Last Updated on October 28, 2022 by Claire
If your Instant Pot lid won’t close then you’ve got a major problem on your hands. Instant Pot cannot be considered a pressure cooker without a proper closing lid. The tight-fitting lid is essential in generating pressure within the cooker.
The Instant Pot has a lot of perks including cooking meals in a matter of minutes and making cleaning after meals less stressful. However, when the Instant Pot develops a lid problem, it can become a thorn in the flesh.
If your Instant Pot lid won’t close, the pot will fail to generate the adequate pressure needed to cook the meal. When this happens, the pressure cooker is converted to a regular cooker and cooks at the same time as a regular cooker.
Here in this article, you will learn the reasons why an Instant Pot lid won’t close and how to fix the lid problem. The key to solving the Instant Pot lid problem is the identification of the cause of the problem. This is a more rational approach than simply relying on brute power to force the lid close.
Meanwhile, you also want to know if your Instant Pot has been recalled over potential fire hazard.
Instant Pot lid won’t close
Here are the reasons why Instant Pot lid won’t close and how to fix the problem:
1. Improper installation of the gasket
Instant Pot gasket can get in the way of the lid and prevent it from closing if not properly placed. Instant Pot cookers with a user manual that guides on how to correctly place the gasket in the cooker.
When the Instant Pot lid fails to close, the gasket should be one of the reasons you consider responsible. Inspect the gasket and ensure it is placed correctly in the cooker.
Note, however, the gasket is not the only reason why the Instant Pot lid won’t close. Therefore, even after placing the gasket correctly, the lid may still fail to close. Consider other causes after this.
The Instant Pot lid is designed as a tight-fitting lid. when closed properly, it stops steam from escaping from the cooker and helps build up the pressure that cooks the meal in a matter of minutes. The lid problem should therefore not be taken for granted.
2. Old cracked gasket
The gasket is a rubber seal found just below the lid. Repeated exposure to high temperature over time cause the gasket to form cracks. Air and steam can then escape through these cracks. The cooker will fail to build up adequate pressure even with a tight-fitting lid.
Old cracked gaskets must therefore be replaced with a new ones. Most times when the old gasket is removed, it leaves behind some stuck pieces on the cooker. Irrespective of their size, these stuck pieces can be why instant pot kid won’t close.
Therefore, before installing a new gasket, ensure all remnants of the old gasket are cleared out. If there are any pieces left from the old gasket, the lid won’t close and the pressure cooker may stop being a pressure cooker as steam escapes freely throughout the cooker.
3. Misplaced/damaged pressure valve
The pressure valve is the component of the instant pot that controls the steaming and release of steam at the end of cooking. Similar to the gasket, when the pressure valve is not installed properly or is damaged, the instant pot lid won’t close.
Therefore, when the instant pot lid won’t close, the pressure valve should be inspected to make sure the valve is well placed.
Pressure valves can get damaged or clogged as well. When the valve becomes dirty or clogged with food debris, it should be cleaned properly.
A damaged pressure valve will cause the pressure cooker to malfunction and fail to generate adequate pressure. The valve must be replaced as soon as this is discovered. Without a properly working pressure valve, an instant pot cannot be used to cook meals.
Thankfully, you can get a replacement part from the manufacturing company. This can be installed easily by an average technician with basic knowledge of electronic pots and pans.
If you are unfamiliar with a pressure cooker, do not attempt to carry out repair or replacement of parts of a pressure cooker. Pressure cookers as their name imply work under pressure. The cooker keeps steam strapped within and creates pressure and heat that help cook the meal instantly.
When repairs or replacements are poorly done, the structural integrity of the cooker may become compromised. If such a pressure cooker is turned on, there is a high risk of the cooker bursting open from the area of weakness.
A malfunctioning pressure cooker should be put out of use until you figure out the cause of the problem and fix it. Cooking with faulty pressure will not only cause more damage to the cooker but also put your safety at risk.
4. Deformed instant pot lid
The constant exposure to heat can affect the structural integrity of the lid and cause it to become warped. When this happens, the lid will no longer fit perfectly over the pot and will fail to close.
Always remember this when you deal with a lid that won’t close. When this happens, the lid or the entire cooker will require to be replaced. If the cooker has a valid warranty cover, the replacement can be done without spending a penny.
Attempts at fixing problems of pressure cooker should be done with caution. Pressure cookers are not entirely harmless. Most of the problems of a pressure cooker can be easily diagnosed and fixed right at home with simple tools. If you are however inexperienced with pressure cookers, desist from this and seek the help of a technician or reach out to the manufacturing company.
Final words
The instant pot lid is perhaps the most integral part of the pressure cooker. Without a tightly fitting lid, it is impossible to generate and maintain the right amount of pressure needed to cook the meal in a few minutes. The remnants of an old gasket, an improperly placed pressure valve, and a warped lid are some of the common reasons that could cause a lid not to close.
