Ella Walter
Instant Pot is a popular brand of electric pressure cooker that can also be used for slow cooking, steaming, sautéing, and more. While it is normal for a small amount of steam to be released from the pressure valve during the heating process, if steam continues to be released during the pressure-cooking cycle, there may be an issue with the sealing ring or the lid may not be locked properly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steam leaking out | It is normal for a small amount of steam to leak from the valve while the pot is heating up. |
| Reasons for steam leaking out during pressure cooking | Could be a sign that you need to clean out and reposition the valve, or replace it. |
| Check if the lid is properly locked for pressure cooking. | |
| Examine the sealing ring. A stretched or cracked ring should be replaced. | |
| The sealing ring may be dislodged, in which case it can usually be put back into place without trouble. | |
| A loose ring can be firmed up by placing it in the freezer, but this will reduce the lifespan of the silicone. | |
| If the pressure release valve was turned to "open" when the lid was sealed, steam will leak out as the pot tries to heat up. | |
| What to do if steam escapes from the steam release valve and/or float valve | Turn off the pressure cooker by pressing "Cancel". Unplug the unit and wait for it to cool down before opening the lid. Check the sealing ring and make sure it is properly installed and not damaged. If necessary, replace the sealing ring with a new one. |
What You'll Learn
Steam escaping from the release valve
If steam is escaping from the release valve of your Instant Pot, there are a few things you should check. Firstly, ensure that the lid is securely locked and properly sealed. If the lid is not on tight enough, steam may escape. Secondly, check the position of the pressure release valve. If the valve is not set to "Sealing", adjust it accordingly. It is normal for a small amount of steam to leak from the valve while the pot is heating up, but if it continues to leak during the pressure-cooking cycle, you may need to clean and reposition the valve or replace it.
Another possible reason for steam escaping from the release valve is an issue with the sealing ring. Check that the sealing ring is present and properly seated under the wire all the way around the edge of the lid. An unevenly set ring can create a partial seal, allowing steam to escape from the release valve. If the sealing ring is missing or not seated correctly, replace it with a new one. Additionally, if your Instant Pot is taking longer than usual to build pressure, it may be due to the pressure release valve being turned to "open" when sealing the lid. Always ensure that the pressure release valve is in the locked position before selecting your pressure-cooking setting.
If you notice that steam is escaping from the release valve for longer than 3 minutes, it is recommended to turn off the pressure cooker by pressing the "Cancel" button. Unplug the unit and wait for it to cool down completely before attempting to open the lid. Once cooled, inspect the sealing ring and ensure it is properly installed and not damaged. If necessary, replace the sealing ring.
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Sealing issues
If your pot has not yet come to pressure and there are more than 5-10 minutes left in the cooking cycle, release the pressure, check the sealing ring, and resume the cycle. If there are only a few minutes left, let the food finish cooking and then check the sealing ring once the program is complete. After replacing or reseating the seal, rinse the inside of the lid with cold water to help it come back to pressure more quickly, and reset the lid. If you are cooking a low-liquid dish, you may need to add more liquid before resuming cooking to avoid a burn notice.
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The float valve is stuck
If your float valve is stuck in the up position, it could be because of debris or stickiness from food residue. Use a long spoon or chopstick to gently push down on the float valve. If you've opened the steam/vent, there's probably no pressure inside, so it's safe to try and push the float valve down.
If your float valve is stuck in the down position, it's likely that your Instant Pot is having trouble sealing. Check that the sealing ring is properly installed and not damaged or stretched out. Ensure that the steam release handle is in the 'sealing' position and that there is enough liquid in the pot to create steam and pressure. The lid also needs to be closed properly for the float valve to drop.
If the float valve is stuck in either position, you can try cleaning it. Remove the float valve and scrub it with a brush, even if it looks clean. Then, wash the sealing ring and the sealing ring rack. If your Instant Pot still won't seal, try unplugging it and plugging it back in.
If the issue persists, you may need to contact Instant Pot customer support and open a ticket.
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The lid won't come off
If your Instant Pot lid won't come off, there are a few things you can try. Firstly, make sure that enough steam has been released after pressure cooking. Give the Instant Pot some time to cool down, as it is designed to be extra safe and will not let you open the lid if there is still too much pressure inside the pot. A little patience can often fix this issue.
If the lid still won't come off, the steam release button is most likely stuck. Ensure that all the pressure has been released from the pot, then use a spoon handle to gently tap the button next to the release valve.
If the lid is still not coming off, it may be because the lid locking pin is stuck. This can happen if the spring-loaded pin on the rim at the back of the lid is stuck in the retracted position. To fix this, try pushing on the pin from the inside and outside of the lid, or gently jiggling it to reset the spring mechanism.
If your Instant Pot is an older model, it may have a detachable power cord. Check that the cord is securely plugged into the base unit and the wall outlet. If the cord is loose, push it firmly into place.
If you have tried all of these steps and the lid still won't come off, there may be an issue with the sealing ring. Check that the sealing ring is properly seated and not damaged or torn. If the ring is missing or not seated correctly, this can prevent the lid from being removed.
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The pot is stinky
If your pot is stinky even after cleaning the sealing ring, there may be food trapped in the inner cooking pot, on the lip or edges of the outer base, or in the crevices of the unit. To clean these parts, fill a sink with hot water and degreasing dishwashing liquid, and thoroughly wash all the individual parts with a sponge, except the outer base. You can also try using vinegar to remove any discolouration or water spots from the inner pot. Simply add a cup of vinegar to the pot, let it sit for about five minutes, pour it out, and rinse.
If your pot is still stinky, there may be an issue with the pressure valve. It is normal for a small amount of steam to leak from the valve while the pot is heating up, but if it continues to leak during the pressure-cooking cycle, the valve may need to be cleaned and repositioned, or even replaced.
Finally, if your pot is still stinky, it may be due to the type of food you are cooking. Some foods, such as chicken shawarma, can leave a lingering smell in the house for days. In this case, you may want to consider cooking outside or using an air filter with a carbon filter to help eliminate odours.
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Frequently asked questions
It is normal for a small amount of steam to leak from the valve while the pot is heating up, but if it continues to leak steam during the pressure-cooking cycle, you may have a problem.
This issue could be a sign that you need to clean out and reposition the valve. If this doesn’t work, you may even need to replace the valve.
If steam is seeping out from the sides, make sure the lid is properly locked for pressure-cooking.
Examine your sealing ring. A stretched or cracked ring should be replaced. If the ring has become dislodged, you can usually put it back into place without trouble.
You should immediately turn off the pressure cooker by pressing the "Cancel" button. Then, unplug the unit and wait for it to cool down completely before attempting to open the lid. Once cooled, check the sealing ring and make sure it is properly installed and not damaged. If necessary, replace the sealing ring with a new one.
