9 Things You Didn’t Know About the Instant Pot–once you get the hang of using the manual, saute and keep warm buttons you might want to learn some other things about the Instant Pot. Did you know all of these Instant Pot hacks?
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9 Things You Didn’t Know About the Instant Pot (Video)
FYI: In the video and in this article I used my 6 quart Instant Pot Duo 60 7 in 1*. Other models of Instant Pots might work differently. Refer to the manual that came with your Instant Pot.
In case you’d rather read the information than watch the video here is the information…
The slots in the handles are to hold the lid
The Instant Pot lid has little fins on the side handles. And if you want to take the lid off while cooking, you can just stick that fin into the matching tab on the side of the Instant Pot. They’re the same size and fit right together. The Instant Pot even comes with a little plastic cup that clips to the back and catches any condensation that drips down.
Disable the Keep Warm Setting
Usually after food has been cooked the Instant Pot automatically switches over to the KEEP WARM setting. However, you can set the keep warm function to NOT come on after a cooking program is over. Just press the cooking program two times instead of just once. For example if you press the manual button for pressure cooking then press the manual button a second time. The light on the keep warm button will toggle on and off as you press the program button several times. If the light toggles off it means that the pot will not go to the keep warm setting when it is done cooking.
Turn Off the Sound
The beeps and sounds on the Instant Pot are satisfying to some but to others they may be annoying. Especially if you have a sleeping baby. Or if your yogurt is set to finish at 5 in the morning. You can turn off the sounds of the Instant Pot. Just hold the – button down for 3 seconds until the display says S OFF. If you want to turn the sound back on then you can hold the + button for 3 seconds and it will say S ON.
Reset to Factory Settings
The previously used cooking settings, including time, pressure and temperature are stored once the custom settings are defined, even after the Instant Pot is unplugged from power source. To reset to factory default settings, press and hold the “Adjust” button for 3 seconds when the Instant Pot is in the OFF mode.
L Stands for Lapsed Time
When the pot is done with a cooking cycle it switches over to the keep warm setting and starts counting up. The display will start with an L. For example it will say L0:05, meaning it has been done for 5 minutes. The L stands for Lapsed Time.
Timer button is for a delayed start
You can set food to cook on a delay. I would not recommend using this feature for meats, however, as that could cause foodborne illness. To delay cooking just set your Instant Pot to the time that you want it to cook using the manual button (or other button) and then press the button called Timer. Set the timer for how long you want the Instant Pot to delay cooking using the + or – buttons.
Saute settings
Did you know you can adjust the saute setting to different heat settings? Use the adjust button to set the saute to LESS for simmer, NORMAL to sauté and MORE for browning.
There’s a plastic cover on the display
When you get a new Instant Pot there will be a invisible plastic cover on the display. You probably won’t even know that it’s there until it starts to bubble up in a few weeks. Just peel it off and discard.
You can use the yogurt setting to proof bread
I love making bread but on a cold granite countertop it can take way too long to raise. That’s where your Instant Pot comes in handy. Squirt a little oil in the bottom of you pot and place the dough inside. Flip the dough so that both sides are oiled. Now cover the pot with a glass lid, a plate or even plastic wrap works. Do NOT use the normal Instant Pot lid as the dough can raise, push the valve and get the lid stuck. Press the yogurt button and use the adjust button to turn it to the less setting. It will take about 30 minutes.
What Pressure Cooker Did You Use?
In the video and in this article I used my 6 quart Instant Pot Duo 60 7 in 1*. Other models of Instant Pots might work differently. Refer to the manual that came with your Instant Pot.
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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.
HI Karen,
When I use my instant Pot I set the timer and it does not beep after the set time. Can you help me?
Did you set the “timer” button or the “manual” or “pressure cook” button?
To set the time I just push the pressure cook and then adjust the time accordingly.
Have you tried resetting to default settings?
OK, I will try that thank you so much, for all of your help. Have a great Saint Patrick’s Day!
You too!
If resetting the instant pot does not work what should I do about the timer? My instant pot does not have a timer button or a manual button.
My Instantpot no longer shows “L” for lapsed time, When the time is up the clock just counts up with no L in front. How can I get it back?
What model do you have Dana?
I have the DUO Plus 60. The L was there then it wasn’t, I tried to reset but it didn’t bring it back.
so weird! I really am not sure what is happening with that.
You asked what pot I used. My name is Allie, I have the 6 qt IP-LUX. It does not have the slots on the handles for the lid nor does it have the Yogurt setting, but I have fallen in love with it. Use it at least once a week or more. I don’t mind not having the yogurt setting as niether my wife or myself eat that stuff. Just bought this just before Christmas and have already made at least eight recipes in it some several times. Looking forward to seeing your recipes but no surger, we are both diabetics. Your friend, Al
Welcome! So glad you’re here 🙂
I was hoping that pressure cooked chicken breasts would come out as tender as slow cooked chicken and just practically fall apart, I’ve tried several recipes and the chicken is really not tender at all. Any thoughts?
I like to cook them in broth for 12 minutes, usually. This recipe always comes out great for me: https://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/instant-pot-seasoned-shredded-chicken/
Excellent Instant Pot Sharing…. How much meat can I cook in this Duo Mini?
Well it’s 3 quarts and you can fill it about 2/3 full. What type of meat are you looking to cook in it?
Been trying to learn about my IP by reading all your articles, haven’t seen the answers to some of my questions. Do you remove the seal and wash it each time? Will this damage it? Do you oil the inside before cooking in it? What do you mean by deglazing?
Here’s a quick video on deglazing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NGInSlbtGc
I don’t remove the seal every single time but every now and then. It won’t damage it. Just pop it out and put in back in securely when you are done. I don’t oil the pot.
Thanks for answering my questions and also the video link, there were several videos I watched. I am really trying to learn how to use my IP and you are a big help. I have done eggs and did chix breasts to make shredded chix sandwiches and that was delicious.
So glad I could be helpful!
I have an 8 and 6 qt. The best kitchen invention yet. I use one almost every day and love your recipes. Thank you so much for the recipes and tips. I’m going to bake bread today to try out proofing in the IP.
HOORAY!!! Thanks Barb!
Your recipes are awesome! My favourite is the Tuscan Chicken Pasta. I’ve passed on the recipe to a few friends and they’ve all loved it. Merry Christmas! 🙂
Thanks Joanne! Merry Christmas to you too!
You can use the “saute” function to sterilize Mason jars. Just put it on high temperatures for about 5 minutes. The water will be a rolling boil!
I also use the low saute function to produce hot water for washing dishes.
Good idea!
Good info! I’m a bit intimidated by mine so this really helped! Looking forward to you 365 days of InstaPot recipes too! THANKS!
Once you get going you’ll love it!
I have been meaning to try and figure out if I could disable the sounds. My poor 11 year old lab was traumatized by our smoke alarm, and every time my IP beeps she frantically tries to get outside. I was feeling so guilty every time I used the pot since it upset her so much! Thanks from Lexie, and for the other info too!
Glad I could help!
My dog too! 🙁
Karen, I love All your recipes. Thank you!!!
Thank you so much Rosemary!
Wow, I think I only knew about the handles and the plastic protector sheet on the front of the machine. Thanks so much for all your tips here and in your emails.
I’m so glad this was helpful to you Christina!
I don’t get the slots on the handles are to hold the lid. Could you list a picture of how this works?
You can see in the video! It’s with the Duo so if you have a Lux that’s probably why you’re confused.
Wow I didn’t know you could proof dough on the yogurt setting! Thanks!
You’re welcome Heather! I’m glad it was helpful to you 🙂
My IP does not have a yogurt setting, so how could I
1) make yogurt?
2) proof bread?
I really enjoy all your IP hints.
I’ve never tried making yogurt without the yogurt button but here is an article that might help you: https://www.theferventmama.com/pressure-cooker-yogurt/
And I’m not sure about the proofing! I would maybe put it on the slow cook setting (the lowest setting).
Thanks for these hints..I didn’t know about a lot of the ideas you posted! I wish I could print them and save in my cookbook!
Oh I should make a printable to go with this! Thanks for the idea!
Thank you for the info! It was very helpful! Looking forward to much more help and tips! 😄
I’m so glad it was helpful to you Marlene!
Great post! Question tho… If you can reset to factory settings, how can you change the defaults? I didn’t know that was possible.
Every time you do a cooking program and change the settings, for example if you cooked something on manual for 5 minutes, the next time you go to push manual it will start at 5 minutes until you adjust it to something else. Does that make sense? It just stores the latest thing that you did.
thanks! So helpful!
I’m so glad Cathy!