Instant Pot Chili/Bean Setting: What is it? Which Models Have it?
The Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cookers have smart programs that they created based on extensive testing. They are used to control heat intensity, temperature, pressure, and duration at the click of a button. The Instant Pot Chili/Bean Setting is one of these programs.
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One thing to note: Not all Instant Pot sizes have the same set of smart programs available within a model series. For example, within a series (e.x. Lux, and Ultra), the 3 quart models do not have all of the not all smart programs are available compared to the 6 and 8 quart models. This is particularly true about the Instant Pot Chili/Bean Setting, which is only available as part of certain series. Double-check the Instant Pot you are thinking of buying prior to purchase if the Chili/Bean smart program is important to you.
What does the Instant Pot Chili/Bean Setting Do?
Like the other Instant Pot Smart Programs, the Instant Pot Chili/Bean Setting presets the cooking pressure, heat intensity, temperature, and time.
The Instant Pot Chili/Bean program is used to achieve different levels of doneness of beans.
The Instant Pot chili setting sets an initial cooking time and you can adjust as needed. By default, the button cooks at high pressure for different lengths of time.
- Normal Setting: 30 minutes, used for soft bean texture
- More Setting: 45 minutes, used for very soft bean texture
- Less Setting: 25 minutes, used for firmer bean texture
Which Instant Pot models have the Instant Pot Chili/Bean Setting
Be aware that not all models within a series have all the feature buttons associated with the series. Specifically, the Instant Pot Mini 3 quart model may not have all the features the 6 quart and 8 quart within in the series have.
And before you make a purchase, make sure you double-check the Instant Pot Chili button is available on that particular model. It’s also possible that earlier versions of a model don’t have a button and it’s added into new models as they adjust the functions of a specific Instant Pot Model.
Which Instant Pot models have the Chili Setting?
Not all of the models have the Bean/Chili button. When the button is available on the model, it’s generally available on all of the associated Instant Pot sizes, unlike the Cake button.
Of the core models, the Instant Pot Duo Nova along with Duo, Duo Plus, and Ultra series include the chili/bean setting for the 3 quart, 6 quart, and 8 quart models. And in the specialty models, the Viva, Smart, and Duo SV also have the button.
The original Lux model does not have the bean/chili button.
And as mentioned before always double-check the Instant model before you purchase because it’s also possible a button that was available before is switched out for a different program. Or in some cases, the button is added to newer Instant Pot versions.
| 3 Quart | 6 Quart | 8 Quart | 10 Quart | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instant Pot Lux | ||||
| Instant Pot Duo | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Instant Pot Duo Nova | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Instant Pot Duo Plus | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Instant Pot Ultra | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Instant Pot Viva | Yes | Yes | ||
| Instant Pot Smart Wifi | Yes | |||
| Instant Pot Duo SV | Yes | |||
| Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus | Yes* |
* As part of the Instant Pot Evo Plus “Pressure Cook” button are presets including: Soup, Bean, Egg, Rib, Poultry, Chili, Stew, Beef, Pork, Seafood, Broth, Sterilize, Potato, Broccoli, or custom. This version of the program cooks at both high and low pressure.
What if your Instant Pot doesn’t have the Chili Button?
Don’t worry. You don’t have to miss out on making chili or bean dishes in your Instant Pot if it doesn’t have a chili button. Most recipes use manual (or pressure cook) in the cooking instructions.
Check to see if the recipe includes any special instructions on time or ingredients to help you have a great finished dish.
Over to you. What do you think about the Instant Pot Chili/Bean Button?
Is this a setting you want on your Instant Pot or are you trying to make soup with a manual setting process?
Learn more about the Instant Pot Settings
As part of your Instant Pot research, don’t forget to take a closer look at the other Instant Pot Smart programs to help you figure out which options are the most important to you.
- Instant Pot Cake Setting
- Instant Pot Soup/Broth Setting
- Instant Pot Poultry Setting
- Instant Pot Meat/Stew Setting
- Instant Pot Porridge Setting
Is the chili/Bean setting for dry or canned beans?
Hi Jeannine –
Double check the recipe you’re using to cook beans. It will call out either pre-soaking the beans or directly from dry. Any recipes with canned beans would be a quicker cooking time to avoid over cooking them.
Thanks,
Cara
Hold up… Why would the 25 minute “less” setting produce a softer bean than the 30 minute “normal” setting?
You might want to fix that.
Thanks for catching my typo Jimmy! Much appreciated.
When I make chili in my 6qt and use the chili button, i seem to get a “burn” warning…and don’t know what to do.
Hi Lynn –
Sorry to hear you’re having trouble making chili. Even with the button, it can be tricky. All the recommendations I’ve seen are to first make sure you deglaze the bottom of the pot if you saute any meat and don’t stir in the tomato products once you add them. Those are typically the culprits for getting the burn warning. Good luck and please let me know if you try again and that helped.
Thanks!