Instant Pot Slow Cook Not Working? Here’s Why and How to Fix It

The Instant Pot has become a kitchen staple for millions, celebrated for its versatility as a pressure cooker, sauté pan, steamer, and yes, even a slow cooker. But what happens when your Instant Pot’s slow cook function refuses to cooperate? If you’ve found yourself frustrated with undercooked meals, inconsistent heating, or a slow cook mode that just won’t deliver, you’re not alone. This common issue has left many home cooks scratching their heads, wondering why their trusty appliance isn’t living up to its multitasking promise.

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into why your Instant Pot slow cook isn’t working, explore the root causes—ranging from user error to design quirks—and provide actionable fixes to get it back on track. Plus, we’ll sprinkle in some bonus tips to optimize your slow cooking experience and answer related questions you might not even know you had. Let’s get cooking!

Why Your Instant Pot Slow Cook Isn’t Working

The Instant Pot’s slow cook function is designed to mimic the gentle, even heat of a traditional slow cooker, but it doesn’t always perform as expected. Unlike its pressure cooking prowess, the slow cook mode can feel like an afterthought, leaving food lukewarm or taking far longer than anticipated. Here’s a breakdown of the most common culprits behind this issue.

1. Temperature Settings Don’t Match Traditional Slow Cookers

One of the biggest reasons your Instant Pot slow cook isn’t working as hoped is a mismatch in temperature settings. Traditional slow cookers typically operate at Low (around 190°F–200°F) and High (around 300°F), with heat evenly distributed around a ceramic crock. The Instant Pot, however, uses a bottom-heating element with three settings: Less (180°F–190°F), Normal (190°F–200°F), and More (200°F–210°F).

These temperatures often run cooler than expected, especially on the “Less” and “Normal” settings, which can feel more like a “keep warm” mode than true slow cooking. If your food isn’t tender after hours of cooking, the heat simply isn’t high enough.

Fix: Switch to the “More” setting for recipes requiring a traditional “High” slow cooker temperature, and use “Normal” for “Low.” Be prepared to extend cooking time by 1–2 hours compared to a standard slow cooker recipe, and use an instant-read thermometer to ensure your dish reaches a safe internal temperature (e.g., 165°F for poultry, 145°F for beef).

2. Insufficient Liquid in the Pot

The Instant Pot relies on liquid to generate steam and distribute heat evenly, even in slow cook mode. Without enough thin liquid—like water, broth, or juice—the heating element struggles to maintain consistent temperatures, resulting in uneven cooking or the pot shutting off prematurely. A minimum of 1 cup of liquid is recommended for a 6-quart model, and 1.5 cups for an 8-quart.

If you’re adapting a slow cooker recipe that calls for minimal liquid, the Instant Pot might not have enough moisture to work effectively, especially since it doesn’t evaporate liquid as efficiently as a traditional slow cooker with its vented lid.

Fix: Always add at least 1 cup of thin liquid to the bottom of the pot before layering other ingredients. Avoid thick sauces (like tomato paste or BBQ sauce) as the base layer, as they can impede heat distribution. If your dish seems too watery at the end, reduce the liquid by 15–20% compared to a traditional recipe and finish with the sauté function to thicken.

3. Lid Positioning and Venting Issues

The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking lid isn’t ideal for slow cooking. When locked in place with the steam release valve sealed, it traps too much moisture, preventing the evaporation that slow cooker recipes rely on for flavor concentration. Conversely, if the valve is set to “venting,” steam escapes too rapidly, potentially cooling the pot and slowing the cooking process.

Fix: For best results, set the steam release valve to “venting” and slightly offset the lid (not fully locked) to allow controlled evaporation. Better yet, invest in an Instant Pot-compatible tempered glass lid, which mimics a traditional slow cooker’s vented design. This simple swap can make a world of difference, ensuring proper heat retention and moisture release.

4. Overcrowding or Underfilling the Pot

The amount of food in your Instant Pot affects its slow cook performance. Overcrowding—filling past the 70–80% mark—restricts heat circulation, leaving some ingredients undercooked. On the flip side, underfilling with too little food or liquid can cause uneven heating, as the pot’s sensors struggle to regulate temperature accurately.

Fix: Aim to fill the pot to about two-thirds capacity for optimal heat distribution. If you’re cooking a small batch, consider using a smaller Instant Pot model (like the 3-quart) or doubling the recipe to ensure consistent results.

5. Faulty Sensors or Hardware

Though less common, a malfunctioning temperature sensor or heating element could be to blame if your Instant Pot slow cook mode isn’t heating properly. If the pot starts counting down without warming up, or if it works fine in sauté mode but not slow cook, hardware might be the issue.

Fix: Reset the unit by unplugging it for 5–10 minutes, then test with a simple water test: add 1 cup of water, set to slow cook on “More” for 30 minutes, and check if it heats. If it doesn’t, inspect the inner pot for damage or contact Instant Pot support for a warranty claim or replacement part.

Bonus Tips to Master Instant Pot Slow Cooking

Now that you’ve tackled the core issues, here are some extra strategies to elevate your slow cooking game with the Instant Pot:

• Preheat the Pot: Start with the sauté function to warm the inner pot and liquid before switching to slow cook. This jumpstarts the heating process and reduces overall cooking time.
• Layer Smartly: Place root vegetables (potatoes, carrots) at the bottom near the heat source, with meats and delicate ingredients on top for even cooking.
• Check Progress Sparingly: Lifting the lid releases heat and slows cooking. Resist the urge to peek until the final hour, then adjust as needed.
• Hybrid Method: For tougher cuts like pot roast, pressure cook for 10–15 minutes, then switch to slow cook on “More” for 4–6 hours. This tenderizes meat faster while infusing slow-cooked flavor.

Common Slow Cook Scenarios and Solutions

Scenario 1: Food Is Still Raw After 8 Hours

If your beef stew or chili isn’t cooked after a full day on “Normal,” the temperature is too low. Switch to “More,” ensure adequate liquid, and extend the time by 2–3 hours. A glass lid can also help maintain steady heat.

Scenario 2: Too Much Liquid at the End

Unlike a slow cooker, the Instant Pot traps moisture. Reduce the initial liquid by 20% and finish with the sauté function to evaporate excess water and thicken sauces.

Scenario 3: Vegetables Stay Crunchy

Root veggies need direct heat exposure. Place them at the bottom, increase to the “More” setting, and avoid overcrowding to ensure they soften properly.

Is the Instant Pot Worth It for Slow Cooking?

Let’s be real: the Instant Pot shines as a pressure cooker, not a slow cooker. If you’re tight on space and want a multi-use appliance, it can get the job done with some tweaking. But if slow cooking is your priority, a dedicated slow cooker (like a Crock-Pot) will deliver more consistent results with less fuss. The Instant Pot’s slow cook mode is a handy backup, not a replacement.

Related Questions You Might Have

Can I Use Slow Cooker Recipes in an Instant Pot?

Yes, but adjust the liquid (less is better), use the “More” setting for “High” recipes, and expect longer cook times. Test with a thermometer to confirm doneness.

Why Does My Instant Pot Say “Burn” in Slow Cook Mode?

This rare issue happens if thick ingredients stick to the bottom. Add more thin liquid, layer correctly, and clean the pot thoroughly before starting.

How Do I Clean the Instant Pot After Slow Cooking?

Remove the sealing ring and wash it with dish soap to prevent odor buildup. Wipe the inner pot and lid with a damp cloth, and run a vinegar steam cycle if residue persists.

Final Thoughts: Get Your Instant Pot Slow Cooking Again

The Instant Pot slow cook not working doesn’t mean your appliance is broken—it’s often a matter of understanding its quirks. By tweaking settings, ensuring enough liquid, and using the right lid setup, you can coax it into delivering tender, flavorful meals. Whether you’re simmering a hearty stew or braising a roast, these fixes will help you troubleshoot and succeed.

Still struggling? Don’t hesitate to experiment with the hybrid pressure-slow method or consider a standalone slow cooker for flawless results. Your kitchen deserves meals that delight, and with these tips, your Instant Pot can step up to the plate. What’s your next slow-cooked masterpiece? Let’s make it happen!