When I decided to buy my first pressure cooker, I’ll admit I was overwhelmed by all the options. There are so many brands and models to choose from! As a busy mom who loves cooking for my family, I wanted to find a pressure cooker that was affordable, easy to use, and could help me get dinner on the table faster. After doing a lot of research, I ended up purchasing an Insignia pressure cooker – and I’m so glad I did!

In this blog post, I’ll share my buying guide for Insignia pressure cookers. I’ll cover all the key features, provide tips for using it properly, troubleshoot common issues, discuss pricing and models, and compare it to other popular brands like the Instant Pot. I hope this comprehensive guide helps you decide if an Insignia pressure cooker is right for your kitchen!

Key Features of the Insignia Pressure Cooker

The Insignia pressure cooker really impressed me with its useful features:

• 6 quart capacity – This is a good mid-size cooker that can make meals for 4-6 people. It’s not so huge that you’ll never fill it up, but not so small that you can’t cook larger roasts or whole chickens.
• Digital control panel – The buttons are clearly labeled and easy to use. You can choose from pressure cooking, slow cooking, browning/sauteing, and more.
• Pre-set cooking programs – There are pre-programmed settings for dishes like meat/stew, beans/chili, rice/risotto, yogurt, desserts, and more. Just input the time and walk away!
• Adjustable pressure settings – Customize the pressure level from high to low depending on what you’re cooking.
• 24-hour delay start timer – You can delay the cooking start time up to 24 hours in advance. Perfect for setting up meals ahead of time!
• Automatic keep warm – The cooker automatically switches to keep warm mode after the cooking time is done, so food stays hot and ready to eat.
• 3-ply stainless steel inner pot – The pot itself is high quality and won’t react with food. It’s also dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.

These useful functions really sold me on choosing an Insignia pressure cooker. It seemed like an affordable model with all the bells and whistles of more expensive brands.

Using My Insignia Pressure Cooker for the First Time

When I first unboxed my Insignia pressure cooker, I’ll admit I was a bit intimidated. But once I read the manual thoroughly and followed all the instructions, I found it very easy to start using. Here are some tips for your very first time using this gadget:

• Carefully read the entire manual and safety warnings first. Make sure you understand how the pressure release valves and other features work.
• Wash the inner pot, lid, valves and sealing ring in hot soapy water before using. Don’t forget to dry them thoroughly.
• Select a recipe specifically designed for electric pressure cookers. Avoid stove-top pressure cooker recipes.
• Add the required liquid to the pot first, usually 1-2 cups. Then add the ingredients on top. Don’t fill past the 2/3 line.
• Lock the lid into place and select the correct cooking program and time based on your recipe.
• When done, use natural pressure release by waiting 10-15 minutes before opening the lid. Or do a quick release manually for quicker access.
• Use tongs and mitts when opening the lid as steam will billow out. Tilt the lid away from you.
• Always check food is fully cooked through before serving, especially meat. Add more time if needed.

The first time I used my Insignia pressure cooker I made a delicious beef stew. As long as you follow all the safety tips, you’ll find it’s actually very easy to make amazing meals! Just be patient and get familiar with the buttons and settings.

Troubleshooting Common Insignia Pressure Cooker Problems

While I’ve been very happy with my Insignia pressure cooker, there can be occasional issues or malfunctions. Here’s how to troubleshoot some common problems:

• Not sealing properly – Make sure the silicone sealing ring is tightly in place in the lid. Check for any cracks or damage. Replace if needed. Also check that the valve nozzle and float valve are clean and move freely.
• Not building pressure – Ensure the lid is rotated fully into the locked position. Don’t open the lid while it’s coming to pressure. Make sure you added enough liquid. And check that the valves aren’t clogged.
• Burn or scorch notice – Don’t fill the inner pot past the max line or use it on a stovetop. Food residue stuck on the bottom can also cause scorching. Hand wash gently or soak to remove.
• Food not cooking fully – Increase cook time for very dense food like meat or whole grains. Check there’s enough liquid and the pressure valve is functioning.
• Steam leaking from the lid – Replace the sealing ring if it’s damaged or degraded. Make sure it’s snapped in completely and level.
• Display not working – Try unplugging then restart your cooker. Check if the inner pot is making full contact. Call customer service if display stays unresponsive.

Following the manual and cleaning regularly should prevent most issues. But troubleshooting will help get your Insignia pressure cooker back up and running if you run into problems.

Insignia Pressure Cooker Warranty Details

One concern when buying kitchen appliances is always the warranty coverage. I felt reassured that the Insignia pressure cooker came with a one year limited warranty.

This covers any defects in materials or workmanship. However, it doesn’t cover normal wear and tear, improper use, negligence, or damage during transit. Make sure to register your product online to activate the warranty.

To get service, you’ll need to contact Insignia’s customer support line. Make sure to have your receipt and model number ready. In most cases, they can troubleshoot over the phone or send replacement parts. But sometimes faulty units need to be shipped to an authorized service center.

While one year isn’t the longest coverage, it’s pretty standard for this category. Just be sure to handle your Insignia pressure cooker with care and inspect it regularly for damage to maximize the lifespan.

How Much Does an Insignia Pressure Cooker Cost?

One of the things that initially drew me to the Insignia brand was the very reasonable pricing. The typical list price runs between $50-$100 depending on the size and features.

For example, a basic 6-quart digital model often costs around $60-$70. While the higher end 8-quart pressure cooker with stainless steel finish and more pre-sets can cost around $100.

This is significantly cheaper than many competitor brands like Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi, or Breville Fast Slow Pro. Those can cost $150-$300 for similar capacities and settings.

The great thing is Insignia pressure cookers frequently go on sale at retailers like Best Buy for $40-$60 off the regular sticker price. So if you can snag a deal, it’s a very budget friendly option! Just make sure to inspect it thoroughly and confirm all the parts/pieces are included at this lower price point.

Where to Buy an Insignia Pressure Cooker

Since Insignia is Best Buy’s product brand, that’s the main retailer where you’ll find these pressure cookers sold. I prefer buying directly from Best Buy so I can see detailed specs and reviews on their website.

You may also see Insignia pressure cookers pop up on other sites like eBay, Walmart, or Amazon third party sellers. But be cautious about fakes and used products. Your safest bet is sticking with BestBuy.com or in store purchasing.

If you time your purchase right, you can often get an Insignia pressure cooker on sale during special events on Best Buy’s site:

• Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals
• Christmas sales and gift guides
• Memorial Day weekend savings
• Best Buy Deal of the Day flash sales
• Students deals and bundles in summer
• Appliance or kitchen specific promos and bundles

Sign up for their deal emails and keep an eye out for discounts around major holidays and seasonal sales events. With some patience, you can likely score an Insignia pressure cooker for 20-30% off or more!

Choosing the Best Insignia Pressure Cooker Model

With a few different sizes and feature combinations available, how do you choose the right Insignia pressure cooker? Here are my tips:

• For a family of 4, a 6 quart cooker is ideal. Go larger if cooking for more people or big batches.
• The 8 quart deluxe stainless steel model is perfect for extra capacity, durability and aesthetics.
• Get a model with digital display and buttons for ease of use. Avoid manual dial versions.
• Make sure it has adjustable pressure settings and pre-sets for different cooking functions.
• Extra features like delay start timer, keep warm, and quick release are useful bonuses.
• Stick to 1000 watts for faster pressurizing. Don’t go lower than 900 watts.
• Get a cooker with multiple safety mechanisms like lid locks and pressure release valves.
• Choose a well-rated model with lots of positive reviews. This indicates quality and longevity.

Think about your cooking needs and budget. But for most home cooks, I’d recommend the 6-8 quart digital Insignia pressure cooker in the $70-$100 range. It will have all the convenient functions without costing a fortune!

Cleaning and Maintaining My Insignia Pressure Cooker

To keep my Insignia pressure cooker performing like new, I make sure to clean and care for it properly after each use:

• Rinse out any food debris from the inner pot immediately after cooking while it’s still warm. This prevents stickiness and staining.
• Hand wash the inner pot, lid, valves and sealing ring in hot soapy water after each use. Do not put the electrical base unit in water.
• For stubborn residue, soak for 15-30 minutes before scrubbing. Use a soft sponge or brush to prevent scratching surfaces.
• The inner pot is dishwasher safe, but hand washing extends its life.
• Fully dry all parts after washing before storage. Air dry or hand dry with a towel.
• Clean valves and release nozzles with a pipe cleaner monthly to prevent clogs.
• Check the sealing ring periodically and replace every 1-2 years or when cracks/tears develop.
• Store lid inverted on top of inner pot between uses so the ring stays circular.
• Regularly inspect for damage. Avoid metal utensils that can scratch.

With proper cleaning and care as outlined in the manual, my Insignia pressure cooker always looks and performs like new! A little maintenance goes a long way.

How to Do a Manual Pressure Release with the Insignia Model

One trick I learned with my Insignia pressure cooker is how to do a quick pressure release to rapidly decrease the pressure after cooking. This stops the cooking process so I can open the lid faster.

Here are the steps:

• When the cook time ends, do not open the lid. Wait 2-3 minutes for the pressure to reduce slightly.
• Press down on the pressure release valve with a wooden spoon handle to vent the remaining steam and release the pressure.
• When the steam flow stops and the float valve drops, the pressure is fully released. This takes 20-30 seconds.
• Turn the lid clockwise to unlock and open. Still tilt away from you as some residual steam may release.
• Check food is fully cooked especially in center and thickest parts. Add extra minutes if needed.

The manual quick release prevents having to wait 10-15 minutes for natural pressure release. Just be very careful venting the hot steam! Use a towel or mitt to protect your hand on the valve.

This is a handy technique for quick access meals on busy nights when every minute counts!

Adjusting the Default Cook Times

While the pre-programmed cook times on my Insignia pressure cooker are convenient, recipes don’t always match up perfectly. Here are some tips for adjusting the time:

• The display shows the default cook time when you select a function. You can change this time.
• To increase time, use the + button. To decrease, press the – button. Hold to rapidly change time.
• For pressure cooking especially, only adjust the time by 1-2 minutes up or down. Extended pressure cooking can over/under cook food.
• For sauté, slow cook, rice and other modes, you can adjust time more freely based on recipe needs.
• Get to know your machine! If food is consistently undercooked, boost time for that function.
• Let food rest 3-5 minutes after cooking before checking doneness and adjusting time for next attempt.
• Use a food thermometer to check meats and poultry are cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Don’t rely solely on the pre-set times. Get comfortable changing the times to suit what you’re cooking until you learn how your specific cooker operates. Perfectly cooked food every time!

**Does it Have a Slow Cook Function? **

Unlike some pressure cooker brands, the Insignia model does have a handy slow cook function! This lets you prep ingredients in the morning and then simmer food slowly all day.

To use it:

• Add ingredients and liquids to pot as you would for a standard slow cooker. Keep in mind capacity.
• Secure the lid in place but do not fully lock or pressurize it. Vent valves must remain open.
• Press the Slow Cook button and use +/- to select 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 hours cook time.
• The cooker will automatically shift to warm when time is complete.
• Use natural release – unlock lid carefully as steam will release.

The slow cook function has pre-set temperatures so you don’t have to constantly monitor heat. Perfect for chili, stew, roasts, soup and more! Just adjust liquid/cook times as needed.

Having both pressure cooking and slow cooking abilities makes the Insignia model extra versatile. You can power through weeknight meals or let dinner simmer all day on weekends!

My Favorite Recipes to Make

Over the months using my Insignia pressure cooker I’ve amassed dozens of great recipes that I make over and over again for my family. Here are some of my favorites:

• Beef stew – So tender and flavorful! And done in under an hour.
• Chicken noodle soup – My from-scratch version is ready fast when we’re under the weather.
• Pulled pork – Perfect wet and fall-apart texture for tacos and sandwiches.
• Ribs – Fall-off-the-bone delicious with my homemade barbecue sauce.
• Chili – Quicker than stovetop and all the flavor. Top with cheddar and cornbread.
• Vegetable soup – Packed with garden veggies and beans, easy weeknight meal.
• Steel cut oats – Makes the creamiest overnight oats. Saves so much time in the morning!
• Yogurt – Much cheaper than store-bought and easier than I thought.
• Cheesecake – Silky smooth and decadent, my family’s special treat.

From main courses to desserts and everything in between, I use my Insignia pressure cooker multiple times a week. It’s really expanded my home cooking creativity and cut down on takeout!

How Does Insignia Compare to the Instant Pot?

When researching electric pressure cookers, you can’t help but come across the wildly popular Instant Pot. So how does Insignia compare?

In terms of performance and features, they are actually quite similar in a lot of ways:

• Adjustable pressure levels
• Digital control panels with pre-sets
• Delay timer and keep warm functions
• Inner pot size and capacity options
• Same safety mechanisms and valves
• Multiple cooking modes beyond pressure
• Can make most recipes interchangeably

However, there are some notable differences:

• Brand reputation – Instant Pot is much more well known and has stood the test of time.
• Reviews – Instant Pot averages slightly higher customer reviews across models.
• Models – Instant Pot has more size options with more feature combinations.
• Looks – Some may prefer the more polished finish of Instant Pot’s designs.
• Price – An equivalent Instant Pot will cost $40-$100 more on average.

At the end of the day, the Insignia performs very comparably to the pricier Instant Pot. Just know that you sacrifice some brand familiarity and reputation for the cost savings. But it can absolutely cook all the same recipes!

Resetting My Insignia Pressure Cooker

If the digital display panel or buttons start acting funky on your Insignia Pressure Cooker, you may need to reset it. Here are the simple steps:

1. Unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet completely.
2. Leave unplugged for a minimum of 10 minutes. This gives the internal computer time to fully reset.
3. Make sure the inner pot is empty and clean.
4. Plug the power cord back into the outlet.
5. The digital display should now show the clock flashing “12:00”.
6. Set the current correct time on the display panel.
7. Test functions like pressure cook, slow cook, saute, etc to confirm normal operation.

Resetting can fix odd issues like flashing characters or frozen screens. Give it a try before assuming it’s broken! Just holding down “Cancel” may also reset the cooker.

But if problems persist after a reset attempt, contact Insignia support about potential inner electrical malfunctions covered by warranty. Don’t try to DIY open the housing.

What Size is the Insignia Pressure Cooker?

Insignia pressure cookers come in both 6-quart and 8-quart sizes. Here’s an overview of each:

• 6 quart
  • 1000 watts
  • Holds roughly 6 pints or 3 liters
  • Good for 3-5 pound roasts or whole chickens
  • Feeds meals for 4-6 people
  • Best for average family meals
  • Takes up less counter space
• 8 quart
  • 1200 watts
  • Holds 8 pints or 4 liters
  • Good for 4-7 pound roasts or chickens
  • Feeds meals for 6-8 people
  • Perfect for big batches and meal prepping
  • Larger footprint on countertops

I recommend the 6 quart for most home cooks. But if you regularly cook for big groups or make large meal batches, upgrade to the 8 quart for extra capacity.

Keep in mind the inner pot itself is smaller than the cooker’s full quart size to allow for foam and expansion. But both give you ample cooking space!

Fixing a Leaking Lid Seal

One common issue that can develop over time is a leaking seal around the Insignia pressure cooker lid. But don’t worry – this is an easy fix!

First, remove the silicone sealing ring from the lid and inspect it closely. Look for any cracks, tears, or stretching in the ring. If damaged, order a replacement ring online or contact Insignia support.

If the ring looks intact, try the following:

• Clean the ring thoroughly with hot soapy water and remove any residue.
• Ensure the ring is fully seated in the lid groove, with the flat side facing up.
• Twist the ring completely to make sure it’s snug with no gaps.
• Check that the interior lid edge has no debris blocking a tight seal.
• Replace the lid, lock into place, and test with water and pressure cook for 5 minutes.
• If leaks persist, try lubricating the ring lightly with cooking spray before re-installing.

Catching seal issues early and replacing rings prevents leaking steam and slow pressurization. Maintain that ring properly for best performance!

Is the Insignia Pressure Cooker Actually Safe?

I know pressure cookers have a bit of a scary reputation from horror stories of explosions back in the day. However, modern electric models like the Insignia have numerous advanced safety mechanisms built in:

• Lid safety lock – The lid must be fully locked and aligned correctly to pressurize. Otherwise it remains deactivated.
• Pressure regulator – If internal pressure exceeds the safe limit, this valve automatically releases excess steam.
• Back-up pressure release valve – Provides a secondary pressure release outlet if needed.
• Lid position sensor – Monitor’s the lid angle and disables heating if not fully closed.
• Anti-block shield – Prevents food debris from blocking the valve openings.
• Pressure and temperature limiter – Additional sensor limits max pressure and temp for safety.
• Leaky lid smart detection – Automatically disables pressurization if the lid seal leaks are detected.
• Overheat protection – Shuts off heating elements if overheating is detected.

As long as you properly clean and maintain the valves, lids, and seals, an Insignia pressure cooker is designed to be completely safe for home cooking. Always read the manual thoroughly too!

How Long Does the Insignia Take to Build Pressure?

One question new users have is how quickly their Insignia pressure cooker can come up to the target pressure from a cold start. Here are some estimates:

• To reach low pressure of 5 PSI, it takes roughly 5-8 minutes.
• For medium pressure of 10-11 PSI, it takes 10-15 minutes.
• To max out at high pressure of 12-13 PSI, it takes 15-20 minutes.

Factors impacting time:

• Initial temperature – preheating food/liquid speeds this up.
• Contents – denser foods and meats take longer.
• Quantity – fuller pots take longer.
• Altitude – higher elevations add time.
• Model wattage – 1000-1200W models are fastest.
• Pressure release – cycles pressure down and back up.

So you can expect around 15 minutes on average to fully pressurize when cooking frozen meats from cold start. Delicate veggies or preheated soup may shave off a few minutes.

Building pressure is normal. Follow recommended prep tips to reduce total cook time for dinner!

Cooking Rice in the Insignia Pressure Cooker

My Insignia pressure cooker has a dedicated rice function that makes cooking grains a breeze. Here are my tips:

• Use long grain white rice or brown rice, rinsed. Shorter rice can get mushy.
• Use a 1:1 rice to water ratio. For every 1 cup rice, add 1 cup water.
• Optionally, replace up to half the water with broth or coconut milk.
• Add rice and liquid to pot. Do not fill past max line.
• Lock lid and press Rice function. Adjust time if needed.
• Allow 10 minute natural release after cooking, then quick release.
• Fluff with a fork before serving. Perfect every time!

The pressurized environment really infuses the rice with flavor and ensures even perfect texture. Just avoid quick release with rice to prevent spitting.

You can also experiment with cooking other grains like quinoa, barley, and farro using the Rice mode as a guideline. Enjoy restaurant-quality results at home!

Common Problems to Watch For

While I’ve been very satisfied with my Insignia pressure cooker, there are a few potential issues I’ve learned to watch out for:

• Food scorching at the bottom if ingredients aren’t sufficiently wet.
• Inner pot staining or cracking if not cared for properly.
• Sealing ring wearing out over time resulting in leaks.
• Valves getting clogged with mineral deposits or food debris.
• Pressure spontaneously releasing due to faulty regulator.
• Teflon non-stick coating chipping after a few years.
• Malfunctioning electronics like unresponsive buttons.
• Leaky condensation collector causing corrosion over time.

Most problems are avoidable with proper cleaning, maintenance, and handling. But defective electronic parts can occur. Review warranty terms just in case!

Being aware of potential faults will help you recognize and troubleshoot them promptly. Catch issues early to maximize lifespan and performance.

The Final Verdict

I hope this comprehensive buying guide gives you all the details needed to decide if an Insignia pressure cooker would be a great addition to your kitchen!

To recap, this reasonably priced model offers versatile cooking functions and useful features to make weeknight family dinners, big batch meal prep, and even desserts a breeze.

While it may not have the big name brand recognition of an Instant Pot, I’ve found it provides nearly equal performance and quality at a fraction of the price. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide many years of delicious pressure cooked meals for your family!

Let me know if you have any other questions. I’m happy to share my experience as a satisfied Insignia pressure cooker owner and help you determine if it’s the right fit for your needs and budget!