Now that you know what an Instant Pot is, and you have finally gotten one sitting in your kitchen, where do you start? The Instant Pot Water Test is not necessary to begin using your pressure cooker, but it is a good place to start!
Why Do the Water Test
As stated above, the water test is not necessary, but it is a good place to start. There are a few reasons why you would want to do a water test before you begin cooking. Here are some reasons to start here:
- The water test allows you to make sure your Instant Pot is working properly.
- You can get used to the buttons and settings without fear of messing up a dish.
- It helps you feel comfortable using it, so you aren’t scared when you start cooking.
What Happens During an Instant Pot Water Test
Before you start your water test, it is important to know what to expect. Many people begin this process and think it is not working. So, keep these things in mind while you are doing the test.
It Takes time for the IP to Come to Pressure
Before your Instant Pot begins counting down time, it must reach pressure. It can take up to 20-minutes for your pot to come to pressure. Be patient! While it is coming to pressure, you will see that it says “on” or “keep warm.”
It Beeps when it Comes to Pressure
Once your Instant Pot comes to pressure, it will beep. At this point, you will notice that the time you set the Instant Pot for will show up on the screen. The time will begin counting down. Once it is done, it will beep again.
It Automatically Does Natural Release
Once your Instant Pot is done cooking, it will automatically begin the natural release process. If you let it naturally release, it will release all the pressure in 15-20 minutes. Your Instant Pot will read L 00:00 and begin counting time up.
Step By Step Instant Pot Water Test
Now that you know what to expect when using your Instant Pot, it is time to begin the water test. Follow these step by step directions:
Step 1: Pour 2-3 cups of water into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. The manual suggests using 3-cups.
Step 2: Place the lid on your Instant Pot. You want the arrows on the lid and pot to be pointing at each other. then you can turn the lid to the left to lock it.
Step 3: Next, you will want to turn the steam release hand on the top of the lid to the “sealing” position. On the Duo you push it up to this position and on the Lux you put it in the center.
Step 4: Then, push the “manual” or “pressure cook” button to start cooking. Use the + or – buttons to change the time to 2-minutes. Let your Instant Pot do its thing!
Step 5: Once your instant Pot beeps and you see the L 00:00 displayed, you can then release the pressure. To do this, you will do a quick release. This is when you turn the steam release valve from “sealing” to “venting.
You have now completed the water test!
The Instant Pot Water Test Failed Now What?
Usually there are no problems with the water test. However, if you do the water test and get a burn notice, your pot doesn’t ever come to pressure, or you feel it has failed, here are some things you can do:
- Check your inner seal: This is the rubber piece that is along the inside rim of the lid could not be on correctly. This will prevent it from coming to pressure.
- Make sure the valve was in the sealing position: You will know this wasn’t done if you see steam being released from it during the process.
- Make sure the lid is sealed correctly: If the lid doesn’t lock, your pot will not work properly.
- Try using less or more water: If you have a burn notice, add another ¾ cup of water and try again. If it isn’t coming to pressure take out ¾ cup of water.
- Contact Instant Pot Support: If all else fails, click the link to talk to a support person.
If your test was a success, try making our Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce or our Instant Pot Curry Chicken and Rice.
