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    Home » Cooking 101

    Instant Pot Initial Water Test Run

    Published: Nov 22, 2020 · Modified: Mar 11, 2022 by Archana · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · Leave a Comment

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    It's very important to do an initial water test with a brand new Instant Pot. Follow these steps and tips so you can get to know your Instant Pot before you use it to cook.

    Instant Pot water test photo collage
    Jump to:
    • What Is An Instant Pot Water Test
    • How To Do The Initial Water Test
    • Water Test Venting Methods
    • Video
    • Three Stages Of The Water Test
    • Final Thoughts
    • Easy Instant Pot Recipes 

    What Is An Instant Pot Water Test

    The water test is recommended by the Instant Pot company for everyone to do before they use their new pressure cooker on a recipe.

    It's an initial test run only using water that makes sure your device is working as expected.

    This is also a really great way to familiarize yourself with the Instant Pot terminology before you cook.

    How To Do The Initial Water Test

    Here's how to do your own water test. I also have a video at the bottom of this post that you can watch, showing you how to do all of these steps. I am using the 6 Quart Instant Pot Duo in the photos and video.

    Step 1: Plug In Your Instant Pot

    A brand new Instant Pot will come with the cord detached in the box. Plug it into the Instant Pot and secure it to a 120V outlet. Secure the condensation collector cup to the back of the Instant Pot.

    connect power cord and install the condensation cup

    Step 2: Insert The Pot & add water

    Then, place the inner pot into the base of the pressure cooker. Remember, the inner pot must be used for cooking. Never pour food or liquid into the cooker base without the inner pot in place. Next, add 2 cups of water to the inner pot of the Instant Pot.

    add water to the main insert

    Step 3: Double Check The Sealing Ring

    Before you begin, make sure the sealing ring is installed correctly on the sealing ring rack. When it is in place, you should not be able to remove it easily.

    secure sealing ring

    Step 4: Close The Lid

    Place the lid on top of the pressure cooker. Turn it clockwise until it is fully closed. The cooker will chime when the lid is opened and closed.

    Step 6: Set the Steam Release

    On the Instant Pot, set the steam release to the "Sealing" position. The Ultra Instant Pot automatically sets the steam release to the "sealing" position when you close the lid.

    Then, select steam option.

    Step 7: Adjust Cook Time

    Use the +/- keys or the dial to adjust the cook time to 2 minutes. The display will indicate "2" on some models and "00:02" on others.

    steam for 2 mins

    At this point, the cooker will begin the pre-heating cycle after about 10 seconds. As it does this, the display will indicate "on" while it heats.

    Step 8: Keep Warm

    After the cooking cycle has completed, the pressure cooker will beep and switch to Keep Warm if it is on.

    Step 9: Vent The Pressure Cooker

    Finally, use the Quick Release (QR) venting method to release the pressure.

    instant pot quick release

    Water Test Venting Methods

    There are two different ways an Instant Pot vents. Here's a bit of information about what they are and how they work.

    Natural Release (NR) or Natural Pressure Release (NPR)

    With NR, you basically do nothing. You allow the cooker to cool off naturally and release the heat and pressure over time. You will know that the cooker is no longer pressurized when the float valve drops into the lid.

    It could take anywhere from 10-40 minutes for this to complete. Depressurization times vary based on the volume of the liquid and the food.

    Quick Release (QR)

    To do a QR, you turn the steam release handle from the "sealing" position to the "venting" position. If the machine spatters, turn the steam release handle back to the "sealing" position and try again after a few minutes.

    The float valve will drop into the lid when the Instant Pot has depressurized.

    Video

    Here is a quick video showing how to set up the Instant Pot and do the initial water test run:

    Three Stages Of The Water Test

    The reason you do a water test is to get to know your Instant Pot and how it works before you use it to cook.

    Every time you cook with an Instant Pot, there are three stages that your pressure cooker cycles through.

    Heating and Pressurization

    The very first thing that your pressure cooker does is preheat. This creates the steam that is required for it to build up pressure.

    After enough steam pressure has built up, the float valve will pop up and pressurize the cooker.

    During the water test, this step could take 5-15 minutes. Do not press down on the lid. The float valve will rise when enough steam pressure has built up.

    Until the cooker pressurizes and the float valve has popped, the lid will be removable. After it is pressurized, the lid will lock.

    Cook Cycle

    The Instant Pot will not start the countdown right away. It has to come to pressure first. Within 5 minutes of pressurization, it will beep once and the countdown will appear on the display.

    When the timer reaches "00:00," the pressure cooker will beep 10 times to signal that cooking has completed.

    Smart Programs allow you to make changes to time, temperature, and pressure levels.

    Depressurization and Keep Warm

    This is the final step. After the pressure cooking has completed, follow your recipe's directions when selecting a venting method.

    This is very important. You should always make sure the float valve has dropped completely before attempting to open the lid. In case the lid won't turn, do not try and force it to open.

    If "keep warm" is turn on after the cook cycle completes, the timer will count up and if it isn't turned on, it will return to standby.

    Final Thoughts

    It's very important that you run this initial test, even if you think you already know how to use a pressure cooker. This way, if there are any missing parts or your pressure cooker doesn't work correctly, you can catch that before you cook your first recipe.

    Easy Instant Pot Recipes 

    After you have done the initial water test run, you are ready to begin using it to make your favorite recipes. 

    I compiled all of my favorite recipes in my cookbook, The Essential Indian Instant Pot Cookbook. There are 75 recipes here for every meal of the day. I share everything from contemporary recipes to my Indian favorites. 

    Here are some more of my family’s favorite recipes that you can find right here on my blog. 

    • Instant Pot Chicken Biryani 
    • Instant Pot French Onion Soup
    • Jeera Rice
    • Vegetable Thai Green Curry 
    • Green Bean Curry 
    • Paneer Butter Masala 
    • Masala Mac and Cheese
    • Instant Pot Bread Pudding 
    • Spicy Misal Pav
    • Curd Rice – South Indian Yogurt Rice

    Author: Archana

    Hey there! I am a techie turned recipe developer, cooking instructor, and food blogger. I love food and enjoy developing easy and healthy recipes for busy lifestyles. I live in New Jersey with my husband and two sons.
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    Hi, I'm Archana: a former software engineer, now a full-time blogger. I am a mother of two boys who share my love for food and cooking. Words I love to hear are, “Mom, what’s for dinner?” The same words I say to my mom every time we speak. I live in the greater New York City Area with my husband and sons.

    Learn More About Me!

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