If you’ve just received your new Instant Pot Ultra multi cooker, but don’t know what to do next, this Instant Pot Ultra manual is going to help you get started. It gives you instructions on the various parts of the Ultra 10 in 1 and also gives directions on how to complete the Water Test (Initial Test Run).
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the disclosure.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is an Instant Pot?
- How does Pressure Cooking Work?
- Is the Instant Pot Safe to Use?
- Safety Precautions
- First Thing You Need to Do: Open the Box!
- Parts
- Lid
- Sealing Ring
- Float Valve
- Anti-Block Shield
- Assembly
- Open and Close the Lid
- How to Release Pressure
- Initial Test Run/Water Test
- Instant Pot Duo vs. Ultra
- Recipes to Try
Introduction
I’ve owned my Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart multi cooker for about a year. Before that, I used a stove-top pressure cooker for many years. Growing up in an Indian household, the sound of the pressure cooker in the kitchen, with its hissing and steaming and loud noises, was a regular part of my day.
When my children were little , I would have to warn them when I was getting ready to use the pressure cooker and they would run out of the kitchen! Well, times have changed. The Instant Pot ain’t your momma’s pressure cooker. It’s safe, easy, quiet, and can be left alone unattended. What a change that was for me!
Even though I’ve loved my Instant Pot Duo, I was very intrigued by this new Instant Pot 10 in 1 multi-cooker. The Instant Pot Ultra definitely lives up to its name and I love it.
Since I was already using an Instant Pot Duo (6 quart), I’ve found the transition to the Instant Pot Ultra 6 qt 10-in-1 very easy. But if this were my first Instant Pot, I can see how it would be pretty overwhelming, with even more functions and features than the Instant Pot Duo.
Soon after I got my Instant Pot Duo last year, I wrote an Instant Pot Duo Beginner’s Quick Start Manual which gives detailed directions on how to use the Instant Pot.
I love getting comments and emails from people who find it helpful, especially because of its step-by-step instructions and photos. So I wanted to do that same type of instruction manual for the Instant Pot Ultra 60.
If you’ve just received your Instant Pot Ultra, and don’t know what to do next, you’ve come to the right place. I’m going to give you directions on how to use this Instant Pot 10 in 1 for the first time.
This instruction guide assumes you have no prior experience with the Instant Pot. We’ll go over the parts, important features, how to assemble the Instant Pot Ultra and we’ll do the initial test run (what is also referred to as the ‘Water Test’).
There are many new/different features on the Instant Pot Ultra but I’m not going to detail them here. For example:
- Instant Pot Ultra sous vide cooking function.
- Egg setting allows you a quick one-touch way to cook eggs.
- The Instant Pot Ultra allows you to adjust the cooking settings while cooking is in progress.
- Instant Pot Ultra setting allows you to customize temperature and pressure levels.
I’ll give you enough directions to get you started and become comfortable making your first recipe in the Instant Pot Ultra 10-in-1. You can read about all the features of the different models of Instant Pots at this guide I put together on which Instant Pot to buy.
If you need even more information, please visit the Instant Pot website.
Recipes for the Ultra
If you think you need to get special Instant Pot Ultra recipes or Instant Pot Ultra cookbooks, you’ll be happy to hear that you don’t need to do that – all Instant Pot recipes can easily be made in the Ultra with no changes.
The only difference is how to operate the Ultra (what buttons to press, how to natural release pressure, how to quick-release pressure, etc), which you’re going to learn here. At the bottom of this article is a chart showing you some differences between the Ultra and the Duo models.
UPDATE: I now own both the Ultra 6 qt (Ultra 60) and Ultra 8 qt (Ultra 80).
Note: All my recipes include step-by-step photos and instructions for the Ultra model.
Here are some Instant Pot articles that may be helpful to you if you’re a beginner:
– Reasons the Instant Pot is not Sealing
– Instant Pot Tips and FAQs
– Common Instant Pot Problems
– How to Use an Instant Pot DUO – Beginner’s Manual
– Instant Pot DUO EVO PLUS Beginner’s Manual and Quick Start Guide
– Instant Pot DUO EVO PLUS Advanced User Guide
What is an Instant Pot?
Sometimes incorrectly referred to as Instapot, the Instant Pot has become so popular in recent years that Instant Pot is being used by some as a generic name for pressure cookers of any brand.
In reality, Instant Pot is the brand name of a multicooker that serves as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, sauté/searing pan, steamer, and warming pot all in one convenient appliance.
The Instant Pot Company (Instant Brands) started out with one product – the Instant Pot multicooker – and now makes a wide range of kitchen appliances including air fryers, blenders, and toaster ovens.
Although the Instant Pot pressure multicooker has many different functions, the most commonly used is the Pressure Cook function. Pressure cooking allows you to cook foods at a fraction of the time it would take in a pan or in an oven.
Although I’ve used a stovetop pressure cooker for decades, I much prefer the Instant Pot for three main reasons:
- There’s no need to babysit it
- It’s not loud like my old pressure cooker
- It is versatile
How Does Pressure Cooking Work?
Pressure cookers create a closed environment where steam builds up in a tightly sealed pot. This, in turn, causes the internal temperature to rise and pressure to increase.
Under high pressure, the fiber in the food is tenderized and flavors develop in a very short time. Nutrient-rich steam condenses in the pot instead of evaporating and nutritional value is retained because of the speed of cooking.
Is the Instant Pot Safe to Use?
According to the Instant Pot Safety Description, most pressure cooker disasters in the past could be attributed to user error. Instant Pot pressure multicookers are carefully designed to eliminate and avoid most of these potential problems.
There are lots of safety features that help reduce common errors. Safety features include pressure sensor technology, lid close detection, lid lock technology, overheat protection, and automatic temperature and pressure controls.
Bottom line: the Instant Pot is very safe to use!
Safety Precautions
Although there are many built-in safety features as explained above, as a user you need to follow common-sense precautions:
- Don’t touch the hot surfaces, particularly the stainless steel parts. Use the handles to move the Instant Pot and use gloves to remove the inner pot.
- Don’t place the Instant Pot on or close to an electric or gas burner.
- Don’t move the Instant Pot when it’s under pressure.
- Don’t fill over ⅔ full.
- When cooking foods that expand e.g. rice, beans, and pasta don’t fill over ½ full.
- Ensure sealing ring, anti-block shield, float valve, and steam release pipe are clean and not clogged.
- Don’t open the lid until the float valve is down i.e. the Instant Pot is depressurized.
- Keep hands and face away from the steam release mechanism.
- Don’t obstruct the steam release mechanism when pressure is being released.
- When quick-releasing frothy foods such as applesauce, oatmeal, pasta, etc. take extra care. It’s best to release pressure is short bursts for these types of foods.
- Don’t use a different Instant Pot model’s lid on your model.
- Don’t use the lid when using the Saute program. It’s okay to use a tempered glass lid with a venting hole, sold separately.
If you want more technical and detailed information about the Instant Pot, you can also visit the Instant Pot website. In this post, I’ll just be going over the basics of how to use the Instant Pot: assembling the Instant Pot and doing the water test. I’ll get you going and make you comfortable enough to explore its features!
PURCHASE THE ULTRA ON AMAZON!
First Thing You Need to Do: Open the Box!
I know that many people order the Instant Pot, and then let it sit around for months because they feel intimidated using it. If you’ve been reluctant to take the Instant Pot Ultra out of its box, know that you’re not alone.
So don’t wait another minute! Open the box and remove the Instant Pot and its parts. We’re going to do this together, it’ll be a breeze!
Take everything out of the box and discard the packaging. If the lid is on the base unit, open the lid by turning it counter-clockwise.
Instant Pot Parts and Accessories
The Instant Pot comes with the following main parts and accessories:
- Base unit/Outer Pot – stainless steel exterior that houses the heating element, control panel, and detachable power cord.
- Inner pot – removable stainless steel pot that is also stove-friendly, so you can use it on your stovetop as you would a regular pot. It can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand.
- Lid – closes the Instant Pot and seals it under pressure. The lid can be washed in the top rack of the dishwasher or by hand with soap and water.
- Power cord – the 3-prong detachable power cord is plugged into the back of the Instant Pot Duo. (Note: some models have attached power cords.)
- Condensation Collector – catches drips from condensation on the lid; attaches onto the back of the base unit. Can be washed in the top rack of the dishwasher or by hand.
- Silicone Sealing Ring – creates a tight seal between the lid and the base unit in order for the Instant Pot Ultra to pressurize.
- Accessories – steam rack/trivet, utensils, rice measuring cup. The trivet is useful for elevating food above the liquid and for Pot in Pot cooking. (Note: some models don’t come with the spoons and measuring cup.) The trivet can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand.
Instant Pot Lid
Instant Pot Lid Exterior Parts
The outside of the Instant Pot lid has these features:
- The Steam Release Valve is a safety mechanism that allows steam to escape and maintains the correct pressure level. It sits loosely on the lid and can be removed to be cleaned.
- The Float Valve is a safety feature that pops up when the Instant Pot reaches pressure and engages the lid’s locking mechanism so the Instant Pot cannot be opened.
- The Steam Release (Reset) Button (also referred to as Pressure Release Button) allows you to manually release pressure from the Instant Pot Ultra. Press down to manually release pressure, and turn counter-clockwise to stop pressure release. The Steam Release Reset Button automatically pops up when the Instant Pot Ultra lid is opened or closed.
Steam Release Parts
The steam release consists of:
- Steam release valve – regulates the internal temperature. It is supposed to be wobbly but must be pushed in all the way.
- Steam release pipe – steam travels from the inner pot through the pipe during steam release.
Instant Pot Lid Interior Parts
These parts on the inside of the lid need to be thoroughly cleaned occasionally, especially when you cook foamy foods like pasta or rice. So it’s good to know how to remove and replace them:
- The Sealing Ring is made out of silicone and it tightly seals the lid, and it prevents steam from escaping from the Instant Pot Ultra during cooking, which allows it to reach pressure. The sealing ring can retain odors, so I recommend that you buy a second sealing ring if you’re going to be making desserts in the Instant Pot Ultra.
- The Float Valve is a safety feature that pops up when the Instant Pot Ultra reaches pressure. It engages the lid’s locking mechanism so the Instant Pot can’t be opened.
- The Anti-Block Shield prevents food particles from interfering with the Steam Release Valve, especially when cooking foamy foods like pasta or grains.
Sealing Ring
The silicone sealing ring should be washed after each use. I wash it in the top rack of the dishwasher. You can also wash it with soap and water.
How to Remove the Sealing Ring
The Sealing Ring sits in the sealing ring rack and can be removed for cleaning. To remove the Sealing Ring:
- Pull up on the Sealing Ring and gently pry it out of sealing ring rack.
- Don’t pull on it with too much force, or it can be stretched.
How to Replace the Sealing Ring
- To replace the sealing ring, return it to the sealing ring rack.
- Push it back in, a little at a time until it’s securely seated in the sealing ring rack.
- You’ll know it’s seated properly if you can turn/rotate it in the sealing ring rack, with a bit of effort. If you don’t put it back correctly, the Instant Pot won’t seal and your food won’t cook and you’ll probably get the Food Burn / Burn Message.
- The first few times, you may find it difficult to remove the sealing ring but after a few uses, it should stretch out a bit.
Float Valve
The float valve needs to be cleaned periodically, especially after cooking frothy or starchy foods. I use a bottle brush to clean the float valve opening.
How to Remove the Float Valve
To remove the Float Valve:
- Pull up on the silicone cover of the Float Valve.
- Both parts of the Float Valve (metal part and silicone cover) can be removed.
- Be careful not to misplace the silicone cap.
How to Replace the Float Valve
To replace the Float Valve:
- Re-insert the metal part of the Float Valve back into the slot from the outside of the lid.
- While holding the metal part in place, replace the silicone cover on the inside of the lid.
Float Valve Position
- There are some models such as the Duo, where the float valve is below the lid level when not under pressure and at the lid level when under pressure.
- On the Ultra, the float valve is at the lid level when not under pressure and above lid level when under pressure.
- When the float valve is in the Up position (under pressure), the lid cannot be opened. Don’t try to force the lid open when the float valve is up. Once the float valve drops, the pressure will have released and it’s safe to open the Instant Pot lid.
Anti-Block Shield
The anti-block shield should be cleaned periodically, especially after cooking frothy or starchy foods. Pay particular attention to the holes.
How to Remove and Replace the Anti-block Shield
To remove the Anti-Block Shield:
- Removing the cover of the Anti-Block Shield can be tricky. Using a silicone/rubber trivet or jar opener makes it much easier.
- Push against the Anti-Block Shield in an upward motion.
- To replace, push the cover back on.
Instant Pot Assembly
Base Unit and Inner Pot
- Make sure the base unit is empty and clean.
- Place the stainless steel inner pot into the base unit.
Condensation Collector
The condensation collector catches any moisture that builds up on the rim. This usually comes from moisture dripping from inside the lid into the rim of the Instant Pot base, when the lid is propped open.
In my experience, the condensation collector rarely fills up but I have found that when I cook pasta, in particular, liquid tends to collect and it can get messy! Get into the habit of checking for liquid in the condensation collector after every use.
To attach the condensation collector:
- Slide the condensation collector onto the back of the Instant Pot Ultra.
- It will sit snugly against the base unit.
- To clean it, slide it out, empty it out, rinse and slide back in place.
Power Cord
- Insert the power cord into the back of the Instant Pot and plug the power cord into an electrical outlet.
- The display will turn on.
Open and Close the Lid
How to Close the Lid
- To close the lid, place the lid on the Instant Pot base unit and line up the arrow on the lid with the “Open” (image of an open lock with an arrow) on the base unit.
- 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 (if the Instant Pot Ultra is plugged in).
How to Open the Lid
- To open the lid, turn the lid counter-clockwise until the lid arrow lines up with the “Open” (an image of an open lock with an arrow) on the base.
- You’ll hear a chime (if the Instant Pot Ultra is plugged in). This feature can be turned off
How to Prop Open the Lid
Propping open the lid keeps it out of the way and allows you to use the Instant Pot hands-free.
- To prop open the lid, insert the Lid Fin into the notch in the handle of the Instant Pot Ultra.
How to Release Pressure
- When the Instant Pot Ultra is under pressure, the Float Valve goes up and the Instant Pot is sealed. It cannot be opened. Don’t try to force it open!
- When the Instant Pot Ultra isn’t under pressure, the Float Valve goes back down and is level with the lid.
There are a few ways you can release pressure once the Instant Pot Ultra has finished pressure cooking. The recipe you’re following will tell you what method to use.
In this article, I discuss the two most common pressure release methods:
- Quick Release (QR)
- Natural Pressure Release or Natural Release (NPR or NR).
[Find out more details about all the different pressure release methods.]
How to Quick Release (QR) Instant Pot Ultra
- To do a Quick Release of pressure (QR), press down on the Steam Release Button until it locks into place, and steam begins to come out of the Steam Release Valve.
- Be sure your hand is not above the Steam Release Valve while the pressure is being released.
- The Float Valve will go from the up position to the down position once the Instant Pot Ultra has de-pressurized and all the steam has been released.
- It is now safe to open the Instant Pot Ultra.
How to Natural Release (NR) / Natural Pressure Release (NPR) Instant Pot Ultra
- To do an Instant Pot Natural Release of Pressure (NPR), wait for the Float Valve to go down on its own.
- This can take anywhere from 5 minutes to 30 minutes, depending on how much liquid is in the Instant Pot. The more liquid there is, the longer it takes for the Instant Pot to release pressure on its own.
- If you’re in a hurry, you can wait for 15 minutes for the Instant Pot natural release, and then release the remaining pressure using the quick-release method.
Instant Pot Initial Test Run / Water Test
What is the Water Test?
A water test is done by pressure cooking water for a few minutes. According to the Instant Pot manual you need to use 3 cups of water, but I’ve found that using 2 cups of water is adequate. The advantage of using 2 cups is that it takes less time for the Instant Pot to come to pressure.
Why You Should do the Water Test
The initial test run or water test serves two purposes: it familiarizes you with using your new Instant Pot and it allows you to establish that your Instant Pot is working properly. If you have a defective unit, the water test will identify that and you can get a replacement unit.
You should do a water test before the first use but you can also do it when you’re having problems with the Instant Pot pressurizing. Doing the water test will pinpoint whether there’s something about the recipe that’s causing your sealing issues.
How to do the Initial Test Run / Water Test
- Attach the power cord to the Instant Pot Ultra, and plug it into an outlet.
- Pour 2 cups water into inner pot. The Instant Pot manual suggests 3 cups but I’ve found 2 cups works just fine. You can add more water, but your Instant Pot will take a bit longer to come to pressure.
- Close the Lid.
- If the display is off, press the knob/dial to turn on the display.
- The Pressure Cook option will be blinking.
- Press the dial to select the Pressure Cook option.
- The cooking time will have a box around it that’s blinking. In my case it’s 00:20 i.e. 20 minutes. Your display may have a different time because it defaults to whatever you set it to the last time you used the function.
- Press the dial to select the cooking time.
- Now, the time will be blinking.
- Turn the dial until the time changes to 00:02 (2 minutes).
- Press the dial to confirm the time.
- We’ll keep the default settings for Pressure level (High), Delay Start (Off), and Keep Warm mode (On).
- Press Start to begin the pressure cooking.
- The Instant Pot Float Valve will go from the Down position to the Up position once the Instant Pot has sealed. This can take up to 10 minutes for 1 cup of liquid.
- There will be some hissing and steaming, and all sorts of noises coming from the Pressure Release Valve and the Float Valve while the Instant Pot is coming to pressure. There is nothing to worry about!
- You might also notice a plastic-like odor. This can happen during first use, and shouldn’t happen again.
- The display with change to On and will remain On until the Instant Pot reaches pressure.
- Notice that the graph on the bottom of the display will show that the pre-heating is complete.
- The Display will change from On to 2 minutes (00:02) and will count down from 00:02 to 00 00.
- Notice that the graph on the bottom tells you the cooking progress.
- Once the Instant Pot Ultra is in Keep Warm mode (as seen on bottom right of the display), it will begin to count UP from 00 00.
- Do a Quick Release of pressure (QR) or a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) as described above in the section about how to release pressure.
- Press Cancel.
- Open the Instant Pot. Be careful and keep your hands and face away from the steam.
- Prop the lid open.
- The initial test run is now complete!
What to do if the water test fails
If the water test fails and you’re not able to get the Instant Pot to come to pressure, use the following articles to troubleshoot the issue:
If you still can’t resolve your problem, open a support ticket with Instant Pot.
Instant Pot Duo vs. Ultra
If you’re an Instant Pot Duo user, here are the most important differences between the Instant Pot Ultra vs Instant Pot Duo that you need to know about as a beginner:
Instant Pot DUO | Instant Pot ULTRA | |
---|---|---|
Function Selection | There are separate buttons for each cooking function. | Use the knob/dial to toggle between functions and to select options. |
Pressurizing and Steam Release | The Steam Release Handle moves between the Sealing and Venting positions. The Steam Release Handle has to be manually moved to the Sealing position when the Instant Pot is closed. | The Steam Release Button is pushed down to lock into venting mode and turned counter-clockwise to seal again. The Steam Release Button automatically resets to the Sealing position when the lid is opened or closed. |
Float Valve | On some Duo models, the Float valve is at the level of lid when the Instant Pot Duo is sealed and below the level of the lid when it’s not sealed. | The Float valve is above the level of lid when the Instant Pot Ultra is sealed and at the level of the lid when it’s not sealed. |
Start | When a cooking function (e.g. Pressure Cook) is selected and programmed, the cooking starts automatically after a few seconds. | When a cooking function (e.g. Pressure Cook) is selected and programmed, the Start button needs to be pressed to begin cooking. |
First Recipes to Try
Now that you’ve completed the initial test run / water test, you’re ready to cook your first dish. Instant Pot Rice or Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs would be a great choice for your first attempt.
Whatever recipe you choose to make first, I strongly recommend that you follow the recipe exactly the first few times – don’t substitute ingredients and change quantities. Once you’re more comfortable with cooking in your Instant Pot Ultra, you can modify the recipes to suit your needs.
If you’re looking for Instant Pot Ultra recipes, my recipes are written with step by step photos of the Ultra. Even if you don’t want to make a recipe, looking at the step-by-step photos and instructions might help you when you’re making another recipe.
Here are some of my favorite easy recipes!
- Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo (Rice with Chicken)
- Instant Pot Thai Panang Curry
- Instant Pot Penne with Sausage
- Instant Pot Chipotle Shrimp Soup
- Instant Pot Vegetarian Moroccan Stew
- Instant Pot Chicken Korma
Search for recipes by cuisine, course, or cooking method!
If you found this article to be helpful, please share it on social media using the social media share buttons at the top and bottom of this post. Thank you so much!
Phoebe J Collins
I am trying to cook brown rice, and can not figure out how. I finally set it on rice, but the time is 12, and it calls for 22 min. I don’t see a way to change it to anything else, except 30 or an hour!
Paint the Kitchen Red
Phoebe, to cook brown rice, select the ‘Pressure Cook’ function, set the time for 00:22 (and make sure it’s on High Pressure). Here’s my recipe for Jasmine rice. Follow the instructions but pressure cook for 22 minutes instead of 4. Let me know if you still have questions.
Darlene
Oh, only used my IP 8qt 3-times. The meals I cooked were all good. My only problem shows ups have added more liquid. Also, should have cooked chuck roast a little longer. Also, steam was coming out of the lid. You’ve answered my questions. Thank You🧑🍳
Paint the Kitchen Red
Thanks for sharing, Darlene. Hope you continue to enjoy cooking with your Instant Pot!
Ron Bezzina
I am searching for a replacement lid for a instant pot ultra 6 Quart in which only the plastic has melted. Would you happen to know where I can purchase one at a reasonable price?
Paint the Kitchen Red
Ron, there is a facebook group that you can check out: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1550081151971683/.
It is available on the Instant Pot site, but will cost you $45. The Instant Pot company website: Replacement parts (Disclosure: if you purchase from the site, I will receive a small commission)
Good luck!
Christine R
Great article.
I lost the recipe for Buckwheat Groats that worked the first time. The instructions say to use the manual mode. I don’t have a manual mode button so I set the time to 12 minutes under pressure cooking. I made it again yesterday and increased the amount of water form 1 1/4cups to 2 cups and I had a “Burn” message. The Buckwheat Groats were not burned.
Does decreasing the cooking time = Manual setting?
Should I use the Multigrain function instead?
What do you recommend.
Thank you for your time.
Christine
Azul
Hi, I am totally new with instant pot, I’m about to buy mine, I want to buy the Ultra. I think that if I am going to buy one, it should be a recent model one.
But as I read your post I see that the Ultra model could be for more experienced people. What would you recommend to me? My English is poor, hope I was clear.
Paint the Kitchen Red
Azul, the latest version of the Instant Pot is the Duo Evo Plus or the Duo Crisp. I don’t have the Crisp but I do have the Ultra and the Evo and guides for both. The Ultra is really not for experienced people so much as it has a bit more of a learning curve to use the buttons and knobs. The Evo is a bit simpler. If you watch my video or follow my directions, I think you can figure it out and once you do, it’s pretty easy. The plain Duo model is the simplest.
Tiffany
Hello.
I’m very nervous about using my Instant pot for the first time. How does the trivet set up? I’m having difficulty getting mine to assemble in the right position. My first time will be for Boston butt Pork roast with vegetables today. I will do a test first to feel more comfortable. Instant Pot Duo Nova. Thank you so much for the time to write this article.
Paint the Kitchen Red
Tiffany, look at my recipe for Instant Pot Pot in Pot rice and watch the video or the step by step photos. They show me putting the trivet into the inner pot and a dish on the trivet. Let me know if I can help you further.
Maggie
I followed your water test recommendations for the Ultra. 2x the pot went from preheat to BURN using 1 cup of water. I did a 3rd test with 3 cups of water and am now waiting for the pot to de-pressurize. You may want to alert your followers to this difference. Had I not been watching this pot, who knows what could have happened.
Paint the Kitchen Red
Maggie, thank you very much. It appears the newer Ultras might be much more sensitive, so I will make a note on the post to increase the amount of water to use for the water test. The burn message is not dangerous, just a safety feature so you haven’t hurt anything. Thanks again.
Jan
You state that one difference with the Ultra from previous models is the “Egg” function; yet your recipe instructs to use manual, etc. Why? Does the “Egg” function not work?
Paint the Kitchen Red
Jan, the presets e.g. egg, soup, etc are Instant Pot’s presets. So egg is preset to 5 minutes. My recipe is for 2 minutes. You could select egg and change the time to 2 minutes. I mainly use pressure cook/manual because of the different models and brands that my readers use – not everyone has the same functions as I do. I hope that answers your question.
jeannie furey
Hello, my name is Jeannie. DItto to all your fans and appreciative readers who have expressed the sentiments I too would like to convey….as well as a quick wink to you for the intuition and insight to comment for the encouragement to help folks like Sandi!! 🙂 Okay….so, I have an Instapot Duo which has a few buttons for specific foods. My question is, how do I know when to use the “Poultry” button? Pressing it gives a default time of 15 minutes which I imagine can be changed by adding or reducing the minute option. However, tonight when I looked up a recip for a whole chicken, the recipe did not say anything about the various options (probably for the various brands used by viewers), So my bird came out to perfection for the time suggested which I cooked with the “Pressure Cook” option. But I am curious if something would have been different if I used the adjusted time with the “Poultry” button. I hope my question makes sense.
Paint the Kitchen Red
Jeannie – you’re absolutely right in that most online recipe mention ‘pressure cook’ mode to account for the different brands of pressure cooker. The ‘poultry’ setting adjusted to the time you wanted would have given you the same result.
Lauren
My time on my ultra won’t change from 35 min. What am I doing wrong?
Paint the Kitchen Red
Lauren, I’d need more information to pinpoint your problem. Make sure the time is blinking before you attempt to turn the knob to change it. Feel free to email me or give me more information to help you out.
alice faas
when I want to saute why does it only go down to 001 if I push lower it goes to highest no# and starts going down cant go below 001
Paint the Kitchen Red
Alice, that’s the number of minutes – so 1 minute – and you can’t go to seconds. I hope I’ve answered your question?
Jenny M
Our instant pot lid will not go back on. It is off and it will not turn to the close side. Please help.
Paint the Kitchen Red
Make sure the float valve isn’t somehow stuck in the UP position. Also, there’s a small pin on the side of the lid. It should be pushed in – it might be sticking out (it pushes out when the Instant Pot is closed.)
Beth Taylor
I like this write-up, very useful. However, it is a little confusing when the comments mention two different types of pressure cookers. The Instant Pot (IP) which is a brand, and “instapot” which is a generic term for the different brands of pressure cookers. As the instructions are meant for the Instant Pot brand, then does this mean other “instapots” also make the Ultra? I thought only IP did.
Paint the Kitchen Red
People have be referring to the Instant Pot as “instapot” since it was introduced and that is incorrect. The Ultra is only made by the Instant Pot company.
Rupa
Hi Mam,
Can we use the Same recipe for ultra as used for duo? Are the temperature settings and the cook time same for both IPs
Paint the Kitchen Red
Rupa, yes you can use the same recipes for the ultra. However if you have an 8 quart, you might have to make some slight adjustments on a case-by-case basis because most recipes are written for the 6 quart.
Linda
I am having a terrible time setting the time. The time settings on the screen are confusing to me, especially with the dots and colon. Help. If you want 8 minutes, does the 8 go in the first place on the right.
Paint the Kitchen Red
Linda, the part after the colon is the minutes. So 8 minutes would be 00:08. Hope that helps.
Linda
Thank you for the great instructions. Can I change from High to Med while in saute mode? Also Can I cancel at any time? I tried to cancel while in saute mode and nothing changed.
Thanks…
Paint the Kitchen Red
Linda, you’ll need to press ‘Cancel’ and then change the saute level. Yes, you should be able to cancel at any time. You’ll still see the 00:30 minutes on the display but it should have canceled. The Instant Pot will still be very hot though, because of the residual heat. I usually remove the inner pot (using silicone gloves) and place it on a heat-resistant surface.
Sandi
Thank you so much for the helpful guide. I am the poster girl for ordering and then staring at my new appliance in fear. You have gotten my insta pot out if the box and cooking.
Paint the Kitchen Red
Thank you, Sandi! I’m happy to help out, especially because I know there are many people like you, who get intimidated by this appliance. Using it even once goes a long way toward becoming comfortable with it!
Audrey Kelley
How much water are you using when cooking rice? The Manuel says 1:1 but when I’ve used 1 cup I get the burn error.
Paint the Kitchen Red
Audrey, 1:1 means 1 part water to 1 part rice, so equal quantities. There is a minimum amount of liquid required for the Instant Pot to come to pressure so you’ll need to cook about 2 cups of rice. OR you can use the Pot in Pot (PIP) method to cook one cup rice.
Sharon
I have only one question but the answer isn’t clear anywhere I look. When the lid is on, sealed, time is set and I want to high pressure cook – do I press the quick release button down to start or only use it at end if required?
Paint the Kitchen Red
Sharon, you would only do the quick release if the pressure cooking is complete and the recipe requires a quick release. In general, you won’t use quick release for meats and legumes but rather use a Natural Pressure Release (NPR), where the float valve drops on its own. You would use quick release (QR) for vegetables, pasta. There is a hybrid, where you would wait for 10 to 15 minutes and then do a quick release (NPR 15) and I do that for rice or when I’m in a hurry and don’t want to wait for the full NPR. Hope that helps! Feel free to ask further questions.
Lori Scherr
So when the insta pot is done cooking and it goes to the keep warm setting is that when it is doing the natural release?
Paint the Kitchen Red
Lori, once pressure cooking is complete it goes to ‘Keep Warm’. At this point, if you let the float valve drop on its own, that’s called natural release i.e. don’t do anything.