If you’re new to pressure cooking or you just want to know how to use the Instant Pot Duo, then you’ve come to the right place! This post includes a step-by-step guide, including how to do the initial water test and how to start the Instant Pot.
Hello there! I’m Carrie and you might know me as the author of the best-selling Healthy Meal Prep Instant Pot Cookbook!
But, I didn’t always know how to use a pressure cooker and it took me several tries before I felt comfortable using one.
Fast forward to today, and I rely on my Instant Pot on a daily basis. In fact, I recently invested in second Instant Pot Duo so I can cook two things at once. I find them to be invaluable for cooking foods in less time and more efficiently with easy clean-up.
I thought this was the perfect opportunity to update this guide for how to use the Instant Pot Duo. Many of the lessons in this article apply to other Instant Pot models as well.
Instant Pot comes with an owner manual and recipe book.
Identify the pieces
Once you’ve opened the box with your new Instant Pot, then it’s time to get familiar with what is included.
The Instant Pot Duo comes with five basic pieces, including:
- The main base where the buttons are located,
- the inner stainless steel cooking pot,
- the lid that has a seal on the underside,
- the stainless steel trivet (you won’t be using the trivet for every recipe),
- and the electric power cord that plugs in the back of the base.
Your First Instant Pot Recipe
Once you have followed all of these initial steps and you have a basic idea of how your Instant Pot Duo works, then it’s time to actually cook something!
Until you feel really comfortable using a pressure cooker, then I would advise you to use recipes specifically for the Instant Pot. Pressure cooking is not like slow-cooking which is very forgiving.
Unless you want to have a bunch of Instant Pot fails, then it’s really best to use recipes. Here is a great post with beginner recipes for the Instant Pot that includes some of my favorite recipes.
See my entire index of healthy Instant Pot recipes.
Or, you can also join my newsletter and I’ll send you my Instant Pot Cheat Sheet that includes a quick start guide to healthy cooking with your pressure cooker.
How to FINALLY Get Started with your Instant Pot Duo in 2024!
FAQ
What does Instant Pot duo come with?
What is the difference between Instant Pot and Instant Pot duo?
Does Instant Pot have a recipe book?
Instant Pot’s 4th edition of the recipe book included with your multi-use programmable pressure cooker includes a recipes, cooking time tables and tips.
Is the Instant Pot duo easy to use?
Easy to use, easy to clean, fast, versatile, and convenient, the Instant Pot® Duo™ is the one that started it all. The updated Easy-Release switch makes steam release simple and fast. Redefine cooking and enjoy quick and easy meals anywhere, any time. Download the User Manual *All measurements are approximate. Select a row below to filter reviews.
What is the easiest-to-follow Instant Pot cookbook ever?
The easiest-to-follow Instant Pot cookbook ever: 100 delicious recipes with more than 750 photographs guiding you every step of the way Jeffrey Eisner is the creator of Pressure Luck Cooking, an acclaimed, easy-to-follow Instant Pot recipe video blog.
Do I need a button on my Instant Pot duo?
You can also use the other buttons that have smart programs (like for soup, meat, beans, or rice), but you don’t need those buttons for the first time you use your Instant Pot Duo or Instant Pot Duo Plus. 5. Wash the pot, trivet, and lid