The Instant Pot is an electric pressure cooker that has become extremely popular in recent years for its convenience and versatility. However, there are important safety considerations when using a pressure cooker like the Instant Pot. One of the most important things to know is how to determine when it is safe to open the Instant Pot after cooking.
What are the dangers of opening the Instant Pot prematurely?
The Instant Pot cooks food quickly by creating a sealed, pressurized environment inside the inner pot. This high-pressure environment allows the temperature inside the pot to rise above the normal boiling point of water, which speeds up cooking times dramatically. However, all this pressurized steam can be very dangerous if you open the lid before depressurizing the Instant Pot. When you release the pressure too quickly, the sudden escape of steam can lead to serious burns.
Another hazard is that superheated liquids inside a pressurized environment can boil over very violently if pressure is released too quickly. This can lead to scalding hot liquids bubbling up and out of the Instant Pot when you open the lid. Even just a quick release of pressure before fully depressurizing can cause food particles to splatter upwards when the lid is opened. Therefore, it’s crucial to make sure pressure is completely normalized inside the Instant Pot before attempting to open it.
How to know when the Instant Pot is safe to open
Here are some tips to determine when it is safe to open the Instant Pot after cooking:
- Wait for the float valve to drop – The float valve is the small silver post that pops up when the Instant Pot pressurizes. When the float valve drops back down, it means the internal pressure has normalized and steam has been safely released.
- Check the pressure indicator – Many Instant Pot models have a pressure indicator with the word “Normal” to indicate when pressure inside the pot has been equalized with normal air pressure.
- Allow for natural pressure release – After cooking, you can allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure over time, which usually takes 15-20 minutes. This gradual release prevents splattering.
- Quick release remaining pressure – After natural pressure release, you can quick release any remaining pressure by carefully switching the pressure release valve to “Venting.” Steam will rush out so keep hands and face clear.
- Open the lid away from you – Once the float valve drops, you can open the lid. But lift it carefully tilting it away from you to prevent steam or liquids from splattering towards you.
- Give it a few more minutes if unsure – If you are ever unsure if all the pressure has been released, allow a few more minutes before attempting to open the lid just to be safe.
What are the different pressure release methods?
There are a few different methods you can use to depressurize the Instant Pot and release internal steam/pressure before opening the lid:
- Natural pressure release (NPR): After cooking, you simply wait until the float valve drops on its own, which can take 15-20 minutes. This is the safest method.
- Quick pressure release (QPR): After cooking, turn the pressure release valve to “Venting” to manually release remaining steam/pressure. Only use QPR after allowing for NPR.
- Slow pressure release (SPR): Like NPR, you allow the pot to naturally lose pressure, but intermittently flip the pressure release valve to venting to gradually release remaining pressure.
Keep in mind that quick pressure release can cause splattering, so natural pressure release is recommended for very liquid-heavy dishes. Also, quick releasing hot soups/stews can cause a volcano effect when you open the lid.
Indications the Instant Pot is not ready to be opened
Here are some signs that indicate the Instant Pot is still pressurized and not ready to be opened yet:
- The float valve is still popped up.
- The pressure indicator still reads anything other than “Normal.”
- Steam is still being released through the pressure valve in a steady stream (it should only release intermittently).
- You hear hissing noises coming from the Instant Pot’s sealing ring.
- The Instant Pot’s lid is still difficult to turn and won’t open.
- Liquid or steam spits out when you nudge the pressure valve.
If any of these signs are still present, do not attempt to force the Instant Pot open. Be patient and keep waiting until the float valve fully drops.
Is it dangerous to do a Quick Pressure Release?
While quick pressure release (QPR) can seem like an unsafe method because of the intense steam that is forcefully released, it is generally considered safe when used properly after allowing for sufficient natural pressure release time. Here are some guidelines for safely quick releasing pressure:
- Only use QPR after allowing roughly 10-15 minutes of natural pressure release first.
- Keep hands, face, and body away from the steam jetting out from the valve.
- Use towels or oven mitts to turn the pressure release valve if the pot is still extremely hot.
- Turn the valve away from you but keep your hands clear.
- Only QPR for 1-2 minutes at a time before allowing more NPR time.
- Be aware that some foods may sputter or spurt out steam/liquid.
As long as you take proper precautions, quick releasing remaining pressure after an initial natural pressure release period is generally considered safe. However, skip QPR entirely for very liquid-heavy dishes prone to splattering.
Tips to open the Instant Pot safely
Here are some additional tips for safely releasing pressure and opening the Instant Pot after cooking:
- Always open the lid tilting it away from you to prevent steam or food from splashing towards you.
- Use long cooking utensils to nudge or lift the sealing ring, which can become very hot.
- If the float valve is still up or lid won’t open, do not force it – wait longer.
- Reset the pressure release valve to “Sealing” after releasing pressure to prevent leaks.
- Leave the lid off for a few minutes before removing the inner pot.
- Use oven mitts when removing the inner pot since it will be extremely hot.
- Let any liquids settle before attempting to pour or drain them from the Instant Pot.
Common mistakes
Here are some common mistakes people make when releasing pressure in an Instant Pot and determining if it’s safe to open.
- Not waiting long enough for natural pressure release – Be patient and allow at least 10-15 minutes NPR time.
- Skipping NPR and going straight to QPR – Always allow for natural release before quick release.
- Opening the lid before float valve drops – This can cause dangerous splattering.
- Forcing the lid open when it’s stuck – If the Instant Pot won’t open, wait longer.
- Looking directly over the pot when releasing pressure – Keep face clear of steam jetting from valve.
- Putting hands directly in steam path – Use towels or mitts to turn pressure release valve.
- Not being aware of overflow when releasing pressure – Don’t fill inner pot too high.
Releasing the pressure from an Instant Pot must be done with care. But if you follow the proper steps and indications outlined above, you will know when it is truly safe to open the Instant Pot after cooking.
FAQs
How long should you naturally release pressure?
For most dishes, allow 10-15 minutes of natural pressure release time before doing a quick release of remaining pressure. Soups, stews, chilis and very liquid-heavy foods may need up to 20 minutes natural release time. Allow extra time if cooking at higher pressure settings.
Can you open the Instant Pot when the float valve is still up?
No, do not open the Instant Pot until the float valve drops down. The float valve being popped up indicates there is still built up pressure inside the Instant Pot. Opening it too soon can lead to dangerous splattering of scalding liquids.
Why won’t my Instant Pot lid open even when the float valve is down?
If the float valve has dropped but the lid still won’t open, the pot may still have a bit of residual pressure. Allow it a few more minutes to normalize and only open it once the lid turns freely. Forcing it open can damage the sealing ring.
Can I quick release as soon as the Instant Pot beeps?
No, don’t quick release pressure as soon as the Instant Pot finishes cooking. The quick pressure release function should only be used after allowing roughly 10-15 minutes of natural pressure release time first.
Is it okay to do a quick release for soups and stews?
Quick releasing something like a soup or stew right after cooking can cause it to splatter everywhere when you open the lid. Liquid-heavy dishes like these require a longer natural release time of 15-20 minutes before doing a quick pressure release.
What setting should I use to release pressure?
Most Instant Pots have a “Venting” button or setting you press to manually quick release pressure. Make sure it is switched back to “Sealing” after releasing pressure to prevent steam leaks.
Conclusion
Releasing pressure and properly opening an Instant Pot takes patience and care. Always allow plenty of natural pressure release time based on what you’re cooking before attempting a quick release. Monitor the float valve, pressure indicator, hissing sounds, and steam flow to determine when pressure has normalized. Use caution when opening the lid by tilting it away and lifting carefully. Follow these tips, and you’ll master the art of safely releasing pressure and opening your Instant Pot after cooking.