Comments on: Learn How To Use Instant Pot Settings

By: Kristen Chidsey

Kristen Chidsey — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 13:01:23 +0000

In reply to Linda. You are so very welcome, Linda! I am thrilled you found this helpful (and you are not alone in your experience!) Reach out with questions any time!

By: Linda

Linda — Wed, 27 Dec 2023 23:39:44 +0000

Kristen! I just had to express my thanks to you for this clarifying article regarding the numerous, useless buttons on the InstantPot. About five years previously, I had purchased an InstantPot Duo and after a number of attempts at cooking various dishes, pressing the "magic buttons", and making flops of most of the dishes, I gave the InstantPot away. Now, I've gathered the courage to try again, and have purchased the Master Chef version. But I have been hesitant to use my InstantPot very much. Your article has given me an entirely different perspective on my new purchase and how I can start cooking in this appliance, ignoring the "overload" of buttons. For that I am feeling extremely ready to start cooking!

By: JazzFest

JazzFest — Wed, 11 May 2022 22:06:32 +0000

I recently learned the yogurt function can be used to proof yeast dough! It reduces some of the rise time.

By: Kristen Chidsey

Kristen Chidsey — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 23:33:56 +0000

In reply to lori. No dumb question. You shouldn't set a time for the saute function. It should turn the Instant pot on and heat. Then saute as needed and turn the IP off once done. Some models will turn off after for 30 minutes. I hope that helps.

By: lori

lori — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 18:15:56 +0000

In reply to Kristen Chidsey. this may sound dumb but when I set time for saute pressure cooker what do I push

By: Kristen Chidsey

Kristen Chidsey — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 11:41:39 +0000

In reply to John O'. Hi John. I am sorry to hear about your wife. I completely understand you not wanting to waste food or money--it is a pet peeve of mine as well. You do not need the programmed buttons, like Meat, Chili, Stew, etc. Instead, use the PRESSURE COOK button. To do this, hit PRESSURE COOK, be sure under the time it reads high, not low. If your screen shows "low" hit the PRESSURE COOK button again. Then use the +/- buttons to adjust the time. Once the time is selected, hit START. I hope that helps and feel free to reach out with questions anytime.

By: John O'

John O' — Sat, 05 Jun 2021 21:48:09 +0000

I have several recipes that refer to the programmed buttons such as "Meat/Stew" but my Instant Pot does not have these buttons (I have the Duo Crisp). Is there a cross reference chart somewhere that converts the programed buttons into plain English so I can tell what to set my Instant on? Cooking is not my forte, my wife was the cook and she passed away so I'm winging it on my own. I don't want to waste money ruining food trying to guess.

By: Kristen Chidsey

Kristen Chidsey — Sun, 21 Mar 2021 12:16:59 +0000

In reply to Nana. Hi! It can take 5-10 minutes for the Instant Pot to read hot. I suggest hitting saute and letting heat for 2-3 minutes, then add in the oil. You can certainly add before you press saute, but it may overheat slightly.

By: Nana

Nana — Sun, 21 Mar 2021 12:09:57 +0000

In reply to Cindy.

Hi Kristen
I, m new to IP n have the duo 6qt.
My question is about the saute function..
1.how long after pressing the saute button does the HOT display come on?
2.Can u pour in oil before pressing the saute key or after?
Its a bit confusing, and appreciate your explanation on using the saute as it should..thanks

By: Kristen Chidsey

Kristen Chidsey — Sun, 15 Nov 2020 23:34:13 +0000

In reply to Cindy. Hi Cindy! The directions are very unclear. To cook under pressure, hit manual or any function and then put in the cooking time. It won't begin to count down the time until after pressure is reached which can take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes depending on what you are cooking.

By: Cindy

Cindy — Sun, 15 Nov 2020 22:06:26 +0000

Hi Kristen
I am new to instant pot and the one question I have.... I am following the Instant pot app recipe for pot roast end it gives you the steps and after the steps says start timer so when I get to the end and everything is in and I press the timer.... is that the total time or am I not supposed to press the timer until after the pressure is built. I really do like this thing but wow directions are tough

I hope you can help!
Cindy

By: Kristen Chidsey

Kristen Chidsey — Tue, 07 Jul 2020 22:54:28 +0000

In reply to Chrissy Atkinson. Hi Krissy! It means to NOT moving the vent knob to the venting position after cook time, which releases steam and causes the pressure to be released. Instead, let the float valve float down on its own. This video on pressure release may help.

By: Chrissy Atkinson

Chrissy Atkinson — Tue, 07 Jul 2020 22:25:34 +0000

How do you release steam/pressure "naturally"?

Chrissy 😊

By: Kristen Chidsey

Kristen Chidsey — Tue, 12 May 2020 18:11:38 +0000

In reply to Marilyn. Thanks Marilyn! I cover that in detail in how to use an Instant Pot as a Slow Cooker as well :)

By: Marilyn

Marilyn — Tue, 12 May 2020 17:16:55 +0000

Just an FYI-when using the Slow Cooker mode, "Low"=Warm, "Normal"=Low, and "High"=Medium to High on a conventional slow cooker/crockpot.

By: Kristen Chidsey

Kristen Chidsey — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 13:06:32 +0000

In reply to Judy Milner. Hi Judy! For your model, the button you need to use is "pressure cook" in place of manual. Here is my instant pot lasagna recipe and instant pot pot roast recipe that may help in the future. You may also want to sign up for my email Instant Pot tips that will help walk you through the basics.

By: Judy Milner

Judy Milner — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 04:24:44 +0000

I just bought the duo nova 6 qt instant pot for my Birthday last weekend. What button is the manual? I tried making lasagna tonight and it was a disaster! Bought a springform pan and made the lasagna. Maybe shouldve parcooked the noodles. Not sure how figure how long to cook lasagna? The other day made a roast with potatoes and carrots and it all turned out ok but the roast wasnt like it is when making in crock pot. Help me understand what the buttons functions mean and how do I know how long to cook foods?

By: Kristen Chidsey

Kristen Chidsey — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 00:16:56 +0000

In reply to Jillian. Hi Jillian! Yes, cook time starts AFTER pressure is reached. You can let the instant pot release pressure on it's own and it will keep it warm for up to 10 hours. In fact, I really recommend that you allow natural pressure release for at least 15 minutes for most soups--to prevent hot liquid from spewing out vent knob. But some recipes do require a shorter release (without seeing the actual recipe, I can't be positive, but I think for tortilla soup it should be just fine.) Hope that helps

By: Jillian

Jillian — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 22:28:46 +0000

Simple question but I’m confused so please answer specifically. Cooking tortilla soup in instant pot. Directions say pressure cook on high, normal for 9 minutes. Does the 9 minutes start once it’s reached pressure? I’m assuming so. When 9 minutes is up it says natural release for 10 then instant release after. If I walk away and it releases on its own naturally what happens then? Does it go into keep warm mode? How long will it keep warm and safe?

By: Kristen Chidsey

Kristen Chidsey — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 17:59:22 +0000

In reply to Claire. Hi Claire! While not an exact science, this tips for how to convert recipes for your Instant Pot may help.

By: Claire

Claire — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 15:36:43 +0000

If you are not following a specific recipe, how can you determine an exact cook time using the manual method you just discussed. Is there a chart or formula to calculate cook times for various foods?