The time it takes for an Instant Pot (or any electric pressure cooker) to reach pressure can vary depending on several factors, including the model of the Instant Pot, the amount of liquid inside, and the starting temperature of the ingredients.
Generally, it can take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes for an Instant Pot to reach pressure. Here's a breakdown of the factors that influence the time it takes to reach pressure:
Model and Power: Different models of Instant Pot have varying power levels, which can affect the time it takes to reach pressure. Some models have higher wattages and can heat up faster.
Starting Temperature: The initial temperature of the ingredients in the Instant Pot can impact the time it takes to come to pressure. If the ingredients are cold, it will take longer to heat up and generate steam.
Amount of Liquid: The Instant Pot requires a minimum amount of liquid to build up steam and pressure. For most models, this is around 1 to 1.5 cups of liquid. If you're using less liquid, it may take longer to reach pressure.
Altitude: Cooking at higher altitudes can affect the time it takes to reach pressure due to differences in atmospheric pressure.
When loaded with 1 liter (approximately 1 quart) of water, an Instant Pot should come to pressure relatively quickly. Assuming there are no other ingredients or food in the pot and the starting temperature of the water is room temperature, it might take around 5 to 10 minutes to reach pressure, depending on the specific model.
However, if you're cooking a recipe with other ingredients, especially if they are frozen or very cold, it may take a bit longer to reach pressure. Also, if you're using a larger Instant Pot (8-quart, for example), it might take slightly longer due to the increased volume of the pot.
Once the Instant Pot reaches pressure, the cooking time for your specific recipe will start, and the pressure cooking process will continue as needed for the recipe's instructions.