Why Your Instant Pot Is Clicking?

The Instant Pot has likely captured your attention in the past few months more than any other appliance you’ve ever used. Although these amazing appliances have been around for years, their many conveniences make them even more popular than ever. 

The device, which combines all of the functions of an electric pressure cooker, rice cooker, slow cooker, and yogurt maker in one handy unit, has even the mildest of cooks in a state of pure ecstatic bliss. 

But why does the Instant pot click? Many have asked.

There are several reasons why your instant pot might be clicking including water or moisture within the lid area, the pressure valve has moved and that the instant pot itself is not properly sealed.

This may be due to the following:

Water or Moisture is Found on the Exterior of the Inner Pot.

If your instant pot seems to be clicking, odds are it’s wet from the outside. This may be a result of cleaning or condensation dripping from the outer pot part, or it may be caused by a leak within the pot. Condensation will stop as the inner pot heats up, but if it’s coming from a leak, you may have to replace the inner pot.

To stop this from happening, ensure the Instant Pot internal pot is dry before placing it in the Instant Pot unit. 

Switching on and off the Pressure Valve During Operation.

Another reason why your instant pot might be making some funny clicking noise is because they automatically sense when the pressure inside is too high and will release steam automatically when it does. 

So the pressure release valve opens automatically, achieving both safety and proper pressure for cooking your food.

In most cases, this happens when the pressure inside the chambers increases too much. Instant pots have a ton of safety features that automatically release pressure when it begins to build up.

Steam escapes from the cooker as the pressure becomes released, and the higher the pressure when the safety release valve is opened, the faster the steam escapes and the more it clicks and makes noise.

Friction Between the Lid and Housing Due to Changes in Internal Pressure and Temperature.

Consider this: If you were boiling water and put a lid tightly over the pot, eventually it would start to boil. Once the water starts boiling, the lid will rattle and bounce. It’s due to the pressure that’s created inside the pot when steam is generated by the heat.

But unlike a pot on the stove, your instant cooker’s lid is clamped down tightly so it can’t let any pressure out. In the presence of vapour in the system, the temperature and pressure of the liquids will rise rapidly, infusing the food with steam and causing the food to cook at a very rapid rate.

Instant pots have a vent on the lid for releasing excess steam. As soon as pressure on the system reaches a certain level, this vent opens and steam rushes out, causing the clicking sound heard in instant pots.

The Instant Pot was not Fully Sealed.

Sometimes, it can be caused by a simple mistake when you forget to seal off the pressure valve or seal it partially. Even when you ensure that it is properly sealed, it might have opened accidentally.

Besides the clicking or hissing sound, the instant pot does not reach high pressures quickly and the steam it produces is released through the open valve, so the food doesn’t cook quickly.

Not Enough Liquid in Instant Pot

Usually, an instant pot requires at least a cup of water to function properly and pressurize. Though, It depends on your recipe as some will be just fine with 1/2 cup. However, if the liquid in the instant pot is not enough, the instant pot might whistle and your dishes won’t be prepared properly.

Incorrectly Seated Sealing Ring or Gasket.

If the sealing ring is placed incorrectly, steam can escape from the cooker and cause cooking to take longer. The lid of your Instant Pot must be installed properly if the ring around the sealing rack cannot be turned around, then the instant pot is not set properly.

Otherwise, steam can leak from the sides of the lid and make a clicking noise. The sealing ring can be easily identified by looking at the edges carefully.

How To Stop An Instant Pot From Clicking

These steps will help you stop clicking in your instant pot.

Before Cooking, Make Sure Everything is Properly Checked.

Any time you want to use your instant pot, it’s important to have a procedure in place. The inner pot should be dry, the valves should be in good shape, and the valves should be sealed properly. You should also inspect the lid thoroughly to ensure it is properly attached to your instant pot.

Lower the Temperature

You can do this just like turning down the heat on a stovetop heater, and the pressure cooker will stabilize. However, it takes a while for the elements to cool in an instant pot.

If you’ve noticed your instant pot hissing or clicking more frequently than usual, you’ll want to use two heating elements, using two heating elements will help keep the pressure in the appliance and reduce the temperature. 

Fill the Instant Pot with more Liquid.

Your instant pot may require more liquid than usual for some dishes and recipes. Make sure the Instant Pot has enough broth or water so it performs optimally.

You can use the Saute function if your dish is too liquid or thin after cooking. The liquid will reduce and the food will thicken. Additionally, you can thicken with things like flour, potato chips, and cornstarch.

Fit the Seal Ring into Place.

In case the sealing ring is not properly seated and steam is escaping from the corners, you can adjust it back in place by opening the container and pushing it around the ring rack until there is no space visible.

It is important to confirm that the rings are in the proper position by rotating them around the ring rack. If the rings spin around the rack with the same force you used to move them, then they are in the proper position. If it doesn’t, you need to try again.

Can I Still Use My Instant Pot If It Is Clicking?

Is your Instant Pot making a clicking or whistling noise? Don’t panic, it’s completely safe to use. There might be a problem, however, if the sound persists for a long time. Maybe the instant pot wasn’t seated correctly or something happened to it.

You should read the written guide that came with the pot and begin troubleshooting as soon as possible. In an ideal situation, instant pots should not click or rattle for long periods of time. Even when it does hiss, it should be extremely quiet, almost unnoticeable.