VIVA TM 6 and 8 Quart Multi-Use Pressure Cookers User Manual Important Safeguards Product Specifications Initial Setup Product, Parts and Accessories Smart Program Settings Cleaning Before First Use Overview of Pressure Control Features Initial Test run (Water Test) Cooking with the Viva Pressure Cooking Timetable Grain-to-Water Ratios Care and Cleaning Troubleshooting Warranty Contact Information
Welcome to the world of Instant cooking. Thank you for welcoming us into your kitchen. Having families ourselves, we developed the Instant Pot® Viva™ pressure cookers to allow busy families and professionals alike to cook healthy, delicious meals more easily and in less time. We have partnered with chefs, authors and bloggers to compile a collection of recipes that we hope you enjoy! Happy cooking, Robert J.
Table of Contents IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS............................................................................................. 5 Special Cord Set Instructions......................................................................................10 Product Specifications..................................................................................................10 Initial Setup......................................................................................................................
Table of Contents Condensation Collector.............................................................................................. 28 Introduction to Viva........................................................................................................29 Depressurizing the Cooker (Venting Methods).......................................................... 31 Natural Release (NR).....................................................................................................
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed: 1. READ THE GETTING STARTED GUIDE AND ALL INSTRUCTIONS, SAFEGUARDS, AND WARNINGS BEFORE OPERATING THE APPLIANCE. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE SAFEGUARDS AND INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. 2. Use only the Instant Pot Viva lid with the Instant Pot Viva pressure cooker base. Using any other pressure cooker lids may cause injury and/or damage. 3.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 13. WARNING This appliance cooks under pressure. Inappropriate use may result in burns, injury and/or property damage. Make certain the appliance is properly closed before operating. Refer to Pressure Control Features— Pressure Cooking Lid. 14. When cooking meat with skin (e.g. sausage with casing), the skin can swell when heated. Do not pierce the skin while it is swollen; this could result in scalding injury. 15.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 22. Turn the appliance off if steam escapes from the sides of the lid and ensure sealing ring is properly installed. Overview of Pressure Control Features— Sealing Ring for more information. 23. To disconnect, select Cancel, then remove plug from power source. 24. Unplug from the outlet when not in use, as well as before adding or removing parts or accessories, and before cleaning. To unplug, grasp the plug and pull from the outlet. Never pull from the power cord. 25.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 32. Do not tamper with any of the safety mechanisms, as this may result in injury or property damage. 33. Do not use the appliance in electrical systems other than 120 V/60 Hz for North America. Do not use with power converters or adapters. 34. This appliance is NOT to be used by children or by persons with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities. Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used near children and these individuals.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 44. Do not use the included accessories in a microwave, toaster oven, convection or conventional oven, or on a ceramic cooktop, electric coil, gas range, or outdoor grill. 45. The removable inner pot can be extremely heavy when full of ingredients. Care should be taken when lifting the inner pot from the cooker base to avoid burn injury. 46. Use caution when removing the lid. Heat and steam escape as soon as the lid is removed.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS WARNING To avoid injury, read and understand instruction manual before using this machine. WARNING Electrical shock hazard. Use grounded outlet only. DO NOT remove ground. DO NOT use an adapter. DO NOT use an extension cord. Failure to follow instructions can cause electric shock and/or death.
Initial Setup • Read all the Important Safeguards before using the appliance. Failure to read and follow the Important Safeguards may result in damage to the appliance, property damage or personal injury. • Use only the Instant Pot Viva lid with the Instant Pot Viva pressure cooker base. Using any other pressure cooker lids may cause injury and/or damage. • Remove all packaging material and accessories from within and around the appliance.
Product, Parts and Accessories Viva 6 and 8 Quart Pressure Cookers Before using the Instant Pot Viva, verify that all parts are accounted for.
Product, Parts and Accessories Inner Pot Stainless Steel Inner Pot Cooker Base Condensation Rim Outer Pot Cooker Handles Heating Element (interior) Control Panel Base Power Socket (rear; 8 Quart is hardwired) Illustrations are for reference only and may differ from the actual product.
Product, Parts and Accessories Accessories Sealing Rings (×2) (1x installed in lid) Condensation Collector Steam Rack with Handles Detachable Power Cord (6 Quart models only) Illustrations are for reference only and may differ from the actual product.
Control Panel 4 1 3 2 6 6 5 1 Time Display Countdown timer indicates cooking and Delay Start time in hour format: 05:20 is 5 hours, 20 minutes. Keep Warm timer counts up. Display also indicates Status Messages. 2 Pressure Field Indicators illuminate to indicate Low or High pressure level. 3 Less – Normal – More Pressure cooking: 3 preset time options. Non-Pressure cooking: 3 temperature levels. 4 LED Indicators Illuminate to indicate the active Smart Program and settings selected.
Control Panel 5 Smart Program Settings Pressure Level Keep Warm − / + buttons Delay Start Cancel See “Smart Program Settings” for more information.
Smart Program Settings Adjust and Save Pressure Cooking Temperature Select a pressure cooking Smart Program, then press Pressure Level to toggle between High (10.2–11.6 psi) and Low (5.8–7.2 psi) pressure levels. Note: A higher pressure results in higher cooking temperature. When cooking begins, the pressure level you selected is saved and remembered the next time the Smart Program is selected.
Smart Program Settings Cancel and Standby Mode When the cooker is plugged in but not in operation, the display reads OFF to indicate Standby mode. Press Cancel to stop a Smart Program at any time. The cooker returns to Standby mode. Turn Sound On/Off Sound On: When in Standby, press and hold + button until display indicates S On. Sound Off: When in Standby, press and hold − button until display indicates SOFF. Note: Audible safety alerts (beeps) cannot be turned off.
Smart Program Settings Automatically Keep Food Warm After Cooking The Keep Warm setting turns on automatically after cooking on all Smart Programs except Sauté, Sous Vide and Yogurt. When automatic warming begins, the timer begins counting from 00:00 to indicate the time passed, up to 10 hours. To turn automatic warming off, press Keep Warm. The LED above the button dims to indicate that it is off. Reheat Food or Keep Warm for Long Periods When in Standby, select Keep Warm.
Status Messages Indicates that the cooker is in Standby mode. Indicates that the pressure cooker lid is not properly secured or missing. Indicates that the cooker is in Preheat mode. Display timer indicates one of the following: • When a Smart Program is running, the display timer counts down to indicate the cooking time remaining in the Smart Program. • When Delay Start is running, the display timer counts down until the Smart Program begins.
Cleaning Before First Use Remove the inner pot from the cooker base and wash it with hot water and dish soap. Rinse with warm, clear water and use a soft cloth to dry the outside of the inner pot. Note: The inner pot is dishwasher safe. Wipe the heating element with a soft cloth to ensure there are no stray packaging particles present before returning the inner pot to the cooker base.
Overview of Pressure Control Features Pressure Cooking Lid The stainless steel lid included is necessary for most cooking processes, and is essential for pressure cooking. Always ensure to use the Viva pressure cooking lid with the Viva cooker base. When plugged in, the cooker plays a jingle when the lid is opened and closed.
Overview of Pressure Control Features The pressure cooking lid automatically seals for easy pressure cooking, but does not lock into place when closed. The lid can be removed during Pre-heating but locks into place once the cooker has pressurized. Refer to Overview of Pressure Control Features–Float Valve for information on pressurization and depressurization. DANGER Do not attempt to remove the lid while the float valve is up. CAUTION Always check the lid for damage and excessive wear prior to cooking.
Overview of Pressure Control Features Steam Release Valve The steam release valve sits loosely on the steam release pipe. When the cooker releases pressure, steam ejects from the top of the steam release valve. The steam release valve is integral to product safety and necessary for pressure cooking. It must be installed before use and cleaned regularly. Remove the Steam Release Valve Pull steam release valve up and off steam release pipe. The steam release valve must be installed before using the cooker.
Overview of Pressure Control Features Anti-Block Shield The anti-block shield prevents food particles from coming up through the steam release pipe, assisting with pressure regulation. As an integral part of product safety, the anti-block shield must be installed before use and cleaned frequently.
Overview of Pressure Control Features Sealing Ring When the pressure cooking lid is closed, the sealing ring installed on the underside of the lid creates an air-tight seal between the lid and the cooker base. Remove The sealing ring must be installed before using the cooker and should be cleaned after each use. Only 1 sealing ring should be installed in the lid when using the cooker. Use one for sweet dishes and one for savory. Sealing rings stretch over time with normal use.
Overview of Pressure Control Features Float Valve The float valve provides a visual indication of pressure within the cooker and appears in 2 positions. Pressurized The float valve is visibly popped up above the surface of the lid. Depressurized The float valve is visible and flush with the lid. The float valve and silicone cap work together to seal in pressurized steam. These parts must be installed before use and should be cleaned after each use.
Overview of Pressure Control Features 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 the float valve and/or silicone cap properly installed in the pressure cooking lid.
Cooking with the Viva Introduction to Pressure Cooking Pressure cooking uses steam pressure to raise the boiling point of water above 100ºC/212ºF. This energy-efficient cooking method is the fastest way to thoroughly cook a variety of your favorite meals. Pressure cookers go through 3 stages when pressure cooking: 1. Pre-Heating and Pressurization The cooker waits 10 seconds to ensure you have finished inputting your selections, then displays On to indicate it has begun pre-heating.
Cooking with the Viva 3. Depressurization After pressure cooking completes, follow your recipe instructions for depressurizing the cooker. If automatic Keep Warm is on after cooking completes, the timer counts up from 00:00 to indicate the elapsed time up to 10 hours. If not, the cooker returns to Standby and displays End. Note: The cooker cools and depressurizes faster if automatic Keep Warm is off. See Depressurizing the Cooker (Venting Methods) for information on releasing pressure after cooking.
Depressurizing the Cooker (Venting Methods) Always follow recipe instructions for depressurizing the cooker. Seal Position Vent Position Natural Release (NR) Leave the quick release button in the popped-up Seal position. As the temperature within the cooker drops, the cooker depressurizes naturally over time. Depressurization time varies based upon the volume and type of food and liquid. When the cooker has completely depressurized, the float valve drops into the lid.
Depressurizing the Cooker (Venting Methods) If continuous spatter occurs while venting, set the cooker back to Seal by flicking the quick release button. The button pops back up to indicate that it is sealed and stops the depressurization process. Wait a few minutes before trying to QR again. If spatter continues, use NR to safely release remaining pressure. NOTICE Do not use QR when cooking high-starch foods (e.g., stews, chilis, pasta and congee) or when cooking foods that expand when cooked (e.g.
Initial Test Run (Water Test) Follow these steps to familiarize yourself with your Instant Pot® Viva™. Total test time: Approximately 20 minutes. 1. Remove the inner pot from the cooker base. 2. Add 3 cups (24 oz / 750 mL) of water to the inner pot. 3. Insert the inner pot into the cooker base. 4. 6 Quart only: Secure the power cord to the base power socket at the back of the cooker base. Ensure the connection is tight. Connect the power cord to a 120 V power source. The display indicates OFF. 5.
Using Pressure Cooking Smart Programs Whether you are a novice cook or a culinary expert, the Viva provides Smart Programs to get you cooking with the touch of a button. The steps below follow the safest procedure for using the cooker and can be applied to the following Smart Programs: Soup/Broth, Meat/Stew, Bean/Chili, Cake, Egg, Rice, Multigrain, Porridge, Steam, Sterilize and Pressure Cook.
Using Pressure Cooking Smart Programs 1. Open and remove the lid as described in Pressure Control Features—Pressure Cooking Lid. 2. Remove the inner pot from the cooker base. 3. Add food and liquid ingredients to the inner pot. Note: Cold or frozen food items take longer to generate steam and slow down pressurization. For the fastest results, thaw frozen ingredients before cooking. 4. Insert the inner pot into the cooker base. 5.
Using Pressure Cooking Smart Programs DANGER While the float valve is up, contents of cooker are under extreme pressure. Do not attempt to remove the lid while the float valve is still up. All pressure must be released, and float valve must be down before attempting to remove the lid. Never attempt to force the lid open. Failure to follow the instructions may result in property damage and/or personal injury.
Using Pressure Cooking Smart Programs Pressure Cooking Settings Smart Program Settings Pressure Soup/Broth Meat/Stew Bean/Chili Cake Egg Rice Low (35–55 kPa / 5.8–7.2 psi) High (65–85 kPa / 10.2–11.6 psi) Time Setting Less Normal More Default Cooking Time (adjustable) 00:20 00:30 04:00 Cooking Time Range 00:00–04:00 Pressure Low (35–55 kPa / 5.8–7.2 psi) High (65–85 kPa / 10.2–11.
Using Pressure Cooking Smart Programs Smart Program Settings Pressure Low (35–55 kPa / 5.8–7.2 psi) High (65–85 kPa / 10.2–11.6 psi) Time Setting Less Normal More Default Cooking Time (adjustable) 00:20 00:40 01:00 (+ 00:45 soaking time) Multigrain Porridge Sterilize Pressure Cook Cooking Time Range 00:00–04:00 Pressure Low (35–55 kPa / 5.8–7.2 psi) High (65–85 kPa / 10.2–11.
Using Pressure Cooking Smart Programs Pressure Cooking Tips Smart Program Setting Suggested Use Less Soup without meat Soup/Broth Normal Soup with meat More Rich bone broth Meat/Stew Bean/Chili Cake Egg Rice Multigrain Notes Liquid remains clear due to lack of boiling motion. Always use NR to release pressure when cooking soup with a high starch content.
Pressure Cooking Tips Smart Program Setting Suggested Use Less Oatmeal, steel cut or rolled Normal Porridge More White rice, porridge/ Adjust time as directed in recipe. congee Always use NR to release pressure when cooking Rice porridge/ foods that expand.
Pressure Cooking Timetable The following are recommendations only. Always follow a trusted recipe.
Grain-to-Water Ratios Rice and Grain Grain : Water Ratio White or Brown Rice 1 : 1 cup Quinoa 1 : 3/4 cup Oatmeal 1 : 3 cups Risotto 1 : 2 cups—add additional wine to taste Porridge 1 : 10 cups Click here for a complete list of cooking timetables.
Using Non-Pressure Cooking Smart Programs The Viva is much more than a pressure cooker. These non-pressure cooking Smart Programs get you cooking quickly and easily. Always ensure the lid is set to Vent when using non-pressure cooking programs. Press the quick release button down until it clicks and locks in place. The following sections provide the safest steps for using the Slow Cook, Sauté, Yogurt and Sous Vide Smart Programs.
Using Non-Pressure Cooking Smart Programs Slow Cook Slow Cook is a non-pressure cooking program that is compatible for use with any common slow cooker recipe. 1. Remove the inner pot from the cooker base. 2. Add food and liquid ingredients to the inner pot. 3. Insert the inner pot into the cooker base. 4. 6 Quart: Secure the power cord to the base power socket at the back of the cooker base. Ensure the connection is tight. Connect the power cord to a 120 V power source.
Using Non-Pressure Cooking Smart Programs Sauté Sauté is a non-pressure cooking program that can be used in place of a frying pan or flat-top grill. 1. Insert the inner pot into the cooker base. Do not use a lid. 2. 6 Quart: Secure the power cord to the base power socket at the back of the cooker base. Ensure the connection is tight. Connect the power cord to a 120 V power source. The cooker goes to Standby mode and the display indicates OFF. 3. Press Sauté to select the Sauté Smart Program. 4.
Using Non-Pressure Cooking Smart Programs Yogurt Yogurt is a non-pressure cooking Smart Program made for easy fermented dairy and non-dairy recipes. Instant Pot® Size Minimum Milk Volume Maximum Milk Volume 6 Quarts / 5.7 Litres 4 cups (32 oz / 1000 mL) 4 quarts (128 oz / 4.5 L) 8 Quarts / 7.6 Litres 6 cups (48 oz / 1500 mL) 6 quarts (240 oz / 6.8 L) Pasteurize Milk 1. Remove the inner pot from the cooker base. 2.
Using Non-Pressure Cooking Smart Programs Ferment Yogurt 1. Press Yogurt to select the Yogurt Smart Program. 2. Press the quick release button down until it clicks and locks into the Vent position. 3. Press Yogurt again to cycle to the Normal option. The display indicates 08:00. 4. Use the − / + buttons to adjust the fermentation time if desired. 5. After 10 seconds the cooker begins heating. The display timer counts up to the set time from 00:00. 6.
Using Non-Pressure Cooking Smart Programs Sous Vide Sous Vide cooking brings vacuum-sealed food to a very accurate temperature and maintains that temperature for a period of time to achieve high-quality, consistently delicious results. Set the cooking temperature from a range of 25°C–90°C / 77°F–194°F. You’ll need: • Tongs • Thermometer • Airtight or Vacuum Sealed Food Pouches • Optional: Vacuum sealer 1. Remove the inner pot from the cooker base. 2.
Using Non-Pressure Cooking Smart Programs 13. The cooker beeps once the water temperature is reached. Remove the lid and immerse the sealed pouches in the warm water. The pouches' contents should be submerged, but the seal should remain above the water line. 14. Place and close the lid as described in Pressure Control Features—Pressure Locking Lid. 15. For cooking times over 4 hours, check the water level periodically to ensure pouch contents remain submerged. If required, add heated water to the inner pot.
Using Non-Pressure Cooking Smart Programs Sous Vide Cooking Guidelines Food Recommended Thickness Expected Doneness Cooking Temperature Minimum Cooking Time Maximum Cooking Time Beef and Lamb Tender Cuts: Tenderloin, cutlets, sirloin, rib-eye, rump, T-bone, chops Tougher Cuts: Blade, chuck, shoulder, shanks, game meats 2–5 cm / ½”–2” 4–6 cm / 1½”–2½” Rare 122°F / 50°C 1 hour 4 hours Medium-rare 129°F / 54°C 1.5 hours 4 hours Medium 140°F / 60°C 1.
Using Non-Pressure Cooking Smart Programs Food Recommended Thickness Expected Doneness Cooking Temperature Minimum Cooking Time Maximum Cooking Time Fish and Seafood Fish 2–3 cm / ½”–1½” Soft and buttery 110°F / 43°C 10 minutes 30 minutes Translucent / starts to flake 115°F / 46°C 20 minutes 45 minutes Medium-rare 125°F / 52°C 20 minutes 45 minutes Medium, dry 130°F / 54°C 20 minutes 45 minutes Well-done, crumbly 135°F / 57°C 20 minutes 45 minutes Shrimp – Traditionally firm
Care and Cleaning Clean your Viva after each use. Always unplug your Viva and let it cool to room temperature before cleaning. Let all surfaces dry thoroughly before use, and before storage. Part Accessories • Steam Rack • Condensation Collector Instruction Cleaning Method • Wash after each use. • Never use harsh chemical detergents, powders or scouring pads on accessories. • For dishwasher, place on top rack. • Empty and rinse condensation collector after each use.
Care and Cleaning Part Detachable Power Cord (6 Quart Only) Cooker Base Cleaning Method Instruction • Use a barely-damp cloth to wipe any particles off power cord. • Wipe the inside of the outer pot as well as the condensation rim with a barely-damp cloth, and allow to air dry. Damp Cloth Only • Clean cooker base and control panel with a soft, barelydamp cloth or sponge. WARNING Ensure heating element remains dry at all times.
Troubleshooting Register your product today. Contact Customer Care: 1-800-828-7280 support@instantpot.com instantpot.com/#Chat Problem Difficulty closing lid Difficulty opening lid Possible Reason Sealing ring not properly installed Reposition sealing ring, ensure it is snug behind sealing ring rack. Float valve in the popped-up position Gently press the float valve downward with a long utensil.
Troubleshooting Problem Possible Reason Solution Remove float valve from lid and clean Food debris on float valve or float valve thoroughly; perform “Initial Test Run” to silicone cap check for function and record findings. Contact Customer Care. Too little liquid in the inner pot Check for scorching on bottom of inner pot.
Troubleshooting Problem Possible Reason C1 Contact Customer Care: C2 C6 Faulty sensor C6H Temperature is too high because inner pot is not placed in the cooker base C5 Temperature is too high because there is no water in inner pot Heat element has failed C7 or NoPr Lid Not enough liquid Occasional clicking or light cracking sound support@instantpot.
Warranty Limited Warranty This Limited Warranty is effective for one year from the date of original consumer purchase. Proof of original purchase date and, if requested by an authorized representative of Instant Brands Inc. (“Instant Brands”), return of your appliance, is required to obtain service under this Limited Warranty.
Warranty Disclaimer of Implied Warranties EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED HEREIN AND TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, INSTANT BRANDS MAKES NO WARRANTIES, CONDITIONS OR REPRESENTATIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, BY STATUTE, USAGE, CUSTOM OF TRADE OR OTHERWISE WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLIANCES OR PARTS COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, WARRANTIES, CONDITIONS, OR REPRESENTATIONS OF WORKMANSHIP, MERCHANTABILITY, MERCHANTABLE QUALITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR DURABILITY.
Instant Brands Inc. 11–300 Earl Grey Dr., Suite 383 Ottawa, Ontario K2T 1C1 Canada Register your product today at instantpot.com/support/register Contact and Support Information 1-800-828-7280 support@instantpot.com instantpot.com/#Chat instantpot.com store.instantpot.
