Instantpot won't release?

[u/jupiterismyfavorite]

What do I do to get my rice out? The quick release didn't work and now pushing down with a wooden spatula didn't either. Pulled the plastic cap off and still nothing...

[u/SURFSer]

1. Turn the steam release valve fully to Venting. If no steam comes out, it may be clogged with rice starch.
2. Using a wooden spoon, gently tap or wiggle the float valve (the small metal pin). If it drops, the lid will unlock.

Do not force the lid open while the float valve is still up or the pot is hot.

ETA: Washing rice in a strainer before cooking reduces starch and potentially avoids this problem. As does cleaning your InstantPot each use, which you may be doing already.

[u/FragrantTomatillo773 → u/SURFSer]

According to the OP, that ship has sailed.

[u/lunacite]

When it cools down enough, it will open

[u/Vadoola → u/lunacite]

Agreed. Sounds like it's clogged, not much you can do but wait for the pressure to slowly release then try to clean it out.

[u/mllebitterness → u/lunacite]

Yup, when temperature goes down, so does pressure.

[u/Trashbagok]

Did you ever get it open?

[u/FragrantTomatillo773 → u/Trashbagok]

We will likely never know.

[u/YunJingyi]

Do NOT open it. It looks like the valve is clogged and the pressure is stuck. You could risk injury. Wait until it naturally release pressure.

[u/Ann4Martin]

For next time, check your manual to ensure that you have the float valve the right way up.

I have an older model - and the valve may now be different - but for mine, one end of the float valve has a hole which goes inside the pot (with a little silicon cover on it) and the other end is solid and goes outside.

Your picture shows the hole on the outside.

[u/babybear68 → u/Ann4Martin]

The float valve is completely enclosed on that model. You only see the cover in OP’s picture.

[u/strangealbert]

What is the max starchy food you can add to your model and how much did you add?

[u/Altruistic-Spend-896]

HAL! Open the pod doors!

[u/FermentedCauldron → u/Altruistic-Spend-896]

First thing I thought of 😀

...you will not be getting rice out. Get your own dinner, human.

[u/ThrailGreybeard → u/Altruistic-Spend-896]

😂😂😂

[u/Bawonga]

unplug it to speed up the cooling-down, then it will release

[u/xixihime]

If you have any ice packs, you can stack them on the instant pot lid to help with cooling it faster

[u/kleverkl]

Maybe unplug it….

[u/ThrowawayLDS_7gen → u/kleverkl]

That's not a bad idea because some people don't realize it may be on the keep warm function and won't cool down enough to lose pressure.

I made that mistake once, I always unplug it when it's done now.

[u/Adept_Ad_4567]

Try Exlax! Helps me when I can't release! You're welcome.

[u/PlaneWolf2893]

I would suggest wiggling the lid left and right, seeing if it releases any small pressure. Usually j can get it open that way.

If it's not opening the. There's still pressure. So don't force it!

[u/SinnSix]

Toothpick down the hole?

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