The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance, but encountering the Instant Pot burn notice can be frustrating. This guide explores common causes of the burn notice and provides practical solutions to prevent it, ensuring your pressure cooking experience remains smooth and stress-free.
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Food Stuck to the Bottom
One common cause of the Instant Pot burn error is food sticking to the bottom of the inner pot, especially after using the sauté function.
Example: You are preparing a beef stew. You sauté onions, garlic, and chunks of beef in the Instant Pot using the sauté button. After browning the meat and vegetables, you add broth and vegetables, but you forget to deglaze the pot. As the pressure builds, the caramelized bits stuck at the bottom trigger the burn notice.
Solution: After sautéing, deglaze the pot by adding a small amount of liquid (like water or broth) and scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon. This step removes food particles and prevents overheating.
Additional Tip: Use a silicone or wooden spatula instead of metal tools to avoid damaging the nonstick surface of some inner pots. Also, check if the meat or food has a layer of fat that could cause it to stick, and trim any excess before cooking.
Steam Releasing from the Lid
Steam escaping from the lid can prevent the Instant Pot from pressurizing properly, leading to the burn message on Instant Pot.
Example: You’re making a hearty chicken soup. You’ve set the valve to sealing, but when the cooking process begins, you notice steam escaping from the sides of the lid. This results in a pressure failure, and the burn notice is displayed. Often, this happens when the lid isn’t aligned properly or the sealing ring is worn out.
Solution: Ensure the steam release valve is set to ‘Sealing’ and the sealing ring is correctly positioned to maintain proper pressure. Replace the sealing ring every 12-18 months to ensure a secure fit.
Additional Tip: Before cooking, double-check that the ring is not twisted and that there are no cracks. If you’ve cooked high-heat dishes, the sealing ring may absorb food odors; clean it thoroughly after every use to maintain its effectiveness.
Not Enough Liquid
Insufficient liquid in the pot can cause the Instant Pot to overheat, displaying the burn notice on pressure cooker.
Example: You’re making risotto, and you’ve read the recipe, but you only use a fraction of the water suggested. The rice absorbs most of the liquid during cooking, and without enough moisture to generate steam, the bottom of the pot burns, causing the burn error to appear.
Solution: Always use the recommended amount of liquid for your recipe. For most recipes, a minimum of 1 to 1.5 cups of liquid is required to build sufficient steam. This liquid can include broth, water, or even wine for flavor.
Additional Tip: Even if the food you’re cooking releases moisture (like vegetables), always start with a base amount of liquid. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to add a little extra rather than risk an undercooked or burned meal.
Using Thick Liquids
Thick sauces can settle at the bottom of the pot, causing the Instant Pot burn warning.
Example: You’re preparing a rich tomato-based chili with ground beef. After sautéing the beef and adding the sauce, you don’t add any extra liquid, and the mixture becomes thick. The sauce sticks to the bottom, and the Instant Pot fails to pressurize properly, triggering the burn notice.
Solution: Add extra thin liquid like water or broth to dilute thick sauces and prevent them from settling at the bottom. When making pasta dishes like spaghetti, layer ingredients properly by adding sauce last and avoiding stirring until after the pressure cooking is complete.
Additional Tip: Avoid adding cream, cheese, or thickening agents like cornstarch until after the pressure cooking is finished. Adding thickening agents too early can lead to food burning and poor texture.
Food Spill Inside the Heating Element
Spilled food inside the heating element area can cause the burn error on Instant Pot.
Example: While transferring ingredients, you accidentally spill some sauce or broth onto the heating element beneath the inner pot. When you start cooking, the food residue starts to burn, triggering the error message. This can also happen when there’s overflow from the pot during cooking.
Solution: Remove the inner pot and inspect the heating plate. Wipe clean with a dry cloth or slightly damp rag if necessary. Let it dry fully before restarting.
Additional Tip: When filling the pot, place it on a counter away from clutter to reduce the risk of spills. Using a ladle or pouring carefully can prevent accidents.
Faulty or Overly Sensitive Pot
A malfunctioning or overly sensitive Instant Pot may display the burn notice even when conditions are normal.
Example: You’ve followed the recipe to a T, using the correct amounts of liquid and ingredients, but the burn notice shows up anyway. You might suspect the pot is malfunctioning, especially if it keeps happening with different dishes.
Solution: Contact Instant Pot support. They may offer troubleshooting tips or provide a warranty replacement. Register your product online after purchase for easier support.
Additional Tip: Update the firmware if using a smart model, as newer software versions may fix sensitivity issues. Also, check the appliance’s user manual for specific maintenance steps.
What to Do If You See the Burn Notice
- Turn off the Instant Pot and release the pressure safely.
- Open the lid and inspect the bottom of the pot for any stuck food.
- Remove and clean the inner pot, ensuring all burnt bits are scraped off.
- Add additional liquid if necessary, and stir to combine.
- Restart the cooking process, using the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function.
- Avoid thickening ingredients until after pressure cooking is done.
Preventative Tips
- Use Proper Ratios: Stick to recommended water-to-grain or water-to-protein ratios. For example, use 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water for optimal results.
- Layer Carefully: Place denser items like pasta or rice at the bottom and sauces or cheeses at the top.
- Avoid Stirring Thick Sauces: Let ingredients layer naturally to prevent the sauce from hitting the heating plate.
- Deglaze Thoroughly: Especially important after sautéing meats, which often leave residue.
- Test With Water: If unsure, run a quick test with just water to ensure your Instant Pot is sealing and pressurizing properly.
- Keep the Sealing Ring Clean: Odors or buildup can compromise performance.
