Instant Pot Duo Plus Wide Multicooker: Get Started Guide

Welcome

Welcome to your new Instant Pot^® Duo^® Plus Wide Multicooker! This Instant Pot Duo Plus Wide Multicooker can help you cook healthy, delicious meals more easily and in less time. We hope you fall in love with Instant Pot cooking, and enjoy it in your kitchen for years to come!

Get started with your Duo Plus!

What's in the Box

Lid Components

The lid includes:

• Handle
• Lid position marker
• Float valve
• Sealing ring
• Steam release vents
• Whisper quiet lid cover
• Steam release switch
• Steam release valve and Anti-Block shield
• Sealing ring rack

Inner Cooking Pot

A Stainless Steel Inner Cooking Pot with volume markings (e.g., PC MAX, 2/3, 1/2).

Cooker Base Components

The cooker base features:

• Condensation rim
• Heating element (inside)
• Power cord (rear, 8-quart model has an attached cord)
• Condensation collector (rear)
• Cooker handles
• Control panel
• Stainless steel exterior

Parts and Accessories

Included accessories:

• Sealing ring (extra)
• Stainless steel steam rack with handles

Illustrations are for reference only and may differ from the actual product.

Remember to recycle! We designed this packaging with sustainability in mind. Please recycle everything that can be recycled where you live.

Using Your Duo Plus

Control Panel Overview

The control panel is designed for simplicity and ease of use:

• 1. Smart Program Settings: For cooking presets.
• 2. Time: Displays cooking time, delay start time, and keep warm time.
• 3. Delay Start Indicator: Illuminates when Delay Start is active.
• 4. Pressure Indicator: Lights up to show the selected pressure level.
• 5. Temperature Indicator: Lights up to show the selected temperature.
• 6. Progress Bar: Shows the cooking progress.
• 7. Message Display: Shows cooking instructions and status messages.
• 8. Cooking Programs: Buttons for various cooking modes (e.g., Pressure Cook, Sauté, Steam, Rice, Yogurt, Sous Vide, Cake, Keep Warm). The active program button will be lit.
• 9. Delay Start: Light indicates when Delay Start is active.
• 10. Keep Warm: Light indicates when Keep Warm is active.
• 11. Cancel: Button to stop the current cooking cycle.
• 12. Start: Button to begin the cooking cycle.
• 13. Steam Icon: Illuminates when there is pressure in the multicooker.

Settings and Operations

Turning the Sound On or Off

To turn sound on: In Ready mode, press and hold Delay Start and Keep Warm for 5 seconds. The message display shows Sound Off.

To turn sound off: In Ready mode, press and hold Delay Start and Keep Warm for 5 seconds. The message display shows Sound On.

Audible safety alerts (beeps) cannot be turned off.

Changing the Temperature Scale

Set to Fahrenheit: In Ready mode (and scale is set to Celsius), press and hold the Control Dial for 5 seconds. The message display shows Temp Unit F.

Set to Celsius: In Ready mode (and scale is set to Fahrenheit), press and hold the Control Dial for 5 seconds. The message display shows Temp Unit C.

Delaying the Start of Cooking

You can set a Delay Start timer for a minimum of 10 minutes or a maximum of 24 hours.

1. Select a Smart Program, adjust settings as desired, then press Delay Start.
2. When the minutes field flashes, turn the Control Dial to set the minutes (in 10-minute increments) and press Start to select.
3. Delay Start begins automatically, and the timer counts down.
4. When Delay Start ends, the Smart Program begins.

Setting a Timer (without cooking)

You can set a timer for a minimum of 1 minute or a maximum of 60 minutes.

1. When the unit is on and the message display shows Ready, press Delay Start.
2. When the minutes field flashes, turn the Control Dial to set the minutes (in 1-minute increments).
3. Press Start to begin the timer.

Cancel Cooking

When in Preheating, Cooking, or Keep Warm modes, press Cancel. The message display shows Ready.

Resetting Unit to Original Settings

• Reset individual programs: In Ready mode, press and hold a program button for over 3 seconds. The message display shows Ready. The program's pressure level, cooking time, and temperature are restored to factory default.
• Reset individual programs during cooking: In Cooking mode, press and hold the program's button for over 3 seconds. The display returns to the current program with factory default settings.
• Reset all program settings: In Ready mode, press and hold Cancel for over 3 seconds. The message display shows Ready. All unit settings are restored to factory default.

Initial Setup

Clean Before Use

1. Wash the inner cooking pot with hot water and soap. Rinse and dry the outside with a soft cloth. The inner cooking pot is also dishwasher safe (top rack).
2. Wipe the heating element inside the cooker base with a soft cloth to remove any stray packaging particles.

Setting Up the Condensation Collector

The condensation collector attaches to the back of the cooker base to accumulate overflow moisture. It should be installed before cooking and emptied and rinsed after each use.

• To remove the condensation collector: Pull it away from the cooker base; do not pull down. Note the tabs on the cooker base and the grooves on the collector.
• To install the condensation collector: Align the grooves on the collector with the tabs on the cooker base and slide it into place.

Using the Sealing Ring

The sealing ring on the underside of the lid creates an airtight seal. It must be installed before use and cleaned after each use. Use one sealing ring for sweet dishes and another for savory dishes.

Sealing rings can stretch over time. Replace the sealing ring every 12 to 18 months, or sooner if you notice stretching, deformation, or damage.

Install the Sealing Ring

1. Place the sealing ring over the sealing ring rack and press it into place. Press down firmly to ensure there is no puckering.
2. The sealing ring should be snug and should not fall out when the lid is turned over.

Remove the Sealing Ring

1. Grip the edge of the sealing ring and pull it out from behind the sealing ring rack.
2. Inspect the rack to ensure it is secured, centered, and at an even height. If the rack is deformed, do not try to repair it.

Test Run

Setting up your new Duo Plus for a test run is a great way to familiarize yourself with its operation before cooking a meal.

To Perform a Test Run:

1. Add 3 quarts of water to the inner cooking pot.
2. Place the inner cooking pot into the cooker base.
3. Place the lid on top of the cooker base and lock the lid (see 'How to lock the lid' below).
4. Press Pressure Cook on the Control Panel.
5. Press the Control Dial, then turn it to set the cooking time to 5 minutes.
6. Press Keep Warm to turn off the Keep Warm setting.
7. Press Start. The message display shows Preheating.
8. When cooking is done, the display shows DO NOT OPEN LID.
9. Release steam by moving the steam release switch to the Vent position. When steam is completely released, the message display shows OK to Open Lid and End alternatively (see 'How to release steam' below for complete instructions).
10. Unlock and open the lid (see 'How to unlock the lid' below).
11. Discard any remaining water, then wash and dry the inner cooking pot.

Now you're ready to cook a meal in your Instant Pot Duo Plus!

Using the Lid

The pressure cooking lid is used for most cooking programs, especially pressure cooking. Always use the lid that came with your Duo Plus cooker base.

How to Close and Lock the Lid

For pressure cooking, the lid must be securely locked to prevent steam from escaping. When placing the lid on the cooker base:

1. Line up the line on the lid with the arrow at the side of the control panel.
2. Turn the lid clockwise until the line on the lid aligns with the line on the control panel.

If the lid is not closed and locked when starting a cooking program, the message display will show Turn to Lock Lid, and the unit will not start pressurizing.

How to Unlock and Open the Lid

Once steam is completely released, unlock the lid before opening it:

1. Turn the lid counterclockwise until the line on the lid aligns with the arrow on the side of the control panel.
2. Carefully lift the lid up and off the cooker base.

When a cooking program is finished and steam has been released, the steam icon on the display will disappear, and the message display will show END and OK to Open Lid.

How to Release Steam

The Duo Plus can release steam naturally or quickly. Choose the method that best fits your recipe.

Natural Steam Release

1. After cooking, leave the steam release switch in the Seal position until all pressure is released.
2. When pressure is released, the steam icon on the display disappears, and the message display shows OK to Open Lid. Remove the lid.

Quick Steam Release

Quickly releases steam after moving the steam release switch to the Vent position. Use for foods that tend to overcook, like vegetables and seafood.

1. After cooking, set the steam release switch to the Vent position and wait for all pressure to release.
2. When pressure is released, the steam icon on the display will disappear, and the message display shows OK to Open Lid. Remove the lid.

Pressure Cooking Caution: This appliance uses pressure to cook. Allow the appliance to release all excess pressure and steam before opening the lid. Opening the lid before pressure is released may result in burns, personal injury, and/or property damage. Read more in the Safety, Maintenance, and Warranty document.

Smart Programs

Pressure Cook

Pressure cooking uses pressurized steam to cook foods quickly and evenly. Each Smart Program is designed for a specific type of food. You can adjust settings as your recipe directs.

Other settings:

• Automatic Keep Warm is set to ON by default for all Pressure Cook programs.
• Delay Start is available for all Pressure Cook programs.

How to Pressure Cook

Prep: Cut, chop, season, or marinate your ingredients according to your recipe.

Preheat:

1. Add ingredients to the inner cooking pot and place it into the cooker base.
2. Place the lid on top of the cooker base and lock the lid.
3. Press Pressure Cook on the Control Panel.
4. Turn the Control Dial to highlight the desired Smart Program, then press the Control Dial to select it.
5. The default cooking time flashes. Press the Control Dial to accept it, or turn it to change and then press to select.
6. The default pressure level flashes. Press the Control Dial to accept it, or turn it to change and then press to select.
7. To delay cooking, press Delay Start, then turn the Control Dial to select the delay time.
8. Keep Warm is ON by default. Press Keep Warm to turn it off.
9. Press Start. The message display shows Preheating, and the unit builds pressure. (It can take 10-15 minutes to reach pressure; frozen foods increase preheating time.)

Cook:

1. When pressure is ready, the message display shows Do Not Open Lid. Cooking starts, and the progress bar shows Cooking.
2. The cooking time starts counting down.

You can press Cancel to stop cooking at any time.

Stop Cooking

1. When the cooking time reaches 00:00, cooking stops.
2. If Keep Warm is ON, the time starts counting up.

Release Steam

Choose the steam release method that works for your recipe. See 'How to release steam' above for full details.

Using Liquid to Create Steam

Pressure cooking requires liquid to produce steam. Minimum amounts needed:

*Unless otherwise specified in recipe. Pressure cooking liquids should be water-based (broth, stock, soup, juice). If using canned, condensed, or cream-based soup, add water as directed.

Slow Cook

Slow cooking allows for simmering and stewing recipes, similar to traditional methods. This program does not use pressure.

Other settings:

• Automatic Keep Warm is set to ON by default for all Slow Cook programs.
• Delay Start is available for all Slow Cook programs.

How to Slow Cook

Prep: Cut, chop, season, or marinate your ingredients according to your recipe.

Cook:

1. Add ingredients to the inner cooking pot and place it into the cooker base.
2. Place the lid on top of the cooker base and lock the lid.
3. Press Slow Cook.
4. Turn the Control Dial to highlight the desired Smart Program, then press the Control Dial to select it.
5. The default cooking time flashes. Press the Control Dial to accept it, or turn it to change and then press to select.
6. The default cooking temperature flashes. Press the Control Dial to accept it, or turn it to change.
7. You can delay cooking by pressing Delay Start, then turning the Control Dial to select the delay time.
8. Keep Warm is ON by default. Press Keep Warm to turn it off.
9. Press Start. Preheating starts. When ready, cooking starts, and the progress bar shows Cooking.
10. The cooking time starts counting down.

You can press Cancel to stop cooking at any time.

Stop Cooking

1. When the cooking time reaches 00:00, cooking stops.
2. If Keep Warm is ON, the time starts counting up.

Rice

The Rice program uses pressurized steam to cook rice quickly and evenly. You can adjust settings as your recipe directs.

Other settings:

• Automatic Keep Warm is set to ON by default for all Rice programs.
• Delay Start is available for all Rice programs.

How to Cook Rice

1. Add ingredients to the inner cooking pot and place it into the cooker base.
2. Place the lid on top of the cooker base and lock the lid.
3. Press Rice on the Control Panel.
4. Turn the Control Dial to highlight the desired Smart Program, then press the Control Dial to select it.
5. The default cooking time flashes. Press the Control Dial to accept it, or turn it to change and then press to select.
6. The default pressure level flashes. Press the Control Dial to accept it, or turn it to change.
7. You can delay cooking by pressing Delay Start, then turning the Control Dial to select the delay time.
8. Keep Warm is ON by default. Press Keep Warm to turn it off.
9. Press Start. The message display shows Preheating, and the unit builds pressure. (It can take 10-15 minutes to reach pressure.)

Cook:

1. When pressure is ready, the message display shows Do Not Open Lid. Cooking starts, and the progress bar shows Cooking.
2. The cooking time starts counting down.

You can press Cancel to stop cooking at any time.

Stop Cooking

1. When the cooking time reaches 00:00, cooking stops.
2. If Keep Warm is ON, the time starts counting up.

Release Steam

Choose the steam release method that works for your recipe. See 'How to release steam' above for full details.

Steam

The Steam program cooks food using steam but no pressure, ideal for vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, and carrots. You can adjust settings as your recipe directs.

Other settings:

• Automatic Keep Warm is not available.
• Delay Start is not available.

How to Steam

Prep: Cut or chop the ingredients according to your recipe.

Cook:

1. Add ingredients to the inner cooking pot and place it into the cooker base.
2. Place the lid on top of the cooker base and lock the lid.
3. Press Steam, and Custom flashes on the control panel.
4. The default cooking time flashes. Press the Control Dial to accept it, or turn it to change and then press to select.
5. The default cooking temperature flashes. Press the Control Dial to accept it, or turn it to change.
6. Press Start. Preheating starts. When ready, cooking starts, and the progress bar shows Cooking.
7. The cooking time starts counting down.

You can press Cancel to stop cooking at any time.

Stop Cooking

When the cooking time reaches 00:00, cooking stops.

Sauté

Use Sauté in place of a frying pan or saucepan. Sautéing can deepen flavors, simmer, thicken, or reduce sauces.

Other settings:

• Automatic Keep Warm is OFF by default.
• Delay Start is not available.

How to Sauté

Prep: Cut, chop, season, or marinate your ingredients according to your recipe.

Preheat:

1. Place the empty inner cooking pot into the cooker base. Do not close the lid.
2. Press Sauté, and the Custom Smart Program flashes.
3. The default cooking time flashes. Press the Control Dial to accept it, or turn it to change and then press to select.
4. The default cooking temperature flashes. Press the Control Dial to accept it, or turn it to change.
5. Press Start. Cooking starts, and the progress bar shows Preheating.

Cook:

1. When the message display shows Hot, add the ingredients but do not close the lid.
2. The cooking time starts counting down.

You can press Cancel to stop cooking at any time.

Stop Cooking

When the cooking time reaches 00:00, cooking stops.

Sautéing Before Pressure or Slow Cooking

Often, you'll want to sauté foods to brown them before further cooking.

1. Sauté ingredients.
2. Press Cancel.

You can deglaze the inner cooking pot now before switching to Pressure Cook or Slow Cook (see Deglazing below).

1. Select the Smart Program you want to use to finish cooking.

Deglazing

Deglazing is the process of adding liquid to a hot pan to release caramelized pieces stuck to the bottom.

1. Remove food from the inner cooking pot.
2. Add water, broth, or wine.
3. Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to loosen food stuck to the bottom of the inner cooking pot.

Yogurt

You can use your Duo Plus to easily make delicious, fermented dairy and non-dairy yogurt.

Other settings:

• Automatic Keep Warm is not available.
• Delay Start is not available.

How to Make Yogurt

Pasteurizing Milk:

1. Add milk to the inner cooking pot and place it into the cooker base.
2. Place the lid on top of the cooker base and lock the lid.
3. Press Yogurt, and the Custom Smart Program flashes.
4. The default cooking time flashes. Press the Control Dial to select a custom setting.
5. Using the Control Dial, change the default temperature to High. The display shows bOIL.
6. Press Start. Cooking starts, and the progress bar shows Preheating.
7. When pasteurization finishes, the display shows End.

Milk must reach a minimum of 161°F / 72°C for pasteurization to occur.

Adding Culture/Starter

1. Allow pasteurized milk to cool to 43°C / 110°F.
2. Add a starter culture according to package instructions. If using plain yogurt as a starter, ensure it contains an active culture. Mix in 2 tbsp (30 mL) of yogurt per 1 gallon (3.7 L) of milk or follow a trusted recipe.
3. Place and close the lid.

Ferment

1. Press Yogurt.
2. Cycle to Normal by pressing Yogurt again; the display shows 8 hours (08:00).
3. The default fermentation time flashes. Press the Control Dial to accept it, or turn it to change and then press to select.
4. After 10 seconds, the cooker begins heating; the display shows the timer counting up from 00:00.
5. When fermentation completes, the unit beeps and the display shows End. A longer fermentation period will produce tangier yogurt.
6. Allow yogurt to cool.
7. Place in the fridge for 12-24 hours to develop flavors.

How Much to Make?

Sous Vide

Sous Vide cooks food underwater in an airtight, food-safe bag for a long period. Food cooks in its own juices, resulting in delicious and tender meals. This program does not use pressure.

Use the pressure cooking lid to maintain an accurate temperature.

Other settings:

• Automatic Keep Warm is OFF by default.
• Delay Start is not available.

What You Need to Sous Vide

• Tongs
• Food-safe, airtight, re-sealable food pouches OR
• Vacuum sealer and food-safe vacuum bags

How to Sous Vide

Prep:

1. Cut, chop, season, or marinate your ingredients according to your recipe.
2. Add the ingredients to the cooking bag or pouch and seal tightly.

Preheat:

1. Place the empty inner cooking pot into the cooker base and close and lock the lid.
2. Press Sous Vide on the Control Panel.
3. Turn the Control Dial to highlight the desired Smart Program, then press the Control Dial to select it.
4. The default cooking time flashes. Press the Control Dial to accept it, or turn it to change and then press to select.
5. The default temperature flashes. Press the Control Dial to accept it, or turn it to change.
6. Press Start. The message display shows Preheating, and the unit starts heating.

Cook:

1. When the message display shows Hot, unlock and open the lid.
2. Add the sealed cooking bag or pouch to the inner cooking pot and reclose and lock the lid.
3. The cooking time starts counting down.
4. When the cooking time reaches 00:00, cooking stops.

You can press Cancel to stop cooking at any time.

Remove Food

When cooking completes, the display shows End. Open the lid and use the tongs to carefully remove the cooking pouch.

Cake

The Cake Smart Program uses pressurized steam to bake cakes quickly and evenly, especially cheesecakes. You can adjust settings as your recipe directs.

Other settings:

• Automatic Keep Warm is set to ON by default.
• Delay Start is available.

How to Pressure Cook

Prep: Prepare the ingredients according to your recipe.

Preheat:

1. Add ingredients to the inner cooking pot and place it into the cooker base.
2. Place the lid on top of the cooker base and lock the lid.
3. Press Cake, and the Custom Smart Program flashes.
4. The default cooking time flashes. Press the Control Dial to accept it, or turn it to change and then press to select.
5. The default pressure level flashes. Press the Control Dial to accept it, or turn it to change.
6. You can delay cooking by pressing Delay Start, then turning the Control Dial to select the delay time.
7. Keep Warm is ON by default. Press Keep Warm to turn it off.
8. Press Start. The display shows Preheating, and the Instant Pot Duo Plus is building pressure. (It can take 10-15 minutes to reach pressure.)

Cook:

1. When pressure is ready, the message display shows Do Not Open Lid. Cooking starts, and the progress bar shows Cooking.
2. The cooking time starts counting down.

You can press Cancel to stop cooking at any time.

Stop Cooking

1. When the cooking time reaches 00:00, cooking stops.
2. If Keep Warm is ON, the time starts counting up.

Release Steam

Choose the steam release method that works for your recipe. See 'How to release steam' above for full details.

Keep Warm

You can choose to allow Keep Warm to turn on automatically after cooking on many Smart Programs, or use it separately to reheat food.

Keep Warm After Cooking

1. When cooking is finished, automatic warming begins. The timer shows the time passed, up to 10 hours.
2. To turn automatic warming off (during cooking or during automatic warming), press Keep Warm, and the light above the button turns off.

Reheat Food

1. When in Standby mode, press Keep Warm.
2. The default cooking time flashes. Press the Control Dial to accept it, or turn it to change and then press to select.
3. The default temperature level flashes. Press the Control Dial to accept it, or turn it to change.

Cleaning

Clean your Duo Plus after each use. Always unplug the unit and let all parts cool to room temperature before cleaning. Ensure all surfaces are dry before use or storing.

*Some discoloration may occur after machine washing, but this will not affect the cooker's safety or performance.

Learn More

There's a whole world of Instant Pot information and help just waiting for you. Here are some of the most helpful resources:

• Get the User Manual (includes Troubleshooting and more): instanthome.com
• Register your product: instanthome.com/register
• Contact Consumer Care: In the Instant Brands Connect app, instanthome.com/customer-care-center, or support@instanthome.com
• Instant Brands^® Connect App with 1000+ recipes: instanthome.com (available on iOS and Android app stores)
• Cooking charts and more recipes: instanthome.com
• How-to videos, tips and more: instanthome.com
• Replacement parts and accessories: instanthome.com

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