If your Instant Pot is taking longer than expected to come up to pressure, there are a few possible reasons for the delay. The good news is that in most cases, there are some simple troubleshooting steps you can take to get your Instant Pot pressurizing properly again.
Not Enough Liquid
One of the most common reasons an Instant Pot takes a long time to pressurize is that there simply isn’t enough liquid in the inner pot. Instant Pots require a minimum amount of thin liquid in order to create steam and come to pressure. For most 6 quart Instant Pot models, you need at least 1 cup of water or other liquid. If you’re cooking a dish with little added liquid, like beans or chili, you may need to add a bit more water than the recipe calls for to ensure the pot can pressurize properly.
One cup may even be cutting it close – for best pressurization results, make sure you have at least 1 1/2 cups of liquid in the inner pot. Having the extra liquid gives your Instant Pot some wiggle room. If your recipe doesn’t contain enough liquid on its own, add some water or stock before pressurizing.
Liquid Not Hot Enough
Even if you have enough liquid in the Instant Pot, it also needs to be sufficiently hot in order to create steam. Most Instant Pot recipes will instruct you to select the Saute function first and bring the liquid to a simmer before securing the lid. This pre-heats the liquid so that the Instant Pot doesn’t have to take as much time bringing it up to temperature.
If you skip this step of pre-heating the liquid, the Instant Pot will take significantly longer to pressurize. Always make sure to follow recipe instructions and let the liquid reach a gentle simmer before attempting to pressurize the Instant Pot. Letting it come to a rolling boil is not necessary and can cause messy spatters.
Incorrect Lid Position
In order for the Instant Pot to pressurize properly, the lid needs to be in the correct locked position. There are lid position markers on the Instant Pot rim and lid that you need to line up and turn to seal the lid in place.
If the lid is slightly ajar or not rotated fully into the sealing position, it will be very difficult or impossible for the Instant Pot to pressurize. Steam leaks can prevent the needed pressure from building up. Make sure the Instant Pot lid arrows/triangles are aligned and the lid is fully turned to the Sealing dotted line.
You’ll know if the lid is correctly sealed if you can see the silver sealing pin on the lid has popped up. This means the steam is building pressure inside the pot.
Clogged Steam Release
For the Instant Pot to pressurize, steam needs to accumulate inside the inner pot and remain trapped. If the steam release becomes clogged or blocked, it provides an escape route for steam that prevents proper pressurization.
Make sure to check that the steam release valve (the silver knob on the top of the lid) can be turned and is free of any debris, leftovers or residue. If you spot any blockages, clean out the valve using the included thin plastic tool. You can also try running water through the valve to flush out any stuck particles.
Damaged Sealing Ring
The black silicone sealing ring that sits inside the Instant Pot lid rim is crucial for maintaining pressure during cooking. If the ring becomes warped or torn over time, it can cause steam leaks that make pressurization difficult.
Carefully inspect the sealing ring for any damage or cracks. Remove it and make sure it’s flexible and sits evenly within the lid groove. A damaged ring that doesn’t seal tightly will need to be replaced with a new one. Make sure to buy sealing rings made specifically for your Instant Pot model.
Inner Pot Isn’t Completely Clean
Even small food debris or residues left on the bottom or sides of the Instant Pot’s stainless steel inner pot can interfere with pressurization. Try to avoid letting food bits dry and stick inside the pot after cooking.
If you notice any debris or sticky residues, carefully hand wash the inner pot using warm water and a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid abrasive scouring pads. Make sure to fully dry the pot before inserting it back into the Instant Pot housing.
You can also do an Instant Pot water test run to steam clean the inner pot. Add 1-2 cups of water and pressurize for 5 minutes before releasing pressure and wiping the pot completely dry.
Instant Pot Needs Time to Heat Up
Don’t forget that it will always take your Instant Pot some time to heat up and build pressure from a cold start. Most electric pressure cookers need around 10-15 minutes to pressurize from the time you first secure the lid and start the timer.
Be patient and give your Instant Pot some time to work up to pressure. The delay is perfectly normal as the heating elements are just beginning to warm and start generating steam. Resist quickly assuming something is wrong and prematurely releasing the pressure.
Overfilled Inner Pot
Trying to cook too large a quantity of food in the Instant Pot can also interfere with proper pressurization. The inner pot has maximum fill lines that should not be exceeded.
Exceeding the max fill line doesn’t leave sufficient empty air space in the pot for steam to build up. Make sure you are following recipe guidelines for max amounts and not overstuffing the inner pot.
For most models, you’ll want to keep solid ingredients below the 2/3 full mark to allow space for liquids and steam circulation. Overfilling can lead to messy boil overs as well.
Food Debris Stuck in Sealing Ring
It’s not just debris inside the inner pot that can block steam release – baked on food bits stuck in the silicone sealing ring can also cause steam to leak out.
Inspect the sealing ring closely and check for any dried food residues or greasybuild up. Clean the ring regularly using warm soapy water and a soft brush or cloth. You may need to soak it to loosen stuck on sauces or grease.
Replace the sealing ring every 6-12 months when it starts to show wear, or sooner if you notice damage or steam escape.
Incorrect Pressure Level Selected
Different Instant Pot models have different pressure level options available, but the most common are low pressure and high pressure settings. Make sure to select the pressure level stated in your recipe instructions.
Choosing low pressure when the recipe is calibrated for high pressure will lead to longer pressurization times. The pot will take longer to build up to the lower pressure. Select the right setting for optimal timing.
Pressure Cooking New Users Guide
Using an Instant Pot pressure cooker for the first time? Here is a quick guide to help you understand the basic steps for pressure cooking in an Instant Pot and learn how to use this popular kitchen appliance safely and effectively.
Getting Started
When you first take your Instant Pot out of the box, give all the parts a thorough wash with hot soapy water. The inner pot and sealing ring can be washed in the dishwasher if desired.
Read the included instruction manual to familiarize yourself with the different buttons and settings. Different models have slightly different controls, so check your manual.
Do a water test run by adding a few cups of water to the inner pot, securing the lid, selecting High Pressure and setting a quick 2 minute cook time. This helps you get comfortable with the pressurization process.
Prepare Ingredients
Make sure ingredients are cut uniformly to promote even cooking. Trim excess fat from meats.
Saute aromatic ingredients like onions and garlic on the Saute setting first to build flavor before pressure cooking.
Add at least 1 cup liquid to pot. Water, broth or sauce all work. Liquid is needed to create steam.
Select Settings
Refer to recipe for pressure level (High or Low) and adjust cooking time as needed.
Use natural pressure release for meat, ribs and stews. Quick release for vegetables.
Adjust pressure release setting on lid to Sealing so steam stays trapped.
Secure Lid and Pressurize
Make sure lid is fully rotated into the Sealing position.
Select your set pressure level to begin pressurization. This takes 10-15 minutes typically.
Instant Pot heats at first, then float valve will pop up when pressurized.
Allow Pressure Release
Don’t force open the lid before pressure has dropped!
Let pressure release naturally or use quick release button as recipe directs.
Float valve will sink down when fully depressurized. Then you can open lid.
Open and Serve
Carefully open lid, tilting away from you to avoid steam burns.
Use oven mitts – inner pot will still be very hot.
Check food is thoroughly cooked, then serve and enjoy!
With some basic precautions, pressure cooking is very safe. Just make sure to never exceed the max fill line and follow recipe instructions.
Pressure Cooking Mistakes to Avoid
Pressure cooking speeds up cooking times considerably, but there are a few common mistakes to avoid when using your Instant Pot.
Overfilling the Inner Pot
Don’t go over the max fill line – overfilling can lead to dangerous boil overs. Allow at least 1/3 empty space for steam circulation.
Not Adding Enough Liquid
At least 1 cup of water, broth or sauce is needed to generate sufficient steam. Add extra as needed.
Skipping Lid Position Check
Always make sure the lid is fully rotated into the Sealing position for pressure cooking.
Releasing Pressure Too Soon
Don’t force open the lid before pressure has fully dropped to avoid spitters and splatters.
Neglecting to Clean Sealing Ring
Remove and wash sealing ring regularly. Don’t let food debris accumulate.
Natural Release for Quick-Cooking Foods
Use quick pressure release method for delicate vegetables and seafood.
Not Heating Liquid First
Pre-heat liquid to simmering before pressure cooking to reduce pressurization time.
Using Wrong Pressure Level
Double check recipes for high vs. low pressure settings and adjust accordingly.
Opening Lid Before Releasing Pressure
Never attempt to open the lid until all internal pressure has been released.
Conclusion
An Instant Pot that is taking longer than expected to pressurize is usually an easy fix. Check that you have at least 1 cup of pre-heated liquid in the inner pot, the lid is properly sealed, the valves are clear, and the sealing ring is clean and undamaged. Avoid overfilling the inner pot. Give the Instant Pot 10-15 minutes to build heat and pressure from a cold start. With a few simple troubleshooting steps, you’ll be back to fast pressure cooking in no time.
| Common Pressurization Issues | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Not enough liquid | Add at least 1 cup hot broth, water or sauce |
| Lid not sealed properly | Rotate lid fully to Sealing position |
| Clogged steam release | Clean valve with included tool |
| Damaged sealing ring | Replace worn or cracked sealing ring |
| Instant Pot overfilled | Don’t exceed max fill line |
| Incorrect pressure level | Adjust pressure to recipe setting |