Comprehensive guide with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions for how to do an Instant Pot Water Test. Also, learn why it is important to do this test before using your new pressure cooker.
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In this post for the Water Test for Instant Pot, I'll walk you through easy step-by-step instructions for your Instant Pot DUO or Instant Pot ULTRA. I also have a helpful video, that will add clarity and get you started in no time!
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Why do the Water Test?
I get that question a lot! A lot of first-time Instant Pot owners wonder why they should do this water test. Here is why I think it is important:
- The Instant Pot is a pressure cooker that works by building steam in a 'sealed' pot. So, it makes sense to test out that very essential “steam building system”. It also ensures that the sealing ring is working, the pressure valve is working, and the cooker is fully sealed when at “Sealing mode”, and finally, the cooker can build steam.
- It “deep cleans” your Instant Pot inside out, so it’s safe for you to use. The water test removes any odors or the funny plastic smells that we get when we first hook up an electrical appliance.
How to do the Instant Pot Water Test in 5 Easy Steps:
Step 1
Place the liner, also called the stainless steel insert, in the base unit.
Step 2
Add 3 cups of water
Step 3
Close the lid by aligning the arrows in the lid and base unit.
Like this.....
In DUO, turn vent to SEALING position
Step 4
DUO: Press 'steam' and select 2 minutes using the +/- buttons; ULTRA- Select 'steam', 2 minutes, Press START
When the pressure builds up, the float valve, or the 'Pin", pushes up, like this:
STEP 5
After 2 minutes, the cooker switches to KEEP WARM mode. The timer will now start counting UP as L0:00, L0:01, L0:02 and so on. The test is now SUCCESSFUL and complete.
Pressure Release after Water Test (Instant Pot)
You can let the pressure release slowly and naturally, which is called 'Natural Pressure Release' (NPR), or, you can manually release pressure, also referred to as Quick Release (QR).
Quick Release in Instant Pot DUO
To do a quick release (QR), in DUO, turn the vent to VENTING position.
Quick Release in Instant Pot ULTRA
In ULTRA, press the 'steam release button':
When the pressure has released, the float valve (pin) drops down to its default position. Like this...
Congratulations! You have successfully cooked water 🙂 Now that you are done with the Water Test, let's get started.
Water Test Video
Instant Pot FAQ & Terminology
For beginners, I recommend reading my Instant Pot FAQ & Terminology post. I gather frequently asked questions across different support forums for Instant Pot and address them on this page.
I also recommend that you get some accessories like a trivet and extra gaskets. Here is my recommended list of useful and popular Instant Pot accessories.
Tried and Tested Instant Pot Recipes
Let's get cooking now! I have around 225 tried and tested Instant Pot recipes on this blog. But I always recommend, starting with something easy.
These easy recipes have little room for error, and they help you get comfortable with the pot in no time. You'll also find some more Beginner Recipes on this link.
Happy Cooking! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out here, or on Spice Cravings' Facebook or Instagram page.
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