Instant Pot Duo 3L, 5.7L & 7.6L multicooker: Complete Guide to Cooking Functions, Settings & Smart Programs

Whether you're using the Instantpot Duo 3L multicooker, Instantpot Duo 5.7L multicooker, or Instantpot  Duo 7.6L multicooker model, the Instant Pot Duo Multicooker is your go-to kitchen companion for fast, flavorful, and fuss-free meals. This all-in-one appliance combines multiple cooking functions in one compact device—saving you time, space, and energy in the kitchen.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the key cooking programs available on all Duo models, explain their default settings, and offer tips to help you get the most out of your Instant Pot Duo models.

Pressure Cooking: Fast & Flavorful Meals

The Pressure Cook function significantly reduces cooking time while preserving flavor and nutrients. It is perfect for preparing meats, beans, and stews quickly.
Pressure Cook Settings Explained:

• Time Increment/Decrement: Cooking time can be adjusted in 1-minute increments, allowing for precise control over your meals.
• Default Pressure Level: The high-pressure setting ensures fast and even cooking.
• Auto Keep Warm: Automatically keeps your food warm after cooking is complete.
• Delay Start: This feature lets you set a cooking delay, so your meal is ready exactly when you need it.

How to Use the Pressure Cook Function

To get the best results, ensure there is at least 250ml of liquid in the pot to generate steam. Select high or low pressure based on the type of food. For delicate foods like vegetables, use Quick Release to stop cooking immediately. For meats and stews, Natural Release is recommended, allowing the pressure to drop gradually and keeping the food tender. If cooking frozen ingredients, increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes.
 

Rice, Grains & Porridge: Perfect Every Time

Cooking rice, grains, and porridge is effortless with the Instant Pot, ensuring even cooking without burning.
Rice & Grain Cooking Settings Explained:

• Time Increment/Decrement: Adjusts in 1-minute increments for precise cooking control.
• Default Pressure Level: The Rice function uses low pressure for fluffier grains, while Multigrain and Porridge use high pressure for better texture.
• Auto Keep Warm: Keeps rice and porridge warm until ready to serve.
• Delay Start: Allows you to pre-set cooking for convenience.

How to Use the Rice & Porridge Function

For best results, always rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve a fluffier texture. Use an equal amount of water and white rice (e.g., 1 cup of rice with 1 cup of water) for fluffy, evenly cooked grains and adjust accordingly for other grains like quinoa or brown rice. The Multigrain setting includes a soaking period, so it’s ideal for tougher grains that require extra hydration.

Slow Cooking & Sauté: Classic Cooking in One Pot

The Slow Cook function is perfect for long-simmering dishes, while Sauté allows you to brown ingredients before pressure cooking.
Slow Cook & Sauté Settings Explained:

• Time Increment/Decrement: Slow Cook adjusts in 30-minute increments, while Sauté allows 1-minute adjustments.
• Default Pressure Level: No pressure is used for these modes.
• Auto Keep Warm: Automatically keeps slow-cooked meals warm.
• Delay Start: Available only for Slow Cook, not for Sauté.
   

How to Use Slow Cook & Sauté

The Slow Cook function is ideal for stews and braised meats, allowing flavors to develop over time. To use the Sauté function, heat the pot, then add oil before browning meats or softening vegetables. This step enhances flavor before pressure cooking.

Steaming & Yogurt Making: Healthier Choices

The Steam function ensures vegetables and seafood retain nutrients, while the Yogurt function allows for controlled fermentation.
Steam & Yogurt Settings Explained

• Time Increment/Decrement: Adjusts in 1-minute increments for steaming; 30-minute increments for yogurt fermentation.
• Default Pressure Level: High pressure for steaming, no pressure for yogurt.
• Auto Keep Warm: Not applicable for yogurt or steaming.
• Delay Start: Available only for Steam.

How to Use Steam & Yogurt Functions

For steaming, use a steaming rack or basket to keep food elevated above the liquid. Use Quick Release after steaming to prevent overcooking. For yogurt, use pasteurized milk, bring it to a boil, then cool before adding starter cultures.

Keep Warm & Delay Start: Convenience at Its Best

These features add flexibility, keeping food warm after cooking or allowing for scheduled meal preparation.
Keep Warm & Delay Start Settings Explained:

• Time Increment/Decrement: Adjusts in 10-minute increments.
• Default Pressure Level: No pressure.
• Auto Keep Warm: Maintains temperature automatically after cooking.
• Delay Start: Useful for meal planning.
   

How to Use Keep Warm & Delay Start

Keep Warm prevents food from cooling after cooking, ideal for meal prep. The Delay Start function allows you to program the pot to start cooking at a later time, making meal planning easier.