{"id":32685,"date":"2018-12-01T08:50:21","date_gmt":"2018-12-01T15:50:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pressurecookingtoday.com\/?p=32685"},"modified":"2022-05-15T06:07:14","modified_gmt":"2022-05-15T12:07:14","slug":"instant-pot-water-test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pressurecookingtoday.com\/instant-pot-water-test\/","title":{"rendered":"Water Test: Initial Walk Through with Your Instant Pot \/ Electric Pressure Cooker"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Don’t be intimidated by your pressure cooker! If you’re new to pressure cooking and want to start slow, I recommend doing a Water Test<\/strong>. This is a no-worry way to familiarize yourself with your machine. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"How<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A water test is a great way to learn hands-on how your pressure cooker<\/strong> comes to pressure. It will also help you get used to the steps of pressure cooking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’ve written out a lot of specific details here\u2014you’ll repeat the steps in this water test every time you cook at pressure. However, most of these details won’t be specifically written out in the recipe. They’re just good habits to get into from the beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"Instant<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Setting Up the Pressure Cooker for the Water Test<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Step 1: Choose a place to plug in your electric pressure cooker.<\/b> You’re looking for a place where the steam will vent away from cabinets and walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people choose to place it on or right next to their stovetop; however, I don’t recommend this due to the potential to accidentally turn on the stove and melt the pressure cooker. (It<\/a> really<\/a> happens<\/a>!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many brands of electric pressure cookers recommend placing your cooker on a heat-resistant counter mat<\/a>, especially if you plan to use your pressure cooker on a wood table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: Check that the pressure cooker lid is properly assembled.<\/b> You want to make sure <\/span> the sealing ring is in position and the float valve in place. Run your finger along the sealing ring to ensure that there are no bulges or gaps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Double check that the inner pressure cooking pot is inside your housing. You can seriously damage your electric pressure cooker if you try to cook without the cooking pot in place inside the housing. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Be<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bringing the Pot to Pressure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Step 3: Add 1 cup water to the inner pressure cooking pot.<\/strong> (Don’t forget\u2014the pressure cooker doesn’t work without the water!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4: Close and lock the lid.<\/strong> Make sure the pressure release switch is in the Sealed position. Sealed<\/em> is the term I use in my recipes; the exact terminology will vary by brand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n