When using an Instant Pot or similar electric pressure cooker, the buttons other than the manual button offer pre-set cooking programs designed to simplify the cooking process. Here's why you might use these pre-set buttons:
Convenience: The pre-set buttons are designed to automatically set the cooking time, temperature, and pressure level for specific types of dishes or ingredients. This can save you time and effort by eliminating the need to manually adjust settings.
Accuracy: The pre-set buttons are programmed with recommended cooking times and pressure levels for different types of food. This can help ensure that your food is cooked consistently and evenly without overcooking or undercooking.
User-friendly interface: Instant Pot and similar pressure cookers have intuitive control panels with buttons that are labeled for specific food items or cooking methods, such as "Soup," "Rice," "Meat/Stew," or "Steam." These buttons make it easier for users, especially those who are new to pressure cooking, to select the appropriate setting without having to manually adjust time and pressure.
Customization options: In addition to the pre-set buttons, many electric pressure cookers allow you to manually adjust time, pressure, and temperature settings using the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" button. This gives you the flexibility to customize the cooking parameters to your preference and specific recipe requirements.
While the pre-set buttons can be convenient, it's worth noting that they are not always necessary. Experienced pressure cooker users may prefer to manually set the time, pressure, and temperature for more precise control over the cooking process. Additionally, some recipes may require specific adjustments that are not covered by the pre-set buttons. In such cases, the manual button provides the flexibility to tailor the cooking parameters accordingly.
Always refer to the user manual of your specific pressure cooker model for instructions on how to use the pre-set buttons and how they correspond to different cooking functions.