Instant Pot Duo Plus 6 Quart – Unboxing and the Essential Water Test

I bought a new kitchen appliance and in this post I’ll share the unboxing of my new Instant Pot DUO Plus 60, 6 Quart multi-cooker. I’ll also talk about the Water Test and why it’s important to do this test before you start cooking with your new Instant Pot. Of course, along the way, I’ll share lots of pictures of the shiny new kitchen appliances and included accessories. In upcoming posts, I’ll share my tips and tricks to help clean and care for your Instant Pot. Please stay tuned!

Instant Pot DUO Plus 60 – Features

The Instant Pot DUO Plus 60 is an upgrade from the Instant Pot DUO 60, their best-selling model. The Instant Pot DUO Plus 6 Quart offers 9-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable 1) Pressure Cooker, 2) Slow Cooker, 3) Rice Cooker, 4) Yogurt Maker, 5) Egg Cooker, 6) Sauté, 7) Steamer, 8) Warmer, and 9) Sterilizer

The newer programs intriguing me most are the “Cake” and “Sterilize”. I’ll test out these functions and be sure to share my findings.

Unboxing the Instant Pot DUO Plus 60

Everyone loves unboxing things, me especially, even if I already know what’s inside LOL. This is my third Instant Pot but the idea of opening a brand-new one was still thrilling. I have the Instant Pot Duo in both the 6 quart and 8 quart sizes. The Duo 60 is the most popular Instant Pot with 7-in-1 multi-cooker functions.

I purchased the Instant Pot DUO Plus 60 from Amazon during a day when it was on sale for $79.99 from its typical price of $99.99. You probably already know this but Amazon tries to match competitor prices and so the price of the Instant Pots goes up and down weekly. If you’re not in a rush, wait until it goes on sale. Also check local stores like Target, Bed, Bath and Beyond and Williams Sonoma. They often match Amazon’s price.

Now…onto the unboxing pics!

The kit comes with the following items: cooker base, power cord, pressure cooking lid, stainless steel inner pot, trivet/steamer rack, measuring cup, condensation cup, paddle spoon and ladle. The booklets included are: User Manual, Quick Reference Guide, Recipe Booklet and a Cooking Time Tables.

I really like the stainless steel pot. It’s solid and weighty. From my experience with prior Instant Pots, it’s easy to keep clean.

After unpacking the new Instant Pot DUO Plus 60, I wiped down the interior and exterior of the cooking base with a damp cloth. I washed the lid, inner pot and accessories with soap and hot water.

Initial Test Run – The Essential Water Test

The initial test run is important and tests the Instant Pot DUO Plus 60 to make sure everything is working properly. It’s exciting to get a new appliance and want to jump right in and start cooking, but it’s a really good idea to do this test before making the first meal. The initial test run, also called the Water Test, is really simple, takes about 12 minutes and tests the following: 1) Makes sure the lid is sealing properly 2) Makes sure the cooker can come up to pressure 3) Makes sure the timer is working.

How to Do the Water Test

1. Add 3 cups / 24 fl oz (720 ml) water into the inner pot.
2. Cover with the lid and lock in place. Turn the steam release handle to the “Sealing” position.
3. Press the “Steam” button and press the “+/-” keys to adjust the time to 2 minutes.

 

In a short time, the cooker should issue a series of 3 beeps indicating the heating is starting and the display shows “On”. It takes about 10 minutes for the Instant Pot to pressurize. During this time, you’ll see the cooker release a bit of steam and hear the water boiling inside. When the appropriate pressure level is achieved, the float valve will pop-up so it’s flush with the lid. At this time, the cooker is up to pressure and the cooking time starts with the display showing “2 minutes”. The display counts down the cooking time and when completed issues a series of beeps indicating completion.

Turn the release handle to the “Venting” position to release the pressure. Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a pair of tongs to turn the steam release handle. Don’t use your hands as you may get burned. After all the steam is released, the float valve lowers indicating pressure is released from the cooker and it’s safe to remove the lid. The water inside should be boiling.

Congrats! You’ve completed the Initial Test Run with the Water Test which means your Instant Pot is ready to go. Now let’s get cooking!

Here are some yummy Instant Pot recipes to make:

Instant Pot Cooks – What’s Your Level?

Are you a beginner still learning the ropes or a master cook? Where do you rate yourself on the Instant Pot cooking scale below? (You can make up your own rating too! 🙂 )

1 = You just got your Instant Pot and learning how to cook with it.

5 = You’re fairly comfortable and use the Instant Pot to make a few favorite dishes but want to expand your repertoire.

10 = You’re an expert and have made everything imaginable (even some not so great foods) in the Instant Pot and familiar with all the different cooking functions and presets.

Share your answer with me including what you’ve made in the Instant Pot. I’d love to hear from you!

Tools I Love and Use in My Kitchen