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Instant Pot Setup 101

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Wondering how to setup your new Instant Pot? Here’s all the information you need to get going!

 

Instant Pot Setup 101

Ready to setup your new Instant Pot DUO? Here’s the step-by-step guide. We’ll look at everything from the manual (snore) to how to conduct the water test. Once you’ve finished the setup, you’ll be ready to start using your Instant Pot!

 

 

Instant Pot Setup- Instant Pot in Box

What an exciting sight. A new Instant Pot! I remember opening my first Instant Pot and thinking, “…and now what?”

To be honest, I found the setup process a little confusing.  I (wrongly) thought that the minute I closed the lid and hit the start button, the machine would be under pressure. Here’s everything I wish I knew about setting up and using an Instant Pot.

Today we’ll walk through unboxing and setting up a six quart Instant Pot DUO. The basic setup up for the DUO and the Bluetooth Instant Pot is the same. The Instant Pot LUX has a slightly different lid and steam release valve than what you’ll see pictured here.

Note: the links above are affiliate links. If you use them, I earn a small commission from Amazon which supports the site. I only use affiliate links for products that I love, love, love. 

Instant Pot Setup: Manuals and Accessories

Instant Pot Setup 101.

Ah, the manual. Here’s what usually happens with manuals in my house:

  1. Take it out of the box.
  2. Flip through quickly.
  3. Don’t really read it.
  4. Put somewhere “safe.”
  5. Never see it again.
  6. Google the manual when I need some help.

Does that sound familiar? Yes? That’s why we’re friends!

AnyWAY, I know it sounds boring but I urge you to read the Instant Pot manual. Modern pressure cookers are safe. However, they aren’t slow cookers. It’s important to understand the basic ins and outs of a pressure cooker before you use it.

Oh, and if you misplace it, you can find the Instant Pot manual online. (Thank goodness.)

 

Instant Pot Setup

Oh! Recipes! I love recipes. <—understatement. But…I must confess. I’ve never used this recipe booklet. The recipes didn’t really appeal to me and the directions were confusing.

Instant Pot Setup How To

I wish this quick reference guide was handier than it is. As written, it shows the steps for using each function. However, it doesn’t explain cook time or the how to release pressure. I’m very “meh” on this guide. It could be so handy!

Instant Pot Setup 101

Question: do you use the free tools that come with appliances? I don’t think I’ve ever used them! And not just for the Instant Pot. Maybe I’m just weird.

Let’s take a look at these: (clockwise from left) measuring cup, soup spoon, rice paddle, and a condensation collector.

Measuring Cup. If you don’t own a glass measuring cup for liquids, I urge you to get one. This measuring cup is flimsy and, without handle, hard to handle.

Soup Spoon. The handle on this soup spoon is so short that you risk dipping your knuckles into hot food when you use it. Use a regular ladle instead of this spoon.

Rice Paddle. Suffers from the same problem as the soup spoon. The handle feels too short for the pot. A rice paddle this size would fit nicely in a traditional rice cooker. The insert of the Instant Pot is too deep to use this easily.

Condensation Collector. This little cup hooks on to the side of the Instant Pot. It’s supposed to keep condensation from hitting your counter during cooking and cooling. Don’t toss this! I’ll show you how to put it on the Instant Pot below.

Instant Pot Setup Guide

Now here’s a handy accessory! The steam rack. Use this to hold vegetables, pans (for when you make things like meatloaf or cheesecake), or anything else that you don’t want sitting in cooking liquid.

If your model didn’t come with a steam rack, consider getting one. They’re really handy. You might also want to pick up a steaming basket. Small vegetables and other foods tend to fall through the steam rack. To solve this problem, I put the steam rack in the Instant Pot and then I put a steamer basket on top of it.

 

Instant Pot Setup Guide

Second generation Instant Pots come with a detachable cord. (They’re fixed on the first generation.) If your cord isn’t detachable, don’t worry about it. In fact, I don’t love the detachable cord. I’m always afraid I’m going to misplace it.

Instant Pot Setup: Understanding the Lid

Instant Pot Setup

The lid of a pressure cooker is an integral part of the machine. Without this lid, you can’t cook foods under pressure.

 

Instant Pot Setup Guide

This is the steam release valve. It has two settings: sealing and venting.

Sealing: When cooking food under pressure, close the lid and line up valve with the “wavy” lines. This position seals the pot. It allows pressure to build as the food inside heats and produces steam. The valve won’t lock into place when set to sealing. For safety reasons, it will always wiggle a little.

To set the valve to the sealing position, turn it clockwise as far as it will go. (This is for DUO machines. LUX machines have a different sealing position.)

Venting: Once the pressure cooker completes its cooking cycle, you must vent it. This will either happen immediately after the cooking cycle completes (a quick release) or after the pressure releases slowly over time, about ten minutes. (a natural release.) You MUST vent the pot before opening.

To do that, turn the steam release valve toward venting (icon that looks like a Chef’s hat or puff of steam). NEVER place your hand over the steam release valve. Use the small handle to turn the valve and keep your hand off to the left side. When doing a quick release, steam rushes out of the valve. For a natural release, no steam usually escapes. But it’s a good idea to vent it just in case there’s any pressure remaining.

Unlocked Lid

Instant Pot Setup 101

See that little metal valve to the right of the steam release valve? That’s the “float valve.” When the pressure cooker reaches pressure, this valve lifts into place, sealing and locking the pressure cooker.

In the photo above, the float valve isn’t in the lock position. It’s sitting down below the edge of the lid.

You want to get to know the two different positions of the float valve. Here. I’ll show you.

When cooking, the float valve won’t  bounce up and down. The steam trapped inside the pot pushes the float valve up and seals the pot. In the video, I’m holding the lid in my hand and lifting and lowering the float valve by tapping it below the lid.

Locked Lid

Instant Pot Setup Guide

This is a locked lid. The float valve sits flush with the lid. You might be wondering how long the valve takes to lift into place. Good question! The answer is…it depends.

For recipes that contain a small amount of liquid (1 to 2 cups), it takes about five minutes for the float valve to rise. For recipes with a lot of liquid, like soups, it can take up to 20 minutes for the float valve to rise.

Once the float valve rises into position, the Instant Pot display should switch from “On” to a countdown of the cook time.

(If “On” remains in the display for longer than a few minutes, there’s a problem. If this happens, turn off the machine. Release the pressure by turning the steam release valve to “venting.” Allow the steam to release. Once the float valve drops, it’s safe to open the pot.)

Underside of Lid: The Sealing Ring and Anti-Block Shield

Instant Pot Setup: Lid Comparison

The underside of the Instant Pot contains four important parts. If you have version one DUO, it will look like the one of the left. If you have a version two DUO, it might look the one on the right. (I’ve seen a version two that came with a version one lid. So…flip your lid. Compare it to the picture above.)

The Sealing Ring

Instant Pot Setup Guide

The plain-looking silicone ring is an integral part of the Instant Pot. Without it, pressure can’t build. During heating, the sealing ring expands to create a seal that allows pressure to safely build inside the machine. If the sealing ring isn’t inserted correctly or is torn, worn, or out of shape, steam can leak from the lid and the Instant Pot won’t seal.

Insert the sealing ring snugly in the wire sealing ring rack. When properly inserted, the sealing ring should lay flat against the lid and shouldn’t pull out easily if you give it a soft tug.

To remove the ring for cleaning, allow the lid to cool and then pull gently on the sealing ring.

To clean, use warm soapy water or run through the dishwasher. Dry the ring thoroughly before placing it back into the lid.

Even with thorough washing, the sealing ring can hold on to cooking odors. If you plan to make yogurt or desserts, like rice pudding, consider getting a second silicone sealing ring to use only for yogurt, desserts, and other mild foods. This way you’ll avoid making a rice pudding tastes like the chicken you made for dinner the night before.

Check the sealing ring before each use. To do this, run your finger along the ring to ensure that it’s in place. And when you wash it, give it a look. If you notice any flaws in the ring, replace it.

I like to keep an extra sealing ring on hand at all times. This way, if something happens, I can replace the ring right away.

The Anti-Block Shield

The anti-block shield prevents small foods and foam generated during cooking from clogging the pressure release valve and causing an unsafe amount of pressure to build. It’s an important piece. Don’t run your Instant Pot without it in place. Depending on whether you have a version one DUO or a version two, the shield will either look like a small oval cage covering both the float and pressure release valve or a small round piece just covering the pressure release valve.

(If you have a version one DUO covering the float valve, give the anti-block shield a forceful tug. It comes off for cleaning.)

Instant Pot Setup: Cooking Pot, Cord, and Condensation Collector

Instant Pot Setup

The cooking pot of the Instant Pot. This is where the cooking happens. You never want to run the Instant Pot without the insert in place.

With a three-ply bottom made of layers of stainless steel, aluminum, and stainless steel, the insert heats evenly. I love that doesn’t have a nonstick coating and that it handles sautéing really well.

There’s one problem with the Instant Pot cooking insert: the “max” fill lines markings are INCORRECT for pressure cooking.

When using the Instant Pot for pressure cooking, never fill the pot more than 2/3 full or 1/2 full if you’re making foods that release a lot of liquid. If a pressure cooker contains too much liquid, the hot liquid can spray out of the pressure release valve, causing severe burns. As long as you respect the maximum fill on a pressure cooker, you’ll be fine.

I find the markings to be very confusing and have reached out to Instant Pot to inquire why the “max” fill line is too high for pressure cooking, If I hear back, I’ll update this page.

To make cleanup easy, the insert is dishwasher safe. However, I tend to just add some soapy water and let it soak while we eat dinner. It wipes out easily even without a nonstick coating.

Instant Pot Setup

Ta-da! Here’s the Instant Pot with the Insert Pot in place. Now it’s time to conduct a “water test.” This trial run of the Instant Pot helps familiar you with how to lock the lid, set the pressure release valve, and complete a quick release of the pressure. It’s a helpful test and I recommend doing it before you cook anything in your Instant Pot.

But first…

 

Instant Pot Setup

…insert the cord. In my experience, the pot doesn’t work well when it’s not plugged in. 😉  (Not all Instant Pot models have a detachable plug.)

Attaching the Condensation Collector

When you open the lid of the Instant Pot, some cooking liquid tends to run off the lid and into the rim that runs around the pot. It can be a pain to clean. To prevent this rim from overflowing with liquid, there’s a small hole in it. Under that hole, you can attach the “condensation collector.” Basically, a small cup that will hold excess liquid and prevent it from going all over your counter.

The condensation collector can be tough to install. You need to line it up with two slots and then push it toward the machine. To remove, pull it toward yourself.

With the cord and condensation collector installed, we can finally run the water test.

Instant Pot Water Test

Instant Pot Setup

For the water test, you’ll need two cups of water. Regular cool water from the tap works just fine.

Instant Pot Setup: Manual Five Minutes

  1. Place insert into the Instant Pot.
  2. Pour 2 cups of water into the insert.
  3. Close the lid. It will chime when it’s closed correctly.
  4. Set the Pressure Release Valve to “sealing.”
  5. Press Manual.
  6. Press the “-” button until 5 shows in the display. That’s it. The Instant Pot does not have a start button. After about 30 seconds, the machine will turn on. The display will switch from “5” (shown above) to “On.” The machine is now building pressure.
  7. After about five minutes, the float valve should lift into place. You shouldn’t see any steam leaking from the sides of the pot. Once the float valve seals the Instant Pot, the display will change from “On” to “5.”
  8. When the cook time completes, turn the pressure release valve to “venting.” This is called a quick release Be sure to keep your hands and face away from the top of the pressure release valve. Hot steam pours out of it. (see video below)
  9. Open the lid, away from your face, when the float valve drops.
  10. That’s it. You’ve completed the initial test of your Instant Pot!

 

 

Now that  you’ve setup you’re ready to get cooking.

Why not start with one of these recipes?

INSTANT POT RECIPES TO TRY

Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls  The #1 recipe on this site. Try it and you’ll understand.

Pressure Cooker Mac and Cheese. So creamy. So dreamy!

Street Cart Curry Chicken. Loaded with flavor and SO easy.

Pumpkin Rice Pudding. We all need dessert, right?

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Comments

  1. Thank you for providing these instructions. I just bought the Pot today and the Instant Pot User Manual so far is very disappointing. I give it a 1 out of 5!. The first two instructions are incorrect or impossible to follow. It took a call to their help line to learn that there is no Anti-Block shield on my model. And it took watching your video to figure out how to install the Condensation collector. They should get someone who can write English to write their English manual. Thank you again.

    Reply

        • Hi Elizabeth
          I have a question. I just purchased my 8qt Insta pot duo80 and I am cooking my second meal in it and I am completely stressed out. I have been cooking for over 35 years but I can’t get comfortable with this pressure cooker. I am cooking pork chops with potatoes and onions. The recipe indicates that I should set the pressure to high and cook for 15 minutes. So I set the pressure to high and hit manual and set the cooker for 15 minutes. It almost immediately starts counting down however everything I have read indicates that it should not start counting down until it has pressurised which it has not So I am cofused

          Reply

          • Yes. It should not be counting down until it reaches pressure. You didn’t set a time delay setting by any chance did you?

    • I totally agree with your statements. The instructions are complete rubbish. This website helped me tremendously.

      Reply

    • I also came here because I couldn’t figure out how to install the condensation collector. Thanks for the clear instructions!

      Reply

    • I completely agree with you. This manual / instructions are terribly written and impossible to follow.

      Reply

  2. Thank you Elizabeth. Great website and very helpful indeed!

    I recently bought two IP Duo 7in1 V2 and quite disappointed that the anti-block shield is round instead of the oval shape. In my opinion, the design 1 oval-shaped anti-block shield looks safer than the design 2 round-shaped shield given that the floating valve has tiny silicone cap that is exposed to the heat while cooking/pressurizing; hence left unprotected. Also, not quite sure if IP would have replacement for the cap as it gets worn out. Your views and comments very appreciated.
    If you wish to post my comment, please do write my name as FLAME.

    Thank you again. Love your site!

    Reply

  3. I second the comments above, I had to watch the video to see where the condensation collector cup went! lifesaver
    Thanks so much!

    Reply

  4. i’m glad to know i’m not the only one who had no idea how to install the condensation collector! thanks so much, now on to trying some of your recipes! 🙂

    Reply

  5. We recently purchased the Instant Pot. Overall we love it and have used it every day since we purchased it. However, I have been unable to find support on an issue we are having. When releasing the pressure liquid from what we are cooking (broth, gel from steel cut oats, etc.) is spaying out of the pressure release. This occurs even when we let it sit for 10 minutes. It occurs whether our liquid is just over the min amount or half full or 3/4’s full. It creates quite the mess.

    Any ideas? We have the version 2 Duo.

    Reply

    • Shannon–
      Yikes! First up, you never want to fill the Instant Pot more than half full. The “max” line is VERY misleading. It’s for the slow cooker/rice cooker setting, not the pressure cooker setting. This is the one thing I don’t like about the Instant Pot. I find that line very confusing.

      Usually stock spraying out means the pot is too full. However, you say that it occurs even when your pot is only filled to the minimum or halfway. I’d contact Instant Pot. You shouldn’t have to deal with that when using the machine. At best, it’s a mess. At worse, someone could get burnt.

      Reply

      • Thank you x 3 x 3!!! Without this tutorial I would have been lost. The water test is perfect for that fIrst hands on feel. The condensation cup? I would never have figured that out. The shield didn’t look or feel detachable and the gasket really does need to be removed if only to make sure it’s dry before putting the PI away. I’m now ready to go. I’ll check in with my first recipe. Thanks again.

        Reply

  7. I had trouble with the condensing cup and went to my friend Google after the manual failed me. Yours was the second video I clicked on and it answered all my questions. My 5 minute test is going on now. Thanks and Merry Christmas!!!

    Reply

  8. So happy to find this post! I just received an Instant Pot as a gift and planned to cook with it today. Your post helped me figure out that I wasn’t, in fact, missing the anti-blocking shield but that the instruction manual is out-of-date. Whew! I’m ready to get cooking! Thanks for your excellent and informative post!

    Reply

  9. Just received my InstaPot for Christmas. I cooked my first meal in it today (before seeing this website). I didn’t conduct the water test since I had already cooked in it but I did find some other tips helpful (especially the condensation cup). Looking forward to checking out more of your website and recipes.

    Thanks

    Reply

  10. YES! thanks so much for this site! I like to think that I am a normally intelligent person, but after an hour of frustration trying to install the condensation collector and remove the anti-block shield, I was THRILLED to find your site!! In mere moments I was up and running!

    Reply

  11. Thank you for demystifying the Instant Pot for me – this post is far better than the actual manual. Will try some of your recipes soon!

    Reply

  12. Your “Set Up 101” is a lifesaver! I received this as a Christmas gift and have been anxious to start cooking with my new IP. I tried to decipher the manual that comes with the IP, but like many others, find it poorly written and out-of-date. After watching your instructional videos and reading your post, I now feel confident and ready to cook with my Instant Pot. Thanks a million!

    Reply

  14. I agree with the other comments; your explanation is SO helpful, thank you! I just did YOUR water test and the pressure built up in 8 minutes, so that sounds like it’s more or less fine. In contrast, when I followed the manual’s instructions – “add water to the “3” mark on the inner pot” – “press the “steam” button” (for 2 minutes) – the whole operation took 30 minutes, and then the pressure didn’t release for another 30 minutes (after which I gave up waiting and did a quick release). After reading your instructions it seems clear that this is because the manual instructs you to put in a huge volume of water (the only “3” on the pot is 3 liters!), so of course it would take a long time… yet the manual says the test run “can be accomplished in about 15 minutes,” so it’s easy to feel like something’s wrong if you’re new to the Instant Pot. I’m sharing in case this confused anyone else – just follow the directions here instead. Thank you Elizabeth for unraveling the mysteries!

    Reply

    • I did the very same thing with 3 liters of water. There is no 3 listed for cups, only 2 and 4. Everything took forever and I thought my pot was defective. I think it’s okay now.

      Reply

  15. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! Why couldn’t the Instant Pot website/manuals be this clear and easy to understand!?! 😀

    Reply

  17. Thank you for your clear, concise and just excellent post on how to set up the Instant Pot. I bought mine in September and decided it was time to figure it out. The manual is very confusing, and your instructions are excellent and easy to understand and follow. I am grateful for your post. It has saved me a great deal of wasted time! 🙂

    Reply

  18. Thank you so much. I was so discouraged after reading the manuel. I figured this was going to be another appliance that I never use out of confusion. Thanks to you, I am currently running my water test!!

    Reply

  19. Like your other commenters I greatly appreciate your work in clarifying the basic instructions for setting up and using the Instant Pot. Your illustrations could serve as a model for a (hopefully) revised manual. Many thanks.

    Reply

  20. Thank you so much. I am so thankful you took the time to explain this and with videos! The manual was a little confusing if you’ve never used an Instant Pot! Now I’m ready to cook!

    Reply

  21. Everything in your write up and previous comments apply to me. I received my pot this morning and cooked short ribs tonight. Now I am reading the manual. I didn’t do a pre test and didn’t even open the plastic bag with spoons until I read your instructions. If I had not read your set up instructions I would have spent wasted time searching for condensation cup information. Thank goodness for Google and for you taking the time to post with photos and video no less! In my Amazon review I will certainly recommend buyers turn to Google for help and look for your post!

    Reply

  22. FedEx just delivered my Instant Pot and I immediately washed it and did the water test. I was brave enough to do this because of your directions. Thank you!

    Reply

  23. i want to echo what everyone previously said about the utter frustration of trying to install the condensation collector. When googling for help, yours was the first site to appear. Not only did you make it simple to install, but all the other instructions were easy to follow. Thank you so much. What I’d like to know is where I can find your recipes!

    Reply

  24. Elizabeth,
    I appreciate your prompt response.
    I just followed a recipe for chicken & veggies. The
    Directions were to brown the chicken & then
    Pressure cook for 10 min set under manual. What is the difference between using those directions instead of cooking under poultry setting?

    Reply

  25. I have the Instant Pot Lux. Evidently you can not use the adjust button to change the time on rice or manual settings????? I’m making lasagna that says 20min on hi.

    Reply

    • Shelly,
      If you can’t change the time on the manual setting, I’d contact Instant Pot. As for the rice setting, you’re right. It’s a preprogram and the time can’t be changed.

      Reply

  26. Great tutorial! A friend recommended I go here before I used the Instant Pot for the first time, and she was so right! Everything was clearly explained, and I just ran the test. All was great and now I’m going to start cooking!!

    Reply

  28. Yay. I am so thankful I found your sight. I received my Instant Pot for Christmas. It is now February. I had not touched it since looking at the manual. I got my condensation cup on and did my water test in no time. Thank you. Now looking through recipes to see what is for dinner.

    Reply

  29. Instapot DUO60 v2 user here.

    I one-millionth all the thanks you’re getting for the condensation collector cup video. The manual makes it seem as though it should be on the inside!

    Also, your pressure test differs from theirs. They say to fill it will water up to 3. That’s a heck of a lot more water than you suggest. I’m going with your test, not theirs.

    Finally, glad I didn’t try to tear out the anti-block shield that is not removable on the v2. They really ought to update the manual to reflect the change.

    Thanks for taking the time to provide this simple yet so-useful tutorial.

    Reply

  30. You are a life savor. Unit was out the door till I saw your post. TREMENDOUS-I passed the 5 minute test and am cooking a simple meal.
    Thank you

    Reply

  31. Oh, you have saved me! I just got my IP this afternoon and I was finding the plastic cup VERY confusing indeed! there was a yellow round piece of paper in with mine that said when doing the familiarisation test to fill up to the 3 cup mark and not to the 3L as described in the manual…. I said as you suggested and waited ( with wooden spoon in hand) with baited breath for it to change…….. yes! Thank you for this Looking forward to using it now Phew!
    Linda
    UK

    Reply

  32. I want to add my “thank you” to every one else’s…for putting together such great instructions!! I was trying everything I could think of to put the condensation cup on the pot….I would NEVER have figured it out!!! Thanks so much…I’m certainly going to bookmark your site ?

    Reply

  33. This was very helpful! Thank you. I was reading through the manual a d couldn’t make sense so I put it away instead of doing it. I feel confident now in doing the test and start experimenting with my new gadget. I live in Canada. Where can I get some much needed accessories ? Thanks in advance for help.

    Reply

  34. Thanks so much! Like everyone else, I was confused about where to put the *$&#* condensation cup! My gasket and ring were already in place, do I really have to take them out every time? Can’t I just rinse them in the lid and air dry?
    Thanks, looking forward to your recipes! So easy to read and understand!!
    Melinda

    Reply

    • Melinda–
      Good question. To be honest, I don’t always remove the ring. It depends on what I’m cooking. You’ll know when it needs to be removed and when you can just hand wash it. 🙂

      Reply

  35. Wonderful article. Regarding your affiliate links, though. I would have loved if you included links for those items you feel we needed to do do the job right. Example, I didn’t realize — until I read your article — that I should purchase a couple sealing rings before I need them. Had you had a link, I would of gladly done that. I want to support your excellent work as much as possible. Again, thank you!

    Janet Wilson
    Bone Broth Junkie

    Reply

    • This is such a good idea. I’ll write a “must have” article and put it up next week. And thanks for wanting to use my affiliate links. I appreciate it!

      Reply

  36. Thank you so much for these detailed instructions!!! The owners manual is WORTHLESS. I found your sight by Googling for info on installing the condensation cup. The manual needs to be clearer on the fact that the cup goes on the OUTSIDE of the cooker housing. The picture they show is useless. Maybe they can pay you to rewrite the manual for them.

    Reply

      • Don’t laugh at her suggestion about the manuals! I think Instant Pot NEEDS your help! You could prepare this kind of article for every update, as theirs STINK. Since you seem to like to write and video examples, I’ll bet it could be a side job that might pay very well. Ask your readers to write to Instant Pot and tell them about their terrible manuals, and that we know someone who describes everything eloquently.

        It could work…if they give a damn! 😉

        Chances are you’ve already asked them, as I can see you’re brilliant!

        Paula
        Just a Reading Teacher for Kids with Problems. NOT yet good at Instant Pot!!!!

        Reply

  37. These instructions and videos are brilliant. Thank you so much. I was confused about a few components and found this very helpful.

    Reply

  38. I agree with all the above comments! Followed your instructions step by step after frustratingly trying to follow the silly manual! Thank you!! Now I bookmarked your site to get more ideas 😉

    Reply

  39. I looked at the manual and figured my pot had been shipped without an Anti-Block Shield and was going to phone customer service but then (with your clear photos!) I realized I had a Version Two lid. Thank you! I just did the test and it went perfectly (I printed it out and followed it in the kitchen — carefully).

    Reply

  40. So I consider myself very tech savvy until I came upon the evil instant pot manual. I mean seriously who wrote this? Once again I was saved by Google and fine indavidual’s like yourself who painstakingly become instant tech support. Great instructions..

    Ok I just want to cook 2lb of chicken thighs. No sauce or spices or glazes just open it up throw the meat in and cooked it.

    Do you have an instruction on how that can be done with the pot?
    Regards.

    Reply

    • Put one cup of water in the bottom of the insert pot. Place the wire rack into the insert. Put the chicken thighs on the rack. Cook for 15 minutes (bone in, 10 minutes if boneless) and then do a quick release.

      Reply

  41. Thanks for this great information. I found your site after I almost returned my instant pot, thinking that the anti-block shield was missing. Glad I checked and now realize it’s just a different version. Wish that the manual had pointed that out and saved me all the time of repacking the equipment. Will now unpack everything again, and get started. Thanks again!

    Reply

  42. Thank you for making the setup of the Instant Pot easy! I will be checking your site regularly for all tips recipes and help.

    Reply

  43. Thanks so much! Very easy to follow. The condensation collector is NOT well explained or illustrated in the user manual and I was going crazy trying to figure it out! Now that the water test has been completed successfully I can’t wait to try out my first meal tonight! I’ve bookmarked your site

    Reply

  45. Google, and you are my best friends now. Like everyone else, I had no idea about how to use the condensation cup.
    The manual is useless. You are marvelous!

    Reply

  46. I can’t believe how you made this so clear and the manual was not. Thanks so much!!! I am not as scared now!

    Reply

  47. THANK YOU!!! This was super helpful. I feel like you are into quick and simple. (Which is why we all bought the Instant Pot, right?) Thanks for making a quick and easy guide. Well done!

    Reply

  49. This was awesome! The instructions that come with the Instantpot (obviously) suck! Your guide told me everything I needed to know and I am cooking my first meal (vegan corn chowder) now!! Thanks again!

    Reply

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