The most common Instant Pot problems and how to fix them

The Instant Pot is a highly versatile appliance that can save time and energy in the kitchen. While the best Instant Pots are intuitive, these multipurpose pressure cookers can also be confusing. If you’re having issues like a lingering bad smell in your Instant Pot or timer issues, you’re not alone. Most of the problems you see are probably fairly easy to fix once you know what to look for.

We’ve got the best tips, tricks, and hacks to solve some common Instant Pot problems.

Instant Pot takes too long to start timer

Remember, Instant Pots take time to heat up. It will take 10-15 minutes for the Instant Pot to heat up and pressure to the proper level, and so a timer will start. So when a recipe says “pressure cook in the Instant Pot for 5 minutes,” you should always mentally add the extra time beforehand. If it still seems like it’s taking too long, check your settings carefully to make sure you’re in the correct mode.

The pot shows the message ‘burn’

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Typically, a burning message appears when the sensors believe the cooker is in danger of burning the food or damaging the appliance. This often means that there is not enough liquid in the pot or the liquid has not reached all the bottom corners of the pot, which is easily fixed by adding more liquid. You may also need to let the pot cool down if it has been simmering for a while.

For more complex dishes, place your starches and sauces on top of other ingredients to create a barrier between them and the lower heater. Also, it may help to lift the meat with a cooking rack. Finally, if you’ve been simmering a runny sauce or similar ingredient, make sure the bits stick to the pot before moving on to the next task.

I get a message with an error code.

Instant Pots use error codes to indicate specific problems. If a code appears, you should look it up on the support page to see what it means. C1, for example, means that the temperature sensor is faulty, while C5 means that the pan is not sitting correctly on the heater.

The instant pot keeps ringing

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It is normal for the cooker to beep when it starts to heat up, beep when the timer starts, and beep when the timer ends. If it sounds normal, it usually means something is wrong and you should look to see if there is a blink code on the screen. This usually indicates an overheating problem.

The float valve is stuck

That little float valve at the top of the lid should move freely between the vent and the natural release of pressure. If this valve sticks, there is a problem. This usually means that the valve is clogged with food. Uncap the valve, then wash the cover around the valve, making sure to remove all food debris.

My pot is… a little smelly

The Instant Pot’s rubber sealing ring can easily absorb odors, especially when cooking under pressure. If you’re cooking a particularly spicy dish, the ring can retain the smell, which is annoying when you’re doing something else in the pot. Garlic odors may be the most common, but different odors may appear over time.

If the smell is causing problems, remove the o-ring and try washing it in the dishwasher. This can get rid of some of the worst odors and restore the function of the ring. You can also soak it in a bowl of warm water mixed with baking soda to absorb as much of the odor as possible. Some people even choose to buy a replacement sealing ring and use one for meals and one for desserts.

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I am cooking under pressure, but the steam is escaping.

Is steam escaping from the pressure valve, even when it is turned to the upper lock position? It is normal for a small amount of steam to escape from the valve as the cooker heats up, but if it continues to release steam during the pressure cook cycle, you may have a problem. This problem may be a sign that you need to clean and relocate the valve. If this fails, you may even need to replace the valve.

If steam is coming out of one side, check that the lid is properly locked for pressure cooking. If the cover seems fine, inspect its o-ring. A stretched or cracked ring must be replaced. If the ring has moved, you can usually put it back in place without any problems. A loose ring can harden if you put it in the freezer for a while, but this will eventually speed up the deterioration of the silicone. Either way, plan on getting a new ring.

The pressure does not rise in my Instant Pot

This usually happens when the pressure relief valve is turned “open” when you closed the lid, but you didn’t notice it at the time. In this case, steam slowly rises out of the pan as it tries to heat up. This is not good for the food inside and prevents the container from reaching the correct pressure level.

The best solution to this is to get in the habit of always checking the pressure valve when closing the lid. Just look and make sure it is in the locked position before selecting the pressure cook setting.

i can’t detect the timer

This is a very common problem when using the Instant Pot for the first time, and there are some guidelines you should be aware of to avoid mistakes or problems.

Selecting an option like poultry will automatically create a timer, which you then set to the correct time using the plus and minus buttons below the timer screen. Remember, the timer does not include how long it takes for the Instant Pot to heat up or cool down. It is only designed for when the food inside is actively cooking under pressure. Your Instant Pot will take between 5 and 20 minutes to build pressure. It depends on the quantity, type and initial temperature of the ingredients. It will also take time to release the pressure, especially if the recipe calls for a natural pressure release. This step often takes another 10 to 20 minutes. Remember to include all of this time in your cooking calculations.

I keep burning my fingers when I try to vent

The release nozzle on the pressure cooker valve is quite loose and opening the quick release after pressure cooking can be a pain for even the fastest of fingers. If you’ve been burned by steam before, there’s a very simple solution that Pot users have found: just use a wooden spoon. Open the valve with a spoon to release it and avoid steam problems.

I can’t close the lid of the Instant Pot

The pot lid can be difficult to lock and unlock without a little practice. If you’re new to your Instant Pot, try moving the lid back and forth from the locked position until you get the hang of it. If you’re sure your lid isn’t closing properly, look for food clogs or a sign that the sealing ring is slipping. The cover can also be damaged, but this is relatively rare. Instant Pot lids are very strong.

The cover is not removable.

Erika Rawes/Digital Trends

First, check if enough steam has escaped after pressure cooking. Whether you choose natural pressure release or quick release, give the Instant Pot time to release steam and cool down. Remember, Instant Pots are designed to be more secure, so the pot won’t let you open the lid with too much pressure inside the pot. A little patience can often solve this problem.

If not, the lid probably won’t come off because the steam release button is stuck. If you are sure that all the pressure in the cooker has been released, use the handle of a spoon and touch the button next to the release valve.

I added the liquid as told but things went wrong

When an Instant Pot recipe calls for “liquid,” it’s very specific, especially when it comes to pressure cooking. It has to be an actual liquid, usually water or chicken/vegetable broth, but some recipes call for anything from juice to beer. You can’t use a sauce with thickeners, such as starch, because it won’t add enough liquid to the mixture needed to create steam. This results in burnt food and other problems. Pressure-cooked foods generally require at least one cup of liquid to function properly. Instant Pots will often alert you if they detect a lack of liquid, but it pays to understand what the recipe calls for. Add sauces and thickeners after cooking.

Instant Pot display does not turn on

Erika Rawes/Digital Trends

Most display issues are usually the direct result of power issues. A quick way to try to fix your display is to make sure the power cord is fully plugged into your Instant Pot. If you’ve already tried this and the display still won’t turn on, you should try plugging the Instant Pot into a completely separate outlet. If you are still not successful, please contact Instant Pot Support.

The pot becomes stained or cloudy.

If you notice lines or clouds inside the container after the first few uses, this is normal. Contrary to the name, fats and oils cause stains on stainless steel. Fortunately, these stains won’t affect your kitchen at all, but they will be difficult to remove by washing your hands. The pot is dishwasher safe, so try using it with other cookware to remove marks and stains. Another solution is to mix a little vinegar on the residue to restore the pot to its original shine.

My Instant Pot is not cooking very well

Sautéing in your Instant Pot is convenient, but it can be challenging to brown certain cuts of meat well. We recommend that you opt for a completely different device for frying most large-cut foods, such as steak, as your Instant Pot will not get hot enough to fry. Smaller cuts of meat may prove successful, but we cannot promise that the meat will not become chewy or mushy. Baking isn’t the Instant Pot’s forte, so you should leave that job to your trusted pan.

Read our quick guide to slow cooker tips and tricks to learn more about the things you can do with this kitchen appliance. Are you interested in the new model? See which Instant Pot is right for you.

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