The Cooks Essential Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, sautéing, and more. With just one appliance, you can prepare a wide variety of dishes faster and more conveniently. Here is a complete guide on how to use a Cooks Essential Instant Pot to get the most out of this handy gadget.
What is an Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is a popular brand of electric pressure cookers. It is a multifunctional appliance that combines the features of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and warmer in one convenient unit. The Cooks Essential Instant Pot works similarly to the Instant Pot brand but may have slight variations in features and functionality.
Some key things to know about the Cooks Essential Instant Pot:
- It uses electricity to generate pressure and heat to cook food faster.
- It has pre-programmed buttons for common cooking functions like pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, sautéing, and keeping food warm.
- The inner pot is removable and dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
- It has built-in safety features like overheating protection and auto pressure release.
- The lid locks during pressure cooking for safety.
The Instant Pot is able to cook food up to 70% faster by using electric pressure to raise the boiling point of water above 100°C. This allows food to cook faster while retaining more nutrients and flavors compared to other traditional cooking methods.
Parts of the Cooks Essential Instant Pot
Before learning how to use your Instant Pot, it’s helpful to understand the various parts and accessories that come with it:
- Inner Pot – The removable cooking pot that goes inside the housing. This is where you’ll add water and food ingredients. Made from stainless steel or ceramic coated aluminum.
- Outer Housing – The main exterior pot that contains the inner pot and heating elements.
- Lid – The heavy lid that seals the Instant Pot for pressure cooking. It has a steam release valve and float valve.
- Steam Release Valve/Handle – This releases excess pressure and steam before opening the lid. Some models have an anti-block shield.
- Float Valve – Pops up when pressurized. Lets you know when pressure is reached and when it’s safe to open the lid.
- Condensation Collector – Catches excess water from condensation during cooking. Removable for cleaning.
- Control Panel – Houses the buttons, displays, and controls to set cooking programs and times.
- Sealing Ring – The rubber gasket ring that seals the lid to the pot for pressure cooking. Comes out for cleaning.
- Cooking Rack/Trio – Used to elevate food above cooking liquids. Helpful for steaming.
Familiarizing yourself with these parts will help you understand how the Instant Pot works and how to use it properly. Always read the user manual for specific instructions unique to your model.
How to Use the Instant Pot – Step-by-Step
Here is a simple step-by-step guide to using the Instant Pot for pressure cooking:
1. Remove accessories from pot
Open up the Instant Pot box and remove the inner pot and accessories. Wash the inner pot, lid, condensation collector, and other parts with warm soapy water before first use.
2. Add water or broth
Add 2 cups of water or broth to the inner pot for pressure cooking most dishes. This liquid converts to steam to build pressure. Add more or less depending on recipes.
3. Insert inner pot
Place the inner pot back into the Instant Pot housing.
4. Add food to pot
Put all your food ingredients like vegetables, grains, meat, seasoning into the inner pot.
5. Secure the lid
Place the lid on top of the pot. Turn it clockwise until it locks into place and you hear a click. Ensure the pressure release valve is in the Sealing position.
6. Select cooking program
Choose a program like Pressure Cook, Rice, Soup, Meat/Stew, Bean/Chili or manually set time using buttons like Pressure Level, +/-, and Timer.
7. Adjust cook times
Set cooking time using +/- buttons based on recipe directions. Most pressure cook times are 10-30 minutes.
8. Let pressure build
Instant Pot will take 10-15 minutes to preheat and build pressure. The float valve will pop up when pressurized.
9. Release pressure
When cooking completes, release pressure manually or let it release naturally. Turn valve to venting to quick release.
10. Open lid and serve
Open lid away from you once float valve drops. Remove inner pot and serve food using oven mitts. Enjoy your meal!
Pressure Cooking vs. Slow Cooking
Two of the most popular functions of the Instant Pot are pressure cooking and slow cooking. Here’s a comparison:
| Pressure Cooking | Slow Cooking |
|---|---|
| – Uses steam and pressure to cook food quickly | – Cooks food slowly over 2-10 hours |
| – Entire pot reaches higher temperature | – Heats food from bottom at lower temp |
| – Cooks tough meats and veggies in minutes | – Makes stews, roasts, and tender meats |
| – Minimum water/liquid needed | – Requires more liquid |
| – Follows recipe cook times | – Cooks unattended for flexibility |
Pressure cooking is ideal when you want fast cooking times, while slow cooking is great for meals with longer cook times. Both can make flavorful, tender meals with the Instant Pot!
Tips for Getting Started
Here are some useful tips and things to know when learning how to use your Instant Pot for the first time:
- Read the user manual so you understand how to safely use all functions.
- Start with a simple recipe like bone broth, rice porridge, beans, or hard boiled eggs.
- Get used to how long it takes your pot to build pressure and release steam.
- Use cooking trivets or steamer baskets to elevate food above liquids.
- Adjust cooking time and water amounts as you get familiar with recipes.
- Let pressure fully release before attempting to open the lid.
- Clean the lid well after each use, especially the sealing ring.
- Store cooker with the lid upside down so sealing ring can air dry.
Don’t get overwhelmed using your Instant Pot. Experiment with various functions like pressure cooking, sautéing, and slow cooking and you’ll get comfortable with it in no time.
Cleaning Your Instant Pot
Keeping your Instant Pot components clean is important for safety and optimal performance. Follow these tips:
Inner Pot – Wash with hot soapy water after each use. Avoid abrasive scouring pads. Can also be cleaned in the dishwasher.
Lid and Accessories – Wash by hand only with warm water and dish soap. Do not submerge the lid or put it in the dishwasher.
Sealing Ring – Remove and wash after each use. Check for debris or damage. Replace every 12-18 months.
Anti-Block Shield – Wipe clean but do not detach or submerge in liquid.
Float Valve – Wipe down with a damp cloth. Ensure it moves up and down freely.
Condensation Collector – Empty and rinse after each use. Occasionally wash with dish soap and rinse well.
Housing – Wipe exterior housing with a soft cloth and warm soapy water. Do not immerse in liquid.
Descaling – Periodically descale by running a vinegar-water mixture through a pressure cook cycle to remove mineral deposits.
Proper cleaning after each use keeps all Instant Pot components in good working order for safe pressure cooking every time. Refer to manufacturer instructions for detailed cleaning of your model.
Troubleshooting Common Instant Pot Problems
Here are some common Instant Pot problems and how to troubleshoot them:
Pot doesn’t pressurize properly
- Ensure lid is fully sealed and in the locked position
- Check that float valve is popped up and not obstructed
- Sealing ring may be dirty, worn out, or not properly installed
- Reset all seals and valves and run a test steam cycle
Pot loses pressure and steam escapes
- Sealing ring needs replacement due to cracks or damage
- Float valve or anti-block shield clogged with debris
- Lid may be loose or valves positioned incorrectly
- Ensure lid is turned fully into the sealed position
Burnt food warning message appears
- Inner pot bottom needs cleaning
- Avoid excessive browning by using sauté function first
- Add adequate water/liquid as per recipe
- Adjust cooking times based on amount and type of food
Instant Pot won’t turn on
- Make sure Instant Pot is plugged in securely
- Check circuit breaker or try a different outlet
- Reset by unplugging and leaving unplugged for 30 minutes
Always consult the user manual for troubleshooting specific to your Instant Pot model. Contact customer service for any error messages that persist.
Tips for Cooking Common Foods
The Instant Pot can cook almost anything! Here are some tips for cooking common foods:
Rice
- Use 1:1 ratio of rice to water for white rice, adjust as needed
- Rinse rice first to remove excess starch
- Add rice and water to pot and pressure cook for 3 minutes
- Allow 10 minute natural pressure release after cooking
- Fluff with fork before serving
Beans (Unsoaked)
- No need to soak beans beforehand
- Fill pot with beans and water 2-3 inches above beans
- Pressure cook 40-50 minutes for most beans
- Natural release, then drain and season beans
Meat and Poultry
- Trim fat and cut meat into pieces for even cooking
- Add 1 cup water or broth and pressure cook for time specified in recipes
- Allow full natural pressure release for large cuts of meat
- Use meat thermometer to ensure safe internal temperatures
Vegetables
- Cut vegetables into even sized pieces
- Add 1⁄2 cup water and pressure cook for 1-3 minutes
- Quick release pressure and immediately “shock” in ice bath to stop cooking
- Avoid overcooking more delicate vegetables
Adjust cook times and liquid amounts as needed based on food quantities. The possibilities are endless for making delicious Instant Pot meals!
Top Recipe Ideas
Here are 10 must-try Instant Pot recipes to get you started:
1. Chicken Noodle Soup
Pressure cook chicken and vegetables in broth then add egg noodles at the end for an easy chicken noodle soup.
2. Beef Chili
Brown ground beef with onions and garlic, add canned tomatoes, beans, and seasoning. Pressure cook for quick chili.
3. Cheesecake
Make decadent, smooth cheesecake in minutes in your Instant Pot. Perfect recipe for dessert lovers.
4. Hard Boiled Eggs
No more peeling issues! Steam eggs in the Instant Pot for easy-to-peel hard boiled eggs.
5. Pot Roast
Pressure cook pot roast with vegetables for a super tender, fall-apart Sunday supper.
6. Mac and Cheese
Take boxed mac and cheese up a notch by pressure cooking the noodles first. So creamy and delicious.
7. Chili Verde
Pull together flavorful green chili with pork shoulder in about an hour – great for tacos.
8. Lasagna
Assemble lasagna right in the Instant Pot inner pot. Cooks pasta, meat sauce, and cheeses to perfection.
9. Risotto
No constant stirring needed! Cook risotto in Instant Pot for perfect rice texture.
10. Yogurt
Make your own yogurt right in the Instant Pot. Just need milk and plain yogurt for starter.
The options are limitless for making fast, fuss-free meals in the Instant Pot. Browse online for hundreds more Instant Pot recipe ideas.
Conclusion
The Cooks Essential Instant Pot is an incredibly versatile kitchen tool that can be used for pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, and more. Follow this beginner’s guide to understand the parts of your Instant Pot, learn basic functions, clean properly, and start cooking amazing meals.
With some practice, you’ll discover how quick and convenient the Instant Pot is for serving up delicious dishes any night of the week. Refer back to these Instant Pot tips and recipes as you gain more experience using your pressure cooker. Master your Instant Pot and you’ll never want to cook without this handy appliance again!