HomeKitchen Gadgets Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Problems And How To Resolve Them

Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Problems And How To Resolve Them

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Did I Find Any Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Problems?

When I decided to do an Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Review, I first searched for any Instant Pot Pressure Cooker problems that anyone may have had with the cooker, as it seems like everybody is buying one, and I wanted to make sure that I wasn’t going to waste my money, as it is quite pricey at around $100.

instant pot pressure cooker problemsInstant Pot IP-DUO60 7-in-1 Multi-Functional Pressure Cooker, 6Qt/1000W

This is the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker in question. If you want to find out more simply click on the link above or on the pot.

With your Instant Pot Pressure Cooker, green peas, sweet corn, and baby carrots can be steamed in 4 – 7 minutes, fresh or frozen. To make mashed potatoes, you don’t have to boil the potatoes in water and let nutrients leach into the water, simply steam them in Instant Pot for just 15 minutes. An entree of chili or Irish stew can be done within an hour without you watching over it.

To tailor for various cooking results and lifestyles, Instant Pot is programmed with adjustable cooking modes, up to 24 hours of delayed cooking, and automatically keeps your food warm for up to 10 hours. Most traditional, modern, and international recipes can easily be adapted for Instant Pot.

Here are some of the most common complaints or Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Problems.

Complaint Number 1:

“It takes so long to heat to the pressure cooking phase, that it would have been quicker to cook my food on the stove top.”

The most common complaint that I found with this pressure cooker is the amount of time that the Instant Pot took to reach the pressure cooking phase.

This problem is easily resolved by doing the following:

  • Plug in the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker.
  • Add whatever liquid you are using, or whatever it is you want to brown first and start to heat up or saute.
  • Now prepare the rest of your food, for example, if you need to peel veggies, etc.
  • By the time you are finished the Instant Pot Pressure cooker will be hot enough to add everything else in.
  • Close the lid and go into your pressure cooking phase.

By doing it this way you won’t be standing waiting for the pot to heat up, which takes even longer if you start by adding in frozen food.

Complaint Number 2:

The other thing I came across when searching Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Problems was that a lot of people were burning their food.

In most cases, this is because they left the pot on the steam function, which unlike other pressure cookers, heats the food at full power continuously.

The food that is touching the bottom of the pot is therefore burnt. There is a trivet provided in the Instant Pot package so make use of it to elevate the food above the water. You can also try using a metal basket or (oven safe) glass/ceramic container that fits into the inner pot to contain the food.

Complaint Number 3:

“I’m Scared!”

The other problem in general with pressure cookers is the safety issue, and I have heard of lots of people in the past being burnt by escaping steam or in one case, an exploding pot. This has always put me off buying a pressure cooker in the past, and since the instant pot pressure cooker uses steam and pressure, it is normal to be a bit skeptical, especially looking at the older models track records.

I noted that the instant pot pressure cooker has a number of safety mechanisms that are certified.

  • There is a pressure release valve on the lid and a support tool that helps to tell if there is already pressure inside the Instant Pot.
  • Next to the pressure release valve is a pressure indicator that pops up and locks in place as the pressure builds up.
  • Once the food is cooked and the pressure indicator drops and then you know the pot is safe to open.
  • The lid has solid steel locks that hold in place when closed.
  • There is also a silicone ring in the lid.
  • The Instant Pot alerts users if the lid is not closed properly.
  • The LED display will also indicate if the lid is not closed properly.
  • The Condensation from the lid drains out to the condensation cup at the back, so you don’t need to worry about hot water spilling.

Complaint No. 4

“When I use it as a slow cooker, the food comes out raw!”

Another one of the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Problems I picked up on is that the Instant Pot is lousy as a slow cooker. Although there is a slow cooker function on the pot, I have found a lot of reviews that say the food was a dismal failure and undercooked.

It seems that the Instant Pots slow cooker functions temperature are quite a lot lower than a conventional slow cooker or crockpot. It works better for keeping food warm than cooking it slowly.

I suppose a pressure cooker is meant to cook food quickly, and if you want to do it the other way around, simply purchase a slow cooker.

Complain No. 5

“There are so many function buttons that it is like learning to drive a car for the first time.”Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Problems

The other most common problem was the learning curve.

The best thing to do is follow the directions carefully, take your time and make simple dishes to start off with. My Aunt recently purchased one and she invited us around for macaroni cheese, which was the first dish she made in it. It was delicious and she said it was super easy to make in her pressure cooker.

Here are some common mistakes that people make with their Instant Pot Pressure Cookers:

  • Forgetting to put the silicon sealing ring back into the lid after washing and before cooking.
  • Forgetting to place the inner pot back into the Instant Pot before adding the ingredients.
  • Using cold liquids, even if the recipe calls for cold liquids, heat them first or food may come out undercooked.
  • Overfilling the pot. Make sure pot is not more than 3 quarters full.
  • Mistaking the timer button for the cooking button.
  • Forgetting to turn the venting knob into a sealing position.
  • Burning your instant pot on the stove top.  If you do rest your cooker on the stove top, place it on a wooden board just in case.
  • Using too little liquid. Use at least a cup, and only thicken your sauce after the pressure cooking cycle is done.

instant pot pressure cooker problemsIt definitely helps if you purchase a good recipe book to help you along the way like the one on the left.

All in all, the instant pot pressure cooker problems were few and far between, and I did find a lot more pros than cons when it comes to using this pressure cooker.

  • Easy in general to use and clean.
  • Extensive Safety Mechanisms Throughout the Cooker.
  • Best-in-Class Customer Service and Support.
  • Strong Fan Base and Online Community.
  • Elegant and durable design.

There are many good reviews on this product, and I will let you know how it goes with my first attempts to cook a meal. What has sold me the most with this pot is its ability to make yogurt, and I believe it tastes out of this world.

Update:

Finally got my pot, and have made two great meals with it so far in twenty minutes. The first was a mutton stew and the second was a chicken soup. My husband helped me and we just chucked without following any recipes, but the food tasted great. Will soon be putting some tried recipes on this blog, as I get more used to trying out new things.

10s COMMENTS

10 thoughts

  • Amanda
    April 10, 2017 at 5:40 pm

    Thanks for this review and tips! I’ve had my Instant Pot for several months now. I’ll admit it took me a while before I felt comfortable using it! It’s quite intimidating! I was sure I was going to blow up my kitchen when I started hearing the pressure rise inside and then the steam come out!

    But, I’m used to it now and haven’t had any problems really. I’m still learning new recipes and techniques. One thing I was unsure of was putting hot to boiling water/liquid in it and then turning the pressure on high. Is this OK to do?

    • admin
      April 11, 2017 at 8:44 am

      I am still in the process of buying mine (waiting for delivery). As far as I can see it is safe to use hot liquids in the Instant Pot, but I don’t see anything stated about boiling liquids, so I would proceed with caution.

  • jeffrey16201
    April 14, 2017 at 11:56 pm

    I can relate to most of those problems when I first attempted to use a pressure cooker, I was not aware of the speed of cooking these pressure cookers was capable of doing.

    I did burn the bottom of my pressure cooker leaving it on the stove too long, once you learn how to use one they are awesome and I would like to purchase one of the digital pressure cookers in the near future.

    • admin
      April 17, 2017 at 9:27 am

      Thanks for stopping by Jeffrey. The new ones that you get are awesome and at least a lot safer than the older models.

  • Hal's Review of Body Weighing Scale Ebsite
    April 20, 2017 at 10:44 pm

    As I read your common complaints about pressure cookers, I found it very amusing. Especially the coments from people who said it made a lousy slow-cooker LOL

    While I could not live without my slow cooker; like you, I’ve been apprehensive about getting a pressure cooker. There is a huge difference and they are made for completely different results.

    The fact that there would be this pot plugged into the wall in my kitchen with all this pressure building up inside does make me more than a little nervous. But, I guess if they were all that dangerous, you’d be reading about explosions in kitchens every day. Since we don’t I assume they’re relatively safe if used as directed.

    I’d be interested to see what you have to say after you get yours and have been using it yourself for a little while, so I’m going to bookmark this page and come back after you’ve had a chance to update this review. The jury is still out for me on getting one, so I look forward to reading more about it later!

    Happy cooking!

    Hal

    • admin
      April 21, 2017 at 7:10 am

      Thanks for your comment Hal. My Hubby said I will have to wait for my birthday next month before I get mine. Will keep you updated.

  • Marlaine
    April 24, 2017 at 7:41 pm

    Great review! I’ve been thinking of buying an instant pot too – and yes, probably for the “yogurt making capabilities” most too! Is it easy to make? I’ve also heard that it can do small batches of canning. Have you tried that?
    I think it would just be a bit of a learning curve! Many of my friends love theirs! I’m just a bit hesitant on the price too… especially when I have 3 crock pots already LOL (large, med, and small… and I use them all LOL).
    Is the book you show there your most recommended recipe book?

    • admin
      April 25, 2017 at 9:00 am

      The book I show is the best one I could find with the easiest and versatile recipes for the Instant Pot Pressure cooker. Please let me know if you come across a better one.

      I haven’t tried the yogurt yet, but it looks really easy to make, it just takes quite a bit of time.

  • Rebecca
    November 26, 2017 at 12:13 pm

    I enjoyed reading your post. I had been using pot pressure cooker for many years now and I never had any problem. I read the instructions first so I know what to do. I am aware of the precautionary measures so I do them, like waiting for the pressure indicator to sink down before opening the cooker. I have gotten used to the noise so it does not frighten me anymore.

    I don’t use the pressure cooker for slow cooking, so I don’t have that issue. To sum up, my pressure cooker is very handy, it shortens cooking time. I love using mine.

    • admin
      November 26, 2017 at 3:46 pm

      Great to hear you are making good use of your Rebecca. Thanks for stopping by.

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