Having an instant pot around is convenient for a variety of different tasks. There is no shortage of delicious meals you can prepare using this appliance. You can even use it to boil water whenever you need to!
However, there are certain things you should know if you’re not used to cooking using this appliance so that you can be safe and efficient at all times. We’re here to provide you with all the info regarding the use of your instant pot—instantly!
Knowing what an instant pot is, how long it takes to preheat, and what to do if your instant pot gets stuck is essential. Without all this info, chances are high that you won’t be able to use your appliance with ultimate convenience and enjoyment.
That is why we provide you with an easy-to-follow guide that will walk you through all of the info in only a few minutes! Let’s get right into it.
What Is an Instant Pot?
An instant pot is a kitchen appliance that you can use for multiple purposes. It’s excellent for making healthy food since it steams to cook it, so if you’re looking for something that will help you make super healthy but tasty dishes, this appliance is a must.
You can forget about the use of oil when using it, which will prove quite beneficial for your health or diet.
What’s great about this appliance is that it boasts a wide range of features that you can use for different things. Take a look at the list below to find out what you can use an instant pot for:
- Slow cooking your food
- Cooking your food in the shortest amount of time using the pressure cooking function
- Making rice quickly and without standing by the entire time
- Steaming your food
- Sautéing and caramelizing your veggies
- Making yogurt
- Keeping your food warm for hours
Depending on the brand in question, you can find various other features as well. For example, there are instant pots that you can use to bake a cake or boil eggs.
How Long Should My Instant Pot Take To Preheat?
Now that you know how an instant pot works, you’re probably wondering how long it would take for it to prepare your food. Instant pots take a certain amount of time to build up the pressure that is necessary to cook your food thoroughly and properly.
Thankfully, this process usually doesn’t take too much time. Preheating and reaching the ideal pressure state should take no more than 10 to 15 minutes.
However, you should note that the preheating time also depends on certain factors, such as the amount of food/ingredients you put in it. Typically, the more you put in it, the longer it will take to preheat.
Another factor that dictates the preheat time is the brand/model in question. Since there is no shortage of options out there and they all come with different features, you should make sure you know what you’re purchasing and read the fine print beforehand.
Instant Pot Pressure Release Types
Your instant pot won’t just take a certain amount of time to preheat. It will also take some time to release pressure after your food has been cooked. There are two different types of pressure release to go for—check out the list below to find out what they are:
1. Slow Release
The slow release takes more time than the quick one, but it is sometimes a better option. Releasing the pressure this way means that you don’t touch the pressure release button—you let the instant pot release pressure on its own.
This usually takes a few minutes, but when you’re cooking harder foods, such as meat or beans, you want the pressure to be released slowly. That way, your food will be soft, juicy, and cooked thoroughly.
2. Quick Release
As for the quick release option, you can do it by pressing the button for pressure release on your instant pot and have the pressure released instantly. This isn’t recommended when you’re cooking harder foods because they won’t be boiled properly.
However, if you’re cooking delicate food that doesn’t require much cooking, using the quick pressure release option is a godsend.
What Can I Do if My Instant Pot Is Stuck on Preheat?
Even though using an instant pot is typically very easy and effortless, there are certain issues that can arise. One of the common issues that people who use instant pots encounter is their appliance getting stuck on preheat.
This can be inconvenient and worrisome when it happens, but you don’t have to worry! Although inconvenient, this issue can be solved quickly and easily.
All you have to do is check and make sure that your release valve is set to seal. This valve is often on the vent, which is the reason why your instant pot doesn’t function properly. Another thing you can do is make sure the sealing ring is aligned properly and not damaged.
That will ensure that your instant pot works and doesn’t get stuck in the preheat phase. If you tried both of these fixes and none of them worked, perhaps there is something else wrong with your appliance. In that case, you should dial a professional to take a look and fix the issue.
Conclusion
Using an instant pot can help you save a lot of time and effort, as well as have much healthier and tastier meals. It is very convenient and useful, but using it safely and efficiently requires you to get acquainted with its functions properly.
That is why spending a few minutes to learn about instant pot’s preheat time and pressure release options is a must. Once you get familiar with these processes, you’ll be able to use your appliance anytime and anywhere like a true pro!
