Here's The Instant Pot Feature That's Designed To Hold Your Lid Perfectly

Every Instant Pot owner has had the same awkward moment. Your dish is done, so you vent the seal, open the lid, and then you're holding a hot, wet, heavy disk with nowhere sensible to set it. The counter puddles, the stove is hot, and the dish rack is full. However, you'll be happy to know that most Instant Pot models are designed so the lid stays upright in the side handle. After you release pressure and twist the lid off, just tip it slightly so condensation runs back into the liner, then slide the rim of the lid into the slot/groove on the cooker's side handle. It will sit there vertically, stable, out of the way, and dripping back into the pot instead of across your counter.

This way, the lid stays close to the action for serving, quick checks, and stir-downs. Steam and broth also collect where they belong so you're not juggling an unwieldy circle while ladling chili. It's one of those design choices that smooths the whole workflow, especially in tiny kitchens or at crowded buffets. Many people learn about it years into ownership, which makes sense. Unless you read the manual cover to cover or catch it in an unboxing video, it looks like a normal handle — not a holster.

However, some models, such as the Lux, don't have this feature. If yours does, you'll see a notch or slot in the side handle that fits the lid rim. If it doesn't, you can still set a trivet next to the cooker or lean the lid inside down on dry sheet pan so condensation is contained. But if your cooker has the slot, let the lid live there while you cook for fewer drips and burns — not to mention less chaos.

There are lots of Instant Pot hacks to ensure sure you're using your appliance like the well-oiled machine that it can be. Using the slot is pretty straight forward, and just a little practice and intention helps it work without accidentally making a mess. Angle the lid so condensation runs into the pot first, then ease the rim into the handle. Just don't treat it like a hinge because pushing down or trying to swing the lid closed from the holder can act like a lever and crack the handle. 

Be sure to keep the cooker a safe distance from hot burners as well. Several people on social media have learned the hard way that a warm coil will melt a lid handle or warp plastic. Also, most models have a condensation collector on the back, so if you're using the lid holder regularly, make sure empty and wash that cup. It can get funky fast. The silicone sealing ring and lid, which have no electronics inside, can actually go in the dishwasher. Frequent users report keeping extra rings (one for savory, one for sweet) to avoid lingering aromas. If you don't have a dishwasher, you can also use a foam paintbrush to clean every grimy crevice of your Instant Pot.

If you had a bit of a splash the first time you tried the holder, just try this technique a few more times: Tip, pause, then park securely. The lid has a home, your counter stays dry, and you get both hands back to cook. Once you start using the holder, it feels obvious, like the appliance was always trying to show you how it wanted to be used.