Overview
The Instant Pot IP Lux is one of the most popular electric pressure cookers on the market. It has several different cooking functions, including a manual pressure cooking mode. To use the Instant Pot IP Lux on manual high pressure mode, there are just a few simple steps to follow. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through everything you need to know to successfully set the Instant Pot IP Lux to manual high pressure cooking.
What is the Instant Pot IP Lux?
The Instant Pot IP Lux is a 6-in-1 programmable electric pressure cooker created by Instant Brands. It combines the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, and yogurt maker. This versatility makes it an extremely useful and convenient kitchen appliance.
Some key features and specifications of the Instant Pot IP Lux include:
- 1000 watts of power
- 6 quart capacity
- 14 smart programs for specific foods like soup, meat, rice, steam, etc.
- Manual pressure cooking mode
- Adjustable temperature and time settings
- 24-hour delay start timer
- Automatic keep warm function
- 3 temperatures for sautéing and slow cooking
With these functions and features, the Instant Pot IP Lux allows you to pressure cook foods up to 70% faster while retaining nutrients and flavor. Its versatility also lets you prepare a wide variety of dishes with just one appliance.
Benefits of Using Manual High Pressure
The manual high pressure setting on the Instant Pot IP Lux provides a few key advantages:
- Full control over pressure time – You can precisely set the duration for how long you want food to cook under pressure.
- Higher temperature – At the high pressure setting, the internal temperature reaches around 240°F compared to around 229°F on low pressure. This higher heat helps food cook faster.
- Ability to adjust pressure release – After manual cooking, you can either allow a natural pressure release or manually release pressure. This lets you fine-tune textures.
- Works for any recipe – Manual mode works for recipes that don’t have a pre-programmed setting.
Compared to using one of the pre-set smart programs, the manual high pressure setting gives you more direct control over timing and pressure release. This makes it ideal for following recipes precisely or experimenting with your own pressure cooking methods.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to start using the manual high pressure setting on your Instant Pot IP Lux:
1. Add food and liquid to pot
Add your ingredients to the stainless steel inner pot. For most recipes, you’ll need at least 1 cup of liquid to reach high pressure. However, refer to your specific recipe for exact liquid amounts.
The inner pot can hold up to 6 quarts of food and liquid combined. Don’t fill past the max fill line on the interior of the pot.
2. Secure the lid
Place the lid on top of the Instant Pot inner pot. Turn it clockwise until you hear it click and lock into place. The lid has a floating valve that will rise up and down while cooking to maintain steady pressure.
3. Select “Manual” mode
Press the “Manual” button on the front control panel. This will bring up pressure cooking options on the display screen.
4. Choose high pressure
Use the +/- buttons or turn the dial to toggle between high and low pressure cooking presets. Select “High Pressure”.
5. Set the time
Use the +/- buttons or turn the dial to set your desired cooking time in minutes. Most recipes will specify exactly how many minutes are needed for high pressure cooking time.
You can set the time from just 1 minute all the way up to 4 hours. Make sure to choose the time recommended in your specific recipe.
6. Allow the pot to pressurize
Once you’ve selected the high pressure mode and set the time, there’s nothing else to do! The Instant Pot will automatically bring the internal contents up to high pressure. This takes around 10-15 minutes.
The floating valve will pop up to the top when pressure is reached and the cook time will start counting down.
7. Allow pressure to release
After the cook time ends, you can either manually or naturally release the pressure.
To manually release, carefully turn the steam release handle to the venting position to let out steam until the float valve drops down.
For natural release, just leave the pot alone and wait for the float valve to come down on its own as pressure reduces, which can take 10-30 minutes.
8. Open the pot and serve
Once the floating valve has dropped, you can safely open the lid by turning it counter-clockwise. Use oven mitts for protection when opening. Your food is now ready to serve!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some handy tips and tricks to get the most out of using manual high pressure on your Instant Pot IP Lux:
- Get to know your pressure release preferences – Some recipes come out better with quick release vs. natural. Figure out what works best for various foods.
- Prevent clogging – Make sure the steam release valve is clear of any food debris before locking the lid.
- Adjust cooking time – The cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the amount and density of food. Less food typically cooks faster.
- Use natural release for large volumes of liquid – Releasing too quickly can cause a messy overflow.
- Allow resting time – Let meals sit for 5-10 minutes after cooking so flavors can develop.
- Keep track of timing – Manual mode doesn’t automatically switch to a keep warm setting.
Common Mistakes
It’s easy to make some mistakes when you first start pressure cooking manually. Here are some common errors to avoid:
- Not adding enough liquid – The minimum amount is 1 cup, but some recipes require more.
- Overfilling the pot – Ingredients and liquid shouldn’t pass the max fill line.
- Forgetting to seal the steam release valve – This must be in the sealed position for pressure to build.
- Releasing pressure too quickly – Always use natural release for large volumes of liquid or dense foods.
- Opening the lid before pressure is fully released – This can lead to dangerous steam and spattering.
- Setting the incorrect cook time – Double check recipes and adjust as needed based on amount.
With practice, using the Instant Pot IP Lux on manual mode will become second nature. Always focus on safely releasing pressure before trying to open the lid.
Conclusion
Using the Instant Pot IP Lux on manual high pressure setting gives you complete control over cook times while still providing fast pressure cooking. By following the steps above, you can easily set the desired pressure cooking time and release method. Some key takeaways include:
- Manual mode works for any recipe and provides flexibility.
- High pressure reaches hotter temperatures for quicker cooking.
- Natural or quick release can be used to fine-tune food textures.
- Pay close attention to pressure release to avoid accidents.
- Adjust cook times based on amount and ingredients.
With all of these tips in mind, you’ll be pressure cooking like a pro on your Instant Pot IP Lux in no time! Let us know in the comments if you have any other manual high pressure tips or tricks.