Instant Pot RIO 7.1L Multicooker: Complete Guide to Cooking Functions, Settings & Smart Programs

In today’s busy world, having a dependable kitchen appliance that saves time and simplifies cooking is essential. The Instant Pot RIO series, available in 5.7L and 7.1L sizes, is designed to do just that—combining multiple appliances in one smart, easy-to-use multicooker. Whether you're new to pressure cooking or an experienced home chef, the RIO offers versatile cooking functions to help you prepare delicious meals with minimal effort.

In this guide, we’ll explore the key cooking programs available on the Instant Pot RIO Wide 7.1L, explain their default settings, and provide useful tips to get the best results from your multi-cooker.

Pressure Cooking: Fast & Efficient Meals

The Pressure Cook function is ideal for quick cooking while preserving nutrients and flavors. It's perfect for meats, stews, beans, soups, and other hearty dishes.

How to Use the Pressure Cook Function

• Add at least 250ml of liquid to generate steam.
• Use High Pressure for meats and stews, and Low Pressure for delicate foods like vegetables.
• Quick Release works best for softer foods, while Natural Release helps maintain tenderness for meats and stews.

Rice, Grains & Porridge: Perfect Every Time

The Rice function makes it easy to cook perfect rice and grains with a consistent, fluffy texture every time.

Tips for Cooking Rice & Grains

• Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch.
• Use a 1:1 water-to-rice ratio for white rice, and adjust for other grains.
• Natural Release helps maintain better texture for grains.

Slow Cooking & Sauté: Classic Cooking Methods

The Slow Cook function is great for tenderizing meats, simmering soups, and developing deep flavors over time, while Sauté allows you to brown ingredients before cooking.

Slow Cooking & Sauté Tips

• Slow Cook Low takes approximately 4.5 hours to reach 95°C, while Slow Cook High takes around 3 hours.
• The Sauté function is ideal for browning meats or softening vegetables before pressure or slow cooking.

Steaming & Sous Vide: Healthy Precision Cooking

The Steam function preserves nutrients while cooking at high temperatures, and Sous Vide ensures precise temperature control for gourmet-quality meals.

How to Use Steam & Sous Vide Functions

• Use a steaming rack for Steam to elevate the food above the water.
• For Sous Vide, ensure water immersion at precise temperatures for even cooking.

Yogurt & Bake: Homemade Delights

The Yogurt function is perfect for making fresh homemade yogurt, while the Bake function allows you to bake cakes, bread, and more.

How to Use Yogurt & Bake Functions

• For yogurt, start with pasteurized milk and ferment at Low (41°C) for 8+ hours.
• For baking, use the original lid with venting open for the best results.

Keep Warm & Delay Start: Convenience at Its Best

These features make meal planning easier by keeping food warm or scheduling cooking in advance.

How to Use Keep Warm & Delay Start

• Keep Warm maintains food temperature after cooking.
• Delay Start lets you schedule cooking ahead of time for added convenience.