The Instant Pot electric pressure cookers include smart programs that were created based on extensive testing. Smart programs control multiple aspects of the cooking process including temperature, pressure, heat intensity, and duration all at the push of a button. The Instant Pot Meat/Stew button controls one specific smart program.
One thing to note: Not all of the Instant Pot models and sizes within a series have the same set of smart programs. This is especially true for the 3 quart models. For example, within a series (e.x. Lux, and Ultra), the mini models do not have all of the not all smart programs are available compared to the 6 and 8 quart models. And like the cake button, the meat/stew smart program is included in a limited number of models, and it’s not available on the 3 quart models. Always double check the Instant Pot you are thinking of buying if the meat/stew smart program is important to you.
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What does the Instant Pot Meat/Stew setting do?
Like the other Instant Pot Smart Programs, the meat/stew smart program presets the cooking pressure, heat intensity, temperature, and time.
The meat button sets an initial cooking time and you can adjust as needed. By default, the button cooks at high pressure for different lengths of time.
- Normal Setting: 35 minutes by default, is for a very soft texture,
- More Setting: 45 minutes default and is for a fall-off-the-bone texture
- Less Setting: 20 minutes by default and is for a soft texture
Choose the setting based on the texture you want for your finished dish. Alternatively you can simply adjust the cooking time to achieve the same results.
Which Instant Pot models have the Meat/Stew button
Sometimes only a few of the Instant Pot models have a specific smart program, and within the series the 3 quart models may not have the button either. The mini model only has so much space on the control panel.
Before you buy your Instant Pot, double check if the meat/stew button is on both the model and size. It’s also possible that earlier versions of a model don’t have a button and it’s added into new models as they adjust the functions of a specific Instant Pot Model.
Which Instant Pot models have the Meat/Stew Setting?
The meat setting, compared to other buttons, is on many of the common Instant Pot models.
This button is also on all size options when it’s included on a model. Unlike the cake button which is not on the 3 quart models, for example, the meat setting is available on the 3 quart models.
And be sure to double check the specific Instant model you plan to buy before purchasing because it’s also possible a button that was available before is switched out for a different program. Or in some cases, the button is added to newer Instant Pot versions.
| 3 Quart | 6 Quart | 8 Quart | 10 Quart | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instant Pot Lux | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Instant Pot Duo | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Instant Pot Viva | Yes | Yes | ||
| Instant Pot Duo Plus | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Instant Pot Ultra | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Instant Pot Smart WiFi | Yes | |||
| Instant Pot Duo Nova (new in 2019) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Instant Pot Duo SV | Yes | |||
| Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus | Yes* |
* As part of the Instant Pot Evo Plus “Pressure Cook” button are presets including: Soup, Bean, Egg, Rib, Poultry, Chili, Stew, Beef, Pork, Seafood, Broth, Sterilize, Potato, Broccoli, or custom. This version of the program cooks at both high and low pressure.
The Meat/Stew button is not currently included on the Instant Pot Max, Duo Crisp, or Duo Evo Plus models.
What if your Instant Pot doesn’t have the Meat/Stew Smart Program?
Don’t worry. You don’t have to miss out on making amazing meat or stew recipes in your Instant Pot doesn’t have this button. Most recipes use manual (or pressure cook) in the cooking instructions anyway.
Double-check the recipe you’re preparing for any additional instructions related to time and ingredients to help you have a great finished dish.
Over to you. What do you think about the Instant Pot Meat/Stew Button?
Is this a setting you want on your Instant Pot or are you trying to make meat or stew with a manual setting process?
Learn more about the Instant Pot Settings
As part of your Instant Pot research, don’t forget to take a closer look at the other Instant Pot Smart programs to help you figure out which options are the most important to you.
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