Instant Pot Terminology & Acronyms

Instant Pot Glossary: Instant Pot Terminology & Acronyms that will help you learn how to use the Instant Pot, understand Instant Pot Recipes & Manual.

Just got a new Instant Pot Pressure Cooker? Welcome to the Instant Pot Tribe!! Time to learn the Instant Pot Terminology in Instant Pot Recipes, Instant Pot Manual, and lingo commonly used by fellow Potheads among Instant Pot Communities.

Here’s an Instant Pot Glossary for the abbreviations and jargon that will get you off your feet as a newbie.

Check out Our Handpicked Instant Pot Accessories

Leave us a comment if you think there are other Instant Pot terms that belong to this list. Thanks! 🙂

Ready to learn the Instant Pot Codes?

Instants Pot Acronyms

1. IP, Instapot, Magic Pot, Pot = Instant Pot

  • Example: My DH accidentally poured food in the IP without the pot. Please help! TIA
  • Decode: My dear husband accidentally poured food in the Instant Pot without the inner pot. Please help! Thanks in advance.

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2. Pothead, Potters = Instant Pot users

3. PC = Pressure Cooker

4. EPC = Electric Pressure Cooker

  • Instant Pot is one of many brands of Electric Pressure Cookers in the market.

5. HP = High Pressure

  • High Pressure is the pressure cooking mode that cooks at 10.2 – 11.6 psi.

6. LP = Low Pressure

  • Low Pressure is the pressure cooking mode that cooks at 5.8 – 7.2 psi.

7. NR, NPR = Natural Release or Natural Pressure Release

After the cooking cycle finished, let the Instant Pot releases the pressure on its own (let it sit) until the Floating Valve (metal pin) completely drops.

8. QR, QPR = Quick Release or Quick Pressure Release

After the cooking cycle finished, move the Venting Knob from Sealing Position to Venting Position to quickly release the pressure inside the pressure cooker. Wait until the Floating Valve (metal pin) completely drops before opening the lid.

instant pot quick release (pressure cooker quick pressure release)

9. HA = High Altitude

Your current location’s altitude affects the optimal pressure cooking time. So, if you live in a high altitude city over 3000 ft above sea level, adjust the cooking times for our recipes using the Pressure Cooker High Altitude Cooking Time Chart.

10. PIP = Pot in Pot or Pan in Pot

The Pot-in-Pot method allows you to cook more than 1 dish separately in the same pot at the same time.

You can do this by placing the ingredients in an oven-safe container on a rack inside the pressure cooker, separating it from the liquid and/or ingredients directly in the pot.

For example, you can cook rice and main dish at the same time in the Instant Pot!

Pot in Pot or Pan in Pot Method to cook Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

11. 5-5-5 = High Pressure 5 minutes, Natural Release 5 minutes, Ice Bath 5 minutes

This is one of the many methods for making Hard Boiled Eggs in the Instant Pot. Same idea with 6-6-6 or 4-4-4.

However, we still enjoy making Instant Pot Eggs using Low Pressure. 😉

Easy Instant Pot Recipes: Instant Pot Soft Boiled Eggs, Instant Pot Medium Boiled Eggs, Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

12. Cheesecake #17

Why is there a number with the cheesecake photos shared everywhere? Is there a mystery Instant Pot Cookbook somewhere?

You might call us crazy..But yes! We tested our New York Cheesecake Recipe 17 times before perfecting it. This way, you can save time & money from experimenting! 😉

Easy New York Instant Pot Cheesecake Recipe

Instant Pot Terminology

1. Instant Pot LUX, DUO, DUO Plus, Ultra, Smart, Smart Wifi, Nova

The Instant Pot Company currently manufactures 5 different product lines of Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cookers: LUX, DUO, DUO Plus, Ultra, and Smart.

They vary in features, functionalities, designs, sizes, and price.

Instant Pot Review: Which Instant Pot to Buy. First-hand user experience of all Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cookers. Thoughts on what size, model, features, price is best Instant Pot to buy.

2. Exterior Pot / Exterior Housing / Cooker Base

The exterior pot or housing refers to the outer brushed stainless steel part – where you place the inner pot.

Caution: never immerse the exterior Instant Pot housing in any type of liquid.

3. Inner Pot / Insert / Liner / Stainless Steel Inner Pot

The inner pot is the removable 3-ply bottom stainless steel cooking pot (as shown in photo below) – where you place your food/liquid.

Note: This inner pot is dishwasher safe.

Instant Pot Setup: Unboxing Instant Pot before first use - setting up inner pot insert

Each Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker comes with 1 stainless steel inner pot. You can purchase an extra one for more flexibility:

4. Instant Pot Lid

The few critical parts you need to know about the Instant Pot Lid: Silicone Sealing Ring, Venting Knob, Floating Valve, and Anti-Block Shield (further explained below).

Instant Pot Ultra Lid

You can also purchase an Instant Pot Glass Lid (for slow cooking, keep warm mode), or Instant Pot Silicone Cover (for storing leftovers in the fridge).

5. Instant Pot Seal / Ring / Sealing Ring / Gasket

The Silicone Sealing Ring is critical to the pressure cooking process. So, it’s important to always check if it’s seated properly or damaged before you close the lid.

Note: the silicone ring is dishwasher safe.

Instant Pot Setup: Unboxing Instant Pot before first use - check the Instant Pot Silicone Sealing Ring

Amy + Jacky’s Tips! It’s always good to have spare Silicone Sealing Rings as they do wear and tear over time.

6. Knob / Venting Knob / Steam Release Valve / Pressure Release Handle

It’s perfectly normal for the Venting Knob to be loose. You can pull it straight out for washing if necessary.

Instant Pot Setup: Unboxing Instant Pot before first use - check the Instant Pot Float Valve

7. Valve / Floating Valve / Pin / Metal Pin

This Floating Valve shows you a key signal whether your Instant Pot has built enough pressure (up to pressure) or has finished releasing pressure (depressurize).

Note: different Instant Pot models’ Floating Valve may look different than the one shown in photo below

Instant Pot Float Valve

8. Sealing Position / Venting Position

It’s critical to ensure the Venting Knob is in the right position for the pressure cooking to go as intended.

  • Sealing Position: allows you to trap the steam in the pressure cooker (build up pressure)
  • Venting Position: allows you to release the steam inside the pressure cooker (depressurize)

Pressure Cooker Venting Knob Position

9. Shield / Anti-Block Shield

The Anti-Block Shield is one of the ten safety mechanisms of the Instant Pot that prevents food from interfering with the Venting Knob.

For cleaning, you can push it on the side to lift it up (as shown in photo below), and press it down in position to install it back in.

Instant Pot Setup: Unboxing Instant Pot before first use - check the Instant Pot Anti Block Shield

10. Condensation Collector

The flat little plastic cup that comes with your Instant Pot helps collect the condensation that sometimes drip into the gap as you open the Instant Pot Lid.

How to Install the Condensation Collector? First find the slot at the back of Instant Pot, then slide it right in (as shown in photo above).

Instant Pot Setup: Unboxing Instant Pot before first use - Instant Pot install condensation collector

11. Trivet / Rack / Steamer Basket / Steamer Rack

What is a Trivet? It’s the stainless steel rack that comes with the Instant Pot! A handy tool for cooking in the Instant Pot – especially great for steaming and Pot-in-Pot.

Instant Pot Setup: Unboxing Instant Pot before first use - using the Instant Pot Trivet Steamer Rack

Note: each Instant Pot Pressure Cooker should come with a trivet, but they may look slightly different than the one above.

In many other recipes, we often call for a steamer rack or steamer basket, you can check out the best-selling Instant Pot Steamer Basket.

12. Water Test / Initial Test Run

What’s the Water Test that everybody talks about? Some rite of passage into the Pothead Cult?

Ha! This is a recommended step that helps you familiarize yourself with how the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker works, and makes sure everything is working properly.

If your Instant Pot worked perfectly without conducting the Water Test, don’t worry about it. 🙂

Step-by-Step Instructions: Instant Pot Water Test

That’s all for now!

This gives you a leg up in understanding the Instant Pot Cult language and some background knowledge for reading the Instant Pot Manual or Instant Pot Recipes.

Did we miss any Instant Pot Terminology or Acronyms? Leave us a comment below.

BONUS: Easy Starter Recipes for You

Before you go, here are some popular easy Instant Pot Recipes that’ll give you a head start in your pressure cooking journey!

We handpicked Easy Recipes for you: Instant Pot Recipes

Instant Pot Recipes | Easy Instant Pot Recipes | Best Instant Pot Recipes | Pressure Cooker Recipes #AmyJacky #InstantPot #PressureCooker #recipes

BONUS: Must-Have Instant Pot Accessories

3 “Must-Have” Instant Pot Accessories We Use:

1. Extra Silicone Sealing Rings

  • Silicone Sealing Ring – Instant Pot Sealing Rings’ life expectancy varies. If steam starts to leak around the lid, replace the Instant Pot Sealing Ring immediately.
  • Genuine Sweet & Savory Edition Silicone Sealing Ring– Since the sealing ring will absorb the smell of the food in the pot, many users like to use separate sealing rings for cooking savory dishes and desserts.

Buy on Amazon:

Instant Pot Sealing Ring 5 & 6-Qt, Inner Pot Seal Ring, Electric Pressure Cooker Accessories,...
  • 1 RING: 1 ring is included - Integral part of the instant pot safety mechanisms; This...
  • DESIGNED FOR INSTANT POT: Genuine Instant Pot multi-use programmable pressure cooker...
Instant Pot 2-Pack Sealing Ring, Inner Pot Seal Ring, Electric Pressure Cooker Accessories,...
  • 2 RINGS: 2 rings are included - Integral part of the instant pot safety mechanisms; These...
  • DESIGNED FOR INSTANT POT: Genuine Instant Pot multi-use programmable pressure cooker...

2. Steamer Baskets

  • Hatrigo Steamer Basket -You can use this as a steamer basket or strainer – wash your vegetables, put them in the basket, then put the basket straight into Instant Pot’s inner pot. It saves time especially when you’re making things like chicken stock. You can easily remove all the ingredients at once instead of scooping them out bit by bit.
  • Stainless Steel Steamer Basket – Another great steamer basket we use frequently! It fits perfectly in the Instant Pot. The feet can keep the veggies and other food out of the liquid for optimal steaming results in your Instant Pot. (i.e. ribs!)

Buy on Amazon:

Kitchen Deluxe Veggie Steamer Basket - Large - Fits Instant Pot Pressure Cooker 3, 5, 6 Qt & 8...
  • EASY TO USE & DISHWASHER SAFE - The Kitchen Deluxe steamer insert for vegetables uses...
  • EXCLUSIVE BUNDLE - SAFETY TOOL - RECIPE EBOOK - JULIENNE PEELER - Premium stainless steel...

3. Oven- Safe Containers

  • Any oven-safe containers will be safe to use in the Instant Pot (i.e. Stainless Steel, Silicone, Corelle bowls)

Want More? Check out the most raved accessories among other Instant Pot users: Instant Pot Accessories

Have fun cooking with your Instant Pot Pressure Cooker!

Instant Pot Terminology & Acronyms that will help you learn how to use the Instant Pot, understand Instant Pot Recipes & Manual.
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