Introduction
The Instant Pot is an invaluable kitchen appliance that can do much more than you may realize. Did you know that it can even boil water? In this article, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to easily boil water in your Instant Pot pressure cooker.
Why Boil Water in an Instant Pot?
You might be wondering why you would choose to boil water in an Instant Pot when you have other options. Well, there are several reasons. Firstly, if you don’t have an electric kettle, your Instant Pot can serve that purpose. Additionally, if your stovetop is already occupied and you need to boil a large amount of water, the Instant Pot can be a great alternative. Another advantage is that you can use it to cook rice, such as Instant Pot white rice or Instant Pot Mexican rice.
How Much Water Should You Add?
The amount of water you should add to your Instant Pot depends on your specific needs. If you’re only making a cup of tea, then 1 or 2 cups of water will suffice. However, if you need to boil a larger volume of water, you can add as much water as your Instant Pot allows. Each Instant Pot has a “max fill” line, which indicates the highest amount of water you should put in. It’s important not to exceed this line to avoid any spillage when releasing the pressure.
Boiling Water Using Sauté Mode (Without Pressure)
To boil water using the sauté function of your Instant Pot, follow these simple steps:
- Pour 2-3 cups of water into your Instant Pot.
- Press the “Sauté Function” button and set the time for 8 minutes.
- Let the Instant Pot do its job as bubbles start breaking the surface and the water reaches a rolling boil.
- After 8 minutes, you can either remove the water from the pot or switch to the “keep warm” function to maintain hot water.
Boiling Water by Pressure Cooking
If you prefer to use the pressure setting on your Instant Pot, here’s how you can boil water:
- Add 2-3 cups of water to the Instant Pot.
- Close the lid and set the cooking time to 5 minutes on high pressure.
- It will take about 3-4 minutes for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure.
- Once the pressure is reached, the countdown from 5 to 0 will begin.
- After 5 minutes, perform a quick release of the pressure, taking all necessary precautions to avoid any accidents.
- Open the lid when the float valve on the top is released, and you’ll find your water boiling and ready to use.
Does Water Temperature Matter?
Yes, the temperature of the water does matter. If you’re pressure cooking tap water, the colder it is, the longer it will take for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure. Using hot water will significantly reduce the time, taking only 2-3 minutes. On the other hand, adding cold water to the Instant Pot will increase the pressure-building time to around 5-7 minutes. When using the sauté mode, colder water will also take slightly longer to heat up.
Tips and Tricks
- Always exercise caution when handling boiling water from the Instant Pot. Use protective gear to lift the hot interior pot.
- The boiled water can be used for tea, coffee, or even poured over couscous for a quick meal.
- Having multiple options for boiling water is always beneficial, especially in situations where your stovetop is occupied.
Conclusion
The Instant Pot is not only a versatile kitchen appliance but also an excellent choice for boiling water. Whether you use the sauté mode or pressure cooking, it’s a convenient and efficient method. So next time you need boiled water for your favorite recipe or beverage, turn to your trusted Instant Pot.
Find more helpful tips and delicious recipes at Family Cuisine. Don’t forget to share your cooking journey with us on Instagram and Facebook and save this recipe on Pinterest!
More Easy Instant Pot Recipes
