Now you’ve received your Instant Pot, taken it out of the box, and have even done the Instant Pot Water Test.
Learning how to use the Instant Pot can be a bit overwhelming. But the more you know about pressure cooking, the more you understand how the Instant Pot works, what steps of precautions to take, and the more you practice, the easier it will become.
We gathered 10 Most Common Mistakes made by New Instant Pot Users & ways to avoid these mistakes below. This will save you some stress and frustrations in using your new Instant Pot Pressure Cooker!
*Note: If you’re getting the Burn Message, here’s a detailed guide explaining why, how to fix it, & how to prevent the Burn Error: Instant Pot Burn Message.
Also, an overly-full Instant Pot can lead to a clogged pressure release knob, because food and liquid can get sucked up inside. To stay on the safe side, don’t fill your pot over that two-thirds line, and stay below half full for foods that expand while cooking, such as beans and lentils.
Forget to Turn the Venting Knob to Sealing Position
Mistake: It might be a bit overwhelming to use the Instant Pot in the beginning, and it’s common to forget to turn the Venting Knob to the Sealing Position when cooking.
Solution: Make it a habit to turn the Venting Knob to Sealing Position every time you start pressure cooking. Don’t walk away until you made sure the Floating Valve has popped up.
Put Instant Pot on the Stovetop and Accidentally Turned the Dial
Mistake: Due to convenience or limited counter space, some users like to place their Instant Pot on the stovetop. Sometimes, things happen…and we see melted burnt Instant Pot bottom.
Sorry, we don’t have a picture to show you the aftermath, but we see this happen frequently.
Solution: Please don’t put the Instant Pot directly on the stovetop. Some users lay a wooden board between the stovetop and Instant Pot to prevent this disaster.
Or, you can get this cart from IKEA, as it fits the Instant Pot perfectly.
*Note: this is not sponsored by IKEA, just that many Instant Pot users (including us) find the cart very handy.
Instant Pot Peeps…. Have you ever overfilled your Instant Pot?
FAQ
How full is too full for Instant Pot?
Is there a maximum fill for Instant Pot?
Can an Instant Pot over pressurize?
What happens if you cook too long in Instant Pot?
Why is my Instant Pot Max/full?
Certain models have this max/full marking 4/5 up the side. Their levels are too high for pressure cooking, especially for ingredients that expand. Food will become trapped in the safety valves on the lid. When pressure cooking, never fill your Instant Pot beyond more than two-thirds of its capacity.
Is it safe to fill an Instant Pot over half full?
To stay on the safe side, don’t fill your pot over that two-thirds line, and stay below half full for foods that expand while cooking, such as beans and lentils . The Instant Pot recipe you’re using should specify a quick pressure release or a natural release, so stick to it!
Can you put too much food in an Instant Pot?
Too much food or liquid in your Instant Pot while pressure cooking can lead to dangerous pressure levels. As a rule of thumb, don’t let the total amount of precooked food and liquid in the inner pot go over the two-thirds line. If you are pressure cooking food that expands like rice, beans, pasta or dried vegetables, be even more cautious.
What if I overfill my Instant Pot?
Solution: Be mindful that the Max Line printed on Instant Pot’s Inner Pot is not intended for Pressure Cooking. If you accidentally overfilled the pot, don’t panic. Just make sure to use Natural Pressure Release to stay safe and clean. 3. Use Quick Release For Foamy Food or When It is Overfilled