Are you new to the Instant Pot and want to learn more about how it works? Here are my top Instant Pot tips and tricks for any new Instant Pot user. Find out about the Manual mode, leaking steam, doubling recipes, the difference between quick release and natural release, and much more.
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I grew up with the familiar sounds of a pressure cooker whistling in the kitchen and I’ve used a stovetop pressure cooker for all my adult life.
But when I got my first Instant Pot, I felt so intimidated. The Instant Pot has so much functionality and all those buttons – yikes! Over time, I’ve become extremely familiar with it and have been able to help my readers with their Instant Pot questions.
Here are some Instant Pot tips and frequently asked questions (FAQs) that might help you if you’re just starting out with the Instant Pot.
Note: The way you release steam depends on the Instant model. Some models have a steam release handle. Others have a steam release button and yet others have a steam release switch. For the purposes of simplicity, I refer to these collectively as the steam release mechanism.
Hissing, for example, can seem unexpected and even indicative of pressure cooker failure when you first hear it. In reality, your pressure cooker is supposed to hiss. The noise indicates the successful release of steam from the cooking unit either at the end of its cook time or when pressure gets too high.
2 What is the Instant Pot venting position?
The Venting position varies based on the type of Instant Pot you own. There are a few different types of lids that are used with the various models.
- Steam release handle: move the handle from Sealing to Venting.
- Steam release button: push the button down till it clicks into place for Venting.
- Steam release switch: move the switch from Seal to Vent.
How to do an Instant Pot Quick Release (QR)
- Allow pressure cooking to complete (cooking timer counts down to 00:00).
- Release pressure manually by putting the steam release mechanism in the Venting position.
- Steam is released in a steady stream. Keep hands and face away from the steam.
- Wait for the float valve to drop and the pressure to come down. The cooking process stops immediately.
- Press Cancel and open the lid.
Uses: vegetables, seafood, quick-cooking foods
Instant Pot Lesson 8: Weird Noises: The Moment the Pot Seals
FAQ
Is it normal for Instant Pot to make noise while cooking?
Is Instant Pot supposed to whistle?
Why is Instant Pot steaming when sealed?
Do Instant Pots make noise?
Instant pots are modern electronic versions of traditional pressure cookers. But they are still pressure cookers and bound to make steam. The steam released makes some noise during the cooking process. As the pressure increases, the valve vents out some of the pressure.
Why is my Instant Pot making a steaming noise?
The steam noise is very normal during the cooking process. The instant pot automatically regulates the pressure by opening and closing the pressure release valves. However, there are other noises to look out for, that may indicate damage or harm to your instant pot.
Why does my Instant Pot make a hissing sound?
Hissing Hissing is mainly normal in pressure cookers. There is bound to be a hissing sound coming from your pot when all the pressure inside it is released. This is why you’ll usually have nothing to worry about if your Instant Pot is making a hissing sound when you’re trying to cook something inside of it.
Does a pressure cooker make noise?
Pressure cookers expel excess steam and pressure by removing it from the lid. You might ask yourself: is my instant pot supposed to be steaming while cooking, and does it make noise? Yes. The instant pot is designed to make noises like rattling and hissing while cooking.