Can you pressure cook in an instant pot

Big, healthy family meals fast

No matter how large your family, or how big your needs, the Duo comes in the right size for you. Whether preparing side dishes or cooking for large families, the 6 Quart (our most popular model!) is the smart choice.

Dependable, consistent results

The Instant Pot Duo Series uses the latest 3rd generation technology with an advanced microprocessor that monitors the pressure and temperature, keeps time, and automatically adjusts heating intensity and duration. Even the volume of food is taken into consideration, ensuring that your meals turn out perfectly, every time.

Worry-free cooking

Smart Program timed cooking presets let you “set it and forget it,” freeing you to do other things while the Duo cooks your dinner safely and quickly, with minimal mess and easy clean up.

Built strong

The sealed cooking chamber makes no noise, gives off no heat and produces no smells. It traps all the aroma in the food without heating up the kitchen. The durable 3-ply stainless steel bottom inner pot eliminates health concerns associated with non-stick coatings, and the brushed stainless steel exterior is finger print resistant.

Built safe

This world-famous appliance protects you with 10 proven safety mechanisms and patented technologies to meet the highest safety standards and UL certification and give you uncompromised safety and peace of mind.

Safety

Instant Pot® has been carefully designed to eliminate many common errors from causing harm or spoiling food. It has passed the stringent UL & ULC certification giving you uncompromised safety and peace of mind. Instant Pot protects you with 10 proven safety mechanisms and patented technologies.

1. Steam Release – Releases excess pressure by venting steam through the steam release valve/handle.
2. Anti-Block Shield – A stainless steel cover which prevents food particles from entering the steam release pipe, reducing the risk of blockages.
3. 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.
4. Lid Position Detection – If the lid is not in a safe position for pressure cooking, the cooker will not allow cooking to begin.
5. Automatic Temperature Control – Regulates heating to ensure the inner pot remains within a safe temperature range, based on the program.
6. 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.
7. Automatic Pressure Control – Maintains working pressure levels. Suspends heating if pressure exceeds pressure level limits.
8. Electrical Fuse – Cuts off power if the electrical current exceeds safety limits.
9. Thermal Fuse – Cuts off power if the internal temperature exceeds safety limits.
10. 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.

FAQ

How many appliances does the Duo replace?

The Instant Pot Duo is a 7-in-1 electric pressure cooker, capable of replacing your traditional pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, sauté pan, rice cooker, yogurt maker and food warmer.

How do I make the Instant Pot start?

The Duo will begin 10 seconds after you set or adjust the cooking program. When it starts, the display indicates On to let you know the cooker has begun pre-heating.

Why do I need to do the Initial Test Run?

The Initial Test Run helps you become familiar with how your Instant Pot works, ensures the cooker is operating at peak performance, and sterilizes the cooking chamber so you can start preparing your delicious dishes right away.

How much food and liquid should be in the Inner Pot when cooking?

For pressure cooking, if you aren’t following a trusted recipe, pay attention to minimum liquid requirements and maximum fill lines as indicated on the inner pot.

For non-pressure cooking, the minimum liquid requirements listed below do not apply.

Minimum
When pressure cooking, always add at least 1.5 – 2.5 cups (355 – 473 ml) of liquids so enough steam can be generated to cook under pressure. These liquids should be water-based, including stock, broth, juice, cooking sauces, as well as wine and beer. If a recipe specifies a certain amount, always follow the recipe.
Note: Oils and oil-based sauces do not have enough water content to account for the required liquid volume.

Maximum
When pressure cooking, do not fill the inner pot higher than the 2/3 line indicated on the inner pot. When cooking foods that expand (e.g., rice, beans, pasta) do not fill the inner pot higher than the 1/2 line indicated on the inner pot. Overfilling the inner pot may risk clogging the steam release and developing excess pressure. This may cause leakage, personal injuries, or damage to the cooker.

Are the parts from different models of Instant Pot interchangeable?

Not always. It’s a good idea to only use the parts that came with your Instant Pot, or authorized replacement parts and accessories that are designated for your size and model of Instant Pot.

In particular…

• Using a lid from another model may result in improper sealing/locking, and is unsafe.
• Instant Pot silicone sealing rings can be used in any matching size of Instant Pot pressure cooking lid.
• Instant Pot inner pots can be used in any matching sized Instant Pot, except for the Duo Evo™ Plus, which features a new inner pot design.

If you need assistance choosing accessories or replacement parts, you can chat with our Customer Support through the Chat / Support box at the bottom-right of your screen.

What is the inner pot made of?

The stainless steel inner pot is made primarily from 304 (18/8) stainless steel and is dishwasher safe.

The 3-ply bottom has an aluminum core for optimal heat dispersal, but no aluminum comes into contact with your food. With no chemical coating, the inner pot is compliant with FDA food safety standards.

The steam rack is also made from food grade 304 (18/8) stainless steel, so you can be sure that all of your food is cooked safely.

Can I adjust my settings after cooking has started?

Yes! You can adjust the time, temperature and pressure level even after the Instant Pot has started cooking.

How do I know if the pressure cooking process has started?

The Duo beeps and displays On to indicate when a Smart Program has started. When the cooker builds up enough pressure the float valve rises, then the cooker beeps and counts down the cooking time.

How do I know when it’s safe to open the lid after pressure cooking?

Before opening the lid, make sure the float valve has dropped.

• Do not attempt to open the lid if the float valve is still up.
• Do not attempt to open the lid if it is locked and cannot be easily opened.
• Do not force the lid open at any time.

If you cannot tell if the float valve has dropped, first turn the steam release handle to the Venting position. If no steam releases, use a long utensil to nudge the float valve down.

Note: When opening the lid, the inner pot may adhere to the lid. This is caused by vacuum due to cooling. To release the vacuum, move the stream release handle to the Venting position.

Are there any foods I can’t put into the Instant Pot?

Ingredients that are high in sugar content may trigger the burn warning.

We recommend caution when cooking food such as applesauce, cranberries, pearl barley, oatmeal or other cereals, split peas, noodles, macaroni, rhubarb or spaghetti, as they tend to foam, froth or spatter and can cause clogging. When preparing these foods, do not fill the inner pot higher than the — 1/2 line as indicated on the inner pot and followed a trusted recipe.

Note: Regular cleaning of the lid and its parts (e.g., steam release handle, anti-block shield, steam release pipe and float valve) is important for proper function and to ensure the cooker’s longevity.

Can I put third party accessories with my Instant Pot?

To ensure the highest level of safety, we recommend only purchasing spare parts and accessories authorized by Instant Brands Inc.

Accessories and parts not branded Instant Pot® or recommended by Instant Pot® may cause the cooker to malfunction.

6 reviews for Duo 7-in-1 Multi-Functional Smart Cooker (6 QT/5.7 L)

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   Linh L. – January 25, 2021

   My ultimate favourite kitchen appliance!! Healthy dinner like salmon + brocoli is ready in less than 7 min, beat it pls! Best splurge ever!!

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   Sharlene L. – January 25, 2021

   The delivery was so fast! This pot is a life changer. I cook everything in it now and it’s easy to clean up. Just put everything in and press button.

3. Rated 5 out of 5

   Doven Y. – January 25, 2021

   Amazing purchase, I’ve read reviews and watched many video reviews about Instant Pot and finally made my purchase, best buy ever! 1. It has large capacity, I can cook large pot of Chinese soup in just 45 mins with the pressure cook setting! The lotus root soup tastes amazing and 2. Versatile yet compact and just 1 pot to replace multiple appliances! I can cook soup, stew, rice, chilly bean, porridge with just this Instant Pot! 3. Very safe for a pressure cooker, I’ve always been afraid of getting a pressure cooker as it generates loud noise when it releases. Instant Pot has this natural release pressure mode, that takes 10-30 mins to release which is perfect for me, and also for those who want it faster pressure release, just use the quick release. If you need something compact, comes with versatile function that you can always do anything with, this is what you need to get!

4. Rated 5 out of 5

   Sharon C. – January 25, 2021

   Well received within 2 working days! Fantastic product!

5. Rated 5 out of 5

   Maxine A. – January 25, 2021

   Excellent product. It is in-principle a electric pressure cooker with pre-programming modes. Must buy for busy people who want fast and easy method of cooking with auto-functions.

   Can you pressure can in an Instant Pot?

   "The Instant Pot product line is regulated by a pressure sensor instead of a thermometer; the altitude of your location may affect the actual cooking temperature. We recommend to not use Instant Pot for pressure canning," the website states.

   Is Instant Pot the same as pressure cooker?

   Yes, while Instant Pots are technically multi-cookers - with functions including slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, warming and sautéing - they're all pressure cookers.

   How long can you pressure cook in an Instant Pot?

   The colder the contents of the Instant Pot, the longer it takes to come to pressure. So a 5-minute pressure cooking recipe could take: 10 minutes to come to pressure + 5 minutes to pressure cook + 10 to 30 minutes to release pressure = total time of 25 to 45 minutes.

   What Cannot be cooked in Instant Pot?

   6 Things You Should Never Cook in an Instant Pot.

   Creamy Sauces. If there's one food group you should avoid in the Instant Pot, it's dairy. ... .

   Fried Chicken. The best fried chicken is crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside and perfectly golden brown. ... .

   Cookies. ... .

   Burgers. ... .

   Pie. ... .

   Steak..