FAQ

General Questions

Got a question? You're probably not the only one. Check out our most frequently asked questions below.

• Can I place my appliance on a stovetop?

  NO – NEVER place your appliance on a stovetop, even if the stovetop is not in use. Place it on a stable, level surface, away from combustible material and external heat sources.

• My control panel is unresponsive. How do I fix it?

  Wipe the control panel with a damp cloth and dry it completely to remove any residual food debris. If the control panel is still unresponsive, contact our customer support.

• Can I plug my appliance into an extension cord?

  NO – Use a grounded outlet only. DO NOT remove ground. DO NOT use an adapter. DO NOT use an extension cord.

• Can I place my appliance on a stovetop?

  NO - NEVER place your appliance on a stovetop, even if the stovetop is not in use. Place it on a stable, level surface, away from combustible material and external heat sources.

• My power cord gets very hot while in use. What should I do?

  DO NOT continue to operate the appliance. Contact Customer Support for assistance..

• Can I leave my appliance unattended while it is in use?

  NO – DO NOT leave the appliance unattended while in use

• Can I bring/send my appliance overseas?

  Instant Pot® models sold for use in the UK are designed for 220–240 V outlets only. Do not use the appliance in electrical systems outside of the voltage range listed above, even with adapters or converters.

• I accidentally dropped and/or damaged my Appliance. Can I continue using it?

  NO – DO NOT operate the appliance after it has been dropped or damaged in any manner.

• How often should I clean my accessories?

  After every use – Let the appliance cool to room temperature before cleaning or storage. Clean the appliance and all of its accessories after each use.

• I’m cooking meat with skin. Why should I not pierce it while it is swollen?

  The skin should be pierced prior to cooking. When cooking meat with skin (e.g. sausage with casing), the skin can swell when heated. DO NOT pierce the skin while it is swollen; this could result in scalding personal injury and/or property damage.

• Why is my appliance not turning on?

  Ensure that the power cord is firmly plugged into a grounded outlet. If your model has a detachable power cord, ensure it is also firmly plugged into the back of the appliance. Try using a different outlet. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury and/or property damage. If you are still experiencing issues please contact customer support.

Multi-Cookers

First-time user or just need a refresher? These FAQs cover everything you need to know to get cooking with your Instant Pot® multi-cooker.

• Do I need to replace my sealing ring?

  YES - ALWAYS check for cuts, deformation and correct installation before cooking,as sealing rings stretch over time with normal use. If you notice stretching,deformation, or damage to your sealing ring, DO NOT use it.REPLACE the sealing ring every 12 to 18 months or sooner, and only useauthorized Instant Pot sealing rings.Failure to follow these instructions may cause food to discharge, which may leadto personal injury or property damage.

• Liquid spilled on my heating element, what do I do?

  If the liquid is water-based, make sure the burner is completely cool. Wipe the inside of the cooker base and heating element with a dry cloth to remove as much liquid as possible. Turn your Instant Pot upside down on a flat surface and let it air dry for 72 hours for any residual moisture to evaporate. Once completed, run the water test. If successful, happy cooking!

  If the liquid is oil and/or fat based, do not attempt to use the appliance. Discontinue use and dispose of the appliance as per your municipalities regulations.