The instant pot is what experts classify as a “small countertop appliance.” Home appliances – toaster, microwave, blender, food processor, handheld mixer, toaster oven, coffee maker, and ice maker – have played a significant role in food and beverage preparation for decades. As manufacturers continue to improve their home appliance collections, other brands are entering the home appliance market. One such brand is the Instant Pot, which hit the market in 2010. The face behind the Instant Pot, Robert Wang, was not surprised when his new invention was a hit among Canadian homemakers. Wang has since joined forces with Dongjun Wang and Yi Qin to build his Instant Pot collection. Today, the trio has more than 10 Instant Pot models – Lux, Max, Duo Crisp, Duo Plus, Duo, Smart WiFi, Ultra, and others. The Instant Pot can be found in thousands of homes across the globe.
What Is The Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is described by many homemakers as their “go-to” appliance. This makes sense when you consider the unit’s many cooking mode options – saute, pressure, slow-cook, steam, warmer, stew, and rice. Every cooking method imaginable could be found within the Instant Pot.
While the brand had a few setbacks in 2015 and 2018, the demand could not be higher. There are many benefits of the Instant Pot, with the main one being versatility. There is no doubt, this is one of the most diverse home appliances in the market.
What You Can Cook In An Instant Pot?
As mentioned previously, the Instant Pot is one of the most versatile countertop appliances ever developed. Its user-friendly interface features various cooking modes, which is where versatility comes into play. There is no one recipe that could not transition from one home appliance to the Instant Pot flawlessly. One example is the very popular Spaghetti recipe. Initially Italian homemakers utilized the stovetop to prepare their homemade spaghetti recipes.
While homemakers from different ethnic groups have taken a different approach to their spaghetti recipes, many have returned to the stovetop. Others have transitioned to the Instant Pot. Utilizing the pressure mode, it is possible to cook the meat evenly before adding the final ingredients.
The Instant Pot spaghetti recipe is just one example. Meatloaf, chili, barbecue ribs, pot roast, stew, and chicken teriyaki recipes can easily be transitioned from the stovetop and oven to the Instant Pot.
Instant Pot Sealing Problems – The Contributors
Regardless of how long you have been an Instant Pot owner, there will come a time when you may be faced with a sealing issue. The brand has addressed these issues and contributed them to several factors, ranging from minor to major. The first contributor is the position of the release valve, which must be positioned correctly to create a full seal. Reposition the release valve to the non-venting position to eliminate this sealing issue.
Another contributor is a dry bottom. Utilizing the pot-in-pot cooking method, it is crucial to fill the inner pot with at least one cup of liquid. If the bottom is dry, it may prevent the sealing mechanism from working properly.
A jammed float valve may also be preventing the lid from sealing. It is not unusual for food particles to get jammed underneath the float valve, resulting in an improper seal. This is a fairly easy fix. Soak the float valve in warm, soapy water for about 15 minutes. Gently manipulate the float valve to break the food away, rinse, dry, and the Instant Pot is ready to go.
Learn more about sealing issues at https://www.corriecooks.com/.
Safely Using An Instant Pot
When using an Instant Pot, it is pertinent to be cautious. Otherwise, you’ll put yourself at risk. Instant Pots and other pressure cookers are safe as long as they’re used correctly. It is important to make sure that the inner lining is added to the Instant Pot. There have been some cases in which people have poured oil into the Instant Pot when the inner liner wasn’t installed. As a result, the electric wires were soaked in liquid. If this happens, you’ll want to remove the bottom base using a screwdriver and let it dry.
Give it at least 24 hours to dry before using the Instant Pot. When you’re ready to use the Instant Pot, you need to do so safely. Make sure that you fill the inner pot correctly. You might be cooking food that will expand with time. For instance, rice and other food will expand when it is cooked. If you’re going to prepare rice and other foods that will expand, you need to avoid overfilling your Instant Pot. It should only be filled to the halfway mark. Liquids should never reach higher than the two-thirds mark.
Before putting on the lid, it is pertinent to check the silicone seal. If it isn’t properly installed, the lid may not shut and seal properly. After many years of use, you may need to replace the seal. Either way, make sure that the silicone seal is working properly before closing the lid and securing the lid.
Replacing The Seal
Ultimately, your Instant Pot seal is not going to last forever. After a few years of use, you may need to replace the inner sealing ring. It will become worn so it may no longer work as intended. When this happens, you need to buy a new seal and install it. Doing so will ensure that your Instant Pot’s lid closes and seals properly. As a result, it will make the unit much safer to use. When purchasing a silicone sealing ring, be sure to choose one that matches the size and model of your Instant Pot.
Summary
Ultimately, Instant Pots are safe, reliable, and convenient. However, it is up to the user to make sure that they’re used reliably. Otherwise, you’re going to create problems for yourself. If you don’t properly seal the Instant Pot, there is a risk that you’ll experience issues. Before using this appliance, you need to check it carefully and make sure the Instant Pot is properly sealed. Before using the Instant Pot, check it thoroughly to make sure it is sealed properly.
