Start your pressure cooker in:
Set timer to
Start Time
For a recipe that needs 30 minutes under pressure with 15-minute natural release: Start at 5 PM (30 min cook + 15 min release + 10 min pressure-up = 55 minutes total). Use our calculator to get exact timing for your recipe.
Add three components: 1) Pressure build-up (10-15 min), 2) Cook time (what the recipe states), 3) Release time (0 min for quick release, 10-20 min for natural release). Our calculator helps you work backwards from dinner time.
Most Instant Pot models have a 'Delayed Start' feature. However, be cautious - delay start with perishable ingredients can be unsafe. For best results and food safety, use our calculator to determine when to manually start cooking.
Instant Pot typically takes 10-15 minutes to reach pressure. Add this to your cook time when planning. For example, a '30-minute' recipe actually takes about 45 minutes total (15 min to pressure + 30 min cook).
Like Instant Pot, calculate: pressure-up time + cook time + release time = total duration. For a 6 PM dinner with a 45-minute total cycle, if it's 4 PM, start immediately (no delay). If it's 2 PM, wait until 5:15 PM to start.
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