10 Instant Pot Hacks | Instant Pot tips and tricks

In the 365 Days Facebook Group I posed the question, What are your favorite Instant Pot hacks?" I love learning new tips and tricks when it comes to cooking and I love how awesome people are in this group! I got several responses that I wanted to share with your today. I hope they'll be helpful to you as you use your Instant Pot to cook each day.
My new French door Hisense Refrigerator: low.es/3kFs60F
Where you can buy my book: www.365daysofc...
See the hacks in written format: www.365daysofc...
The Facebook Group: / 365daysinstantpot
3 quart liner*: amzn.to/3djcQ73
Freezer containers*: amzn.to/2FUoje0
Hack #1: Cathy says, "Start with hot liquid so pot comes to pressure quicker." Another version of this hack is use the sauté button to "pre-heat" the Instant Pot.
Hack #2: Mari said, "I like using my Instant Pot to deodorize, sanitize the silicone seals. Combine 1 part vinegar to 1 part water and one DROP Dawn Liquid Soap to pot, add seals, folding or twisting to be submerged, add the cooking trivet to keep seals underwater. Cover pot with lid, any lid, set up to sauté, let come to boil, turn off heat and let sit half an hour or overnight."
Hack #3: Christina said, "Get rid of your rice maker…your IP makes PERFECT rice."
Hack #4: Jennifer said, "The lid can be held in the notches on the side. This way, you don't risk putting it on a hot stove and damaging it."
Hack #5: Emilia said, "Don't ever use the slow cook option! It doesn't have warming plates around the sides. Only the bottom gets warm/hot and so it doesn't cook thoroughly or really at ALL! The worst feature of the instant pot!"
Hack #6: Maureen said, "I always take my IP outside to release the pressure. No worries about ruining cabinets or walls, and NO food smells in the house and on my clothes for days!"
Hack #7: Kathy said, "If you have the 3 quart mini you can use the liner for pot-in-pot method in a 6 or 8 quart. It's the perfect size, holds a lot, and cleans up like a dream!"
Hack #8: Mary said, "Use a small foam paint brush dipped in soapy water to clean the outer black rim. Then, rinse the paint brush in water and remove any soapy residue. Much more efficient than any other cleaning method that I have found."
Hack #9: Kathy said, "When doing meal prep to go from freezer to IP, freeze your meals by pouring them into freezer bags that sit in round containers so it’ll freeze in the same shape as your cooker or pot in pot dish. Repurpose recyclable containers that fit for this purpose such as cool whip or sherbet bowls."
Hack #10: PJ said, "Use Barkeeper's Friend to clean the inner pot. I do this every time and even through many uses and cooked on gunk, it looks like the day I bought it three years ago! (Plus I never store leftovers in it. I always empty and clean it that same evening.)"
You'll also like...
8 of the best things to make in an Instant Pot: • 8 of the BEST things t...
5 easy dump and go freezer meals: • 5 EASY Dump and Go Fre...
7 Instant Pot Essential Recipes you NEED to Know
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

[@user-zn1cq3en8p]

I wanted to say that I use the Slow Cook feature on my Instant Pot all the time and never have issues. As a matter of fact it cooks things in 5 hours where it that takes my Crock Pot 8 hours. No burning and my food comes out perfect.

[@sueg2658]

👍🏻♥️ I’m a senior and I don’t trust my memory 100% so I took the knobs off the stove. But I do use all 3 of my iPots since they have the keep warm function. My tip is to think of your iPot as any other sauce pan used as induction cooking. Because that is how it heats up. So heating up soup or anything non pressure with just the glass lid over the pot on sauté is really easy. Gotta love iPots ♥️

[@karenbellessapeterse]

They are a life saver!

[@sct4040]

I love the keep warm feature too. Love that I can walk away, and my food never burns.

[@MusicByLaurie61]

Also for freezer meals, I have cut a plastic, clean milk or water jug to fit the gallon bags in. You can take it out of the jug once it's frozen. It even fits in the 3-qt!

[@karenbellessapeterse]

Great idea!!!

[@55strings55]

Here's a double process hack I like to use to avoid "burn notices". 1. Avoid unnecessary sautéing if you're going into pressure cooker mode, by using a gas range,and non stick pan. I can see sautéing if it's meat, but carmelizing onions, and/or garlic? It's just not worth the hastle. Next, take advantage of trivet cooking. I just made a green bean in Alfredo sauce casserole, and avoided burn notices using the pot inside the inner pot with trivet and 1.5 cups of water. My lasagna is made the same way, but with aluminum foil over the springform pot. BTW; The instant pot silicone Bakewell sling is under $11, and very worth the purchase. Side note. If you're making a casserole that really needs baking, that's where the hot air fryer lid comes in handy. I hope these hacks help. Remember, in cooking, there's grace under pressure.

[@tonyn152]

Hack #11 - To make your liner pot look like brand new, add a cup or two of white vinegar into it, rub the inside with a paper towel and let it sit in there for 10 minutes or so. Empty it out and rinse with water and you have a shiny, brand new looking pot. Also love the Bar Keepers Friend for cleaning hard to remove food and polishing it up. Thanks for the tips!

[@arlenelee3756]

My hack to use the Instant Pot as a slow cooker is to get the whole pot warm by using Steam setting for about three minutes then set up the Slow Cooker setting and the whole pot stays warm working like a slow cooker.

[@jeng6562]

#6 “taking it outside to relieve pressure” is a very bad idea, and dangerous. Instant pots should not be moved while under pressure, it only takes a small bump to release steam. If you want to release outside then whole process should be done outside.

[@PasoGirl7]

💯 Correct! This is addressed in the manual too! Do Not Move a pressurized IP!

[@Five0Music]

I came here to add the same caution. Walking around with a pressurized “hot bomb” is a terrible idea, and a tremendous safety concern for anyone near you while you are doing it. Either do the cooking outside or place the pot where the steam is no issue. While it’s not good to cover the steam outlet, as some other channels suggest you do, I have used a folded paper towel to angle to steam away and absorb the liquid sputter coming out under depressurizing.

[@AmbidextrousCrafter]

OMGosh that almost gave me a heart attack! What I do though since I have a vent through the microwave, I put the IP under the microwave (on top of my induction stovetop) and when it’s done cooking, I turn the vent on high and then release the pressure on the IP. No damage to the kitchen cabinets and definitely not walking around with a pressurized IP. When I didn’t have a vent, I still had the IP under the microwave, throw a kitchen towel over it then release the pressure that way whatever steam comes out it will hit the underside of the microwave and the towel absorbs most if not all the moisture so cabinets are still safe.

[@harpersmythe658]

Same. I live in a very small bungalow and cooking smells travel pretty fast, even with all the doors closed. I keep my IP directly under the extractor fan, so when it comes to releasing pressure I turn the fan to high and that helps to eliminate most of the food smells. I also crack the window and door slightly. Even if I didn’t have that fan, I still wouldn’t move the IP. I’d rather have a stinky kitchen for an hour or so and be safe

[@imsodone4309]

The best the thing I learned from this, was hanging the lid in the slotted side. I didn’t even notice the slotted side, and I’ve been using this pot for a year.😂

[@jenedge5579]

Baking soda is a cheaper, non-chemical, good alternative to bar keepers friend. Makes my stainless steel sinks shine.

[@sct4040]

I also use it to soak the IP lids in, gets out the odor.

[@adelleamison8540]

I use the pressure cooker on the flat stove top and then turn on the exhaust before releasing pressure, this pulls all of the moisture outside

[@BOOMBiggityBam]

This is brilliant! Now I need to actually remember this next time 😆

[@kerriemig4437]

Exactly. I do the same thing. If I HAVE to put it under my cabinets (because I’m using my stove) I put my wet dishrag over the steam valve as it releases. It is hot as blazes when done....but I just toss it in the sink really fast.

[@sct4040]

Great idea.

[@underbaked8689]

Hi Karen, whilst I have no comment to make on your latest video I feel I must make a comment on the latest instant pot the Duo Evo Plus. Okay I already had a Duo, to which I must say is a revelation to cooking. It was however with some reluctance that I decided to eventually purchase the Evo Plus. Why, I was bored and what else could I spend my money on! There are only the two of us now and at our ages we don't eat that much. But as I have great difficulty in reading the red on black script without glasses and shielding of sunlight I perceived that large blue on white script would be a damn sight easier to read. Would I be right - too right, I could read clearly even with full sun hitting the screen. At that point the Evo was definitely worth the money and then I discovered the extra features of the Evo - a bread proving setting from 25degrees C upwards to 90C. Magnificent! You see I bake our own bread every two days! Then there are the handles and the flat bottom, with a host of extra settings being now self customisable. This is one hell of a machine. Will I be getting rid of my old Duo absolutely NOT, I will use this for my curries. So thanks for recommending this machine it is the best!

[@noreen4529]

I remember my mom in the 1960’s taking her 16 qt stovetop Presto pressure cooker outside to the porch to quick release the steam. On a cold winter night you could smell that beautiful beef stew from several houses away. And when you got inside the smell of stew hadn’t masked the aroma of fresh baked bread

[@sct4040]

Sounds dangerous, and a 16 qt is ao heavy.

[@petermschenk]

I use baking soda to clean the insert, works great too

[@nans969]

A couple more ive learned over this year. The cup on the back needs cleaning before it gets moldy. To get rid of seal smells . 1. Have different rings for different types of foods. 2. Wash in dishwasher then put in freezer. It really works. I store them in the freezer too. About the steam release, you can void your warranty if you use a vent chimney or cover the valve while venting. I just turn my pot around away from cabinets. I wouldn't personally carry the heavy hot pot outside to vent. I can see myself dropping it and burning myself.

[@judyross182]

It's best to use a pressure cooker on an island or an open pass-through. I had a 5" lower-than-counter-height flip-up shelf that has no upper cabinet made big enough for a pressure cooker or other large appliances.

[@deeannhale5327]

I do the same thing, turn it !

[@nans969]

@@judyross182 it would be awesome if I had those options. My house is 80 years old. I'm lucky I have a counter big enough for my IP.

[@ebmoore9192]

Wow , so so happy saw this this morning. Just saw another tip channel suggesting sauté to heat n was planning on using all the time BUT NEVER GAVE A THOUGHT ALREADY FACTORED INTO RECIPE. Think you may have saved disappointment n frustration - not to mention ruining my meals - & totally no idea why❗️❗️❗️thanks girlfriend. ❤

[@tchurch2053]

When I release my pot I put my domed microwave spatter catcher on top of the lid works great

[@codent]

I wonder if putting a towel on top would help also

[@PasoGirl7]

Voids warranty and IP expressly states covering the vent or using directional vent cover is a No, NO!

[@rockywiseman111]

Thanks for the tip about the lid holder. I never knew where to put it.

[@valoriehinkle8793]

I understood you should not move the pot when pressured. Could be dangerous. I do my cooking on counter not under cabinets.

[@gerardacronin334]

I second that!

[@cbakerazle]

Sounds like an accident waiting to happen to me.

[@lindaketner2509]

I have loved and used the refrigerator with the freezer on the bottom. So much better than on top or side by side.

[@joytoyouandme4593]

I allow my instant pot to naturally release when ever possible. It takes a little longer but keeps moisture from hitting my cabinets. In addition to Barkeepers, if the pot is too gunky, drop a dishwasher pod and fill with hot water. Next day it will clean up like a dream. (This works with any pot) These were some great tips-

[@karenbellessapeterse]

Good tip!! Thanks

[@judyross182]

I started cleaning my coffee carafe with a Cascade pod, moved on to slow cookers and gunky skillets, and will definitely use it to clean the instant pot.

[@rosemaryhubis693]

Love your refrigerator and having 2 smaller doors looks like it would be easier to use in smaller areas and also get the bins and shelves out easier.

[@tray-b6955]

Thank you for sharing these hacks. I LOVE your frig!

[@chrisanderson6330]

I found the powder version of Barkeeps Friend is better than the liquid version.

[@joytoyouandme4593]

I’ve never seen liquid, I’ve used the powder for years.

[@bubblebite]

@@joytoyouandme4593 Same, I only know powder.

[@tonyn152]

I use the powder. This stuff is great! Also works great on the bath tub too.

[@lisak8223]

Some great tips. I didn’t know the lid would sit like that.

[@gwenjulien5278]

Yes, l love your refrigerator l notice i did not have a separating wall for the main part, which you can see everthing at a glance. Now l love the french doors, with a new style. Thank you for sharing.

[@karenbellessapeterse]

You’re welcome 😊 I really love it

[@thetrumpcard8014]

I place a hand towel over the lid of the instapot before releasing the pressure. Catches all the moisture, doesn’t steam up the kitchen

[@jjo5375]

GREAT tips, Karen! And your new refrigerator....LOVE IT! The upper freezer space is a hazard in that stuff ALWAYS wants to tumble out...ugh!!! Put stuff in a drawer and it 'stays' there! The lower freezer drawer is much more energy efficient, too. The cold air doesn't fall out of a drawer like it does from the upper shelf! : )

[@karenbellessapeterse]

yes so true!

[@donniedarko4497]

Thanks for the info, Pretty Lady ❤️

[@deeannhale5327]

Also to clean the space on outside of the instapot you cans use a toothbrush especially a denture toothbrush.

[@donnaroach73]

What a great and helpful video! Thank you Karen!

[@karenbellessapeterse]

You’re welcome 😊

[@janemartin229]

I scratched my SS pot with the powder Barkeeper's Friend the first time I cleaned it. So I bought the liquid version and I like it much better!

[@trevahillyard2307]

Love the hacks and your explanations for them.

[@stevenfreaney1734]

Thank you for your great videos. Is there a way to reheat thick sauces, such as marinara Or vodka sauce In batches as big as the pot itself without burning the bottom

[@WVgrl59]

❤️ my instant pot and my Ninja Pro XL Air Oven.

[@lmccahill45]

I use Cream of Tartar to polish things and it is available on Amazon in large bags.

[@raymondschneider5217]

Just learned about Barkeepers Friend from another YT video. Folks, it IS really fantastic to shining those inner pots!! Thanks for posting those other hacks; gonna try some of them. Y'all Be Safe!

[@AlvinMcManus]

I use my electric kettle to pre-heat my water so I save some time. It is a life saver for cheesecake recipes.

[@pkellytube]

Very helpful

[@karenbellessapeterse]

Thanks 🙏

[@bubblebite]

I don't know if they changed anything with the Duo crisp + air fryer, but I've been slow cooking with it quite a bit for the months yeah, it's a little slower (but isn't that the point of slow cooking?!) but it does a great job, I aint complaining.

[@karenbellessapeterse]

good to know. maybe it's better with newer models.

[@darcycoderre3236]

I used to hate cooking brown rice. My instapot makes it easy.

[@dorothybonamer1820]

Hi, I put a wet dish cloth over the top of the steam outlet it helps reduce the spray.

[@lindaschaffer6511]

Very nice

[@pahnked]

Loved you hacks. About the fridge, I loved it for close to a year and then I had the first freeze my groceries and the second I got as a replacement also froze the groceries.

[@MoDavI-sl7iy]

I have the nutribullet rice cooker. I absolutely LUV that thing. & I would NEVER get rid of it. I'm new to the Instant Pot family.

[@thressayoung7419]

I don’t see the link for your fridge. I have just subscribed here and also joined your Facebook site!

[@maryfeltman8727]

#6 - NO NO NO!!! I agree with Jen G; you NEVER want to move a pressurized cooking unit. You are taking it from a SAFE product to a VERY UNSAFE product. I would suggest you change #6 into another hack.

[@cherylfonseca1218]

My favorite tip was the last one and I do intend on using it.

[@jesskilpatrick9748]

Wow you really remind me of Vera Farminga 🥰💓 thanks for the tips 🇬🇧 xx

[@DrtERotinBasstrd]

I'll have to ask Al and Gina from Lumnah Acres on youtube where they got that little dragon that fits on the instantpot pressure relief valve. It points the steam to the side, wipe your counter and you're good to go.

[@DrtERotinBasstrd]

Citric acid is also great for cleaning stainless steel. If you pickle, you already have it in the cabinet. Works great, along with copper.

[@territerrific7844]

Available on Amazon.

[@BOOMBiggityBam]

I have a hippo that releases the stem angled so it doesn't go up to my cabinets, I got it off amazon and it works really well. Just make sure your matching up your instant pot mode with the one you buy!

[@DrtERotinBasstrd]

@@BOOMBiggityBam Thanks for the info, will check it out, and prolly get one. Cheers!

[@delanaria268]

I disagree with not using the slow cooker function; I have 3 slow cookers, all different sizes, and they all have heating elements on the bottom. I especially like using the slow cooker function when heating very dense dishes like jambalaya or chili. I find those tend to just burn on the bottom and don't cook all the way through when using the pressure.

[@dianneclark9098]

Yes. once you take out the stoneware liner - slow cookers all have their heating elements on the bottom. Perhaps if they actually would make a stoneware liner pot it would work just as well on both Low and High.

[@judyross182]

From the IP manual: DO check the steam release valve, steam release pipe, anti-block shield and float valve for clogging before use. For instructions on how to clean these parts, see the User Manual. DO NOT attempt to force the lid off the Instant Pot cooker base. ***DO NOT move the appliance when it is under pressure. ***DO NOT cover or obstruct the steam release valve and/or float valve with cloth or other objects. DO NOT attempt to open the appliance until it has depressurized, and all internal pressure has been released. Attempting to open the appliance while it is still pressurized may lead to sudden release of hot contents and may cause burns, personal injury, and/or property damage. DO NOT place your face, hands or exposed skin over the steam release valve or float valve when the appliance is in operation or has residual pressure, and do not lean over the appliance when removing the lid. Overfill During Pressure Cooking Overfilling may cause a risk of clogging the steam release pipe and developing excess pressure. DO NOT fill the inner cooking pot over the line labeled ‘PC MAX - 2/3’ . DO NOT fill the inner cooking pot over the line labeled ‘- 1/2’ when cooking foods that expand during cooking such as rice, dried beans or dried vegetables.

[@LiveLaughScrap]

For those of us that got the rice paddle & ladle with our IP’s: The handle of the ladle fits in the outer groove to clean. Just wet paper towel &some dish soap or spray paper towel with a kitchen cleaner & wrap around handle, fit in the groove & go around pot.

[@artattack8080]

How long do you cook brown rice? Is it different than white rice?

[@katheymann2334]

I bought a steam diverter for my IP because I only have room on the counter top below the upper cabinets. I face the diverter away from my cabinets and wall towards the open kitchen. The full IP is too heavy for me to carry outside. I have the 6 Qt Evo Duo Plus with the handles on the inside pot. I wanted this model because the arthritis in my hands was making it difficult for me to remove the inner pot.

[@maryamc-mama1663]

I found your channel through your website’s rice crispy recipe & now I’m a KZbin subscriber & I need your book. Will you have a Black Friday deal?

[@motherofheelers6816]

They have steam diverters that you can put on the vent release to keep the steam from hitting your cabinets.

[@PasoGirl7]

IP doesn’t recommend those.

[@dcpowered]

PLEASE REVIEW THE NONSTICK OFFICIAL POT!! It is a bestseller on Amazon for Instant Pot accessories!!!!

[@4007fairview]

Would you please give us a link to your silicone trivet? It looks so nice and heavy. I've looked on Amazon, but I'm not seeing one just like yours. Thanks so much! Debbie in WA Ü

[@lynnhill7380]

#6 Just throw a kitchen towel over the instantpot, helps with spray and traps odors.

[@rvserious8317]

What is the difference between Bar Keepers Friend and Comet? and or Soft Scrub?

[@mike97525]

Put a towel over the vent when venting

[@WVgrl59]

I have been putting hot water in mine and on saute while I'm getting vegetables ready to put in there. My husband thought I was a genius.

[@brieb9750]

I use a towel to cover when I release the pressure. I tap it back and forth so it’s not a steady stream either.

[@dianneclark9098]

I have found that the Low setting is useless, but the High setting will cook a lot like a Low setting on a regular slow cooker. It has worked for me and I did get rid of both my rice cooker and slow cooker. But I may try the trick above about using the Steam setting prior for about 3 minutes, and then setting up the slow cooker time.

[@cathyledbetter6715]

That water reservoir us behind those fruit and veggie drawers. Guess how I know.

[@amm5876]

Hi, does the 6qrt fit into the 8 qrt? Lately i have been having trouble with the burn msg appearing on my 8qrt, especially when I make chilli. I am using more liquid than is necessary. The last time i made it i added more liquid and it was like a soup and it still registered the burn message. I am getting frustrated with my instant pot. I’ve read that it’s common with the 8 qrt. Has anyone else been having this problem? Thanking you in advance.

[@jeanpelletier9168]

I have an 8qt and also got the burn reading so what I do now is be sure to add the liquid first and then the other ingredients it seems to work I haven’t got the burn notice since I started doing this

[@hooverla55]

I also have a Duo 8 quart. Are you asking if the 6 qt. liner pot will fit in the 8 quart? It does NOT fit. However, the 3 qt liner pot will fit in it. Actually I prefer the Fat Daddios 8"x4" pan. It fits perfectly in the 8 qt IP. It has more capacity than the 3 qt liner pot, and is "prettier" (makes a nicer presentation). It also fits better into my fridge.

[@hooverla55]

@@jeanpelletier9168 I forgot to add that the 3 quart liner pot has the advantage of being available in both the stainless steel version and the ceramic version.

[@csickpuppy]

Never move a pressure cooker while under pressure. Yes the instant pot has a failsafe to keep the lid from coming off when under pressure but failsafes can fail!

[@HerbalND]

OMG all this time I thought I got a defective Instantpot. My slow cooker never worked either. I could cook something for 10 hours and it never got done properly. I would always resort back to my original slow cooker. I wonder why they haven’t fixed this?

[@BeverlyMaloy]

I didn't have that problem when I slow cooked my beans, the whole pot was scorching hot!

[@bonniesherwood3251]

Is there a way to make the sauté function last longer than 30 minutes?

[@sct4040]

Yes, I press the + button to add minutes.

[@gwenjulien5278]

I watched your UTUBE channel again, l enjoy your presentation and looked up your new refrigerator and saw that Lowes has them on sale. Did you get yours at Lowes?

[@karenbellessapeterse]

Yea you can get it at Lowe’s

[@Mickey-jn8hz]

How about putting a tea towel over the exhaust to protect ceiling and cabinets?

[@deebee533]

Frig is made in china. I bought this same frig last year. Hisense. When I got home, I saw it is made in china. I nearly fainted and was very upset, almost sent it back, but frig shopping is a nightmare since I am so picky. And sending frig's back is not fun. Turns out, I ended up really liking it the frig a lot. The doors need to be pushed shut.

[@hazcatsophia]

I have that fridge.

[@dannygrissom1]

Are you saying you can heat frozen food in bags in instant pot

[@karenbellessapeterse]

No you freeze in the bags and then dump food out of bags into instant pot

[@Five0Music]

Walking around with a pressurized “hot bomb” is a terrible idea, and a tremendous safety concern for anyone near you while you are doing it. You should consider striking that one... it’s the “running while holding a knife” idea of this list, and something you’re specifically warned against doing in the manual. A fall or drop while doing this could be followed by a trip to the hospital (possibly followed by a trip to an attorney to discuss advice liability). Nothing positive there!

[@Jennifr1966]

I HATE the idea of picking up and carrying my heavy pressure cooker outside; I'm not strong enough for that. I'm up for ideas, though???

[@pamsury9552]

I saw somebody just put a tea towel or dish towel over it so it wouldn’t spray all over the place.

[@DeeDee-yz9ku]

Does Bar Keepers friend have wax in it?

[@gerardacronin334]

No

[@LunkerFishing]

MY HACK: I cannot believe people let that steam blast onto kitchen cabinets, or burn themselves. Take a dish towel and place it over the release knob and the lid and open the knob. It is easier to do and you do not spray yourself or your cabinets with steam. NO BRAINER!

[@bonniegale9028]

Moving an instant pot full of pressurized liquid is a real dangerous move.

[@desireeshuga1699]

Could I use Comet since I have that in my house already?

[@karenbellessapeterse]

www.barkeepersfriend.com/bkf-different-from-household-cleaners/

[@lynnehutchinson17]

Short answer...no.

[@sueg2658]

It will scratch the stainless steel. Sorry 😞

[@cindybell3694]

Clean rim by wadding up moist paper towel run around the ring.

[@worksmarter.notharder.1033]

The camera constantly moving around is making me want to puke

[@marymccready8441]

Cant seem to see the 365 group on fb

[@csickpuppy]

Never move a pressure cooker while under pressure. Yes the instant pot has a failsafe to keep the lid from coming off when under pressure but failsafes can fail!