Instant Pot Stuck On Preheating – 8 Ways To Fix It

The Instant Pot revolutionized the way I cook, I know it did the same for you too. But has your Instant Pot ever stuck itself on preheating for too long?

This is the common issue that most instant pot users face. I faced it recently. During my interrogations to find the reason behind the longer preheating issue, I found out the steam release valve was in the venting position, which is the wrong location for the venting valve to be placed.

In your case, you can face the same issue for dissimilar reasons like the damaged sealing ring, insufficient liquid content or water to boil the food in the pot, a dirty float valve, inaccurate valve positions, or others.

So, what’s your reason to cause preheating too long in your instant pot? We’ll discuss the Instant Pot stuck on preheating reasons and how to troubleshoot them.

How Long Does Instant Pot Take To Preheat?

Before we address the unusual preheating issue, you must understand what exactly it is.

Essentially, it’s the phase when your Instant Pot heats up to the perfect range of temperature for cooking. During this phase, the cooker prepares itself for the cooking program you’ve selected.

But how long does Instant Pot take to preheat? Typically, an Instant Pot takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to preheat. However, this can be more or less based on several factors.

Factors such as the quantity and temperature of the ingredients, the selected program, and the model of your Instant Pot determine exactly how long the preheating will be done.

So, if your new Instant Pot takes slightly longer than expected, it may not necessarily indicate a problem. But what to do if your instant pot preheating forever?

Instant Pot Stuck on Preheating: Causes and Solutions

At this point, I’ll disclose the main causes of the preheating issues and their solutions one by one. Pay attention!

Let’s explore the causes and solutions when your instant pot gets stuck on preheating.

1. Insufficient Liquid

The Instant Pot uses the principle of steam pressure cooking. The liquid inside the pot boils and produces steam. It increases the pressure and, subsequently, the cooking temperature.

When there isn’t enough liquid, the appliance struggles to generate enough steam. Thus, it extends the preheating period.

Solution:

Remember, liquid doesn’t mean just water. So, you can add depth to your dishes by using broths, stocks, sauces, wine, or even juice as part of your liquid component.

Not only does this address the preheating issue, but it also elevates the flavor of your food.

A word of caution though: avoid dairy-based liquids for pressure cooking because they tend to scorch easily.

2. Faulty Sealing Ring

The sealing ring, a circular silicone gasket, is vital for pressure building. It closes the space between the lid and the cooking pot. It ensures a tight seal, trapping steam and building pressure within the pot.

Over time, it sometimes becomes stretched, warped, or damaged. Thus, it affects its ability to seal properly. A faulty, dirty, or incorrectly positioned sealing ring can lead to prolonged preheating times.

Solution:

Avoid sticking to just one sealing ring. Maintain at least two. Regularly inspect these rings for elasticity and any signs of wear and tear.

Don’t forget to remove and clean them after each use. If you notice any damage in one sealing ring, use another one.

Remember, silicone can also absorb odors over time. So, soak the ring in vinegar or baking soda solution to eliminate lingering smells.

3. Overfilled Pot

An overfilled pot will lead to multiple issues – prolonged preheating times, undercooked food, and safety risks.

When your pot is overfilled, the contents in your instant pot can sometimes block the steam release.

As such, it disrupts the pressure-building process and extends the preheating period indefinitely.

Solution:

Simply, adhere to the pot’s ‘Max Fill’ line. And, when using ingredients that expand during cooking (like rice or beans), fill only up to the halfway mark.

Get creative with layering – use a trivet and stackable containers to maximize space without overfilling. Also, when using frozen foods, remember they may release additional liquid during cooking. So, adjust your recipe accordingly.

4. Valve in Venting Position

The valve on the Instant Pot has two positions: sealing and venting. The sealing position is used when you want to build pressure inside the instant pot. The venting position is used when you want to release pressure quickly.

If you accidentally leave the valve in the venting position when you’re trying to pressure cook something, steam will continuously escape from the pot, and keeping it in the preheating phase.

Solution:

Always make sure that the valve is in the sealing position before you start the cooking process. This will help to build pressure inside the pot.

Only switch it to the venting position when you are ready to release the pressure.

5. External Temperature

The ambient temperature of your kitchen affects the preheating phase. Colder environments will increase the time taken for your pot to reach the desired pressure level.

Solution:

Try to bring ingredients to room temperature before cooking. Use the ‘Saute’ function to warm the ingredients and the inner pot.

This will reduce the time discrepancy caused by cold kitchen environments.

Instant Pot Preheating Forever: Fix Hardware Issues

Often you’ll notice that your instant pot is stuck on the preheating stage practically forever.

We’ll talk about some hardware-based issues here that can cause the long preheating issue.

1. Blocked Steam Release Valve

The steam release valve must be in the ‘Sealing’ position for the pot to build pressure properly.

If it’s in the ‘Venting’ position or if it’s blocked with food debris, your Instant Pot will struggle to preheat and build pressure. It will lead to prolonged preheating.

Solution:

Turn off and unplug the Instant Pot, let it cool, then carefully remove the steam release valve and clean it under running water.

For stubborn debris, use a toothpick or a small brush to clean the valve gently. Remember to reassemble it correctly before use.

2. Malfunctioning Heating Element

Over time, the heating element can lose efficiency, leading to longer preheating times. This happens due to old age.

Common signs that a heating element may malfunction include an inability to preheat, uneven heating, or burnt-on food residue.

If you suspect your heating element is malfunctioning, it is best to contact a qualified technician for assistance as soon as possible.

Solution:

Fill the pot with three cups of water and set it to ‘Steam’ for two minutes. It should reach the cooking stage within a reasonable time.

If it doesn’t, you will need a professional check-up for the heating element. Replacement will be the best option for you.

3. Damaged or Dirty Float Valve

The float valve can cause the Instant Pot to remain in preheat mode when blocked or damaged.

This can result in an improper cooking cycle and prevent the Instant Pot from reaching the correct pressure level.

In order to ensure proper functionality, the float valve must be checked regularly for any blockages or damage.

Solution:

Remove the small silicone cap on the underside of the lid. Then, push the float valve out from the top and clean both under warm water.

Make sure the valve moves up and down freely when reinstalled. If it appears damaged, order a replacement.

Finally, now you know what to do if your instant pot preheating too long. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using your Instant Pot to ensure your safety.

How To Still Cook After Preheating Takes Long?

Below, we’ll go into detail about how to efficiently preheat your food, even if your instant pot takes a long time to preheat.

Here are several tips on adjusting your recipes for more efficient preheating.

Note: Remember, if your instant pot gets stuck in preheating, these tips will not work for you. In that case, you can use the guide we provided above.

1. Thaw Frozen Ingredients

Using frozen ingredients directly can increase preheating time. Therefore, try to plan and thaw frozen items in your refrigerator overnight.

Or, simply use the defrost function of your microwave before cooking.

2. Size Adjustment

Cut your ingredients into smaller pieces to reduce preheating time. Cutting the meat into smaller pieces will speed up the healing process and help to increase the pressure inside the pot.

3. Externally Preheat Your Liquids

When using a liquid at room temperature or warm, your Instant Pot will reach the desired pressure level faster.

You can achieve this by heating the liquid on your stovetop or microwave before adding it to the pot.

4. Layering

When cooking multiple items at once, layer your food strategically. Place ingredients that require longer cooking times, like large pieces of meat or whole grains, at the bottom of the pot.

Then, add ingredients that cook more quickly on top. This method optimizes the distribution of heat and allows all ingredients to finish cooking at the same time.

You can also use a steamer basket or the trivet for ingredients that cook faster (like fish or delicate vegetables).

5. Use the Saute Function

The ‘Saute’ function is great for preheating your pot and ingredients. Sautéing your ingredients (particularly the aromatics or browning the meat) can reduce the overall preheating time.

6. Mind the Order of Ingredients

Adding dairy or thick sauces too early can cause them to stick to the bottom of the pot. Add these ingredients after pressure cooking, using the ‘Saute’ function to incorporate them.

7. Use The Water Hack

A smart hack to avoid preheating is to heat the liquid you’ll be using in a separate kettle or on the stove before adding it to your Instant Pot.

The hot liquid will help the pot to reach pressure much faster.

Last Words

We understand that the Instant Pot can occasionally present a few challenges, like getting Instant Pot stuck on preheating issues.

Remember, if your Instant Pot seems to be taking a little longer than usual to preheat, it’s nothing to be worried about. It is simply adjusting to the quantity and temperature of the ingredients.

Also, if you’ve tried our given solutions and still facing the longer preheating issues, you can simply turn off the instant pot and reset it to prevent malfunctioning issues.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]