVER to get to pressure. How long is normal? How often do you have to clean the various valves, etc.?
Paint the Kitchen Red
March 27, 2018 at 7:06 amHi Christine – I clean the sealing ring almost every time – I just stick it in the top rack of the dishwasher. I don’t clean the valves very often. Usually when I make something that has splattered on the lid. One great way to clean the Instant Pot is to just run it with water and half a lemon in steam mode. Re: time to come to pressure, it’s directly dependent on the quantity of liquid. I often cook with just 1/4 to 1/2 cup and that takes about 6 to 10 minutes. If you have 2 cups plus, it can take 20 minutes, sometimes more.
Shelley
May 26, 2018 at 12:48 pmI use the manual button to increase times but will only go as far as 22 minutes, am I doing something wrong?
Paint the Kitchen Red
May 26, 2018 at 4:20 pmHi Shelley – what model do you have? You should be able to press ‘Manual’ and then + or – to change the time.
Andy Borka
June 4, 2018 at 4:13 amHi,
This guide helped me understand my IP duo 60 a little more than the user’s guide. However, a few simple, but stupid questions linger: Keep in mind that I am visually impaired and can’t read the display. I am going completely on memory.
1. How do you do a global reset of the IP? Pressing warm/cancel and holding it for 3 seconds resulted in a constant beeping sound. Another manual mentioned pressing and holding adjust for a few seconds. This resulted in some unknown cooking cycle starting.
2. Starting the water test cycle resulted in the IP working up to pressure for around 5 minutes. When it arrived at this point, the sealing valve closed. 30 seconds or so later, the IP beeped once. The question is this: (a). When you press steam, what is the default value displayed, and (b). When pressing +/- to change time, what is the incremented value: 30 seconds, 1 minute?
Paint the Kitchen Red
June 7, 2018 at 12:44 amHi Andy – thanks for your question. Either one of those methods should work for the different models. It’s possible that you needed to press cancel once and then press and hold it a second time. I am traveling at the moment, and don’t have my Instant Pot, otherwise I would have tested it out for you. For your second question, the sequence of events sounds about right. The beep indicated that the display changed from ‘On’ to x minutes. I believe the default time is 10 minutes, but I’ll double check for you. + and – when adjusting the time, goes by 1 minute. Let me know if you have further questions, I’ll try and help out. I can imagine it would be very frustrating for you especially because there are so many models and information out on the web doesn’t always mention the model or version!
Kristin
July 1, 2018 at 9:30 amI have the IP DUO60 v2 and I can’t figure out how to set the timer for anything but times divisible by 10s. I see all these recipes where you set the timer for 6 minutes or so and I can’t figure out how to do it.
Paint the Kitchen Red
July 1, 2018 at 12:58 pmHi Kristin, are you pressing the ‘timer’ button? That’s actually a delay start timer i.e. begin cooking after a certain amount of time. You need to press ‘Manual’ and then adjust the time to 6 minutes using the + or – buttons. You can read this 17 tips post to find out more FAQs.
Anne Walker
July 15, 2018 at 12:42 pmI recently bought the 6 qt Instant Pot and have been reading through Laurel Randolph’s Instant Pot cookbook. Most of the recipes serve 6 people. I cook mostly for my just husband and I. Do I need to adjust the cooking time?
Paint the Kitchen Red
July 16, 2018 at 2:56 pmHi Anne, you can reduce the quantity you’re cooking but keep the same cook time in general. There are some exceptions e.g. if you have a smaller roast or chunk of meat, you might be able to reduce cooking time. When you’re reducing recipes, make sure you don’t go below the minimum quantity of liquid required to have your Instant Pot come to pressure.
Camille Poe
July 22, 2018 at 2:14 pmGreetings from sunny hot southern California I would like to know if there is a little brush you like to help scrub the pressure cookers lid and top also is it okay to clean the steam holes on lid with pipe cleaners ? so what is the best method to clean the washable parts of the pot Many Thanks in advance Camille
Paint the Kitchen Red
July 24, 2018 at 10:03 pmHi Camille, I like to use a baby bottle brush set. I know people use pipe cleaners, but I have not.
Evelyn
August 21, 2018 at 5:23 pmFirst time using my instant pot. Doing the water test, I only used 2 cups in my mini and it took at least 10 minutes for the float valve to come up. Now, there’s a lot of clicking but the time hasn’t started counting down and it still reads “On”. What’s wrong?
Paint the Kitchen Red
August 21, 2018 at 6:00 pmEvelyn – the more liquid you put in, the longer it takes to come to pressure. As long as it says ‘On’,it’s still building pressure. It will change from ‘On’ to the number of minutes you set it for. You just have to be patient. The clicking is also fairly normal. Please see my 17 tips for the Instant Pot.
sue
September 8, 2018 at 6:06 pmmy I pot does not have a manual button sooooo how do you start cooking
Paint the Kitchen Red
September 8, 2018 at 8:11 pmHi Sue, on some DUO models, it’s ‘Manual’ and on other models, it’s ‘Pressure Cook’ – they’re the same thing.
Sandy
September 14, 2018 at 8:12 amSomeone posted your site in our IP Group. This is wonderful. You should be paid by IP to straighten out all the confusion. We listen to. Everyone to get pointers.But this morning I am reading thst people are putting just BBQ Sauce or some sort of sauce not liquid in the pot and saying it works fine.
That doesn’t seem right, and i have seen damage of old pressure cookers and that is no fun being burned. My answer would be pip when you want thivk sauce and water in the Outer pot. Is that correct? I sm new too but I love this machine and the time it gives me. Love your site.
Paint the Kitchen Red
September 14, 2018 at 12:37 pmHi Sandy, welcome to the IP world! So here’s the thing: it is possible to cook with a prepared sauce if the sauce doesn’t have a lot of thickeners (like corn starch, flour, etc) and that can count as the “liquid”. The quantity of liquid is also important. Another variable is the model of Instant Pot. The newer models appear to be a bit more sensitive and show the ‘burn’ error more often. One more consideration is that some foods (e.g. vegetables) release liquid and that means you can use less liquid . You will figure out what works for you as you use it more. I test my recipes thoroughly and if people have had issues, I try to provide alternate instructions too. So take a look around and even if you don’t make a recipe, it will give you an idea of what works and doesn’t. Thanks for your comment.
Sherry Morgan
September 21, 2018 at 12:34 pmHave always used pressure cookers and pressure canners no problem. Then hubby surprises me with this contraption and talk about confusing! Glad I looked up IP Manual on google and yours was the first one that didn’t have a PDF after it’s title. You clearly have technical writing experience or else an awesome undeveloped talent – whichever – thank you over and over again for your website concerning this pot. It’s embarrassing to be intimidated by a modern cooking device and it’s a first. You are the golden standard every company should model their manuals after to help clear up all the confusion about how to assemble parts or operate equipment. I like manuals, I look for them and use them as reference a lot. Not having a manual for my iPhone is a prime example of what not having a manual for an intimidating device can do to people who were born before the 1980’s with a computer chip in their brains – no idea how to use the darn thing to it’s fullest potential for years!
You;ve done a good job and a nice service for many people so you must have a good heart too. Take Care.
Paint the Kitchen Red
September 21, 2018 at 1:29 pmOh my goodness – that is so so kind of you! Your comment means so much to me – thank you 💗! Feel free to ask me any questions you might have. You can use my contact page or send an email (email address is on the contact page too). All the best!
Aileen Hutchins
October 6, 2018 at 1:20 pmI just ran the water test but the float valve did not go up. What is wrong?
Paint the Kitchen Red
October 8, 2018 at 1:12 pmHi Aileen – did you figure it out? If the float valve didn’t go up, the Instant Pot probably didn’t seal and that may be because your sealing ring was not put on correctly or the steam release handle was in the venting position.
Pam
October 22, 2018 at 11:40 amYikes! This Insta Pot has caused me so much frustration! I did manage to cook a turkey breast and and 4 chicken breasts but in both cases they were dried out. Trying to follow the poorly written directions is a waste of time! Cooking the old fashioned way is much easier with better results. I am going to send this poorly concepted piece of junk back!
Paint the Kitchen Red
October 22, 2018 at 3:59 pmPam, I’m sorry you’ve had a frustrating time with your Instant Pot. Let me just say that I generally don’t cook a lot of white meat in the Instant Pot. It does best with thighs and dark meat, and meats that have marbled fat. I would try out a different recipe with those types of meats before you decide to give up.