[zeebee]

I was going to return it because it is impossible to properly clean the lid.

I made two dinner dishes in it and they were both very tough and overdone.
In addition you can’t get the food smell out if the lid.

But then I discovered it is the only way to make hard boiled eggs medium- to medium rare with no green on the outside of the yolk and shells that fall off in practically one piece.

For this reason the instant pot is indispensable. But I would never cook anything else in it.

[JoeRed]

“In addition you can’t get the food smell out if the lid.”

It’s the silicone seal that holds the smell. You can buy a pack of two on Amazon. You get a red one for savory and a blue one for sweet foods. Unless you don’t mind cheesecake that smells like chili.

[small farm girl]

Spring for extra seal rings. I have color coded ones, because you are right, the smell of chili lingers.

[Don_Ret_USAF]

I add half a lemon and its juice, 1/2 cup vinegar and 2 - 3 cups water. Press the steam button, set time for 15 - 30 minutes. Be-sure the vent valve is closed. I then let the pressure do a natural release(vent closed and cover not opened until the little silver valve drops down). Then I remove the seal and wash it by hand under hot water. Be-careful not to scratch the silicon seal.Let it air dry. Sound like you may have not had enough liquid in the pot or cooked the meal to long. If I use a lot of veg's I use 1 cup of water or stock. 2 cups most of the time. I like to braise my roast with a lot of liquid.