If you love delicious recipes and have invested in an Instant Pot, then you know just how versatile this amazing pressure cooker can be. However, before you start using your Instant Pot pressure cooker, you’ll want to perform the Instant Pot Water Test.
Wondering what exactly the Instant Pot Water Test is for? Today I’ll explain why it’s important to perform a pressure cooker water test and how to do it!
Contents
Learn How to Test Instant Pot Today!
Learn all your Instant Pot first use and why you should perform an Instant Pot Water Test or Instant Pot Test Run before cooking your first recipe.
What Is the Instant Pot Water Test?
The Instant Pot Water Test is a simple but crucial step in ensuring that your pressure cooker is working properly and safely. This test involves filling your Instant Pot with water, sealing the lid, and allowing it to come up to pressure.
If everything goes as expected, you should see the Instant Pot display read “ON” and the steam valve lock into place. If this is the case, you can move on to pressure-cooking your food.
However, if the Instant Pot Water Test fails and you notice any issues or inconsistencies during the test, such as leaking steam from under the lid, then you should take immediate action to troubleshoot and resolve these issues before using your pot.
Why Perform an Instant Pot Water Test?
Performing an Instant Pot Water Test before using your electric pressure cooker for the first time will ensure that your brand-new pot is functioning as expected and that you can safely pressure cook your food.
How to Perform an Instant Pot Water Test?
Here is a step-by-step guide for performing your initial water test in your new Instant Pot.
Step 1: Add Water to Inner Pot
First, pour 2-3 cups of water into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. The inner pot is also known as the Instant Pot insert. I only used 1 cup, but the Instant Pot manual suggests 3 cups.
3 Cups will take longer to come to pressure, but either amount will work for testing your electric pressure cooker.
Step 2: Close the Instant Pot Lid
Place the Instant Pot on top of your pot so that the arrows are pointing towards each other. The arrows are black on black, so can be a little hard to see at first.
Next, turn your Instant Pot lid to the left to lock it into place.
Step 3: Close the Float Valve
Turn the steam release handle (on top of the lid) to the sealing position. On the Instant Pot duo, it is pushed up, and on the Instant Pot lux, you move the float valve to the center.
The float valve may be in a different position depending on your Instant Pot model.
Ensure whatever model you use that, the valve is in the closed position. This will prevent steam from leaving the pot during the pressure cooking cycle.
Step 4: Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook
Push either the “pressure cook” button or the “manual” button on your Instant Pot.
Then, use the +/- keys to change the time to 2 minutes. The test should be performed on a high-pressure setting.
Step 5: Wait for the Instant Pot to Come To Pressure
The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure, especially if you are using a lot of water.
Once the display reads “ON” and the float valve has popped up, your test is complete.
Step 6: Carefully Unlock the Lid of Your Instant Pot
Once your Instant Pot comes to pressure, perform a quick release and your initial test run will be complete.
What Happens During the Instant Pot Water Test?
While your Instant Pot is building pressure it will say “On” or Keep warm”. This is normal. The pot will beep once the pressure cooking time begins.
How Long Is the Instant Pot Water Test?
It can take anywhere between 15-20 minutes for the water to come to pressure in your brand-new Instant Pot. The time will depend on how much liquid you place into your pressure cooker.
Once the pot comes to pressure, the countdown timer will begin. After two minutes the pressure cooker will beep to let you know the cooking is complete.
Do I Have to Perform a Quick Pressure Release?
No. You don’t have to release pressure quickly. The quick release is when you turn the steam release handle (on the lid) to the venting position. This method of releasing steam is faster and will speed up the water test.
How to Natural Pressure Release?
To natural pressure release after the water test, leave the Instant Pot and it will release steam slowly over time.
Help! I Got an Instant Pot Water Test Fail
If you followed the steps above but you got a burn notice, your pot doesn’t come to pressure or you feel the test has failed here are the steps to take!
Check the Sealing Ring
Make sure the sealing ring (the rubber piece alongside the rim of the lid) is set on the sealing ring rack correctly. The sealing ring plays an important role in preventing the Instant Pot from leaking and need to be properly installed.
Check Steam Release Valve
Make sure the steam release valve is in the sealing position (on the lux, I had to push the valve down for sealing). Turn steam release handle to open and then re-close to ensure it’s closed correctly.
Check Instant Pot Lid
Check your lid is sitting on the cooker correctly. The lid should lock into position but still needs to be checked just in case.
Do not attempt to open the Instant Pot lid if the float valve is still up. Continue to allow the Instant Pot to release steam until it the float valve pops.
Once all pressure has been released and the float valve goes down, you can safely remove your pot from the heat without risking burns or other injuries.
Use Less Water in the Pot
Try using less water. This will speed up the time it takes to reach pressure.
If all else fails, Contact Instant Pot Support
Water Test All Electric Pressure Cookers
Keep in mind that if you are using a pressure cooker that is not the Instant Pot Brand, the steps and buttons may be different. All pressure cookers should be tested before use to prevent steam escaping and ensure your Instant Pot recipes cook correctly.
What To Do After the Instant Pot Water Test?
After you have performed a successful pressure cooker water test, jump in and start your first recipe!
Start with something simple that you feel comfortable making. Here are some of my suggestions:
You might want to try Instant Pot eggs or make a simple beef stew. There are so many amazing recipes to test out. Enjoy using your Instant Pot today with these fantastic recipe suggestions: