Overview of the Farberware Instant Pot
The Farberware Instant Pot is a popular electric pressure cooker that can be used for fast, convenient cooking of a wide variety of dishes. It combines the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and warmer in one convenient countertop appliance. The Instant Pot has several preset cooking programs as well as adjustable manual pressure and temperature settings to accommodate many different types of recipes.
One of the key settings on the Instant Pot is the “High” pressure cooking setting. This determines how hot the contents of the inner pot get during pressure cooking. Knowing the right high temperature setting to use can help ensure your recipes turn out perfectly cooked every time.
Default High Setting on the Farberware Instant Pot
The default high pressure setting on most Farberware Instant Pot models is 240°F or 115°C. This is the maximum temperature the inner pot will reach when using the High setting.
240°F/115°C provides very hot, high pressure cooking that is ideal for quickly cooking tough cuts of meat, dense vegetables, and dried beans. It allows food to cook up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods.
When using the High setting, the Instant Pot builds up pressure until it reaches 11-12 psi. This high pressure further raises the internal temperature above the boiling point of water, enabling fast cooking.
Adjusting the High Temperature Setting
While 240°F/115°C is the default, some Farberware Instant Pot models allow you to customize the High setting to your liking. This may be useful if you find certain recipes turn out overdone on the highest heat.
To adjust the High temperature:
- Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” mode on your Instant Pot
- Press the “Adjust” button until the display reads “High”
- Use the “+” or “-” buttons to increase or decrease the temperature setting in increments of 5°
- Press “Adjust” again to confirm the new High temperature setting
The available range for customizing the High setting is typically 104-240°F or 40-115°C.
Lowering the High temp to around 230°F/110°C may be suitable for foods that overcook easily like seafood, veggies, or rice. Raising it up to 240°F/115°C works best for searing and developing flavors in meat before pressure cooking.
Cooking Times on High vs. Lower Pressures
Cooking times will vary depending on if you use the High setting versus lower pressure options. Here is a comparison:
| Food | Cook Time on High (240°F/115°C) | Cook Time on Low (104°F/40°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts (frozen) | 10-12 minutes | 20-25 minutes |
| Pork chops (1-inch thick) | 7-9 minutes | 18-22 minutes |
| Hard boiled eggs | 4-6 minutes | 12-15 minutes |
| Steel cut oats (1 cup dry) | 10-12 minutes | 22-25 minutes |
| Potatoes (medium, cubed) | 6-8 minutes | 10-12 minutes |
| Carrots (1 inch pieces) | 2-3 minutes | 6-8 minutes |
As you can see, the High setting cuts cook times significantly compared to lower pressure options. Use High to get dinner on the table fast. Drop down to lower pressures for gentle simmering or when adapting slow cooker recipes.
Tips for Cooking on High Pressure
Here are some tips to get the best results when using the High setting on your Farberware Instant Pot:
- Use at least 1 cup/250ml liquid – Thin liquids like broth or water create steam and pressure more easily.
- Allow for natural release – Let pressure release naturally for 5-15 minutes before quick releasing. This helps food finish cooking gently.
- Check doneness – Meat and veggies may cook faster than expected on High. Check for doneness a few minutes early.
- Add delicate ingredients later – Hold off on adding dairy, seafood, or greens until after pressure cooking to avoid overcooking.
- Adjust cook times – Start with minimum cook times and adjust up if needed. Err on the side of undercooking.
- Pre-cook meats – Browning or partially cooking meats first helps develop flavor.
With some trial and error, you’ll find the perfect high pressure cook times for your favorite recipes.
Common Foods to Cook on High
The High setting is ideal for cooking these foods:
Tough Cuts of Meat
Cheaper cuts of meat with collagen and connective tissue break down beautifully in the Instant Pot on High. Try chuck roast, pork shoulder, short ribs, oxtails, or chicken thighs.
Dried Beans and Legumes
Beans cooked from dry on High come out perfectly tender in just 20-40 minutes, versus hours on the stovetop.
Dense Vegetables
Hard vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, beets, and carrots turn out great on High pressure. Just adjust timing to avoid overcooking more delicate veggies.
Large Whole Cuts
Cooking big roasts, whole chickens, pork loins, or corned beef on High helps the heat penetrate to the center faster.
Stews, Chilis, and Curries
Thick, hearty stews and braised dishes with meat and veggies cook quickly and benefit from the intense High heat.
Rice and Grains
The High setting is perfect for cooking white rice, brown rice, quinoa, barley, and more. Make sure to use the proper water ratio.
Foods to Avoid Cooking on High
Some foods are better off using lower pressure settings. These include:
- Seafood – Fish and shellfish can overcook easily. Use low pressure.
- Eggs – Make hard boiled eggs on low. Cook scrambled eggs after pressure cooking.
- Vegetables – Quick cooking veggies like spinach and zucchini do best on low.
- Cheese dishes – Dairy-heavy dishes can burn or curdle on very high heat.
- Custards and puddings – Gentle heat works better to set these delicate desserts.
- Fruits – Most fruits are best cooked or added after pressure cooking.
Get to know your Instant Pot and how different ingredients respond on High vs. low. Adjust cook times and pressure levels as needed.
Conclusion
The High setting on the Farberware Instant Pot reaches up to 240°F/115°C pressure and is perfect for cooking chicken, roasts, ribs, dried beans, stews, and more in a fraction of traditional cook times. Pay attention to cook times to avoid overcooking more delicate ingredients. Lower the High temp slightly or use low pressure for foods like fish, eggs, dairy, and vegetables. With some practice, you’ll be able to pressure cook nearly any recipe quickly and perfectly using the High setting.