- Make sure that the venting knob is in the sealing position.
- Check the pressure release valve. Ensure it's in the correct position and there's no blockage.
- You should check the sealing ring. See to it that it's properly seated and that no food or debris is blocking the seal.
Ah, the Instant Pot. It can be a lifesaver when it comes to dinner time, but like any other appliance, it can sometimes act up. Are you having trouble with your Instant Pot stuck on preheating? You're not alone. A lot of people are struggling with this issue. But don't worry; in this post, we'll show you how to get your Instant Pot up and running in no time.
So keep reading as we unpack this problem and provide a few solutions!
If you're in a rush to know the answer to the question "Why is my Instant Pot stuck on preheating?" then here it is:
The troubleshooting tips are summarized below:
- Check that the sealing ring is in place and not damaged.
- Verify that the venting valve is open.
- Make sure that no debris blocks the pressure release button or valve.
- Ensure the pressure release valve is in the "sealing" position.
- Try the "reset" button.
- If your Instant Pot still will not come out of preheating mode, contact the Instant Pot customer service for assistance.
Read:
What does it mean when your Instant Pot is stuck on preheating?
A few different things could happen when your Instant Pot is stuck on preheating. It could be an issue with the machine itself, or it could be an issue with the food you're trying to cook.
If your Instant Pot is stuck on preheating, you can do a few things to try and fix the issue. Pressure cookers work by trapping steam inside the pot. This pressure build-up forces liquid and flavor into your food, making it cook faster than other methods.
When the preheating process is complete, the Instant Pot will beep and count down the cooking time. However, sometimes the pot can get stuck on preheating.
How to fix the issue
1 Try resetting the Instant Pot.
Resetting the Instant Pot can sometimes fix the problem of getting stuck on preheating. Why reset? Because the Instant Pot is a computerized device, and like all computers, it can "glitch" from time to time. A reset will often clear out any minor software issues causing the preheating problem.
How to reset the instant pot?
- Unplug the Instant Pot from the wall outlet.
- Remove the lid and the inner pot of the Instant Pot.
- Find the "Reset" button on the pot's body (usually near the bottom).
- Press and hold the "Reset" button for 3 seconds, then release it.
- Wait a few minutes, plug the Instant Pot back in and press the "start" button. Your instant pot should now work properly.
How to reset the instant pot with the factory default setting?
Hold the "Adjust" button for three seconds while the unit is off mode if you wish to reset the Instant Pot cooker to factory defaults.
If resetting the Instant Pot doesn't fix the problem, there are a few other things you can try...
2 Make sure the float valve is in the correct position.
The float valve is a small metal piece that helps to regulate pressure inside the Instant Pot. When you turn the Instant Pot on, it will start to heat the water inside the pot. The float valve is responsible for regulating the pressure inside the pot.
When the pressure inside the pot becomes too high, the float valve pops up and releases some of the steam. If the float valve is in the down position, it can prevent the steam from escaping, which can cause the pressure to build up and the Instant Pot to get stuck on preheating.
How to check the float valve:
- Remove the lid of the Instant Pot.
- Locate the float valve on the inside of the pot. This small metal piece should be attached to the steam release valve.
- Make sure that the float valve is in the up position. If it is in the down position, gently push it up until it is in the correct position (usually indicated by an arrow on the lid).
3 Check the sealing ring.
The sealing ring is a small rubber ring that sits inside the Instant pot lid. The sealing ring creates a seal between the pot and the lid, allowing pressure to build up inside the pot.
How does the sealing ring work?
When you close the Instant pot lid, the sealing ring fits snugly into a groove around the edge of the pot. This forms an airtight seal, which is necessary for the Instant pot to build up enough pressure to cook your food.
If the seal ring is not seated properly, the Instant pot will not build enough pressure to cook your food. When this happens, the Instant Pot may get stuck on preheating.
How to check the sealing ring:
- Open the instant pot and remove the lid.
- Locate the sealing ring on the inside of the lid. This is a rubber ring that should be sitting in a groove around the edge of the lid.
- Make sure that the sealing ring is in the correct position. If not, press it gently into the groove until it fits.
How to clean the sealing ring?
The best way to clean the sealing ring is to remove it from the lid, wash and soak it in warm soapy water for about 15 minutes. Then, use a soft brush to scrub off any residue. Rinse it well and let it air dry completely, or wipe it down with a clean cloth before putting it back into the Instant Pot.
4 Check the steam release valve for any blockages.
The steam release valve is a safety feature on your Instant Pot that allows you to release the pressure that has built up inside the pot. The pressure inside the pot can reach dangerous levels without proper ventilation, so the steam release valve is there to help release that pressure and keep the pot from exploding. To prevent the valve from blockage, clean it regularly.
How does the steam release valve work?
There is a steam release valve on top of the Instant Pot, and it has a knob that you can turn to release the pressure. Turning the knob opens a valve that allows the steam to escape from the pot. The pressure inside will then drop, and the pot will be safe to open.
How to check it:
If the steam release valve on your Instant Pot is blocked, it can cause the pot to become stuck on preheating. To fix this:
- Remove the lid of the Instant Pot.
- Use a paperclip or other small object to clear any debris blocking the valve.
- Replace the lid and make sure the valve is in the correct position before continuing to use the Instant Pot.
- You may also need to check the venting tube that runs from the valve to the venting knob on the front of the pot.
How to clean the steam release valve
Your Instant Pot may be stuck on preheating if the steam release valve is clogged. To clean the valve:
- Remove it from the pot and soak it in vinegar for a few minutes.
- Use a toothpick or other small object to clear debris from the valve. You can also try running some water through it to ensure it's clear.
- In the case of a damaged valve, you may also need to replace it.
Despite cleaning the steam release valve, if your Instant Pot still does not work properly, you may need to contact the manufacturer for further assistance.
5 Check the pressure release button for blockages.
The pressure release button is a safety valve that helps to release the pressure that builds up inside the Instant Pot.
Instant Pot lids have a pressure release button. Upon turning on the Instant Pot, the pressure inside begins to build. The pressure release button helps to release this pressure by opening up and allowing the steam to escape.
If the pressure release button is blocked, it can cause the Instant Pot to get stuck in a preheating loop.
How to check the pressure release button:
Make sure the pressure release valve is in the "sealing" position (upwards):
- Ensure the pressure release valve is in the "sealing" position.
- If the pressure release valve is not in the "sealing" position, turn it to that position.
- Put the lid back on the Instant Pot and turn it to the "sealing" position.
- Press the "cancel" button.
- Press the "manual" or "pressure cook" button.
- Use the "+" or "-" buttons to choose 5 minutes of cooking time.
- Press the "start" button.
- Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, turn the pressure release valve to the "venting" position to release any remaining pressure.
- Remove the lid and test the food for doneness. If it is not, cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6 Check the heating element.
If your Instant Pot is stuck on preheating, one of the things you should do is check the heating element. The heating element heats the pot's water, so if it's not working correctly, the water won't get hot enough to cook the food.
To check the heating element, remove the pot from the Instant Pot and look for a small metal coil on the bottom of the pot. This is the heating element. Replacement is necessary if it is damaged or broken.
If the heating element looks fine, then the next thing to check is the pressure cooker valve.
An instant pot works like a combination stove and pot. It has a heating element at the bottom. If this heating element is defective, it will not heat up and cause the problem of preheating.
How to check the heating element:
If your pot is stuck on preheating, it could be due to a faulty heating element. To check if this is the case:
- Unplug the pot from the outlet.
- Remove the inner pot from the housing.
- Inspect the heating element for signs of wear, such as cracks, breaks, or corrosion.
- If the element is damaged, a replacement is required.
Even if there is no damage to the heating element, the problem may be with the pot's pressure sensor or thermostat. Using a multimeter, you can check these parts. Replacing them is necessary if they are not working properly.
How to make sure the instant pot is sealed to build pressure
Without an adequately sealed pot, pressure cannot build, and the food will not cook correctly. Here's how to do it.
Step 1
As a safety precaution, check that the silicone sealing ring is in place and that the venting knob is in the sealing position. You should be able to rotate the sealing ring easily. The sealing ring should sit snugly in the groove around the inside edge of the pot. If it's too loose, pressure will escape, and your food won't cook correctly.
Step 2
Clean, maintain, and keep the anti-block shield and float valve in good working order. This means pressure cookers will not come to pressure without either of these and will remain in the preheating mode.
In addition, taking the shield off for cleaning is possible after use, but be sure to return it to its original position afterward.
Step 3
The pressure release valve should be in the "sealing" position (upwards). Turning the knob to this position, a rubber ring inside the valve presses against the vent pipe, sealing it shut.
Consequently, steam or liquid cannot escape from the pot.
If the valve is not in the sealing position, the pressure cooker will not come to pressure and will remain stuck on preheating.
