How to Use an Instant Pot: A Beginner’s Guide

STOP being scared of your Instant Pot! This beginner’s guide on How to Use an Instant Pot will help you feel comfortable and confident when using this magical kitchen appliance. It makes cooking fast, easy, and convenient.

Close front view of the Instant pot.

Reasons to Use an Instant Pot

  • Faster Cooking Time: The instant pot speeds up the cooking time and gives the same results as the slow cooker!
  • Easy and Convenient: Throw it in and let the Instant Pot do all the work! Perfect for those busy nights when you are short on time.
  • All-In-One Appliance: The Instant Pot does it ALL! Use it to simmer, slow cook, steam, and cook endless recipes.

What is an Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot is a modern-day pressure cooker that speeds up the cooking process! Basically, it’s magic for busy moms! The boiling point rises in the instant pot and traps the steam inside. The hot steam and pressure is what cooks the food. It’s a multi-use appliance that will make your life so much easier. My goal with this guide is to walk you through how it works and to help you feel comfortable using an Instant Pot.

If you’ve ever wondered what an Instant Pot can do, my answer for you is, “What can’t it do?” Yes, an instant pot acts like a pressure cooker, but it does so much more. Use it for sauteing, as a steamer, a rice cooker, a slow cooker, or as a yogurt maker! The possibilities are endless. There are so many Instant Pots on the market, but this guide is going to focus on the classic 6-quart Instant Pot.

Instant Pot Parts

Before we get into all its wonderful functions, let’s talk about its parts. The many parts of an Instant Pot can be overwhelming, but once you know what they all do, you won’t be as intimidated.

  1. Base Unit: The base of your instant pot is where the heating element and control panel live. The base of the instant pot can get hot while it’s in use, don’t handle it without hand protection. 
  2. Inner Pot: The inner pot is where you place the food. Once in use, the inner pot is extremely hot, so be sure to use hand protection!
  3. Lid: The lid contains the pressure valve and gauge. The pressure valve is what controls whether the pressure inside the pot can escape or stays sealed. The pressure gauge pops up when the pressure builds. The gauge drops back down when the pressure is released.
  4. Trivet: Trivets will come with the purchase of your instant pot! They are great for steaming and creating a barrier between certain foods and the bottom of the hot pot. I use the trivet for cooking potatoes and hard-boiling eggs!
  5. How to Place the Trivet in the Pot: Trivets have handles to help lift items in and out of the pot. Hold the handles as you place it in the pot. The handles should rest against the inside walls of the pot.
  6. Silicone Ring: Helps create suction to seal the lid. Simply room it and hand wash it, but be sure it is in place before you use the Instant Pot!
First photo of the instant pot base.
Second photo of the inner pot of the instant pot.
Third photo of the instant pot lid.
Fourth photo of the trivet.
Fifth photo of the trivet inside the inner pot.
Sixth photo of the silicone seal ring being removed.

How to Secure the Lid?

Placing on the lid can be frustrating if you don’t know how. Simply place your hand on the handle and locate the portion of the lid containing the valve and gauge. This portion slides from left to right on the back section of the Instant Pot. Twist and move the lid from left to right to lock the handle in place. If you’re lucky, your model will sing you a quick song to indicate it’s locked correctly!

First photo of a top view of placing the lid on the Instant pot.
Second photo of the lid locking in place on an Instant Pot.

Seal Mode vs. Vent Mode

There are so many different Instant Pot models on the market, but they all have some kind of seal and vent mode. Read your owner’s manual to know how to use your seal and vent mode correctly.

  • Seal Mode: The sealed mode indicates that your instant pot will pressurize and cook. Always be sure it is in the sealed position while cooking. The pressure valve will pop up when the pot is pressurizing. Do not open the instant pot when it is in this mode.
  • Vent Mode: The vent mode indicates that your instant pot will depressurize and will be safe to open. When the pressure valve is down, the lid will easily open and sing a pretty song to you!
First photo of a finger pointing to the seal mode on the lid.
Second photo of a finger pointing to the vent mod on a lid.

Instant Pot Control Panel

The control panel is convenient! It gives options for pre-programmed dishes that make it easy to select for the specific food you are cooking. It takes out the guesswork of programming the time and mode. Every model is different, but I will highlight some of the most used buttons on the control panel.

  • Pressure Cook/ Manual: When in doubt, use this button! Selecting this button allows you to manually enter a cooking time. Close and seal the lid and select steam mode. Press the “pressure cook” button and set it to the desired cook time.
  • +/- Buttons: These buttons are used to adjust cooking time. Select (+) to add time and (-) to decrease time.
  • Digital Screen: The screen will go on when you plug in the Instant Pot. During this time your control panel will say “ON” and when the cooking time has started you will see the numbers counting down the cooking time. Once the cooking time is finished, another timer will start to indicate how many minutes the natural release time is. It takes the Instant Pot a few minutes to heat up and build pressure, so the time will register on the screen when it’s ready.
First photo of turning on the Instant Pot.
Second photo of the time adjusting on the Instant Pot control panel.

Natural Release vs. Quick Release

You will see this a lot when cooking with the instant pot, what it means is whether you let the pressure release on its own, slowly, or quickly by opening the valve. It’s important to follow a recipe when it indicates which pressure release technique to use. Some recipes will say “natural release for 20 minutes” This means you let the instant pot rest for 20 minutes (remember the timer will start when cooking is finished) before opening the valve.

Top view of chicken shredded in an instant pot.

Instant Pot Safety Tips

Instant pots are electric pressure cookers and they can be dangerous if not used properly. Safe handling procedures should be followed when using this appliance. Here are some basic rules to follow, but refer to your owner’s manual for more safety precautions!

  • Use in an Open Space: The countertop away from cupboards is the best way to use an Instant Pot. Hot steam will release from the lid so you don’t want anything in the way.
  • Don’t Block the Vents: Instant pots have vents and pressure valves on the lid. Make sure these are kept free from clutter or objects.
  • Don’t Move It: Don’t try to move or carry the instant pot when it’s under pressure. Leave it on a flat surface and keep it in its place. 
  • Don’t Touch the Hot Surfaces: Always use hand protection when handling the Instant Pot. The metal parts on the lid get very hot while it’s in use. Don’t ever touch it with your bare hands. Use pot holders!
  • Keep Away From Heat: Keep the instant pot away from the stove or an open flame.
  • Don’t Over-Fill the Pot: Overfilling the pot can cause it to leak. It also can undercook your food. A rule of thumb is to leave 2-3 inches of space from the food to the top of the inside pot.

Easy Instant Pot Recipes

Here are a few of my easy go-to recipes to cook in the Instant Pot! There are so many ways to utilize an instant pot. Save the hassle of cooking rice, hard-boiling eggs, or making baked potatoes because it can all be done in the instant pot! I also use it often to cook frozen chicken or to quickly cook soups and stews.

How to Clean an Instant Pot

Always refer to your owner’s manual for the cleaning and care instructions of your Instant Pot. Here are some basic cleaning tips!

  • Cleaning the Inner Pot: You can remove the inner pot from the base and either hand wash it or place it in the dishwasher.
  • Cleaning the Lid: Always hand wash the lid and do not place it in the dishwasher. Remove the silicone sealing ring to clean, but replace it after washing and before using it again. 
  • Cleaning the Base: For the base of the instant pot, you can wipe it down with a damp towel. I like to use a Clorox wipe! Be sure the instant pot is unplugged. Always inspect the body of the instant pot before using it. Be sure there is no liquid or debris inside where the inner pot needs to sit. Keep the steam collector clean if your model has one. 

Classic Dinners Made in the Instant Pot!

Now that you know how to use an Instant Pot, here are a few of my favorite Instant Pot recipes to get you started! Your family will love them all!



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