Instant Pot Water Test

Step 1

Add two cups of water to your Instant Pot cooking pot. Check your lid to make sure your Silicone Sealing Ring (Gasket) is in place. That is the clear round ring that fits snugly inside your lid.

Step 2

Place the lid on your Instant Pot and line up the arrows. Turn the lid to the right, until it locks in place. Close the Pressure Valve on the lid. It toggles back and forth and is supposed to be loose.

Step 3

Press the" Manual" or "Pressure Cook" Button on the front of your Instant pot and then push the "-" Button until the timer says 5 minutes. That's it. In a few minutes, the silver pin will rise, letting you know that your Instant Pot is up to pressure. Your Instant Pot will go from "On," to 5 and count down.

Step 4

Once the time has reached 0, you will hear a Beep. Do nothing. The pressure will start to release on its own. This is called Natural Pressure Release ("NPR"). When the silver pin on the lid drops, it means that all the pressure has been released. Turn your Pressure Valve to Open and then open the lid on your Instant Pot.

Step 5

That's it. Push the "Off" button. You are ready to cook your first meal.