The Instant Pot is a popular multi-use programmable pressure cooker that can be used for cooking rice, steaming vegetables, making yogurt, and more. One of the most basic functions of the Instant Pot is boiling water. Whether you are using the boiled water for cooking pasta, blanching vegetables, or making tea or coffee, knowing how to boil water in the Instant Pot can come in handy.
What is an Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is an electric pressure cooker that can speed up cooking by using pressure to raise the boiling point of water above 100°C (212°F). This allows food to cook faster. There are several models of Instant Pot, but most have the following functions:
– Pressure cooker – Uses pressure to cook food faster
– Slow cooker – Cooks food at low temperatures for long periods
– Rice cooker – Makes perfect rice every time
– Steamer – Steams vegetables, seafood, etc.
– Sauté – Browns and sautés ingredients
– Yogurt maker – Makes homemade yogurt
– Warmer – Keeps cooked food warm
The Instant Pot has pre-programmed buttons for functions like pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, sautéing, and more. It can be used as a stand-alone appliance or connected to a smartphone app for controlling and programming recipes.
Benefits of using the Instant Pot to boil water
There are a few advantages to using your Instant Pot to boil water:
Speed – The Instant Pot can bring water to a boil faster than boiling on the stovetop. The sealed pot builds up heat and pressure, raising the boiling point above 212°F. This high temperature allows the water to boil rapidly.
Efficiency – Boiling water in the Instant Pot uses less electricity than boiling on the stovetop. The pot maintains heat and pressure, meaning you don’t have to constantly heat the element to keep the water boiling.
Safety – The sealed lid of the Instant Pot contains splatters and prevents spills that can happen when boiling uncovered on the stove. The steam release valve allows you to release pressure safely.
Multitasking – You can boil water in the Instant Pot while using your stovetop and oven for other cooking tasks. The self-contained pot doesn’t take up burner space.
Quantity – The Instant Pot can boil a large quantity of water at once, up to 8 liters depending on your model. Stovetop kettles are limited in capacity.
Step-by-step guide
Follow these simple steps to boil water in your Instant Pot:
1. Add water to Instant Pot inner pot
Remove the inner stainless steel pot from the Instant Pot housing and add the desired amount of water. The inner pot can hold around 8 liters or 8.45 quarts of water depending on your model. For most uses, 2-4 cups of water is sufficient.
2. Place inner pot back into Instant Pot
Once you’ve added water, slide the inner pot back into the Instant Pot outer housing. Make sure it is seated securely.
3. Close lid and set vent to Sealing position
Secure the lid on top of the Instant Pot, making sure it is fully closed. Turn the steam release handle/vent to the Sealing position to allow pressure to build.
4. Select Steam function
Press the Steam button or function key on your Instant Pot. This will bring the water to a rapid boil.
5. Set time
Use the +/- buttons or dial to set the time you want the water to boil. 2-20 minutes is sufficient depending on the amount of water.
6. Wait for Instant Pot to preheat, then begin counting down
Once you’ve selected the Steam function and set the time, the Instant Pot display will change to On as it preheats. After several minutes, the timer will begin counting down.
7. Release pressure after boil cycle finishes
When the timer ends, carefully turn the steam release handle to Venting to release the pressure/steam until the float valve drops down. Then unlock and remove the lid.
8. Remove inner pot and use boiled water
Use oven mitts to remove the hot inner pot. Your boiled water is now ready for use!
Tips for boiling water in the Instant Pot
– Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to help descale and keep the Instant Pot clean over time. The acids in vinegar dissolve scale deposits.
– Don’t fill the inner pot over 2/3 full. Liquids expand when heated and boil over if the pot is too full.
– Let the pressure fully release after boiling before removing the lid. Quick pressure releases can cause splattering.
– Adjust steam release to Venting position right away once done cooking. This lets steam escape rather than continuing to build up pressure.
– Longer boil times over 15 minutes may discolor the inner pot over time. Add some baking soda and water and boil it occasionally to clean.
Common uses for boiled water
Here are some ideas for how to use boiled water from your Instant Pot:
– Cooking pasta – Boiled water in the Instant Pot is great for cooking pasta. Simply add salted water and dry pasta to the inner pot after boiling and cook for the package time. Drain and add your favorite sauce.
– Poaching eggs – Add just-boiled water to a saucepan with a splash of vinegar. Crack eggs into the gently simmering water and cook to desired doneness.
– Blanching vegetables – Quickly boil water in the Instant Pot, then add vegetables of your choice and blanch for 1-3 minutes depending on the veggie. Shock in ice water to stop cooking.
– Making tea or coffee – Replace electric kettles and stovetops by simply boiling your water for tea or French press coffee in the Instant Pot.
– Oatmeal or grains – Boiled water can be combined with steel cut oats, quinoa, farro or other grains in the Instant Pot for fast cooking.
– Sanitizing and cleaning – Let boiled water stand in the Instant Pot for easy cleaning. The hot steam helps loosen food residue.
Boiling water quantities and times
Use the chart below as a guide for suggested times to boil different amounts of water in the Instant Pot:
| Amount of Water | Approx. Time to Boil |
| 1 cup | 2-3 minutes |
| 2 cups | 3-4 minutes |
| 4 cups | 4-6 minutes |
| 8 cups (2 quarts) | 7-9 minutes |
| 12 cups (3 quarts) | 10-12 minutes |
| 16 cups (4 quarts) | 12-15 minutes |
Adjust times as needed based on quantity of water and your Instant Pot model. Let the pressure fully release before removing lid.
Troubleshooting boiled water in the Instant Pot
If you’re having trouble boiling water efficiently in your Instant Pot, try the following fixes:
– Water isn’t coming to pressure – Make sure the lid is fully sealed and the steam release/vent is in Sealing position. Open and re-seat the sealing ring if needed.
– Burn or overheating alert – Don’t leave the Instant Pot unattended. Make sure inner pot has water in it. Add water immediately if dry.
– Boil cycle is slow – Lower quantity of water will boil faster. Make sure heating element is clean.
– Boil cycle is too fast – Higher amounts of water may boil over. Don’t fill inner pot over 2/3 full.
– Float valve not popping up – Tap gently with spoon to release. Make sure it is clean and fully inserted.
– Lid won’t open – Manually move steam release handle to Venting position and wait for pressure to fully release before opening lid.
Conclusion
Boiling water in an Instant Pot is a useful way to quickly and efficiently produce boiling hot water for a variety of uses. By following the proper steps, adjusting quantities and cook times, and keeping the Instant Pot components clean, you’ll be able to boil perfect water every time. Reference the guide and tips above to troubleshoot any issues you encounter with boiling. Now put your Instant Pot to use and boil some water for pasta, oatmeal, coffee, or anything else you need.