When you think of loud cooking appliances, chances are Instant Pots don’t come to mind. So, when your Instant Pot suddenly starts sounding off, you may instantly think there’s a problem. Could this be normal, or is something wrong with your pot? If you want to know what’s going on, keep reading. We’ve done the research and will answer all your burning questions.
Instant pots make a hissing noise from time to time, though this is an uncommon occurrence. This noise may occur as a part of normal operation, which is no cause for concern. But in some cases, it could indicate that there’s a problem with your appliance.
Just about every problem that may come up with your Instant Pot can be remedied right at home. In this article, we will tell you once-and-for-all whether Instant Pots make noise. We’ll share with you some problems that a noisy Instant Pot might indicate and provide tips for fixing them.
Instant Pots Do Make Noise
Instant pots make noise on a regular basis, and when they do, it usually sounds like a hiss. This hissing noise often has a perfectly logical explanation, and we’ll get into it below.
Instant pots hiss as they release built-up steam. It’s a normal and necessary function that keeps the pressure inside the Instant Pot from rising too high. If this function weren’t built into your Instant Pot, your machine would malfunction, and the food would not cook properly.
Other Noises Your Instant Pot May Make
Hissing is not the only noise that your pot may make. Sometimes, the lid of your Instant Pot will rattle as the steam escapes. So, don’t worry if you notice a rattling sound as well. This sound most likely indicates that your Instant Pot is working normally.
Clicking is another type of sound that’s common with units like Instant Pots. Users often notice this sound while the pot is running. In most cases, the clicking is due to temperature regulation. If the pot happens to get too hot, the unit may power off automatically, and every time this happens, you may hear a clicking sound.
Note: Not every Instant Pot is created equally. Some do not have an auto-off function, in which case, the clicking sound may be attributed to another cause.
Signs There is a Problem with Your Instant Pot
There’s no need to worry about periodic hissing, clicking, or rattling, especially if your unit seems to be working appropriately otherwise. But if these sounds are constant and your pot doesn’t cook your food according to the manufacturer’s estimates, there could definitely be a problem.
Constant noise is a good indication of a defect or issue with your Instant Pot. Some common problems users experience with these units include:
- Not enough liquid in the pot.
- A steam leak.
- Too much pressure inside the pot.
- Moisture on the outside of the inner pot.
- An operational defect.
Below, we’ll get into each of these issues and how to tell if they apply to your unit.
Not Enough Liquid in the Instant Pot
When there’s not enough liquid in your Instant Pot, you may hear a hissing sound once all of the liquid is used up. In order to remedy this issue, always make sure that there’s at least a cup of water in your Instant Pot before adding your food.
Doing so should prevent any excessive hissing. If your pot runs dry throughout the cooking process, feel free to add ½ cup of water or broth to remedy the issue.
A Steam Leak
Your Instant Pot could leak steam if it isn’t properly sealed. A steam leak will not only make a hissing noise, but it could result in improperly cooked food. To ensure that your pot isn’t leaking steam (not to be confused with a steam release due to the pressurization process), check the sealing ring inside the pot’s lid. If there’s no ring, perhaps you washed the ring and forgot to put it back on. If the ring is hanging off, ensure that it fits tightly within the appropriate groove.
Too Much Pressure in the Pot
Putting too much food in your Instant Pot can make the pot’s pressure levels skyrocket. That’s why each pot comes with recommendations for how much food you can add to the pot at one time. When there’s too much pressure in the pot, you will hear lots of hissing as the pot releases this excess pressure.
Moisture on the Outside of the Inner Pot
Before you place the inner pot into the Instant Pot unit, make sure it’s dry. If you don’t, you’ll hear a clicking or rattling noise while your pot is in use. If this is the issue you’re dealing with, you’ll notice a reduction in noise after drying and reinserting the inner pot.
An Operational Defect
If none of these issues apply to your unit, we suggest reaching out to the manufacturer of your Instant Pot. Your noisy unit could be defective, and if it is, the manufacturer should know about it. They may offer to fix the unit, replace it with a new one, or give you a refund for your trouble.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – noise is not always a sign that there’s a problem with your Instant Pot. But, in some cases, it is. We hope this article has given you the information you need to remedy your unit’s noise issues. Happy pressure cooking!