Safely elevate or lower delicate dishes in your Instant Pot with ease! Learn how to create a homemade sling for the Instant Pot and unlock new cooking possibilities.

Introduction to Making an Instant Pot Sling:

Cooking with an Instant Pot is a delightful experience that opens up a world of culinary possibilities. From delectable desserts to succulent main courses, this versatile appliance has become a kitchen essential. However, handling delicate or heavy dishes within the Instant Pot can sometimes be tricky and even hazardous. That’s where an Instant Pot sling comes to the rescue. A sling is a simple yet ingenious tool that allows you to safely lift out or lower in items from the Instant Pot’s inner cooking pot. Whether you’re a seasoned Instant Pot enthusiast or just beginning your culinary journey, learning how to make an Instant Pot sling will undoubtedly enhance your cooking adventures and make your kitchen experiences safer and more enjoyable. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of creating your own sling, using readily available materials to make the most of your Instant Pot’s potential. Say goodbye to kitchen mishaps and hello to a world of hassle-free cooking with the aid of your homemade Instant Pot sling!

Creating a sling for an Instant Pot is a straightforward process that requires minimal materials and time. A sling is a handy tool used to lift items like a cheesecake, steamed vegetables, or a pot-in-pot (PIP) container from the Instant Pot.

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Here’s a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to make a sling for your Instant Pot:

Materials Needed:

1. A long strip of heavy-duty aluminum foil or a silicone sling (commercially available, designed for Instant Pot use).

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Sling for the Instant Pot:

1. Measure the Instant Pot: Measure the width and depth of your Instant Pot using a measuring tape. You’ll need this information to determine the length of your sling.

2. Cut the Sling Material: Using the measurements from step 1, cut the sling material to the appropriate length. For aluminum foil, you can tear off a sheet and then fold it lengthwise several times to create a long, sturdy strip.

3. Shape the Sling: For the aluminum foil sling, fold it lengthwise several times until it’s about 1.5 to 2 inches wide. The final shape should resemble a long strip with several layers of foil for added strength.

4. Install the Sling: Place the shaped sling into the Instant Pot, ensuring that both ends are resting on the opposite edges of the pot. The sling should be wide enough to cradle the item you want to lift (e.g., a PIP container).

5. Add the Food or Container: With the sling in place, carefully add the food or the pot-in-pot container onto the sling, making sure it’s centered and balanced.

6. Lower the Food or Container into the Pot: To lower the food or container into the Instant Pot, hold both ends of the sling and gently lower it until it reaches the desired level inside the pot. Be cautious not to burn yourself or spill any liquid.

7. Cook as Usual: Follow your recipe or Instant Pot’s instructions for cooking the food or dish with the sling inside the pot. The sling will hold the food or container securely while allowing the steam to circulate properly.

8. Remove the Food or Container: After cooking, use the sling to carefully lift the food or pot-in-pot container out of the Instant Pot. Ensure you have a heat-resistant surface nearby to place the hot food or container.

9. Discard or Clean the Sling: If you used a silicone sling, you can wash it with warm, soapy water and reuse it. If you used an aluminum foil sling, you can choose to either discard it or carefully unfold and flatten it to reuse on another occasion.

Tips:

• Ensure the sling is long enough to extend beyond the edges of the Instant Pot, making it easier to lift and maneuver.
• If using aluminum foil, opt for heavy-duty foil to provide extra support and prevent tearing.
• Always use oven mitts or silicone gloves when handling the Instant Pot and the sling to avoid burns or injuries.
• If you frequently use a sling, consider investing in a silicone sling, as it is reusable, more durable, and specially designed for Instant Pot use.

That’s it! Now you have a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to make a sling for your Instant Pot. Happy cooking!

When To Use a Sling with the Instant Pot:

You would use a sling with the Instant Pot in various cooking scenarios where you need to lift out or lower in items that might be challenging to handle directly. The sling serves as a support system to safely insert and remove items from the Instant Pot, especially when dealing with delicate or heavy dishes. Here are some specific situations when you might use a sling:

1. Pot-in-Pot Cooking (PIP): Pot-in-pot cooking involves placing a separate container (like a smaller pot or bowl) inside the Instant Pot’s main cooking pot. This method is used for cooking items like rice, desserts, or steamed vegetables. The sling allows you to lower the container into the Instant Pot and lift it out after cooking.
2. Cheesecake or Custards: When making delicate desserts like cheesecake or custards, using a sling ensures that you can easily place the springform pan or dish into the Instant Pot without jostling or tilting it, which might ruin the texture of the dessert.
3. Elevated Cooking: The sling is handy for elevating items slightly above the bottom of the Instant Pot’s inner pot. This technique can be used to cook foods indirectly, preventing direct contact with the base of the pot, and helps to avoid scorching or sticking.
4. Meat and Bone Broths: When making bone broth or cooking large cuts of meat that might be challenging to handle, the sling enables you to lower and lift the meat or bones effortlessly, preventing potential spills or splatters.
5. Cooking Sous Vide: The sling can be used in combination with a sealed bag of food for sous vide cooking. It allows you to lower and remove the bag from the water bath in the Instant Pot without risking burns.
6. Boiling Eggs: To avoid potential cracking of eggs or egg bites during cooking, you can use a sling to lower and lift the egg-filled container gently.
7. Dealing with Hot Foods: When removing hot items from the Instant Pot, using a sling can help prevent accidental spills or burns, especially with soups, stews, or other liquid-heavy dishes.
8. Handling Inserts and Pans: If you use additional accessories like steamer baskets or trivets, the sling can assist in lifting them out without disturbing the other contents of the Instant Pot.

In general, a sling is beneficial whenever you want to elevate, insert, or remove items from the Instant Pot with added precision, care, and safety. It’s a versatile tool that can make your Instant Pot cooking experience more efficient and enjoyable.