For all of you who have Instant Pots or for those of you thinking of purchasing one. The control panel can seem overwhelming, and each new model is like a new smart phone with new features and buttons. Trying to figure it all out sometimes feels like a daunting task. I hope I can help you out just a little bit.
Instant Pot® is a programmed smart cooker that has preset cooking times for different food ingredients and cooking methods. It also remembers your most recent setting per cooking program for a more personalized cooking experience. To return to factory default settings, press Keep Warm/Cancel to return cooker to standby mode displaying OFF, then press and hold the Adjust key for 3 seconds.
The Adjust key switches cooking modes between Less, Normal and More. Return to factory default setting by pressing and holding the Adjust key for 3 seconds when the cooker is in standby mode.
The Keep Warm/Cancel key ends a cooking program at any time. Once a cooking program is selected, the Auto Keep Warm function is ON by default but it can be turned OFF by pressing the same cooking program key again. The function light indicator will turn OFF
| Program | Mode | Time | Suggested Uses | Notes |
| Soup / Broth | Less Normal More | 20 30 4.00 | Vegetable soup Soup with meat Rich bone broth | The soup/broth remains clear due to lack of boiling motion under pressure cooking. |
| Meat/Stew | Less Normal More | 20 35 45 | Soft texture Very soft Fall off the bone | Choose different modes based on the meat texture desired. |
| Poultry | Less Normal More | 5 15 30 | Soft texture Very soft Fall off the bone | Choose different modes based on the meat texture desired. |
| Cake | Less Normal More | 25 40 50 | Light moist Denser moist Cheesecakes | Adjust cooking time for different recipes. |
| Egg | Less Normal More | 4 5 6 | Soft boiled Medium boiled Hard boiled | Pre-set times are intended for extra large eggs. Adjust cooking time to account for different egg sizes. |
| Saute/Brown | Less Normal More | 30 | Simmer & reduce Vegetables Browning Meats | NEVER have the lid on when sautéing. Maximum time is 30 minutes as a safety precaution. |
| Rice | N/A | White rice varieties | Automated cooking program. The Adjust and +/- keys will not work in this program | |
| Multigrain | Less Normal More | 20 40 60 | Wild Rice Brown Rice Rice & Mix of beans | Choose different modes based on the type of grains and the desired texture. |
| Porridge | Less Normal More | 5 20 20 | Oatmeal Porridge/Congee Rice / beans | DO NOT use Quick Release as thick liquid will spatter out and block the pressure release valve. |
| Beans/Chili | Less Normal More | 25 30 40 | Firmer Softer Very soft | Choose setting based on bean texture desired, or adjust cook time manually. When cooking beans or legumes, always use NR to release pressure. Ensure dry beans are completely submerged in water. |
| Steam | Less Normal More | 3 10 15 | Vegetable Seafood Meat | Use the steam rack provided to elevate food above the water. Use Quick Release method to prevent food from overcooking. |
| Manual | N/A | Manual programming of cooking time | Press the + / – keys to change cooking time. The Adjust key will not work in this program |