Troubleshooting Videos & Guides
Instant Pot® Pro – Getting Started
General Care of your Instant Pot®
Instant Pot® Duo Plus- Eggy Perfection
Instant Pot® Pro Series
Instant Pot® is designed with 10 Safety Mechanisms to eliminate many common errors which may cause harm or spoil food. The following Safety Mechanisms are applicable to: Lux 6-in-1, Duo 7-in-1, Duo Plus 9-in-1 and Smart Bluetooth.
- Steam Release – Releases excess pressure by venting steam through the steam release valve/handle.
- Anti-Block Shield – A stainless steel cover which prevents food particles from entering the steam release pipe, reducing the risk of blockages.
- Safety Lid Lock – When cooker is pressurized, the lid will automatically lock to prevent opening the cooker. Do not attempt to force the lid open while the cooker is pressurized.
- Lid Position Detection – If the lid is not in a safe position for pressure cooking, the cooker will not allow cooking to begin.
- Automatic Temperature Control – Regulates heating to ensure the inner pot remains within a safe temperature range, based on the program.
- Overheat (Burn) Protection – Overheating may occur if: • After Sautéing, inner pot has not been deglazed— food is stuck to the bottom • The pressure cooker is being operated without sufficient cooking liquid • The inner pot is not making full contact with the heating element • The inner pot encounters a heat distribution issue, such as when starch accumulates on the bottom of the inner pot. The cooker will reduce the risk of burning food by lowering the heat output.
- Automatic Pressure Control – Maintains working pressure levels. Suspends heating if pressure exceeds pressure level limits.
- Electrical fuse – Cuts off power if the electrical current exceeds safety limits.
- Thermal Fuse – Cuts off power if the internal temperature exceeds safety limits.
- Leaky Lid Detection – If there is steam leakage from the lid (such as, sealing ring not installed, or steam release handle being in “Venting” and not “Sealing” position) the cooker will not pressurize. Loss of steam may cause food to burn. The cooker monitors the pre-heating time and lowers heat output if working pressure is not reached within 40 minutes.
Instant Pot® is designed with 11 Safety Mechanisms to eliminate many common errors which may cause harm or spoil food. The following Safety Mechanisms are applicable to the Ultra Series.
- Steam Release – Releases excess pressure by venting steam through the steam release valve/handle.
- Anti-Block Shield – A stainless steel cover which prevents food particles from entering the steam release pipe, reducing the risk of blockages.
- Safety Lid Lock – When cooker is pressurized, the lid will automatically lock to prevent opening the cooker. Do not attempt to force the lid open while the cooker is pressurized.
- Lid Position Detection – If the lid is not in a safe position for pressure cooking, the cooker will not allow cooking to begin.
- Automatic Temperature Control – Regulates heating to ensure the inner pot remains within a safe temperature range, based on the program.
- Overheat (Burn) Protection – Overheating may occur if: • After Sautéing, inner pot has not been deglazed— food is stuck to the bottom • The pressure cooker is being operated without sufficient cooking liquid • The inner pot is not making full contact with the heating element • The inner pot encounters a heat distribution issue, such as when starch accumulates on the bottom of the inner pot. The cooker will reduce the risk of burning food by lowering the heat output.
- Automatic Pressure Control – Maintains working pressure levels. Suspends heating if pressure exceeds pressure level limits.
- Electrical Fuse – Cuts off power if the electrical current exceeds safety limits.
- Thermal Fuse – Cuts off power if the internal temperature exceeds safety limits.
- Leaky Lid Detection – If there is steam leakage from the lid (such as, sealing ring not installed, or steam release handle being in “Venting” and not “Sealing” position) the cooker will not pressurize. Loss of steam may cause food to burn. The cooker monitors the pre-heating time and lowers heat output if working pressure is not reached within 40 minutes.
- Quick Release Button – For safer handling of steam release, press the “Quick Release Button” on the lid to depressurize the cooker. It automatically resets to the “Sealing” position when opening or closing the lid.
Instant Pot Smart WiFi is designed with 11 Safety Mechanisms to eliminate many common errors which may cause harm or spoil food.
- Steam Release – Releases excess pressure by venting steam through the steam release valve/handle.
- Anti-Block Shield – A stainless steel cover which prevents food particles from entering the steam release pipe, reducing the risk of blockages.
- Safety Lid Lock – When cooker is pressurized, the lid will automatically lock to prevent opening the cooker. Do not attempt to force the lid open while the cooker is pressurized.
- Lid Position Detection – If the lid is not in a safe position for pressure cooking, the cooker will not allow cooking to begin.
- Automatic Temperature Control – Regulates heating to ensure the inner pot remains within a safe temperature range, based on the program.
- Overheat (Burn) Protection – Overheating may occur if: • After Sautéing, inner pot has not been deglazed— food is stuck to the bottom • The pressure cooker is being operated without sufficient cooking liquid • The inner pot is not making full contact with the heating element • The inner pot encounters a heat distribution issue, such as when starch accumulates on the bottom of the inner pot. The cooker will reduce the risk of burning food by lowering the heat output.
- Automatic Pressure Control – Maintains working pressure levels. Suspends heating if pressure exceeds pressure level limits.
- Electrical fuse – Cuts off power if the electrical current exceeds safety limits.
- Thermal Fuse – Cuts off power if the internal temperature exceeds safety limits.
- Leaky Lid Detection – If there is steam leakage from the lid (such as, sealing ring not installed, or steam release handle being in “Venting” and not “Sealing” position) the cooker will not pressurize. Loss of steam may cause food to burn. The cooker monitors the pre-heating time and lowers heat output if working pressure is not reached within 40 minutes.
- Self-Diagnostic – Scans components for errors. Displays error codes on-screen.
Instant Pot Max is designed with 13 Safety Mechanisms to eliminate many common errors which may cause harm or spoil food. Max 13 Safety Mechanisms are:
- Steam Release – Releases excess pressure by venting steam through the steam release valve/handle.
- Safety Lid Lock – When cooker is pressurized, the lid will automatically lock to prevent opening the cooker. Do not attempt to force the lid open while the cooker is pressurized.
- Wireless Lid Detection – Detects if the lid is present or not, as required by the selected program.
- Lid Position Detection – If the lid is not in a safe position for pressure cooking, the cooker will not allow cooking to begin.
- Overheat (Burn) Protection – Overheating may occur if: • After Sautéing, inner pot has not been deglazed— food is stuck to the bottom • The pressure cooker is being operated without sufficient cooking liquid • The inner pot is not making full contact with the heating element • The inner pot encounters a heat distribution issue, such as when starch accumulates on the bottom of the inner pot. The cooker will reduce the risk of burning food by lowering the heat output.
- Anti-Block Shield – A stainless steel cover which prevents food particles from entering the steam release pipe, reducing the risk of blockages.
- Automatic Pressure Control – Maintains working pressure levels. Suspends heating if pressure exceeds pressure level limits.
- Pressure Indicator – Indicator on control panel that illuminates when pressure is detected in the cooker. Do not attempt to force the lid open while the indicator is lit.
- Automatic Temperature Control – Regulates heating to ensure the inner pot remains within a safe temperature range, based on the program.
- Leaky Lid Detection – If there is steam leakage from the lid (such as, sealing ring not installed, or steam release handle being in “Venting” and not “Sealing” position) the cooker will not pressurize. Loss of steam may cause food to burn. The cooker monitors the pre-heating time and lowers heat output if working pressure is not reached within 40 minutes.
- Self-Diagnostic – Scans components for errors. Displays error codes on-screen.
- Thermal Fuse – Cuts off power if the internal temperature exceeds safety limits.
- Electrical Fuse – Cuts off power if the electrical current exceeds safety limits.
The inner pot of the cooker (the stainless steel cooking pot), the sealing ring, the lid, and the steam rack are all dishwasher safe—yet another way in which your cooker makes cooking and cleanup extremely easy. Here is an overview of how best to care for and clean your Instant Pot®.
Prior to cleaning, ensure the cooker is unplugged and has cooled down.
Cooker Base and Heating Element
The cooker base is home to the microprocessor and the heating element essential to cooking.
Do Not Place in the Dishwasher! If the cooker base gets wet, allow it to dry completely. Contact the Customer Care team.
Clean the exterior of the cooker base with a damp cloth. You can use a slightly damp cloth to clean the inside of the cooker. It is however, important that the cooker be kept dry.
If you need to clean the area around the lip of the cooker, use a damp cloth or an old toothbrush to clean the edges.
Stainless Steel Inner Pot & Steam Rack
The inner pot and the steam rack are made of sturdy, food-grade stainless steel (304 – 18/8) and are entirelydishwasher safe. For the most part, you can keep the inner pot cleaned just as you would clean any stainless steelpot—by hand washing or the dishwasher.
Should the inner pot develop harmless water stains, non-abrasive scouring cleanser, made especially for cookingpots, brings back the original shine.
You can also periodically clean the inner pot by placing 1 cup of white vinegar in the bottom of the inner pot. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes, and then pour out the vinegar and rinse.
Removing Bluish Marks from Your Stainless Steel Inner Pot
Instant Pot’s inner pot (cooking pot) is stainless steel, food grade 304 (18/8) with no chemical coating. It is durable and will retain its appearance for years to come with proper care.
With stainless steel cookware it is not uncommon for a bluish or “rainbow” discoloration to appear on the inside of the pot, and Instant Pot’s inner pot is no exception. Minerals or salt in the food and water are the cause forthis discoloration. It may be easily removed by using a non-abrasive stainless steel cleaner, which will not only remove the marks it will help to retain the original brightness.
Another option is to cover the bottom with white vinegar. Allow the vinegar to sit for 5 minutes, remove, andrinse the inner pot. The discoloration marks should be removed completely.
For “White Hard Water” stains, they can be removed with a damp sponge soaked in vinegar or lemon.
We recommend avoiding steel wool, as it will scratch the surface. For additional information, verify “ eHow” or “British Stainless Steel Association”.
The s illustrate an Instant Pot® inner pot after an 8-month period of regular use and the results after using white vinegar to clean the stains.
Lid
The lid is top-rack dishwasher safe. It is best to remove the sealing ring and the anti-block shield so that the lid may be thoroughly cleaned. One way to prevent the lid from retaining odors is to place it upside down on the pot until it has completely dried or you are ready to use it. Verify the steam release valve and float valve, and make sure there is no food or other debris that would block them, and prevent your cooker from coming to pressure
Anti-block Shield
The anti-block shield underneath the lid should be removed and cleaned after each use, especially following the preparation of foods that may splatter.
To remove, using your thumb, push the side of the anti-block shield towards the lid rim and lift up. It may take a little effort, but the anti-block shield should pop out.
You can now wash the shield with warm, soapy water. Rinse, wipe dry with a soft cloth, and place back in position when dry. To position the anti-block shield in place, push down.
Sealing Ring
The sealing ring is made of high-quality, heat-resistant silicone. It can be hand-washed with soapy water or placed in the dishwasher. Allow the ring to dry completely before inserting back into the lid. Ensure the sealing ring is positioned in the lid after every wash, and that it is securely in place before you start cooking.
The sealing ring is critical in the functioning of your cooker. Inspect it carefully after it is washed. Any sign of cracking or other damage, replace the sealing ring. Replace only with Genuine Instant Pot® sealing rings, using other brands may void your Instant Pot® Warranty.
As silicone may pick-up food odors during cooking you may wish to have one sealing ring for savory and another for sweet foods.
Under normal conditions it should be fine for 18 – 24 months. If you notice cracks, leaking or deformation in the sealing ring, it should be replaced immediately. However, the sealing ring is porous and may absorb odors and become discolored. To avoid discoloration and odors, you may wish to change the sealing ring every 6 – 12months.
Condensation Collector
The condensation collector is to be removed and hand washed periodically. Allow to dry before replacing.
To Summarize
All parts of the Instant Pot® with the exception of the cooker base are dishwasher safe. This includes the stainless steel inner pot, the lid, the sealing ring, and the steam rack. The cooker base must be kept dry, and canbe wiped down with a damp cloth when necessary. The anti-block shield should be washed after each use and re-installed.
Allow to cool before cleaning, and dry thoroughly before storing.
Never clean with harsh chemical detergents, abrasive powders or scouring pads.
Removable Element Cover. Hand Wash only. Wash after each use in hot water with mild dish soap. Dry thoroughly before attaching to main body.
Main Body. Damp Wash only. Wipe body and display as needed with a soft, barely damp cloth or sponge.
Element. Damp Wash only. Wipe as needed with hot water and mild dish soap or vinegar. Dry thoroughly before replacing removable element cover.
WARNING! Do not immerse main body in water and do not attempt to cycle through dishwasher. Do not submerge power cord at any time. Do not wet prongs of detachable cord.
Clean blender, parts, and accessories after each use. Do not use harsh chemicals, scoring pads or other abrasive cleaners.
Cleaning Method Part Notes Dishwasher Safe Lid & Lid Cap
Remove lid cap from lid when cleaning.
Remove black silicone seal from lid periodically for cleaning.
150mL / 5oz Measuring CupIf dishwashing, place in top rack.Food TamperIf dishwashing, place in top rack.Strainer BagTurn inside out when cleaning, and spread open to dry.Cleaning BrushUse to clean under blades in pitcher Hand Wash Only Glass Pitcher
Do not wet bottom side of pitcher.
Ensure bottom of pitcher is dry before placing it on blender base.
Do not store food in the pitcher.
Unplug and wipe clean with a soft, damp cloth.
When in storage or not in use, do not fold the power cord.
Pulse Cleaning
Use Pulse/Clean to remove superficial food debris and residue from your pitcher.
- Remove the lid from the pitcher. Fill the pitcher with 1000mL / 34oz hot water. Secure the lid to the pitcher.
- Press Pulse/Clean to lift the majority of food contents.
- Discard dirty water after the last Pulse cycle has completed.
- Fill the pitcher with 1000mL / 34oz quart hot water and a squirt of dish soap, and press Pulse/Clean. Discard dirty water after the last cycle has completed.
- Rinse with warm, clear water.
Deep Cleaning
Minerals in water may deposit at the bottom of the pitcher. Periodic deep cleaning will ensure the longevity of the blender.
- Add 1 cup (250mL / 8oz) of white vinegar or citric acid, and 1 cup (250mL / 8oz) warm water to the pitcher.
- Allow the solution to sit for at least an hour, then press the Pulse/Clean key
- Empty the solution from the pitcher and rinse with warm, clear water.
For stubborn stains, unplug the blender and add 1 cup (250mL / 8oz) of white vinegar to the pitcher, then scrub with the cleaning brush. Repeat this process as necessary.
Cleaning Method | Part | Notes |
Dishwasher Safe | Lid & Lid Cap |
Remove lid cap from lid when cleaning. Remove black silicone seal from lid periodically for cleaning. |
150mL / 5oz Measuring Cup | If dishwashing, place in top rack. | |
Food Tamper | If dishwashing, place in top rack. | |
Strainer Bag | Turn inside out when cleaning, and spread open to dry. | |
Cleaning Brush | Use to clean under blades in pitcher | |
Hand Wash Only | Glass Pitcher |
Do not wet bottom side of pitcher. Ensure bottom of pitcher is dry before placing it on blender base. Do not store food in the pitcher. |
Blender Base |
Unplug and wipe clean with a soft, damp cloth. When in storage or not in use, do not fold the power cord. |
You’ll only need to pair your device once, then it will remember your Instant Pot®. You may control multiple appliances from the same device.
Current App Version:
Current Firmware Version:
1.0017 (June 2019) – required for Sous Vide Instant Start function
Check below tab ‘Using the App – New Firmware Update’ (Note: your Smart WiFi needs to be left plugged in and connected for a while to receive new Firmware notification.)
Supported Operating Systems:
iPhone and iPad: iOS 10, 11, 12, 13
Android™: 5.1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
5-5-5 or 6-6-6: A method used to prepare eggs in your Instant Pot®. It refers to 5 minutes on high pressure, 5 minutes natural release and 5 minutes ice-bath prior to peeling.
Anti-Block Shield: The round metal part with 5 holes underneath the lid. It is designed to prevent food particles from interfering with the steam release valve. It should be removed and cleaned after each use, especially following the preparation of foods that may splatter. To remove using your thumb, push the side of the anti-block shield towards the lid rim and lift up. It may take a little effort, but the anti-block shield will pop out.
Burn: There may be insufficient water/broth in the inner pot, or food may be too close or stuck to the bottom of the inner pot with all the liquid on top.
Condensation Collector: The cup positioned at the rear of your Instant Pot®. It is used to capture any condensation that develops during cooking. Note: The Lux series does not include a condensation collector.
Cooker Base: Contains the microprocessor and the heating element. Never place anything on the inside of the cooker base without the stainless steel inner pot in position. The cooker base and lid must be kept away from external heat source, as it will damage the base and the lid.
Delay Start or Timer (older models): Sets the time delay before a cooking program starts.
Dual Pressure: The cooker includes both pressure settings low and high
EPC: Electric Pressure Cooker
Float Valve (Pin): The silver or red pin beside the steam valve, when it is up, your cooker is fully pressurized; when it drops it is no longer pressurized and you can open the cooker.
HP: High Pressure mode
LP: Low Pressure mode
Manual or Pressure Cook (newer models): Use Manual/Pressure Cook program to set custom time and/or pressure level when you pressure cook.
Natural Release (NR or NPR): Allow the cooker to cool down naturally until the float valve drops down. This may take 10 to 40 minutes, or even longer, depending on the amount of food in the cooker. After the cooking process is completed, the cooker will go into the “Keep Warm” mode if it has been turned ON.
PC: Pressure Cooker
PIP: Pot-in-Pot, refers to placing another pot inside your stainless steel inner pot to prepare a dish.
Quick Release (QR or QPR): Turn the Steam Release handle or press the Quick Release Button to the “Venting” position to let out steam until the float valve drops down. QR is not suitable for food with large liquid volume or high starch content such as: oatmeal, porridge, beans, sticky liquids, starchy soup, etc. as food content may splatter out, use Natural Release (NR) instead.
Sealing Ring: The silicone ring positioned underneath the lid. The sealing ring must be in position for the pressure cooker to come to pressure. Made of high-quality, heat-resistant silicone. The sealing ring is critical to the proper functioning of your Instant Pot®, it must always be positioned properly on the underside of the lid. Only use Genuine Instant Pot® sealing rings, other brands will void your warranty.
Sling: Used for PIP to easily remove the pot from the inner pot. Slings can be in silicone or aluminum foil.
Stainless Steel Inner Pot: The inner pot that is positioned inside the cooker base, where the food and liquid are placed. Made from food grade 304 (18/8) stainless steel, 3-ply bottom for even heat distribution, no chemical coating, compliant with FDA food safety standards. Dishwasher safe.
Steam Rack (Trivet): The steam rack is positioned inside the stainless steel inner pot. It is used to elevate food or your dish above the water in the bottom of the inner pot while you pressure cook.
Steam Release handle or Quick Release Button (Ultra): The valve that seals in or releases steam when you pressure cook. Ensure the valve is in the “Sealing” position. This is how the pressure cooker will come up to pressure. It is normal while building pressure for small amounts of steam to release through the knob. Turning the knob to “Venting” will release the pressure. The steam release handle does not lock tightly it will fit loosely on the lid.
Water Test (Initial Test Run): To help you become familiar with your Instant Pot® and to ensure the cooker is functioning properly.
Instant™ Product Manuals and Resources
- Instant™ User Manuals
- Troubleshooting Videos & Guides
- Instant™ Recipe Booklets
- Instant™ Cooking Timetables
- Instant™ Comparison Tables
- Safety Mechanisms
- Care & Cleaning
- Glossary of Terms
- Instant™ Cook Skill for Amazon Alexa
- Cooking Program Options
- Where to Buy
- Product Recall Notices
- AB1200 California Disclosures
Instant Pot® Specialty Products
Instant Pot® Aura™
Instant Pot® Cuisine Crisp
Instant Pot® Duo™
Instant Pot® Duo™ Sous Vide
Instant Pot® Duo™ Evo Plus
Instant Pot® Duo Nova
Instant Pot® Duo Nova Plus
Instant Pot® Opal™ Pro
Instant Pot® Duo Gourmet
Instant Pot® Gem™
Instant Pot® Lux™
Instant Pot® Max™
Instant Pot® Rio™
Instant Pot® Smart WiFi™
Instant Pot® Smart Bluetooth®
Instant Pot® Ultra™
Instant Pot® Duo Crisp™
Instant Pot® Crisp™
Instant Pot® 6QT Crisp – 11 in 1
Instant Pot® Air Fryer Lid
Instant Pot® Pro
Instant Pot® Pro Plus
Instant Pot® Viva™
Instant™ Cuisine 18L Cuisine Air Fryer and Toaster Oven
Instant™ Essentials™
Instant™ Vortex™ Slim
Instant™ Vortex™
Instant™ Vortex™ Plus
Instant™ Vortex™ Pro
How to Use Instant Pot as a Pressure Cooker
FAQ
How do I turn my Instant Pot to high pressure IP Lux?
Is Instant Pot IP Lux a pressure cooker?