10 Instant Pot hacks from home cooks that use their Instant Pots almost every single day!
10 Instant Pot Hacks
In the 365 Days Facebook Group I posed the question, What are your favorite Instant Pot hacks?” I love learning new tips and tricks when it comes to cooking and I love how awesome people are in this group! I got several responses that I wanted to share with your today. I hope they’ll be helpful to you as you use your Instant Pot to cook each day. You can read the responses below or watch the video I created. Please subscribe to my YouTube channel! We now have over 100,000 subscribers!
Start with hot liquid (or not)
Hack #1: Cathy says, “Start with hot liquid so pot comes to pressure quicker.” Another version of this hack is use the sauté button to “pre-heat” the Instant Pot.
This is partially a good idea and partially a bad idea. I’ll tell you why. If liquid is hot then the pot will reach pressure quicker which will bring the total amount of cooking time in the pot less. What’s wrong with that? As a writer of Instant Pot recipes I can tell you that sometimes the time that the pot is coming to pressure is really important and if that is cut down significantly the food might not be done. For example in this cajun sausage, potatoes and green beans recipe the pressure cooking time is only 3 minute. How do potatoes cook in 3 minutes? Well it’s because the pot takes a while to come to pressure because it’s so full and the whole time it’s coming to pressure the potatoes are cooking. So in that case you wouldn’t want the come to pressure time to be less. Make sense? However in a recipe that takes a long time to cook like roast (60+ minutes of pressure cooking) the come to pressure time really isn’t a factor at all. So keep that in mind if you’re going to use this hack.
Deodorize and sanitize silicone seals
Hack #2: Mari said, “I like using my Instant Pot to deodorize, sanitize the silicone seals. Combine 1 part vinegar to 1 part water and one DROP Dawn Liquid Soap to pot, add seals, folding or twisting to be submerged, add the cooking trivet to keep seals underwater. Cover pot with lid, any lid, set up to sauté, let come to boil, turn off heat and let sit half an hour or overnight.”
Order an extra set of silicone seals for your Instant Pot. A 2-pack is only $11.95.*
Get rid of your rice cooker
Hack #3: Christina said, “Get rid of your rice maker…your IP makes PERFECT rice.”
I do have to agree with Christina that the Instant Pot makes the perfect rice. I especially love making brown rice in my Instant Pot. I used to make brown rice on the stove and I could never get it right. Too crunchy. Too much time. Now I just set it and forget it in the Instant Pot.
Next week I’m helping make food for my nephew’s wedding and I’m in charge of the cilantro lime rice. I have no fear that it will turn out absolutely perfect. Good thing I have more than one Instant Pot to cook rice for 100 people!
The notches are there for a reason
Hack #4: Jennifer said, “The lid can be held in the notches on the side. This way, you don’t risk putting it on a hot stove and damaging it.”
And that reminds me…don’t ever put your Instant Pot on top of your stove. Here’s what happens when you set your IP on the stove and accidentally turn the burner on.
This happens a LOT! I’ve seen this happen 100 times. Beth said, “R.I.P. Instant Pot 😫😢😭 My daughter was cleaning the kitchen and shoved it to the back of the stove which flipped on the burner and burned the bottom right out! The smell of burning plastic in my house is almost unbearable right now. I’m so sad ☹️”
The slow cooker function is not great
Hack #5: Emilia said, “Don’t ever use the slow cook option! It doesn’t have warming plates around the sides. Only the bottom gets warm/hot and so it doesn’t cook thoroughly or really at ALL! The worst feature of the instant pot!”
Let’s take this outside
Hack #6: Maureen said, “I always take my IP outside to release the pressure. No worries about ruining cabinets or walls, and NO food smells in the house and on my clothes for days!”
3 quart liner for pot-in-pot
Hack #7: Kathy said, “If you have the 3 quart mini you can use the liner for pot-in-pot method in a 6 or 8 quart. It’s the perfect size, holds a lot, and cleans up like a dream!”
I use this hack ALL. THE. TIME. I purchased a non-stick liner from Amazon for only $14.99.* Try making Dolly Parton’s 5 Layer Dinner in the 3 quart liner inside the 6 or 8 quart Instant Pot.
Foam paint brush to clean outer rim
Hack #8: Mary said, “Use a small foam paint brush dipped in soapy water to clean the outer black rim. Then, rinse the paint brush in water and remove any soapy residue. Much more efficient than any other cleaning method that I have found.”
Great tip! I just ordered some foam brushes on Amazon.*
Freeze in the right shape
Hack #9: Kathy said, “When doing meal prep to go from freezer to IP, freeze your meals by pouring them into freezer bags that sit in round containers so it’ll freeze in the same shape as your cooker or pot in pot dish. Repurpose recyclable containers that fit for this purpose such as cool whip or sherbet bowls.”
Love this tip! I use these freezer plastic containers* for freezer Instant Pot meals and they work well. Try them out with my 3 dump and go freezer meals.
Cleaning the inner pot
Hack #10: PJ said, “Use Barkeeper’s Friend* to clean the inner pot. I do this every time and even through many uses and cooked on gunk, it looks like the day I bought it three years ago! (Plus I never store leftovers in it. I always empty and clean it that same evening.)”
I agree with PJ on this tip too! I use Bar Keepers Friend all the time. It shines up the cloudy spots on your pot and makes it look like new.
What is your Instant Pot hack? Share in the comments below!
You might also like…
5 Ways the Instant Pot Will Change YOUR Life
7 Instant Pot Tricks and Treats
12 Simple and Delightful Instant Pot Recipes
9 Clever Ways to Use Your Instant Pot
Want more tried and true Instant Pot recipes?
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*Karen Petersen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
I use this natural brush for scrubbing my Instant Pot. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00149GZLE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
Great tips – some I already use and others I will try. One big exception, I would never give up my Zojirushi rice cooker to make sushi rice which is pretty much the only rice I eat – my ethnicity is Japanese. But I do use brown rice for your many Mexican style recipes, like your Cheesy Enchilada rice which freezes well (I’m a widowed empty nester)
I clean my stainless steel liner with denture cleanser tablets. Loosens up stuck bits and leaves the pot shiny.
I buy the store brand denture cleanser tablets just for this purpose.
Wow never heard of this tip before!
I use white vinegar to clean my pot. It barely even needs any soaking time. I spray it on the bottom, let it sit for a minute or so, then using a non scratch pad I “scrub” any residue or cloudiness off of the liner pot. If it needs to soak I spray all the gunk spots, let it sit and use a plastic scraper to scrape up any gunk.
Once done, I rinse well and let dry. There’s no risk of soapy residue left in the pot and once rinsed, there’s no vinegar smell at all.
I clean my stainless steel sink the same way. It cleans off all of the nasties and water spots as if all of it was just water.
It’s the cheapest and friendliest way to clean stainless steel.
I have found that Barkeepers friend foaming spray works great. Just spray it on, let it sit for a few seconds and then rinse. No scrubbing required (unless there is stuck on residue) and pot looks brand new.
I was wondering if a 3 quart would be useful or if it would be too small. I purchased a 3 quart stainless steel liner and used it in my 6 quart. It showed me exactly how much I could prepare in a 3 quart. I decided I needed a 3 quart and the extra liner has come in very handy for both the 3 quart and the 6 quart.
Hi Karen, I bought a instant pot 2 weeks ago and it is still in the carton mailed to me. I wanted one for 2 yrs. I finally bought one
I feel scared and afaird of opening the box. I love my e mails from you and the reply from users. But I’m still unsure and unprepared. I’ve cook for yrs and had my own cafe. Please I need reassurance or a shrink! LoL .
Hi Melissa, please watch this video: https://youtu.be/EJd6dC5d62U
I think it will really help you feel more comfortable!
This will help you too: https://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/10-instant-pot-recipes-beginners/
Hi once you start using the IP. You will be hooked! I own 2. Love how quick,easy and delicious meals turn out. Easy clean up also. Good luck!
Moving to release pressure outside SEEMS like a good idea. You have to consider, though, you’re essentially moving a pressurized bomb full of boiling hot liquid…
I had a seal break while I was next to it, without moving. A slip, trip, or drop of a pressurized pot could lead to some serious injury.
I don’t agree with #5, not using the Slow Cook function. I use it often, with perfect results. I always use “More” as the other options aren’t hot enough. “More” is perfect. It never lets me down.
Thanks for sharing! I’ll have to give it a shot.
I agree with Christine B. Love the slow cooker function. Yours may be faulty.
I found myself using that “more” option as well. Better results!
Love the tips. Especially using denture tablets. I have found if I soak my pot with regular dish soap over night it cleans right up.
The best tip I can share is use the steam function to reheat dinner. The average time I set my dinner is about 10-12 min. Tastes as if freshly made. That includes pasta. Pasta in the microwave? I think it tastes terrible and flavor suffers in the micro.
Pertaining to the steam going up to the cupboards, I ordered a silicone spout from Amazon, it fits over the steam release valve, and directs the steam where you want it. It works excellent! Its was only around $12. I LOVE it!!!
Good to know! Thanks Robin!
I cover the steam vent with a dish towel and use a wooden spoon handle to push the knob to the quick release. It traps and prevents splatter, for those days you can’t go outside.
👍👍👍
I do not open the vent 100% of the way. I am able to move my vent release a small
bit so it vents slowly and does not have enough pressure released at one time to reach the cupboards or walls.
I bought a 2 “ curved plumbing elbow. Works well. I had a steam vent from Amazon but it eventually broke.
I did that too and am happy I did. #8 foam brushes to clean the black rim is a great idea. Trying to clean with the tip of a sponge was never worth the time. Thank you!
A variation of Hack#7, I use a BB&B 3.5qt stainless steel mixing bowl with an OXO silicon trivet as a double boiler. I love chocolate so I’m frequently making chocolate syrup, chocolate pudding or hot fudge sauce in my IP.
Yes! YES! love me some chocolate
My 28 yr old slow cooker died and now I use only my IP as a slow cooker. People need to realize that a slow cooker cooks differently than a crock pot. A crock pot cooks all around the sides of the unit, while a slow cooker only uses an element on the bottom to cook. The IP is a PERFECT slow cooker and it’s all I have been using for the past year now. It cooks everything perfectly. You should never use less on the IP if using the slow cooker function unless you are trying to keep something warm. It will not cook your food. I typically use normal for everything and only use more if It calls for a higher setting on a slow cooker recipe.
Low = keep warm (~170 degrees)
Normal = low (~200 degrees)
More = med/high (~210 degrees)
I love it so much that I purchased the Instant Pot glass lid for the slow cooker. It has a hole which allows the steam to escape, although the regular lid can be used with vent open or sealed and the lid can be removed to stir or add ingredients.
I think people are used to a traditional crock pot, which cooks much differently that a slow cooker. This is spot on as a slow cooker.
Thanks for your opinion!
Hi
Lots of good tips!
I recently purchased a 3qt mini I’m using more than my 8 qt . and noticed the pot in pot tip. Can you recommend recipes for that method?
Hi Colleen, are you wanting to use the 3 quart for pot in pot or the 8 quart for pot in pot. I don’t know that you can do pot in pot in the 3 quart because it’s so small. But if you want to use the 8 quart for pot in pot you can do that with these recipes:
https://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/instant-pot-dolly-partons-5-layer-dinner/
https://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/instant-pot-chicken-and-dumplings-casserole/
https://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/instant-pot-salisbury-steak-meatballs/
https://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/instant-pot-mississippi-sin-dip/
https://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/instant-pot-breakfast-burritos/
https://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/instant-pot-beef-chow-mein-casserole/
https://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/instant-pot-chicken-enchiladas-casserole/
https://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/instant-pot-caramel-apple-cobbler/
https://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/instant-pot-spinach-and-ravioli-lasagna/
I clean my IP by filling it with water. I then add one dishwasher packet, the cheapest I can buy. Set it on sauté and let it come to a boil. Or set it for 30 minutes and let it automatically shut off. I rest the lid on top, so it can be steamed, but you don’t want the lid to seal. This is especially useful after cooking frozen chicken breast. I place the steamer rack in the pan also. Let the pot cool enough so that you’re comfortable handling it. Empty all but 2 or 3 tablespoons of the liquid. Use on old Teflon safe scouring pad and the remaining liquid to easily remove any remaining food from the sides.. Rinse completely. Your pot will shine. After cooking hard boiled eggs, I fill the bottom with vinegar, and let it set for 5 or 10 minutes.
Love this idea!
In reference to Bar Keepers Friend there is another product called Bon Ami which does the same for a whole lot less cost wise. Always used it on my Corning Ware or stainless steel sinks.
Great! I will have to check it out!
I agree. Bon Ami does exactly the same thing at a fraction of the price.
Soooo, I ran out of barkeepers friend one day, remembered someone had posted that ketchup worked really well for cleaning and shining the inner pot so tried it…what a shock, just like new!!!
Really? Never heard of that! I’ll give it a shot.
Regarding hack #10, I recently had a leftover half lemon. I thought I’d try using it like a scrubber for the filmy spots on the liner. Sure enough, they disappeared like magic – shiny as new with very little effort!!!
Lemon is a great cleaner! Thanks for the tip.
Not a tip but a question: How can I avoid the dreaded “burn” notice when cooking things like chili or a dish like “unstuffed” green peppers with rice and beef? Seems like no matter how much liquid I add, even over and above what the recipe calls for, this happens. I love my IP but this is a vexation that I can’t figure out. Thank you!
Put tin foil on the bottom before putting anything in. Works like a charm. Plus, makes IP easier to clean.
Foil in contact with cooking food leeches aluminium, deposited into breast tissue etc on consumption
You must keep your liquids and your sauces separate. Pour you water or stock in first (1c -1.5c depends on the fullness), then your entree or peppers (with peppers I would place on the trivet) then pour sauce on top and not mix, as not to disturb the liquid on the bottom. I know it doesn’t seem normal, but it works even with spaghetti. I hope this helps you.
I do this with stuffed peppers. I mix leftover sloppy joe sauce with water to make one cup. Pour into the bottom to collect the juices. You can use this for minestrone stop or vegetable soup to go with the peppers. Use the other 1/2 can or so to pour over the top of the peppers. Place on a rack and cook on low pressure 20 minutes. Use quick release.
These are my best tips: https://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/the-instant-pot-burn-message/
When stirring food during a sauté, or adding food back in – like when cutting chicken into pieces after being cooked in the IP – I turn on a very small fan on the counter to blow the steam/smells away. It’s only about 6” tall and 5” wide and flips up. It lives in the drawer with all the IP accessories.
I also bought the Target “round metal utility cart” for my IP since the IP is too high if on my counter, plus I wouldn’t want it sitting there all the time even if I wasn’t short. The cart is as if it’s made for the IP. It’s round with three levels and shelves can be installed upside down to change the heights (a hack noted by tons of reviewers). The IP lid lives on one of the shelves since I keep the glass lid on when not in use. Almost 800 5-star reviews, almost all talking about the IP!
Good idea for a kitchen short on counter space!
Or for a short human! lol Reaching into the IP when it was on the counter was a strain.
My water leaves mineral stains inside the instant pot liner. I boil eggs weekly and add a splash of vinegar to the water. It removes the mineral stains and any other cooking stains making the liner sparkle. Of course the vinegar does not affect the taste of the eggs at all.
Good tip!
These are all helpful — some I was already doing. Question: if the slow cooker function isn’t good, is there a substitute for it or way around it! I was planning to get rid of my slow cooker since I have an instant pot. I don’t use it much anyway, and I don’t have room for boh. Thanks
Not a way around it that I know of. I think it would be fine for soups but other dishes not so much. Use the highest setting. The lowest one is like warm.
I use the slow cooker function several times a week, and it’s never failed yet!
What version Instant Pot do you own?
The Duo Plus…
Personally, I have not had any issues using mine as a slow cooker. Give it a try!
What model do you have? That also might be the difference.
Pot in pot with my 3 quart inner pot in the 6 quart? Why didn’t I think of that?
It’s the best!
I agree with #7. The IP makes THE worst slow cooker. You are almost assured you will either undercook or burn your meal. There seems to be no happy medium.
The easy fix for #6 is a small rubber gasket designed to redirect the steam from the IP. There are several versions that can be found at Amazon.
#8 is brilliant!!!
#10 makes little sense to me since my old standby SOS pads doesn’t the same thing
The redirect gaskets for #6 are listed as IP steam vents at Amazon and come in cute designs like canons, fire hydrants and dinosaurs
I read previously that the redirect gaskets are not suggested by the Instant Pot company because they can damage the machine and void the warranty. Probably something to verify with the company, I would think.
Thanks for weighing in Meg!
Regarding Tip #10, I must assume that the users of this tip who recommend”SOS” pads and “Barkeepers Friend” cleanser have a stainless steel type inner pot and NOT one that has a non-stick coating (as using such harsh methods would accelerate the coating’s deterioration!).
for sure. just use with stainless steel.
Hey Karen, ya Allie here. My instant pot tip is this….never I mean NEVER put/use metal utensils inside the pot liner. Wood and plastic ONLY. By following this simple rule food will not stick. I love using wood spatulas and plastic spoons, they work just as well as anything but don’t scratch the metal, that’s where food sticks and makes for very hard work cleaning. The more scratches the worse it gets. My tip/two cents, Allie.
Thanks! Good tip. I have a wooden spoon that I love.
My husband likes to smoke ribs and always does a bunch at a time. I cut them into 2-3 servings and place in vacuum seal bags to freeze. When we want ribs in the middle of winter, I pull out a bag or two , put a cup of water in my IP and set for 6 minutes. Not only does the pot thaw them nicely, the vacuum seal bag keeps them moist while the pressure of the steam in the pot seems to drive that smoky and marinade flavor further into the meat. We also buy frozen tamales from a local restaurant by the dozen. The IP is perfect to cook them straight from frozen in a steamer basket.
Good tips! The ribs sound wonderful.