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Instant Pot Cookbook For Dummies
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Whether you’re a baker, you’re a slow cooker, or you’re just looking for a multifunctional piece of equipment, there’s an Instant Pot model (or similar multiuse pressure cooker) made just for you! Whether you’ve been a loyal Instant Pot user from the beginning or you’re just starting out, you’ll quickly realize the versatility you have in creating timeless classics in minutes.

Various Instant Pot Models

Did you know the very first Instant Pot made its debut back in 2010? It’s amazing to see in just a decade how the pot has evolved and continues to evolve!

If you’re wondering why your pot may have different functions than your friend’s pot does, don’t worry: This section is just for you. Nearly all Instant Pot models have the following basic functions: Pressure Cook, Rice, Soup/Broth, Steam, Yogurt, Multigrain, Meat/Stew, and Poultry.

You likely have one of the following Instant Pot models in your home right now:

  • Max: Includes up to 8 hours of pressure cooking at max pressure (15 pounds per square inch, or psi) to low pressure (6.5 psi), with Sous Vide and Canning functions and three Keep Warm settings up to 99 hours and 50 minutes. Optional custom temperature control for the Sauté function as well.
  • Ultra: Includes up to 6 hours of high and low pressure and three Keep Warm settings up to 99 hours and 50 minutes. Optional custom temperature control for the Sauté function as well.
  • Duo Plus: Includes up to 4 hours of high and low pressure and three Keep Warm settings up to 99 hours and 50 minutes.
  • Duo: Includes up to 4 hours of high and low pressure and three Keep Warm settings up to 99 hours and 50 minutes.
  • Nova Plus: Includes up to 4 hours of high and low pressure and three Keep Warm settings up to 99 hours and 50 minutes.
  • Viva: Includes up to 4 hours of high and low pressure and three Keep Warm settings up to 99 hours and 50 minutes.
  • Lux: Includes up to 4 hours of high pressure and two Keep Warm settings up to 10 hours. This model does not contain the Yogurt
  • DUO EVO Plus: Includes up to 8 hours of high pressure and two Keep Warm settings up to 10 hours. Sterilize function included under Pressure Cook and Steam. Includes Sous Vide and Bake settings, where custom temperatures can be adjusted up to 347 degrees.
Finally, as if that wasn’t enough information, there are also various sizes for each pot—3 quart, 6 quart, and 8 quart.

The recipes in this book were tested in a 6-quart Instant Pot. Each pot size can feed a large number of people, depending on what specific recipe you’re preparing, but rest easy knowing that you can also scale up (or down) a recipe to fit your family’s needs. If you’re looking to cook less or cook on the road, a 3-quart mini Instant Pot can work, too. You can cut recipes in half to accommodate. Just remember to keep the contents of the inner pot below the max fill line.

The Newest Instant Pot: The DUO EVO Plus

The star of the Instant Pot family recently made its debut. The DUO EVO Plus Instant Pot has a new function: Bake! The Bake function built in allows for a custom temperature range to be selected to proof and bake your favorite classics.

Before you dive in, here’s a few tips we’ve learned about the new baking feature we thought you’d like to know:

  • Pressure cook according to the baked item you’re preparing first. There are five presets under the Bake setting: Custom, Cake, Cheesecake, Pudding, and
  • Select the function, then set the time, pressure level, and temperature (if you’re using the Custom Bake) Press the knob in to select and move to the next setting.
  • When pressure cooking first, don’t forget to add water and use the metal trivet with the pot. The valve should also be set to sealing whenever pressure cooking is being used, even under the Bake Take note: The new Bake setting goes up to 347 degrees.
  • To create the crisp, browned, baked texture, finish cakes, cookies, and breads with the Custom Bake
  • Don’t use water when using the Custom Bake temperature setting.
  • Always add the trivet when using the Custom Bake
  • Keep the vent open when baking with a custom temperature.
The DUO EVO Plus is just the second pot in the line to have the Sous Vide function. Essentially, this function allows that tender, melt-in-your-mouth restaurant-quality end result for those traditionally tough cuts of meat. The Sous Vide function offers users the ability to select the protein source (such as eggs, poultry, beef, pork, or seafood) and customize the temperature as needed.

Vegetables are pure perfection when cooked with Sous Vide. They come out crisp yet tender, just like fancy restaurants serve.

When working with the Sous Vide function, be sure to keep the lid secured but venting open!

About This Article

This article is from the book: 

About the book author:

Wendy Jo Peterson is a registered dietitian with more than 20 years of professional experience. She is the author of Meal Prep Cookbook For Dummies and Bread Making For Dummies, and coauthor of Air Fryer Cookbook For Dummies, Instant Pot Cookbook For Dummies, and Mediterranean Diet Cookbook For Dummies.

Elizabeth Shaw, MS, RDN, CLT, CPT, is a dietitian, personal trainer, nutrition professor, and media authority on TV and in print, sharing evidence-based facts.