Adapting Recipes for an 8-quart Instant Pot

Lisa K. (Q&A ID 4682)

Hi! I have an eight-quart Instant Pot, but Milk Street recipes call for a six-quart pot. Is there any general advice about adapting recipes to the larger size or does it not matter?

Thanks! Lisa

Lynn C. (Q&A ID 662)

Hi Lisa - Our Director of Recipe Development, Diane Unger, says that the recipes were tested in an 8 quart Instant Pot as well and that the times were the same as in the 6 quart Instant Pot, so you should be good to go! Best, Lynn C.

Katherine M. (Q&A ID 5733)

I also have an 8--quart and the first recipe I tried drastically overcooked the cauliflower (steamed with harissa - still tasted fantastic, but *way* over cooked). The introduction in the front of the book mentioned that this might happen. Are there some recipes within the book (Fast and Slow) that need reduction and if so, how do I calculate by how much time? I really don't want this to happen again, especially with home grown cauliflower and harissa (with home grown ingredients).

Thank you, Kathy.

Michael D. (Q&A ID 13349)

I have the same question, but more specifically… How do you increase the volume to take advantage of the larger 8qt Instant Pot? Is it 30% more or double, as I’ve read elsewhere?

Lynn C. (Q&A ID 662)

Hi Michael - I believe it's 50% more, but it's probably best to check with customer service at Instant Pot to confirm. I know that the minimum liquid amount is different for each machine so you will want to make sure you've got that covered. It also takes the 8 quart a little longer to get up to pressure so you will want to factor that into your meal planning. All of our recipes (and most recipes out there) consider the cooking time to be the time it takes to cook the food once it comes up to pressure. Best, The Milk Street Team