No, it is not safe to unplug an Instant Pot or any other pressure cooker when it is at pressure. Doing so can be extremely dangerous and may result in injury or damage.
When the Instant Pot is at pressure, it means there is a significant amount of built-up steam and pressure inside the cooker. If you were to unplug it while it's still at pressure, the heat source would be removed, and the internal temperature would start to drop. As the temperature drops, the pressure inside the Instant Pot will decrease, and the safety mechanisms may not be able to maintain a safe level of pressure.
Opening or moving a pressure cooker while it's still at pressure can cause the hot contents, including hot soup, to forcefully spew out, potentially causing burns and making a mess. It could also damage the pressure cooker itself.
If you want to transport hot soup to a party, it's best to follow these safer steps:
Finish Cooking: Allow the soup to finish cooking in the Instant Pot as usual.
Release Pressure Safely: After the cooking time is complete, use the appropriate pressure release method to safely release the pressure. For most soups, a natural pressure release is usually recommended.
Check for Pressure Release: Make sure that the float valve or pressure indicator has dropped before attempting to open the Instant Pot lid.
Transfer Soup to a Suitable Container: Once the pressure has been fully released, carefully ladle the soup into a suitable insulated container for transportation. There are many insulated containers designed specifically for keeping food hot during travel.
Securely Close the Container: Ensure that the insulated container is securely closed to prevent any spills during transport.
Handle with Care: When traveling with hot soup, exercise caution and handle the container carefully to avoid accidents.
Remember, safety should always be the top priority when dealing with pressure cookers and hot liquids. Never attempt to move or open a pressure cooker that is still at pressure. Always release pressure safely and follow proper precautions when transporting hot food.