How Long Does it Take an Instant Pot to Pressurize?
Cooking with an Instant Pot is easy and convenient, but before you can start making your favorite family recipes, you need to let the Instant Pot pressurize. Depending on the size and how much food you’re cooking, this process can take anywhere from a few minutes to upwards of 15. Here’s a closer look at why the Instant Pot needs time to pressurize and how you can speed up the process.
Why Does an Instant Pot Need to Pressurize?
An Instant Pot relies on pressure to cook food quickly and evenly. The pressure built up in the Instant Pot locks heat inside the pot so mealtime favorites, like macaroni and cheese, are done faster than traditional stovetop cooking. But while the Instant Pot is fast, the pressurizing process itself still takes some time.
How Long Does it Take?
The exact time it takes for an Instant Pot to pressurize will depend on the size and amount of food you’re cooking. Here’s a breakdown of the average time it takes to pressurize:
- 3 Quart Instant Pot: 5-7 minutes
- 6 Quart Instant Pot: 8-10 minutes
- 8 Quart Instant Pot: 10-15 minutes
How to Speed Up the Pressurizing Process
If you need your Instant Pot to finish pressurizing quickly, there are a few things you can do to speed the process up. Here are a few tips:
- Make sure the lid is closed securely and the pressure valve is set to “sealing.” This will help the Instant Pot pressurize faster.
- Add 1/2 cup of cold water at the bottom of the pot. This helps to avoid the “burn” message.
- Use the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button to start the cooking process. This will pressurize quickly.
- If you’re cooking a large amount of food, prewarm the liquid by bringing it to a simmer before adding it to the Instant Pot.
By following these steps, you can make sure your Instant Pot pressurizes quickly so that you can enjoy delicious meals in no time!
