The Instant Pot is one of the most popular kitchen appliances on the market today. This multi-cooker allows you to pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, and more with just the touch of a button. One of the signature features of the Instant Pot is the plastic piece on the lid, but what exactly is this part and what does it do?
The Purpose of the Plastic Piece
The plastic piece on the Instant Pot is called the steam release handle or steam release valve. This important part serves a few key functions:
- Allows steam to escape – The main purpose of the steam release valve is to provide a way for steam to escape during and after cooking. As food cooks under pressure, steam needs to vent from the pot.
- Regulates pressure – The valve regulates the pressure level inside the Instant Pot. As steam releases through the valve, it prevents too much pressure from building up.
- Locks/unlocks lid – The valve locks the lid in place during cooking. Flipping the valve to the sealing position keeps the lid locked and allows pressure to build. Turning it to the venting position unlocks the lid so you can open it.
- Releases pressure – You can manually release pressure by turning the valve to venting. This quickly lets steam escape so you can open the lid faster.
So in summary, the main jobs of the plastic steam release piece are regulating pressure, locking the lid, and providing a way to manually release steam and pressure as needed.
How the Steam Release Valve Works
The steam release valve is connected to a rubber gasket on the inside of the lid. Here is a step-by-step look at how it works:
- Sealing position – When the handle is pointed to the sealing marker, it keeps the valve in the closed position. This seals the steam inside the Instant Pot.
- Pressure builds – With the valve closed, pressure can build up inside the pot as your food cooks.
- Steam release – To release steam/pressure, you turn the valve to the venting position. This lifts the valve and allows steam to escape through the opening.
- Normal position – The valve has a normal/open position that it sits in after releasing pressure. This keeps the valve lightly lifted so residual steam can escape.
The valve relies on a simple mechanism of lifting and sealing the opening to regulate internal pressure. When closed, pressure builds up. When lifted, pressure is released.
Importance of the Steam Release Valve
The steam release valve serves several crucial safety and functioning purposes:
- Pressure regulation – It allows you to safely build up pressure and release it as needed.
- Avoid over-pressurization – The valve prevents dangerous over-pressurization by giving steam an escape route.
- Locks the lid – Keeping the valve sealed locks the lid in place during cooking.
- Releases pressure – Flipping the handle to venting lets you quickly reduce pressure and open the pot.
- Safety – The valve provides a safer way to release pressure versus opening the lid.
Without the steam release handle, pressure would build uncontrolled in the pot. Food wouldn’t cook properly and you couldn’t open the lid until pressure reduced. The valve gives you control over pressure.
What Happens if the Valve Clogs?
It’s possible for the steam release valve to become clogged with food particles or mineral deposits over time. Here’s what happens if the valve becomes clogged:
- Pressure can’t release properly – A clogged valve prevents steam from releasing smoothly.
- Longer cook times – Food may take longer to cook since adequate pressure can’t build up.
- Potential over-pressurization – A fully blocked valve could lead to dangerous over-pressurization.
- Unable to open lid – You may not be able to open the lid if pressure can’t release through the valve.
- Steam rushes out – Built up pressure may rush out suddenly when you open the pot, creating a burn risk.
A clogged valve prevents the Instant Pot from functioning correctly. It’s important to keep the valve clean and free of obstructions.
Cleaning the Steam Release Valve
Here are some tips for cleaning the steam release valve:
- Check for debris – Regularly inspect the valve for any visible food debris clogging the opening.
- Remove and wash – Take the valve off and wash it with warm water and a brush to scrub away stuck-on bits.
- Descale – You can use a descaling solution or white vinegar + water to dissolve mineral buildup.
- Use a pin – Carefully use a thin pin or needle to loosen debris from the valve opening.
- Replace – If the valve becomes overly grimy or damaged, replace it with a new one.
It’s a good idea to inspect and clean the valve after every few uses of the Instant Pot. This preventative care keeps steam releasing smoothly.
Steam Release Valve Positions
The steam release valve can be turned to three different positions:
- Sealing – Turned to have the handle aligned with the sealing marker. Keeps the valve closed so pressure can build.
- Venting – Handle turned to the venting marker. Opens the valve so steam releases.
- Normal/open – Default position where valve is lightly open to keep releasing residual steam.
Understanding these valve positions allows you to control pressure during the Instant Pot cooking process.
| Valve Position | Description |
|---|---|
| Sealing | Valve is closed so pressure builds inside pot. |
| Venting | Valve is opened to let steam escape from pot. |
| Normal/Open | Default position where valve is slightly open. |
Replacing a Faulty Steam Release Valve
With heavy use over time, the steam release valve may wear out or become faulty. Here are some signs you may need a replacement valve:
- Steam leaks around the valve
- The valve fails to seal properly
- You can’t fully open or close the valve
- The release of steam is restricted or blocked
Replacing the valve is quick and easy. Follow these steps:
- Order a replacement valve – You can buy official Instant Pot steam release valves online.
- Remove the old valve – Twist the faulty valve counterclockwise to unscrew it from the lid.
- Install new valve – Screw the replacement valve into place by twisting it clockwise.
- Test it out – Run a test cycle to verify steam releases properly through the new valve.
Be sure to only use official Instant Pot parts when replacing components. Customers report that generic third-party valves often don’t fit right or work properly. Investing in an official steam release valve ensures optimal function.
Steam Release Accessories
There are a few handy accessories available that modify or enhance the steam release valve:
- Silicone steam release covers – These covers fit over the valve to diffuse the steam for less noise.
- Steam release pipe – Directs steam out through the side of the lid to avoid billowing steam.
- Spring valves – Replacement valves containing a spring to prevent accidental openings.
- Extended valve handles – Longer handles that give you better leverage on the valve.
These aftermarket accessories can provide convenience and customization. But take care in choosing quality accessories that fit the Instant Pot well and don’t interfere with proper steam release.
Common Questions
Why does steam leak from around the valve?
If steam leaks around the valve instead of releasing through it, there are a few likely causes:
- Dirty seal – Food debris or gunk buildup on the valve seal prevents it from sealing tightly.
- Misalignment – The valve is not rotated completely to the sealing position.
- Worn gasket – Normal wear over time can cause the lid gasket to lose its flexibility.
- Damaged valve – Cracks or warping can lead to steam escaping around the valve.
Cleaning the valve seal, realigning the handle, or replacing worn parts can typically solve leakage issues.
Can I open the lid when the valve is in sealing position?
You should never try to open the Instant Pot’s lid while the valve is in the sealed position. With the valve sealed, pressure builds up inside the pot reaching up to 11.6 psi. Forcing the lid open while under pressure is extremely dangerous and can lead to explosive release of steam and scalding injuries. Only open the lid after turning the valve to venting to release internal pressure.
How do I know when pressure is fully released?
Here are signs that all pressure has safely vented through the valve:
- No steam escaping through valve
- Float valve has dropped
- Safety pin has dropped back down
- Pot has stopped making noises
- Lid comes off freely without resistance
Release all pressure naturally through the valve rather than forcing the lid. Use caution when opening the lid in case any residual pressure remains inside.
Conclusion
The plastic steam release valve on the Instant Pot is a small but mighty part. It allows the pot to safely build up and release pressure, locks the lid shut, and prevents dangerous over-pressurization. Keeping the valve cleaned and in good working order is essential for the Instant Pot to function correctly. With a little preventative care, the valve will continue venting steam smoothly for many meals to come.