DUO™ MULTI-USE PRESSURE COOKER User manual Important safeguards Products, parts and accessories Get started Pressure cooking 101 Releasing pressure Control panel Pressure control features Cooking Care, cleaning and storage Troubleshooting Warranty Contact Download the Instant Pot app with 1000+ recipes at instantpot.com/app.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS (Yes, we have to) At Instant Brands™ your safety always comes first. The Instant Pot ® Duo™ was designed with your safety in mind, and we mean business. Check out this Instant Pot’s long list of safety mechanisms to see what we mean. As always, be careful when using electrical appliances and follow basic safety precautions. 01 READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS, SAFEGUARDS AND WARNINGS BEFORE USE. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE SAFEGUARDS AND INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS • Always use oven mitts when removing accessories, and to handle the inner pot. • Always place hot accessories on a heat-resistant surface or cooking plate. 07 The removable inner pot can be extremely heavy when full of ingredients. Care should be taken when lifting the inner pot from the multicooker base to avoid burn injury. • Extreme caution must be used when the inner pot contains hot food, hot oil or other hot liquids.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 • Turn the appliance off if steam escapes from the steam release handle and/or float valve in a steady stream for longer than 3 minutes. • If steam escapes from the sides of the lid, turn the appliance off and make sure the sealing ring is properly installed. Refer to Pressure control features: sealing ring. • DO NOT attempt to force the lid off the Instant Pot multicooker base. Refer to Releasing pressure. When cooking meat with skin (e.g.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 17 Spilled food can cause serious burns. A short power-supply cord is provided to reduce the hazards resulting from grabbing, entanglement and tripping. • DO NOT let the power cord hang over edges of tables or counters, or touch hot surfaces or open flame, including the stovetop. • DO NOT use below-counter power outlets, and never use with an extension cord. • Keep the appliance and cord away from children.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 23 This appliance is NOT to be used by children or by persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities. Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used near children and these individuals. Children should not play with this appliance. 24 DO NOT leave the appliance unattended while in use. Never connect this appliance to an external timer switch or separate remote-control system. 25 DO NOT store any materials in the multicooker base or inner pot when not in use.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS Special cord set instructions Per safety requirement, a short power supply cord is provided to reduce the hazards resulting from entanglement and tripping. This appliance has a 3-prong grounding plug. To reduce the risk of electric shock, plug the power cord into a grounded electrical outlet that is easily accessible. Product specifications The tables below represent all available models in the 7-in-1 Duo family. To view a full list of sizes, colors and patterns, go to instantpot.
Table of contents IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS........................................................................................ 2 Special cord set instructions....................................................................................7 Product specifications..............................................................................................7 Find your model name and serial number...........................................................7 Product, parts and accessories.....................
Table of contents Other cooking styles.................................................................................................. 31 Slow Cook................................................................................................................32 Sauté.........................................................................................................................33 Deglazing the inner pot (pressure cooking after sauté)...................................34 Yogurt.....................
Product, parts and accessories Represents all Duo Mini, 6 and 8 Quart models. See Care, cleaning and storage: Removing and installing parts to find out how everything fits together.
Product, parts and accessories Inner pot Fill lines Stainless-steel inner pot Multicooker base Outer pot Condensation rim Condensation collector (rear) Heating element (interior) Base handles Control panel Base power socket (rear, 8 quart is hardwired) Detachable power cord (3 and 6 quart only) Stainless-steel exterior Illustrations in this document are for reference only and may differ from the actual product. Always refer to the actual product. instantpot.
Get started Initial set up (It won't bite!) You — yes, you — can do this! “This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook — try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all have fun!” – Julia Child 01 Pull that Duo out of the box! 02 Remove the packaging material and accessories from in and around the multicooker. Make sure to check under the inner pot! 03 Wash the inner pot in a dishwasher or with hot water and dish soap.
Get started Initial test run (water test) Do you have to do the water test? No — but getting to know the ins and outs of your Duo prepares you for success in the kitchen! Take a few minutes to get to know how this baby works. Stage 1: Setting up the Duo for pressure cooking 01 Remove the inner pot from the multicooker base and add 3 cups (750 mL / ~25 oz) of water to the inner pot, then place it back into the multicooker base.
Pressure cooking 101 Pressure cooking uses steam to raise the boiling point of water above 100ºC / 212ºF. These high temperatures allow you to cook food way faster than normal. Behind the magic curtain When pressure cooking, the Instant Pot goes through 3 stages. Pre-heating What you see The display shows On. What you don’t see While the multicooker preheats, it vaporizes liquid to create steam. Once enough steam has built up, the float valve pops up and locks the lid in place.
Releasing pressure You must release pressure after pressure cooking before attempting to open the lid. Follow your recipe’s instructions to choose a venting method, and always wait until the float valve drops into the lid before opening. Venting methods • Natural Release (NR or NPR) • Quick Release (QR or QPR) • Timed Natural Release Pressurized Depressurized WARNING DO NOT cover the Steam ejected from the steam release handle is hot.
Releasing pressure Quick Release (QR or QPR) Stops cooking quickly and prevents overcooking. Perfect for quick-cooking vegetables and delicate seafood! What to do Carefully, quickly and confidently, turn the steam release handle to Venting and wait for all pressure inside the multicooker to release. What to expect A jet of steam ejects through the top of the steam release handle. This is normal! When pressure has been fully released, the float valve drops into the lid.
Control panel Duo Soup Broth 2 Rice Meat Stew Bean Chili 1 Multigrain Low Pressure Less Smart Programs More Porridge 1 Steam Slow Cook Pressure Level Keep Warm Yogurt Sauté Delay Start Cancel Pressure Cook 8 9 6 1 Normal Poultry 5 3 High Pressure 4 7 Pressure cooking Non-pressure cooking • Soup/Broth • Slow Cook • Meat/Stew • Sauté • Bean/Chili • Yogurt • Poultry • Keep Warm • Rice • Multigrain • Porridge • Steam • Pressure Cook 2 Time display Show
Settings Setting Description Turn sound on When in standby, press and hold the + button until the display shows S On. Turn sound off. When in standby, press and hold the − button until the display shows SOFF. Audible safety and error message alerts cannot be turned off. Once a Smart Program is selected, changes to the cooking time, temperature and pressure Adjust and save custom cooking times level are saved once the Smart Program and temperatures. begins. See Cooking for details.
Settings Setting Description Delay Start can be set from between 10 minutes (00:10) and 24 hours (24:00). 01 Select a Smart Program and tweak it as needed, then press Delay Start. Once pressed, there is no way to go back to the Smart Program settings. You’ll have to press Cancel and start again. Set a Delay Start timer. 02 When the hours field flashes, use the − / + buttons to adjust the hours. 03 Press Delay Start again to toggle to the minutes field and use the − / + buttons to adjust the minutes.
Status messages The Instant Pot is in standby mode, ready for action! May indicate that the lid is missing or is not properly secured. The multicooker is pre-heating. The Rice Smart Program is running. The Yogurt Smart Program is in the process of pasteurizing milk (i.e., the Yogurt Smart Program is set to More). The inner pot has reached the perfect temperature and is ready to start cooking your food. Only applies to Sauté.
Pressure control features (Your little bag of tricks!) See Care, cleaning and storage for installation and removal of parts. Pressure cooking lid What we love about it The lid was designed with lid fins that fit perfectly inside the handles on the left and right sides of the multicooker base to help keep your countertop dry! What you should know about it The lid is removable during non-pressure cooking so you can taste-test as you go.
Pressure control features Steam release handle The steam release handle controls the steam, venting it from the top of the steam release handle, or sealing it inside the Instant Pot. What we love about it It’s easy to tell when the handle is in the Sealing or Venting position. What you should know about it The steam release handle sits loosely on the steam release pipe to pivot easily while under pressure, so it may feel a bit wobbly.
Pressure control features Float valve The float valve is a visual indication of whether there is pressure in the multicooker (pressurized) or not (depressurized). It appears in two positions: Pressurized Depressurized The float valve has visibly popped up and is flush with the lid. The float valve has descended into the lid. The float valve and silicone cap work together to seal in pressurized steam. These parts must be installed before use.
Pressure cooking Whether you’re a whiz in the kitchen or a complete newbie, these Smart Programs help get you cooking with the touch of a button. • Soup/Broth • Meat/Stew Soup Broth Meat Stew • Poultry* Bean Chili • Rice • Multigrain* • Porridge Rice Multigrain Low Pressure High Pressure Less More Normal Porridge Poultry Steam Slow Cook Pressure Level Sauté Delay Start Suggested use Fish and Low Pressure seafood, soft 5.8 – 7.2 psi vegetables (35–55 kPa) and rice.
Pressure cooking To create steam, pressure cooking liquids should be water-based, such as broth, stock, soup or juice. If using canned, condensed or cream-based soup, add water as directed below. Instant pot size Minimum liquid for pressure cooking 2.8 Litres / 3 Quarts 1 cup (250 mL / ~8 oz) 5.7 Litres / 6 Quarts 1½ cup (375 mL / ~12 oz) 7.6 Litres / 8 Quarts 2 cups (500 mL / ~16 oz) *Unless otherwise specified by your recipe.
Pressure cooking Smart program breakdown Smart Programs Soup/Broth Meat/Stew Bean/Chili Poultry* Rice Settings and defaults Pressure Low (35–55 kPa / 5–8 psi) High (65–85 kPa / 9.4–12.3 psi) Setting Less Normal More Default cooking time (adjustable) 20 minutes (00:20) 30 minutes (00:30) 4 hours (04:00) Cooking time range 1 minute to 4 hours (00:01–04:00) Pressure Low (35–55 kPa / 5–8 psi) High (65–85 kPa / 9.4–12.
Pressure cooking Smart program breakdown Smart Programs Pressure Low (35–55 kPa / 5–8 psi) High (65–85 kPa / 9.4–12.3 psi) Setting Less Multigrain* Default cooking time (adjustable) Porridge Steam Pressure Cook Settings and defaults 20 minutes (00:20) Normal More 40 minutes (00:40) 1 hour (01:00) + 45 minutes soaking time Cooking time range 1 minute to 4 hours (00:01–04:00) Pressure Low (35–55 kPa / 5–8 psi) High (65–85 kPa / 9.4–12.
Pressure cooking Pressure cooking tips Smart Program Soup/Broth Meat/Stew Setting What it's for Less Soup without meat. Normal Soup with meat. More Rich bone broth. Less Soft texture. Normal Very soft texture. More Liquid remains clear due to lack of boiling motion. Always use NR to release pressure when cooking soup with a high starch content. Choose setting based on meat texture desired, or adjust cook time manually. Allow meat to “rest” for 5–30 minutes, depending on size.
Pressure cooking Pressure cooking tips Smart Program Multigrain* Porridge Steam Setting What it's for Less Brown rice, wild rice, black beans, chickpeas, etc. Normal Brown rice, wild rice, mung beans, etc. More Tough grains or a mixture of grains and beans. Less Oatmeal—steel cut or rolled. Normal White rice, porridge or congee. More Rice, porridge or congee with a mixture of various grains. Less Vegetables. Normal Fish and Seafood. More Meat.
Pressure cooking Pressure cooking grains Check out the cooking timetables for guidance, or visit our recipe site for fun, easy-tofollow recipes with big crunch.
Other cooking styles The Duo is much more than a pressure cooker. These Smart Programs don’t cook with pressure, but are just as easy to use.
Other cooking styles Slow Cook Slow Cook is compatible for use with any common slow cooker recipe, so you can keep cooking your classics! The float valve should not rise during Slow Cook. The lid is removable throughout the cooking process for easy access. If the float valve rises, make sure the steam release handle is set to the Venting position. See to Pressure control features: Steam release handle. Setting Suggested Use Less Low setting on common slow cookers.
Other cooking styles Sauté Sauté can be used in place of a frying pan, griddle or flat-top grill. Setting Suggested Use Less Simmering, thickening and reducing liquids. Normal Pan searing or sautéing. More Stir-frying or browning meat. Notes The display switching from Hot to On indicates the multicooker is maintaining the cooking temperature. As a safety precaution, 30 minutes is the maximum cooking time.
Other cooking styles Deglazing the inner pot (pressure cooking after sauté) Sautéing meat and vegetables before pressure cooking is the perfect way to boost flavors, as sugars caramelize from the high heat of the Sauté Smart Program. When pressure cooking after using Sauté, deglaze the inner pot to make sure food items do not scorch. To deglaze: Remove food items from the inner pot and add a thin liquid (e.g., water, broth, wine) to the hot surface.
Other cooking styles Yogurt Yogurt is designed to effortlessly produce delicious fermented dairy and non-dairy recipes. Instant Pot Size Minimum Milk Volume Maximum Milk Volume 2.8 Litres / 3 Quarts 2 cups (500 mL / ~16 oz) 2 quarts (1.9 L / ~64 oz) 5.7 Litres / 6 Quarts 4 cups (1000 mL / ~32 oz) 4 quarts (3.8 L / ~128 oz) 7.6 Litres / 8 Quarts 6 cups (1500 mL / ~48 oz) 6 quarts (5.8 L / ~192 oz) Setting Suggested Use Notes Less For lower temperature fermentation (e.g.
Other cooking styles Stage 2: Add starter culture Stage 3: Ferment yogurt 01 Allow pasteurized milk to cool to just below 43°C (110°F). 01 Press Yogurt. 02 Add a starter culture to the milk according to package instructions. If using plain yogurt as a starter, make sure that it contains an active culture. Mix in 30 mL (2 tbsp) of yogurt per 3.7 L (1 gallon) of milk, or follow a trusted recipe. 03 Place and close the lid as described in Pressure control features: pressure cooking lid.
Care, cleaning and storage Clean your Duo and its parts after each use. Failure to follow these cleaning instructions may result in catastrophic failure, which may lead to property damage and/or severe personal injury. Always unplug your multicooker and let it cool to room temperature before cleaning. Never use metal scouring pads, abrasive powders or harsh chemical detergents on any of the Instant Pot’s parts or accessories. Let all surfaces dry thoroughly before use, and before storage.
Care, cleaning and storage WARNING The Instant Pot multicooker base contains electrical components. To avoid fire, electric leakage or personal injury, make sure the multicooker base stays dry. • DO NOT immerse the multicooker base in water or other liquid, or attempt to cycle it through the dishwasher. • DO NOT rinse the heating element. • DO NOT submerge or rinse the power cord or the plug.
Care, cleaning and storage Steam release handle Anti-block shield Remove the steam release handle Remove the anti-block shield Pull the steam release handle up and off the steam release pipe. Grip the lid like a steering wheel and use your thumbs to press firmly against the side of the anti-block shield (pressing towards the side of the lid and up) until it pops off the prongs underneath. The steam release handle must be installed before using the multicooker.
Care, cleaning and storage Float valve and silicone cap Condensation collector Remove the float valve The condensation collector sits at the back of the multicooker base and catches any overflow from the condensation rim. Place one finger on the flat top of float valve, then turn the lid over. Detach the silicone cap from the bottom side of the float valve. Remove the float valve from the top of the lid. Do not discard the float valve or silicone cap.
Troubleshooting Register your Instant Pot today! If your problem persists or if you have questions, get in touch with a Customer Care Advisor through our chat widget at instantpot.com/#chat, by email at support@instantpot.com or by phone at 1-800-828-7280. Problem Occasional clicking or light cracking sound. Difficulty closing the lid. Difficulty opening the lid. Possible reason Try this The sound of power switching and the pressure board expanding when This is normal; no action needed.
Troubleshooting Problem Steam leaks from side of lid. The float valve does not rise. Minor steam leaking or hissing from the steam release handle during the cook cycle. Possible reason Try this No sealing ring in the lid. Install a sealing ring. The sealing ring is damaged or not installed properly. Replace the sealing ring. Food debris attached to the sealing ring. Remove the sealing ring and clean it thoroughly. The lid is not closed properly. Open, then close the lid.
Troubleshooting Problem Possible reason The display remains blank Bad power connection or no power. after connecting the power cord. Cooker’s electrical fuse has blown. C1 C2 C6 C6H C6L Check outlet to make sure it is powered. Contact Customer Care. Contact Customer Care. Temperature is too high because the inner pot is not placed in the multicooker base.
Warranty Disclaimer of Implied Warranties EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED HEREIN AND TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, INSTANT BRANDS MAKES NO WARRANTIES, CONDITIONS OR REPRESENTATIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, BY STATUTE, USAGE, CUSTOM OF TRADE OR OTHERWISE WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLIANCES OR PARTS COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, WARRANTIES, CONDITIONS, OR REPRESENTATIONS OF WORKMANSHIP, MERCHANTABILITY, MERCHANTABLE QUALITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR DURABILITY.
Warranty Limited Warranty This Limited Warranty is effective for one year from the date of original consumer purchase. Proof of original purchase date and, if requested by an authorized representative of Instant Brands Inc. (“Instant Brands”), return of your appliance, is required to obtain service under this Limited Warranty.
Instant Brands Inc. 11—300 Earl Grey Dr., Suite 383 Ottawa, Ontario K2T 1C1 Canada Register your product today instantpot.com/support/register Contact us 1-800-828-7280 support@instantpot.com instantpot.com/#chat instantpot.com store.instantpot.
