Now that you have a shiny new Instant Pot, here are 10 important things you should never do with it.
You often read about what to do with your Instant Pot, but it’s just as important to know what to avoid. Consider these the Instant Pot rules—tips that will help you prevent mistakes and keep your pressure cooker working safely and efficiently.
Pressure cooking can seem intimidating at first, but it’s one of the most useful appliances you can add to your kitchen. Follow these warnings and you’ll avoid the most common problems people run into.
What Instant Pot Should I Buy?
I own two Instant Pots and often use both when I’m prepping food for the week or making a main plus a side for dinner. Having two is a convenience move, not a necessity, but it’s handy.
I use a 6-quart Instant Pot LUX and a 6-quart Instant Pot DUO. The 6-quart size is a great fit for most families. The main difference between the LUX and the DUO is that the DUO includes a yogurt function, which may be useful if you plan to make yogurt at home.
Instant Pot DON’TS
1. If you double the recipe, don’t double the time
When you double a recipe in the Instant Pot, you usually do not need to increase the cooking time. Most foods cook in the same time regardless of quantity; only liquids and pressure-building time will change. Be patient and follow the original cooking time for best results.
2. Don’t cancel after only a few minutes while it’s pressurizing
After selecting a program, the display often shows “On” while the unit comes to pressure. Depending on the amount and temperature of the food, this can take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes. Don’t press cancel too soon — doing so stops the process and wastes the cooking progress the pot has already made.
3. Don’t remove the lid before all the pressure is released
Removing the lid while the pot is still pressurized is dangerous. The Instant Pot is designed so the lid will not open until internal pressure is at a safe level. Never force the lid open. Let the pressure release fully — whether by natural release or quick release according to your recipe — before opening the pot.
4. Never put your hand over the steam during depressurizing
Steam from the steam release valve is extremely hot and can cause severe burns. Keep your hands and face away from the steam path during quick release. If you want to redirect the steam, use a steam diverter placed in position before starting the cooker so the steam is directed safely away from you.
5. Never place the inner steel pot or the Instant Pot itself on a stovetop
The Instant Pot and its inner stainless steel bowl are designed for countertop use only. Placing the bowl or unit on a hot stovetop or too close to an external heat source (an oven, range, or gas flame) can damage the unit and create a safety hazard. Give the cooker a few inches of clearance from walls or other appliances, since it generates heat while operating.
6. Never add food or liquid before the stainless steel inner pot is inserted
A common way people damage their Instant Pot is by pouring food or liquid into the housing without the inner pot in place. This can ruin the heating element. Always confirm the stainless steel insert is seated correctly before adding ingredients and starting the cooker.
7. Different sizes don’t usually require different cooking times
Cooking times are based on the food itself, not the size of the cooker. Whether you use a 3-, 6- or 8-quart Instant Pot, follow the recipe’s specified cooking time. The pressure environment is the same, so most recipes will cook properly in different-sized units without changing time.
8. Don’t use only thick liquids — the pot needs thin liquid to build pressure
Thick sauces or mixtures may prevent the Instant Pot from reaching pressure. If a recipe uses a thick base, add a thin liquid such as water, stock, or broth to allow the cooker to seal and pressurize. A good basic guideline is to have at least 1/2 cup of thin liquid in the pot unless the recipe specifies otherwise.
9. Never overfill — don’t exceed the max fill line or about three-quarters full
Do not overfill your Instant Pot. Filling past the max line or over three-quarters full can cause food to clog the venting system, reduce cooking efficiency, and create a messy, potentially dangerous situation when pressure is released. If your dish tends to foam (pasta, rice, legumes), use natural pressure release to allow foam to settle safely.
10. It’s the Instant Pot — don’t call it “Insta Pot”
Many people casually shorten the name to “Insta Pot,” but the correct name is Instant Pot. It’s a small point, but worth noting if you’re discussing the appliance with others.
With the don’ts out of the way, it’s time to start using your Instant Pot
Once you’ve avoided these common mistakes, the Instant Pot becomes an incredibly useful tool. If you’re new to pressure cooking, look for beginner-friendly recipes and step-by-step video guides that walk through basic techniques. Practice safe use, follow recipes closely at first, and you’ll build confidence quickly.
Happy cooking — your Instant Pot can make weeknight dinners, meal prep, and even homemade yogurt much easier when used properly.