Instant Pot shows a burn notice

Symptoms

• Display shows 'Burn' or similar error
• Cooking stops or pauses mid-cycle
• Burning smell noticeable
• Scorched food visible on the bottom when opened

Likely causes

• CommonNot enough liquid in the potThin liquid is needed at the bottom to prevent direct contact between thick food and the hot base.
• CommonThick ingredients like tomato paste or dairy settled at the bottom without stirringDense ingredients can scorch before mixing into the liquid.
• CommonFood particles stuck to the bottom from sauteing before pressure cookingBrowned bits (fond) left unscraped can burn once pressure cooking starts.
• PossibleInner pot scratched or damaged, causing uneven heatDeep scratches can create hot spots.
• Less commonFaulty temperature sensor on the baseThis is uncommon but possible if burn notices happen even with proper liquid and technique.

What to do

1. Cancel the cycle, let pressure release naturally if safe to do so, and carefully open the lid once pressure is fully released.
2. Check the bottom of the pot for scorched food and scrape it up, since leaving it can trigger repeat burn notices.
3. Add more liquid if the recipe was light on it, aiming for at least the recipe's minimum or 1 cup.
4. After sauteing, always deglaze the pot with a splash of liquid and scrape up any browned bits before pressure cooking.
5. Layer thick ingredients like tomato sauce or cheese on top of thinner liquid and other ingredients rather than at the very bottom.
6. If burn notices continue despite proper liquid levels and technique across different recipes, inspect the inner pot for scratches or consider that the base's heat sensor may need professional service.

Tools and parts

• Wooden spoon or spatula

When to call a pro

If burn notices persist across multiple recipes with correct liquid and technique, have the unit checked or replaced, since a malfunctioning sensor can be a safety and reliability issue.

Safety