Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1: Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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 pressure cooking 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 steam 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 follow 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.