Most sounds from an Instant Pot are normal. A little clicking, a soft hiss of steam while it cooks, a jet of steam when you quick-release, and beeps are all part of how it works. Steam pouring out for more than 3 minutes, steam from the sides of the lid, or black smoke from an air fryer are not normal: turn it off.

Safety first

Turn off and unplug your Instant Pot straight away if:

• steam escapes in a steady stream for more than 3 minutes from the steam release valve or float valve;
• steam escapes from the sides of the lid;
• your air fryer gives off black smoke;
• you smell burning plastic, or see sparks or damage.

Never try to open the lid while it's under pressure. Wait for the float valve to drop. If steam came from the sides of the lid, check the sealing ring is fitted properly before you use it again.

Pressure cookers (Duo, Duo Plus, Pro, Pro Plus and Duo Crisp)

Normal sounds:

• Occasional clicking or a light cracking sound. This is the power switching on and off, or parts expanding as they heat up. No action needed.
• A little steam or a soft hiss from the steam release valve while cooking. The Instant Pot is regulating its pressure.
• A puff of steam before the float valve pops up as it comes up to pressure.
• A jet of steam during Quick Release. This is normal. On Pro models with a steam release cover you'll hear a muffled hiss. A loud jet means the cover isn't fitted properly.
• A wobbly steam release handle. It sits loosely on purpose so it can move under pressure.
• Beeps when a programme starts and finishes. Safety and error alerts can't be turned off.

If food spatters while you release pressure:

1. Move the valve back to Seal.
2. Wait a few minutes.
3. Try again, or let the pressure release naturally.

Air fryers (Vortex)

• The fan keeps running after you press Cancel. It's cooling the air fryer down. This is normal.
• Beeps when cooking finishes, then reminder beeps after 5, 20 and 60 minutes.
• White smoke usually comes from fatty foods such as bacon or sausages, or from moist food giving off steam. Pat food dry and remove excess fat.
• Black smoke: press Cancel and unplug it straight away. Let it cool before you open it.

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