Instant Pot Settings
Updated Dec 24, 2024
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Do you feel overwhelmed by all the buttons on your Instant Pot? You are not alone! Regardless of your Instant Pot model or make, learn EVERYTHING you need to know about the settings different cook modes on and Instant Pot.
Once you learn how to use an Instant Pot, you may wonder which settings are actually useful. This guide breaks down each function and explains when, and IF, you should use them for making successful Instant Pot recipes.
In this Explanation of Instant Pot Settings
Are the Extra Functions Worth it?
At first glance of many Instant Pot models, it may seem like you can cook anything with the press of a button. But using pre-set functions, like "poultry," "stew," or "rice," can lead to overcooked chicken, undercooked rice, or dried-out beef. These pre-set buttons use generalized cooking times that don't account for what you're actually preparing.
Spoiler Alert: Most Instant Pot Settings Are USELESS!
What Instant Pot Functions You Need
While many Instant Pot models boast a variety of cooking modes, only a few are truly necessary. Prioritize models with Manual, Sauté, and Yogurt functions for the most versatility.
- Manual/Pressure Cook: For full control over cooking time and pressure settings.
- Sauté: For browning meat, sautéing vegetables, or thickening sauces.
- Yogurt (optional): If you want to make homemade yogurt or proof dough.
Below, you'll find detailed explanations of these and other potentially helpful settings.
Manual/Pressure Cook Function
This is the most important and versatile setting, allowing you to control both cooking time and pressure level.
How to Use:
- Press "Manual" or "Pressure Cook."
- Adjust pressure (if needed) by pressing "Pressure" or "Temp/Pressure" until "High" or "Low" is selected. Note: The Instant Pot Lux only cooks on high pressure.
- Use the +/- buttons to set your desired cooking time.
Sauté Function
Perfect for browning meat for Instant Pot Chili, sautéing vegetables, or thickening sauces at the end of pressure cooking, like Instant Pot Butter Chicken.
How to Use:
- Press "Sauté."
- Adjust temperature (less, normal, or more) using the "Sauté" or "Adjust" button. Normal = medium heat, More = high heat, Less = low heat.
- Once heated, some models display "Hot," signaling readiness.
Yogurt Setting
This setting is essential for making homemade yogurt and can also be used to proof dough.
How to Use:
- Press "Yogurt."
- The yogurt button can be adjusted by hitting the "adjust" button until it says "boil" or 8:00 or 10:00. These functions are unique to yogurt recipes.
Potentially Helpful Settings
- Adjust/Temp: Labeled as adjust on some models and temp on others, this button changes the temperature for functions like Sauté, Yogurt, or Slow Cooking. Simply press the button to toggle between less, normal, and more.
- Pressure: This rarely-used button adjusts the pressure level (for high low). Most recipes require high pressure, so you won't use this often.
- Timer/Delay Start: The timer delays when cooking begins, making it great for recipes like oatmeal or rice. However, avoid using it for raw ingredients that could spoil, like meat or dairy. To use, first set your cooking time THEN press "Timer" or "Delay Start" within 10 seconds and use +/- to set the desired delay time.
- Slow Cook: This function does not work like a traditional slow cooker. For best results, refer to my guide on using your Instant Pot as a slow cooker.
Video Explaining Settings on Instant Pot
If you learn better through video, be sure to watch the video below, showing you how to use each cooking mode/setting on the Instant pot.
More Helpful Instant Pot Guides
- Instant Pot Troubleshooting
- How to Convert Recipes for an Instant Pot
- Instant Pot High Altitude Conversion
- Instant Pot Water Test
I really, truly hope this helps!! -Kristen
I have a instant pot ulta . Looking at a recipe it said hit the manual button only thing this instant pot version did not have a manual button. So if a recipe calls for a manual button what button do I use. Thanks
Hi Marilyn, on the Ultra the Pressure Cooker function is the same as the manual button. Hope that helps!
My little red float valve does not pop up. Why not? It did the first time I used the instant pot but not since.
Hi Robert, so sorry for your hassle! If your Instant Pot is not sealed or you don't have enough liquid that can cause your float valve to not float up. I have a list of reasons why the Instant Pot may not seal and how to fix it, and this may help you. https://amindfullmom.com/instant-pot-not-sealing/ If those reasons don't explain your issue, contact Instant Pot Customer Service, they are great 🙂
Hi I'm just really confused about one thing and I have not been able to get a direct yes or no answer and I'm hoping you can answer it. Am I supposed to have the steam valve to close on everything I do in this machine including slow cooker,rice, and yogurt programs?
Hi Rose! It can be confusing.
You need to keep the steam valve closed for everything BUT yogurt, and slow cooker.
It needs to be closed for the rice function, to clarify as well.
Thank you so much for this site. I just got my instant pot ,( it is the small one since there is only two of us), and the directions included were so confusing. I am terrified to use it. After reading your information, I might really be able to use it. I am excited to try it out soon. Again thanks
Oh Judi, it makes my heart SO happy to help you conquer your fear of pressure cooking. Please reach out anytime with any questions! xo, Kristen
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this much-needed information! I am so glad I live in the age of the internet where one can find info on anything — especially when the user manual is practically useless. My Instant Pot arrived yesterday, but I started looking up recipes as soon as I ordered it. I happened across your blog and bookmarked it immediately. Doing so helped me make successful dishes right off the bat. Thank you again for sharing your knowledge with the rest of us.
Oh Cheryl, I am so happy that you found my site! The Instant Pot overwhelms so many people and it is my goal to help you be successful at pressure cooking. I am blessed to be able to help you!
Hello!
Please help! I am sooo confused about times! For example, if a recipe says the pressure cook time is 30 minutes,, does that include the coming up to pressure time? Does the instant pot automatically come up to pressure and then the 30 minutes timer starts?
Or how do I set the timer for a 30 minutes recipe?
Thank you so much!!
Hey there! So a lot of the recipes are not clearly written and that can be tricky. When a recipe states pressure cook time, it means cook time of 30 minutes--so that does not include time coming to pressure, release of pressure etc.
To set 30 minutes for cook time--hit pressure cooker and then adjust time to 30 minutes. That will cook the recipe for 30 minutes under pressure. The instant pot will first come to pressure BEFORE it begins the 30 minute timer. Hope that helps
Just used my IP for the first time tonight. The “burn” error came on. I took the lid off and stirred it around but not sure if the entire amount of time had to begin over or not. Any help would be appreciated.
Hi Sheila! It can be intimidating for sure to start using your instant pot, especially if you get a burn warning. There are so many reasons you can get a burn warning: If you didn't have enough liquid, if your sauce was too thick, if you used cornstarch or flour--you can check out what NOT to cook in your Instant Pot to help.
Let me know what you were trying to cook and I can help trouble shoot that way too.