Instant Pot Water Test

Got a new Instant Pot… but still confused about how to get started?  You have come to the right place. Here is the guide you’ve been looking for, complete with step-by-step photos to help you get started with the setup and water test for the Instant Pot.

Check out my post about all the parts of the Instant Pot and initial setup. Then you are ready to start the water test.

Why do the Instant Pot Water Test?

I know you are excited to make the first dish in your new Instant Pot. However, Instant Pot highly recommends performing the Initial Water Test before using it. There are 3 reasons:

1. It’s helpful to verify that everything is functioning correctly in the Instant Pot.
2. It will help you get familiar with how to operate the Instant Pot.
3. Clean the Instant Pot of any manufacturing residues.

How to do the Instant Pot Water Test?

Step 1: Place the stainless steel inner pot into the base unit. (Caution: Do not forget this. I have seen many posts with people saying they have ruined their Instant Pot by forgetting to place the inner pot before adding food to be cooked.)

Step 2: Pour water till the “3” mark (3 cups) on the inner pot.

Step 3: Close the lid by matching the triangles on the lid and the base unit. Turn clockwise, and you will hear a chime.

Turn the vent to the sealing position.

Step 4: Press the Steam button. Then “+” or “-” to set to 2 minutes.

In a few seconds, the instant pot display will show “ON”. It will keep showing ON while it builds pressure.

Once the pin is up and the pressure is built, the countdown will start.

Step 5: After 2 minutes, the Instant Pot will beep and go into the “Keep Warm” mode. The display will change to show “L0:00”; this will count up to indicate how long the Instant Pot has been in keep warm mode. Until I got a good picture, the instant pot had counted up to “L0:01” 🙂

Step 6: The test is complete. You can press the “Keep Warm/Cancel” button. The display will read “OFF”. Let the Instant Pot rest until the pin drops and the pressure is released. Do NOT try to open the Instant Pot when the pin/float valve is up.

Note: The display of newer Instant Pot versions may differ. The “Manual” button has been renamed to “Pressure Cook” appropriately.

How long does the Instant Pot Water Test take?

Many people have asked this, so I want to mention that it really does not take long. It takes just about 20 minutes from start to finish. If you’re getting a new Instant Pot, please perform the water test, and you’ll feel much more confident moving forward and trying your favorite recipes.

Did you know? To prevent the Instant Pot from entering “Keep Warm” mode after the cooking cycle is complete, press the mode used for cooking twice. Eg. When you want to pressure cook and you press the “Manual” button, you will see the light on for the “Manual” and “Keep Warm” buttons. Press “Manual” once again (without any time lapse), then “Keep Warm” will turn off.

Hop on to read about The Instant Pot Language: Acronyms & Terminology to get familiarized with all the jargon related to the Instant Pot.

Check out all about the Instant Pot Buttons at Which Instant Pot Buttons to Use?

Now you are ready to try your favorite recipe.

I highly recommend starting with something easy: Instant Pot Boiled Eggs, Instant Pot Jasmine Rice, Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli.  If you’re keen to learn a new skill, try the pot-in-pot cooking method with our Pot-in-Pot Basmati Rice recipe, or cook Lentils and Rice together.

Another recommendation is to follow some recipes, rather than making adjustments initially. Find a trusted website for instant pot recipes, and then follow along. Feel free to ask questions, as you want to be successful with your initial recipes. Check out this post for 10+ Easy Instant Pot Recipes for new owners.

I have 200+ tried and tested Instant Pot Recipes, do check them out. Please leave a comment on the recipe or share it on any social media channel. I always respond to questions and comments.