Now that you have a brand-new Instant Pot, it is just as important to know what not to do as it is to know what to cook first. These essential Instant Pot safety tips will help you avoid common mistakes and feel more confident using your pressure cooker.
Most Instant Pot guides focus on recipes, cooking times, and meal ideas. While those are helpful, beginners also need clear rules for using an electric pressure cooker safely and correctly. A few simple habits can prevent burned food, damaged equipment, messy pressure releases, and unnecessary frustration.
Instant Pot tips are especially useful when you are still learning how pressure cooking works. This appliance may look a little intimidating at first, but once you understand the basics, it can become one of the most convenient tools in your kitchen. Before you start cooking soups, roasts, rice, chicken, vegetables, or freezer meals, make sure you know these important things you should not do with your Instant Pot.
Pressure cooking should always be handled with care. The good news is that the Instant Pot is designed with safety features, and when used properly, it can save time and make everyday cooking much easier.
What Instant Pot Should I Buy?
I actually own two Instant Pots, and I often use both at the same time when I am preparing meals for the week or making a main dish and a side dish for dinner. It may sound like a lot, but once you get comfortable with pressure cooking, having more than one can be incredibly convenient.
I own both the 6 quart Instant Pot LUX and the 6 quart Instant Pot DUO (you can find them both HERE). I love both models and recommend choosing based on what you need most in your kitchen.
The 6 quart size is a great everyday option for feeding a family. One of the main differences between the LUX and DUO models is that the DUO includes a yogurt-making function, which may be useful if that is something you plan to make at home.
Instant Pot DON’TS
1. If You Double the Recipe, Don’t Double the Time
When doubling an Instant Pot recipe, do not automatically double the cooking time. In most cases, the pressure cooking time stays the same. The pot may take longer to come to pressure because there is more food inside, but the actual cook time usually does not need to change.
This is one of the most common Instant Pot mistakes beginners make. Instead of adjusting the time without guidance, follow the recipe instructions carefully and make sure you stay below the maximum fill line. You can find more information HERE about doubling Instant Pot recipes.
2. Don’t Cancel It After Only a Few Minutes of Pressurizing
When you first turn on the Instant Pot, the display may read “On.” Even after you set the cooking time, the display can continue to show “On” while the appliance is building pressure. This is completely normal.
Be patient. Depending on the amount of food in the pot and whether the ingredients are cold or warm, it may take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure. Don’t press cancel after just a few minutes because you think nothing is happening. If you cancel too soon, you may interrupt the cooking process and lose the progress the food has already made.
3. Don’t Take the Lid Off Before All the Pressure Is Released
Removing the lid before all the pressure is released can be very dangerous. The Instant Pot is designed to make this difficult, which is a good thing. The locking mechanism helps prevent the lid from opening while the contents are still under pressure.
Never try to force the lid open. If it does not open easily, there is likely still pressure inside the pot. Forcing it can put you at risk of burns from hot steam or food.
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release according to the recipe instructions. Use either a natural pressure release or a quick release when appropriate, and open the lid only after the float valve has dropped and the pressure is fully gone.
4. Never Put Your Hand Over the Steam During Pressure Release
The steam that comes out of an Instant Pot during pressure release is extremely hot and can burn you instantly. Never place your hand, face, or arm over the steam release valve when the pot is depressurizing.
If you want more control over the direction of the steam, you can use a steam diverter. This accessory helps direct the steam away from cabinets, walls, or people nearby.
Be sure to position the steam diverter before you start the Instant Pot. Do not try to adjust accessories directly over the valve while steam is actively releasing.
5. Never Put the Instant Pot or Its Steel Inner Pot on the Stovetop
The Instant Pot is designed for countertop use only. Where you place it matters, especially because it is an electric appliance with a heating element built into the base.
To prevent damage, keep your Instant Pot away from external heat sources such as hot ovens, stovetops, gas burners, and heated ranges. Do not place the steel inner pot on a stovetop burner either. It is meant to be used inside the Instant Pot base, not as a regular saucepan.
It is also a good idea to leave a few inches of space around the appliance while it is cooking, since the pot can generate heat and release steam.
6. Never Add Food Before the Stainless Steel Inner Pot Is in Place
One of the easiest ways to damage an Instant Pot is to pour food or liquid directly into the outer base without the stainless steel inner pot in place. This can damage the heating element and create a serious mess.
Always double-check that the stainless steel liner is inside the Instant Pot before adding water, broth, sauce, meat, vegetables, rice, or any other ingredients. This quick habit can save your appliance from unnecessary damage.
If you already made this mistake, check out THIS article for steps that may help you correct it.
7. Don’t Change the Cooking Time Just Because You Use a Different Size
Whether you are using a 3 quart, 6 quart, or 8 quart Instant Pot, the pressure cooking time for a recipe usually stays the same. A different pot size does not automatically mean you need to increase or decrease the cook time.
The time it takes to come to pressure may vary depending on the size of the pot and the amount of food inside, but the programmed cooking time is generally based on the food itself. Follow the recipe as written unless the recipe specifically gives separate instructions for different Instant Pot sizes.
8. Never Use Only Thick Liquid
Your Instant Pot needs thin liquid to build pressure properly. If the liquid in a recipe is too thick, the pot may struggle to reach pressure or may trigger a burn warning. Thick sauces, condensed soups, heavy tomato mixtures, and creamy ingredients can sometimes be too dense on their own.
To help the Instant Pot come to pressure, consider thinning thick liquids with water, broth, or chicken stock when the recipe allows it. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 1/2 cup of thin liquid in the pot.
This does not mean every recipe should be watery, but there must be enough thin liquid to create steam. Without steam, the Instant Pot cannot pressure cook correctly.
9. Never Fill the Pot Past the Fill Line
It is very important that you do not overfill your Instant Pot. Filling the pot too high can clog the venting knob and cause major issues once the food begins cooking under pressure.
Overfilling can also reduce proper cooking pressure and create a messy release, especially with foods that foam or expand. Ingredients such as beans, grains, pasta, and soups need extra room because they can bubble up during cooking.
As a general rule, never fill your Instant Pot past the marked fill line or more than about three-fourths full. If you accidentally overfill it, use caution and choose a natural pressure release so foam has time to settle before the lid is opened.
10. Don’t Call It an Insta Pot
Many people use the nickname “Insta Pot,” and some even think that is the actual name. The correct name is Instant Pot.
Of course, this tip is more fun than serious, but if you are searching for recipes, accessories, manuals, or troubleshooting help, using the correct term “Instant Pot” will give you better results.
With the Don’ts Out of the Way, It’s Time to Start Using Your Instant Pot!
Now that you know the most important Instant Pot mistakes to avoid, you can start cooking with more confidence. The Instant Pot is a helpful appliance for beginners once you understand pressure release, liquid requirements, fill limits, and basic safety rules.
We have a YouTube channel where we share new Instant Pot recipes every week. My sister Kristen walks you through each recipe step by step, which makes it especially helpful if you are just getting started. You should check out our video with 7 basic Instant Pot recipes for beginners.