What to do if Instant Pot Won’t Come to Pressure
Having trouble getting your Instant Pot to come to pressure? You’re not alone — many people have faced the same issue. But don’t worry, there are a few things you can try to get your Instant Pot back to peak performance!
Check the Sealing Ring
The first step is to make sure your sealing ring is fully in place. This ring seals the cooker, preventing steam from escaping and allowing your Instant Pot to come to pressure. If the sealing ring is too loose, it might not be able to properly create a seal.
Check the Ventilation Knob
If the sealing ring is correctly positioned, the next thing you should check is the ventilation knob. This knob can be adjusted up and down to regulate the pressure inside the pot. If it’s not in the right position, that could be why your Instant Pot is having trouble coming to pressure.
Check the Steam Release Valve
The steam release valve should also be in the “Sealing” position. If it’s switched to “Venting”, that could be why your Instant Pot won’t come to pressure.
Check for Blockages
It’s also possible that there could be a blockage in the steam release valve or the valve stem. To check for this, remove the valve and steam release stem, and check for any blockages or debris.
Cleaning the Instant Pot
If the valve is clear, then it’s time to check the Instant Pot itself. Start by unplugging the cooker and removing all the parts. Wipe them down and check for any food particles or debris that could be blocking the valve or stem.
Adding Liquid
If the Instant Pot is clean, the next thing you should do is make sure there’s enough liquid in the cooker. You should add at least a cup of liquid before cooking, to make sure there’s enough steam for the pot to come to pressure.
Perform a Pressure Test
Once you’ve checked all these areas and ensured everything is in place, it’s time to perform a pressure test. This will allow you to see if the Instant Pot is working properly and building pressure like it should.
If all these steps fail to work, it’s possible that your Instant Pot is defective. In that case, contact the manufacturer for further instructions.
Common Problems to Look Out For:
- Incorrectly positioned sealing ring — Make sure the sealing ring is firmly in place.
- Incorrectly adjusted ventilation knob — Make sure the knob is in the correct position.
- Open steam release valve — Make sure the valve is in the “Sealing” position.
- Blockage in the steam release valve or stem — Check for and remove any blockages.
- Not enough liquid in the cooker — Make sure there’s at least a cup of liquid before cooking.
With these steps you should be able to get your Instant Pot up and running again. Still having trouble? Contact the manufacturer for further instructions.
