The float valve on an Instant Pot serves an important safety function. Whether the float valve should be up or down depends on the stage of cooking you are in. During the pressurized cooking phase, the float valve must be up and popped for the Instant Pot to build pressure. Once cooking is complete, the float valve will drop down on its own as the pot depressurizes. The position of the float valve indicates the pressure state inside the pot.
What is the float valve on an Instant Pot?
The float valve is a small silver post with a round cap on top that sticks up from the lid of the Instant Pot. It is part of the pot’s pressure release system. When the Instant Pot pressurizes, steam pushes up on the float valve, causing it to rise up and “pop” into the upright position. This signals that pressure has been achieved inside the pot. The float valve stays up as long as pressure is maintained. When you turn the Instant Pot off, the float valve will drop back down on its own as the pot depressurizes. The float valve works together with the silicone seal to trap steam and allow pressure to build up.
Float Valve Positions
There are two main positions for the float valve:
- Down – The float valve is down when the Instant Pot is not pressurized. You will see the silver post laying flat against the lid. This indicates there is no pressure inside.
- Up – The float valve pops up vertically when the Instant Pot is pressurized during cooking. Steam pushes the float valve up into the upright position where it will remain as long as pressure is maintained.
Checking the Float Valve
It’s important to check the position of the float valve at different points when using your Instant Pot:
- Before cooking – Verify the float valve is down before you lock the lid and start cooking. This confirms there is no leftover pressure inside from previous use.
- During cooking – The float valve must pop up and remain up during pressurized cooking. This indicates the pot has pressurized and reached cooking temperature.
- After cooking – Don’t open the lid until the float valve drops back down on its own. This signals that all internal pressure has been released and it is safe to open.
Should the Float Valve Be Up During Cooking?
Yes, the float valve must be in the upright “popped” position during the entire pressurized cooking time. This signals that sufficient pressure has built up inside the Instant Pot for cooking to occur. Food can’t be cooked properly under pressure unless the float valve is up.
What Happens If the Float Valve Doesn’t Pop Up?
If the float valve refuses to pop up after you’ve started cooking, it likely means one of the following:
- There is an improper seal – Check that the silicone sealing ring is clean, undamaged, and properly installed in the lid. Make sure the lid is also rotated to the fully locked position.
- Not enough liquid – The minimum amount of thin liquid wasn’t added to the Instant Pot. Add at least 1 cup of water or other liquid.
- Overfilled pot – Ingredients and liquid shouldn’t pass the max fill line. Reduce the volume of food and liquid to under the 2/3 full mark.
- Float valve is obstructed – Make sure the float valve itself is clean and nothing is blocking it from rising freely.
If the float valve still won’t pop up, the Instant Pot may have a faulty seal or lid components in need of repair or replacement.
What If the Float Valve Drops Mid-Cooking?
It’s extremely rare, but if the float valve happens to drop back down while cooking is still underway, that indicates pressure has been lost inside the pot. This could be due to:
- Temporary steam release – Some pressure relief may occur through the steam release valve or around the lid seal and cause the float to drop briefly. This usually repairs itself and the float will pop back up as pressure rebuilds.
- Bad lid seal – If the silicone ring is worn out or missing, steam and pressure can leak out from the lid. Immediately turn off the Instant Pot and verify the lid seal.
- Clog in venting system – Food debris or other gunk could be blocking the steam release pipe, causing pressure loss. Inspect vents for obstructions.
Turn off the Instant Pot immediately if the float valve drops mid-cooking and does not pop back up. Let the pot cool and inspect for problems before attempting to use it again.
Should the Float Valve Be Down After Cooking?
Yes, the float valve must be in the down (depressed) position after cooking is finished before it is safe to open the Instant Pot. This signals that all internal pressure has been released.
Natural Pressure Release
After turning off the Instant Pot, allow the float valve to drop down on its own through natural pressure release. This can take 10-20 minutes. Do not force the float valve down or open the lid until it has fully dropped.
Quick Pressure Release
To speed up depressurization after cooking, you can manually release pressure by turning the steam release handle to Venting. Steam will rush out and the float valve will quickly drop down, usually within a couple minutes. Only use quick release as directed in recipes to avoidOverflow errors.
What If the Float Valve Stays Up?
If the float valve refuses to come down after cooking, the Instant Pot is still pressurized inside and not safe to open. DO NOT try to force the lid open. Make sure the pressure release valve is open. If needed, gently press down on the float valve with a wooden spoon to release any remaining pressure until it drops.
A stuck float valve usually means there is debris or buildup that is obstructing the venting system. Inspect the steam release valve and float valve for any food or mineral deposits that could be blocking proper pressure release.
Key Float Valve Safety Tips
- Always check that the float valve is down before locking the lid to start cooking.
- Never open the lid until the float valve has dropped on its own after cooking is complete.
- If float valve fails to rise during cooking or drops prematurely, turn off the Instant Pot immediately.
- Do not jam or alter the float valve mechanism. Proper pressure regulation is essential for safe operation.
- Keep float valve parts clean and free of obstructions for optimal function.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my Instant Pot float valve go down?
If the float valve stays popped up after cooking, residual pressure likely remains inside the Instant Pot. Make sure the pressure release valve is in the Venting position to allow steam to escape. Gently pressing the float valve with a wooden spoon can help release remaining pressure and lower the float. A clogged pressure release valve from food debris or mineral buildup can also prevent the float from lowering.
Can I open the Instant Pot if the float valve is still up?
No, never attempt to force open the lid when the float valve is still popped up. This indicates the Instant Pot remains pressurized and is not safe to open yet. Always wait until the float valve drops down on its own, signalling all internal pressure has been released. Forcing the lid when under pressure can lead to dangerous steam and food ejection.
What does it mean if the float valve won’t go up?
If the float valve refuses to rise into the popped up position during cooking, it likely means the Instant Pot hasn’t properly pressurized. This could be caused by an improper lid seal, insufficient liquid, overfilled pot, float valve obstruction, or faulty components. Turn off the Instant Pot and inspect for any issues preventing pressurization before attempting to use it again.
Should I clean the float valve after each use?
It’s a good idea to wipe down the float valve with a damp cloth after each use of the Instant Pot to keep it clean. Remove any splatter of food debris that could obstruct steam release. Give the float valve a thorough cleaning by removing and soaking it if you notice any mineral buildup from water or sticky residue that could impede function.
How do you release a stuck float valve?
If the float valve is stuck popped up after cooking, first make sure the pressure release valve is turned to Venting so steam can escape the pot. Press gently on the float valve with a wooden spoon to release any remaining trapped pressure. Use a paperclip to clean out the steam release valve and tube of any obstructions. Check that the silicone sealing ring is installed properly and free of debris or damage. Replace valve components if needed.
What does it mean if float valve drops during cooking?
If the float valve drops back down during the cooking process, it indicates the Instant Pot has lost pressure and is no longer cooking under pressure as intended. This can happen briefly if a small steam leak occurs but should repair itself as pressure rebuilds. If the float valve stays down, immediately turn off the Instant Pot, as the food won’t cook properly or safely without adequate pressure.
Can you force the float valve down?
No, never try to push or hold down the float valve until all internal pressure has been naturally released after cooking. Forcing the float valve down bypasses a critical safety mechanism and could lead to a dangerous steam explosion when opening the pressurized pot. Allow the float valve to drop on its own through natural or quick release methods only.
Should float valve jiggle when cooking?
It’s normal for the float valve to jiggle slightly during pressurized cooking. As steam escapes through the valve, small pressure fluctuations can cause the float to jitter up and down a bit. However, it should remain popped up and not drop back down completely or pressure will be lost. A large amount of jiggling or rattling could indicate a steam leak or defect.
Conclusion
Monitoring the position of the float valve is crucial for safe operation of your Instant Pot. The float valve must be up during pressurized cooking to indicate the pot has reached and is maintaining pressure. After cooking, the float valve must come down through natural release before you can safely open the lid. Never attempt to force open the Instant Pot until the float valve verifies all pressure has been released. Keeping the float valve clean and free of obstructions allows it to work properly for pressure regulation and safety.
Related Articles:
Pressure Cooking Basics: https://www.healthycanning.com/pressure-canning-basics
Instant Pot Common Problems and Solutions: https://www.paintthekitchenred.com/common-instant-pot-problems-and-solutions/
Beginner’s Guide to the Instant Pot: https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-use-an-instant-pot-the-essential-guide-for-beginners-248827
Instant Pot Safety Tips: https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/instant-pot-safety-tips/