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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.