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. It also features a new inner pot that is compatible with electric, ceramic, gas or induction stovetops, so it can replace your old stock pot too!
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
The recommended minimum amount of liquid for pressure cooking, unless otherwise specified in a recipe, depends on the size of the cooker. If a recipe specifies a certain amount, always follow the recipe.
3L – 250 ML; 5.7L – 375 ML; 8L – 500 ML
Note: These liquids should be water-based, including stock, broth, juice, cooking sauces, as well as wine and beer. Oils and oil-based sauces do not have enough water content to account for the required liquid volume. Add suitable liquid to thin condensed cream-based soups and thick sauces.
Maximum
When pressure cooking, do not fill the inner pot higher than the PC MAX — 2/3 line as 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 as 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.
When do I need to deglaze?
After sautéing and before pressure cooking, always deglaze the bottom of the pot by scraping it with a wooden spoon and a bit of liquid (water, stock, wine) to remove any burnt-on or caramelised bits.
Can I adjust my settings when 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 the float valve has not dropped, ensure the quick release switch is moved to the Vent 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 quick release switch to the Vent 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.