Instant Pot 112-0170-01 DUO Multi-Use Pressure Cooker Introduction

The Instant Pot 112-0170-01 DUO Multi-Use Pressure Cooker is a multifunctional kitchen tool that makes meal preparation easier. We will learn more about it in this article. The DUO model is a single device that performs many cooking operations such as pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, sautéing, and yogurt production. It is the perfect option for both inexperienced and seasoned cooks because to its user-friendly interface, programmable settings, and safety features. Whether you're cooking a sophisticated gourmet dish or a fast weeknight supper, the Instant Pot DUO guarantees wonderful results with little work.

Detailed Specifications

Product, parts and accessories

Represents all Duo Mini, 5.7 and 8 litre models. See Care, cleaning and storage: Removing and installing parts to find out how everything fits together.

Stand the lid up in the multicooker base to keep it off your countertop! Insert the left or right lid fin into the corresponding slot in the multicooker base handles to stand it up and save some space.

Illustrations in this document are for reference only and may differ from the actual product. Always refer to the actual product.

Description

Made of premium stainless steel, the Instant Pot DUO has a three-ply bottom for durability and even heat distribution. Depending on the model, the inner pot can hold 3 quarts, 6 quarts, or 8 quarts and is dishwasher safe. The cooker has two functions: one is keep warm, which keeps meals warm for up to 10 hours, and the other is delay start, which lets you specify the cooking time up to 24 hours in advance. Additionally, the DUO features a yogurt-making feature that makes it simple to prepare Greek yogurt, homemade yogurt, and recipes that call for yogurt.

Get started

Initial set up (It won't bite!)

You — yes, you — can do this!

“This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook — try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all have fun!” – Julia Child

1. Take that Duo out of the box!
2. Remove all packaging material and accessories from in and around the multicooker. Check under the inner pot!
3. Wash the inner pot in a dishwasher or with hot water and washing up liquid. Rinse with warm, clear water and use a soft cloth to thoroughly dry the outside of the inner pot.
4. Wipe the heating element with a soft, dry cloth to make sure there are no stray packaging particles left in the multicooker base. Do not remove the safety warning stickers from the lid or the rating label from the back of the multicooker base.
5. You may be tempted to put the Duo on your hob — but don’t do it! Place the multicooker base on a stable, level surface, away from combustible material and external heat sources.

WARNING

• Read the Important safeguards before using the appliance. Failure to read and follow those instructions for safe use may result in damage to the appliance, property damage or personal injury.
• Do not place the appliance on a hob or on another appliance. Heat from an external source will damage the appliance.
• Do not place anything on top of the appliance, and do not cover or block the steam release handle or anti-block shield, located on the appliance lid.

Initial test run 

(water test)

Do you have to do the water test? No — but getting to know the ins and outs of your Duo prepares you for success in the kitchen! Take a few minutes to get to know how this baby works.

Stage 1: Setting up the Duo for pressure cooking

1. Remove the inner pot from the multicooker base and add 3 cups (750 mL) of water to the inner pot, then place it back inside the multicooker base.
2. Secure the power lead to the base power socket at the back of the multicooker base. Make sure the connection is tight. Connect the power lead to a 220–240V power source. The display shows OFF.
3. Place and close the lid as described in Pressure control features: Pressure cooking lid.
4. Turn the steam release handle to the Sealing position.

Stage 2: "Cooking" (...hot water à la king, anyone?)

1. Select Pressure Cook.
2. Use the − / + buttons to adjust the cooking time to 5 minutes (00:05). Adjustments are saved when a Smart Programme starts, so the next time you use Pressure Cook, it will default to 5 minutes.
3. Press Keep Warm to turn the automatic Keep Warm setting off.
4. The multicooker beeps after 10 seconds and the display shows On. While the multicooker does its thing, read Pressure cooking 101 on the next page to find out how the magic happens.
5. When the Smart Programme is complete, the display shows End.

Stage 3: Releasing pressure

1. Follow instructions for a Quick Release in Releasing pressure: Venting methods.
2. Wait for the float valve to drop, then carefully open and remove the lid as described in Pressure control features: Pressure cooking lid.
3. Using proper hand protection, remove the inner pot from the multicooker base, discard the water and thoroughly dry the inner pot.

That's it! You're good to go :)

CAUTION

Pressurized steam is released through the top of the steam release handle. Keep exposed skin away from the steam release handle.

DANGER

DO NOT attempt to remove the lid while the float valve is up and NEVER attempt to force the lid open. Contents are under extreme pressure. Float valve must be down before attempting to remove the lid. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury and/or property damage.

CAUTION

The inner pot will be hot after cooking. Always use appropriate heat protection when handling a hot inner pot.

Pressure cooking 101

Pressure cooking uses steam to raise the boiling point of water above 100ºC/212ºF. These high temperatures allow you to cook food much faster than normal.

Behind the magic curtain

When pressure cooking, the Instant Pot goes through 3 stages:

Pre-heating

Cooking

Releasing pressure

You must release pressure after pressure cooking before attempting to open the lid. Follow your recipe’s instructions to choose a venting method, and always wait until the float valve drops into the lid before opening.

Venting methods

• Natural Release (NR or NPR)
• Quick Release (QR or QPR)
• Timed Natural Release

WARNING

Steam ejected from the steam release handle is hot. DO NOT place hands, face or any exposed skin over the steam release handle when releasing pressure. DO NOT cover the steam release handle.

DANGER

DO NOT attempt to remove the lid while the float valve is up and NEVER attempt to force the lid open. Contents are under extreme pressure. Float valve must be down before attempting to remove the lid. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury and/or property damage.

Natural Release (NR or NPR)

Cooking stops gradually. As the temperature within the multicooker drops, the Instant Pot depressurises naturally over time.

What to do                                                              What to expect

Once cooking is finished, leave the steam releasehandle in theSealing position until all  pressure is released. Sealing position

Your meal continues to cook even afterthe Smart Programme has ended. This is called“carryover cooking” or “resting”, and it’s great for large cutsof meat. The depressurisation timemay vary basedon the volume, type andtemperature of foodand liquid. It can takeup to 40 minutes with some dishes, so plan ahead— it’s wellworth the wait! When the pressure has been fullyreleased, the floatvalve drops into the lid.

NOTICE

Use NR to depressurise the multicooker after cooking high-starch foods (e.g., soups, stews, chilis, pasta, oatmeal and congee) or after cooking foods that expand when cooked (e.g., beans and grains).

Quick Release (QR or QPR)

Stops cooking quickly and prevents overcooking. Perfect for quick-cooking vegetables and delicate seafood!

What to do                                                              What to expect
Carefully, quickly and confidently, turn the steam release handle to Venting and wait for all pressure inside the multicooker to be released Venting  position	A jetof steam isejected through thetop of thesteam release handle. This isnormal! When the pressure has been fully released, the float valve drops into the lid.

Timed natural release

The carryover cooking continues for a specific amount of time, then stops quickly when you release the remaining pressure. Perfect for finishing rice and grains.

If there is substantial spatter while venting, turn the steam release handle back to Sealing. Wait a few minutes before trying to release pressure again. If spatter continues, use NR to safely release the remaining pressure.

Illustrations in this document are for reference only and may differ from the actual product. Always refer to the actual product.

CAUTION

Steam ejected from the steam release handle is hot. DO NOT place hands, face or any exposed skin over the steam release handle when releasing pressure.

NOTICE

Do not use QR when cooking fatty, oily, thick or high-starch foods (e.g., stews, chilis, pasta and congee) or when cooking foods that expand when cooked (e.g., beans and grains).

Control panel

Settings

Status messages

Pressure cooking

Whether you’re a whiz in the kitchen or a complete newbie, these Smart Programmes help you get cooking at the touch of a button.

• Soup/Broth
• Meat/Stew
• Bean/Chili
• Poultry*
• Rice
• Multigrain*
• Porridge
• Steam
• Pressure Cook

*Not available on 3 Litre model. Use Pressure Cook instead.

Using pressurised steam guarantees your dish is cooked evenly and deeply, for the delicious results you expect every time.

CAUTION

• To avoid scorching or scalding injuries, be cautious when cooking with more than 60 mL of oil, oil-based sauces, condensed cream-based soups and thick sauces. Add suitable liquid to thin sauces. Avoid recipes that call for more than 60 mL of oil or fat content.

WARNING

• Always cook with the inner pot in place. Food must be placed in the inner pot. DO NOT pour food or liquid into the multicooker base.
• To avoid risk of personal injury and/or property damage, place food and liquid ingredients in the inner pot, then insert the inner pot into the multicooker base.
• Do not fill inner pot higher than the PC MAX — 2/3 (Pressure Cooking Maximum) line as indicated on the inner pot. When cooking foods that foam or froth (e.g., stewed apples, cranberries or split peas) or expand (e.g., oats, rice, beans, pasta) do not fill the inner pot higher than the — 1/2 line as indicated on the inner pot.

CAUTION

Always inspect the lid and inner pot carefully to make sure they are clean and in good working order before use.

• To avoid personal injury or damage to the appliance, replace the inner pot if it is dented, distorted or damaged.
• Use only authorised Instant Pot inner pots made for this model when cooking. Always make sure the inner pot and heating element are clean and dry before inserting the inner pot into the multicooker base.

Setup Guide

To use the Instant Pot 112-0170-01 DUO Multi-Use Pressure Cooker, 

1. First, make sure to read and follow the user manual for proper setup and operation. 
2. Place the inner pot inside the cooker and add your ingredients. Close the lid and make sure the steam release handle is in the sealing position. 
3. Select the cooking program, adjust the cooking time and pressure level, and press the start button. 
4. Once the cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally or use the quick-release method. After cooking, wait for the cooker to cool down before cleaning the inner pot and the lid.

Pressure cooking

To create steam, pressure cooking liquids should be water-based, such as broth, stock, soup or juice. If using tinned, condensed or cream-based soup, add water as directed below.

*Unless otherwise specified by your recipe.

Jumpstart magic!

Stage 1: Setting up the Duo for pressure cooking

1. Remove the inner pot from the multicooker base. Add food and liquid ingredients to the inner pot, as directed by your recipe. Use the steam rack to keep foods out of the cooking liquid. This helps to distribute heat, prevents nutrients from leeching into the cooking liquid and stops food items from sticking to the bottom of the inner pot. Insert the inner pot back into the multicooker base.
2. Secure the power lead to the base power socket at the back of the multicooker base. Make sure the connection is tight. Connect the power lead to a 220–240V power source. The display shows OFF.
3. Place and close the lid as described in Pressure control features: pressure cooking lid.
4. Turn the steam release handle to the Sealing position.

Stage 2: Pressure cooking

1. Select the Smart Programme you want to use.
2. Press the same Smart Programme button again to cycle through the pre-set time options in Less, Normal and More.
3. Use the − / + buttons to adjust the cooking time. Adjustments are saved to the Smart Programme when cooking begins.
4. Press Pressure Level to toggle between Low Pressure and High Pressure.
5. Leave the automatic Keep Warm setting on, or press Keep Warm to turn it off.
6. The multicooker beeps after 10 seconds and the display shows On as the multicooker preheats.
7. When the Smart Programme is complete, follow your recipe to select the appropriate venting method. See Releasing pressure: Venting methods for safe venting techniques.

DANGER

DO NOT attempt to remove the lid while the float valve is up and NEVER attempt to force the lid open. Contents are under extreme pressure. Float valve must be down before attempting to remove the lid. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury and/or property damage.

Pressure cooking

Smart programme breakdown

Pressure cooking tips

*Not available on 3 Litre model. Use Pressure Cook instead.

Pressure cooking grains

Check out the cooking timetables for guidance or visit our recipe site for fun, easy-to-follow recipes with big crunch. You can also download the free Instant Pot app to search recipes, save favourites, make notes and more!

CAUTION

Use a meat thermometer to ensure meat reaches a safe minimum internal temperature. Refer to the WHO (World Health Organization) website and/or review your local government’s food safety recommendations for more information.

Care, cleaning and storage

Clean your Duo and its parts after each use. Failure to follow these cleaning instructions may result in catastrophic failure, which may lead to property damage and/or severe personal injury. Always unplug your multicooker and allow it to cool to room temperature before cleaning. Never use metal scouring pads, abrasive powders or harsh chemical detergents on any of the Instant Pot’s parts or accessories. Allow all surfaces to dry thoroughly before use and before storage.

WARNING

The Instant Pot multicooker base contains electrical components. To avoid fire, electrical leakage or personal injury, make sure the multicooker base stays dry.

• DO NOT immerse the multicooker base in water or other liquid, or attempt to run it through a dishwasher.
• DO NOT rinse the heating element.
• DO NOT submerge or rinse the power lead or plug.

Removing and installing parts

Silicone sealing ring

Remove the sealing ring
Grip the edge of the silicone and pull the sealing ring out from behind the circular stainless steel sealing ring rack. With the sealing ring removed, inspect the steel rack to make sure it is secured, centred and an even height all the way around the lid. Do not attempt to repair a deformed sealing ring rack.

Install the sealing ring
Place the sealing ring over the sealing ring rack and press it into place. Press down firmly to prevent puckering. When installed properly, the sealing ring is snug behind the sealing ring rack and should not fall out when the lid is turned over.

Steam release handle

Remove the steam release handle
Pull the steam release handle up and off the steam release pipe. The steam release handle must be installed before using the multicooker.

Install the steam release handle
Place the steam release handle on the steam release pipe and press down firmly. The steam release handle sits loosely on the steam release pipe when installed properly but should remain in place when the lid is turned over.

Anti-block shield

Remove the anti-block shield
Grip the lid like a steering wheel and use your thumbs to press firmly against the side of the anti-block shield (pressing towards the side of the lid and up) until it pops off the prongs underneath.

Install the anti-block shield
Place the anti-block shield over the prongs and press down until it snaps into position. Do not attempt to operate the pressure cooker without the anti-block shield installed.

Float valve and silicone cap

Remove the float valve
Place one finger on the flat top of the float valve, then turn the lid over. Detach the silicone cap from the bottom side of the float valve. Remove the float valve from the top of the lid. Do not discard the float valve or silicone cap.

Install the float valve
Drop the narrow end of the float valve into the float valve hole on the top of the lid. Place one finger on the flat top of the float valve, then turn the lid over. Firmly attach the silicone cap to the bottom of the float valve. Do not attempt to operate the pressure cooker without having the float valve and/or silicone cap properly installed in the pressure cooking lid.

Condensation collector

The condensation collector sits at the back of the multicooker base and catches any overflow from the condensation rim. It should be installed before cooking, then emptied and rinsed out after each use.

Remove the condensation collector
Pull the condensation collector away from the multicooker base; do not pull down. Note the tabs on the multicooker base and the grooves on the condensation collector.

Install the condensation collector
Align the grooves on the condensation collector over the tabs on the back of the multicooker base and slide the condensation collector into place.

Troubleshooting

Register your Instant Pot today!

Warranty Registration

Please visit https://www.instantpot.co.uk/support/register-your-product/ to register your appliance. You will be asked to provide your name, your email address, the store name, date of purchase, model number and serial number (both of which are found on the appliance). This registration will enable us to keep you up-to-date with product developments and recipes, and contact you in the unlikely event of a product safety notification. By registering, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the instructions for use and warnings accompanying the appliance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 7-in-1 design
• 14 smart built-in programs
• 10 safety mechanisms
• Delay start and keep warm functions
• Yogurt-making function

Cons

• May take time to learn and master the functions
• May not fit under some cabinets when in use
• May produce loud noises during operation
• May require additional accessories for some functions

Customer Reviews

Customers generally love the Instant Pot 112-0170-01 DUO Multi-Use Pressure Cooker for its versatility, convenience, and safety features. They appreciate the time-saving and space-saving benefits and enjoy making various dishes with ease. However, some customers complain about the learning curve and the size of the cooker, which may not be suitable for small kitchens or families. Overall, the Instant Pot DUO is a popular and highly-rated pressure cooker that can be a great addition to any kitchen.