Instant Pot Multigrain Setting: What is it? Which Models Have it?
The Instant Pot electric pressure cookers include smart programs that were created based on extensive testing. Smart programs control and preset the duration, pressure, temperature, and heat intensity at the push of a button. The Instant Pot Multigrain button controls one specific smart program.
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What does the Instant Pot Multigrain setting do?
The multigrain smart program is designed for cooking wild rice, brown rice, and similar tough grains. You can also use this program to cook black beans, chickpeas, and other types of beans.
If you are cooking beans using this program, make sure they’re fully covered in water.
Like the other Instant Pot Smart Programs, the multigrain smart program presets the cooking pressure, heat intensity, temperature, and time. Included in the time duration for the “more” setting is time to presoak the rice or grains so they can cook correctly.
The multigrain button 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: 40 minutes by default, is for normal texture,
- More Setting: 45 minutes of warm water soaking plus 60 minutes of pressure cooking and is for a softer texture and includes pre-soaking prior to pressure cooking,
- Less Setting: 20 minutes by default and is for a firmer texture
Make sure to check the recipe you’re using and adjust the time as needed. And check the recipe for recommendations on if it’s a quick or natural release. You probably need to be a little cautious when releasing the pressure just in case the food expands while cooking. You don’t want to end up with a messy ceiling.
Which Instant Pot models have the multigrain button
Sometimes only a few of the Instant Pot models have a specific smart program, and within the series, the 3 quart models may not have the button either. The mini model only has so much space on the control panel.
Before you buy your Instant Pot, double-check if the multigrain button is on both the model and size. 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 multigrain Setting?
The multigrain setting, compared to other buttons, is on many of the common Instant Pot models.
This button is not included on the 3 quart models, similar to the cake button.
And be sure to double-check the specific Instant model you plan to buy before purchasing 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 | Yes | Yes | ||
| Instant Pot Duo | Yes | Yes | ||
| Instant Pot Viva | Yes | Yes | ||
| Instant Pot Ultra | Yes | Yes | ||
| Instant Pot Smart WiFi | Yes | |||
| Instant Pot Duo SV | Yes | |||
| Instant Pot Duo Nova (new in 2019) | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus | Yes* |
* The Instant Pot Evo Plus has a “Rice/Grain” button that allows you to select White Rice, Oatmeal, Quinoa, Brown Rice, Risotto, Multigrain, Porridge, or custom. This version of the program cooks at both high and low pressure. The manual recommends using a natural release to avoid blocking the steam release pipe.
At this time, the Instant Pot Duo Plus, Max, and Duo Crisp models do not include the multigrain smart program
What if your Instant Pot doesn’t have the Multigrain Smart Program?
Don’t worry. You don’t have to miss out on making brown rice or other grains if your Instant Pot doesn’t have this button. Most recipes use manual (or pressure cook) in the cooking instructions anyway.
Double-check the recipe you’re preparing for any additional instructions related to time and ingredients to help you have a great finished dish.
Over to you. What do you think about the Instant Pot Multigrain Button?
Is this a setting you want on your Instant Pot or are you trying to make brown rice 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.
i just bought an instant pot mini and i wanted a multigrain function to cook rice and beans together. the manual mentions the multigrain function but i didn’t realize that it wouldn’t have it. now i have my pot and i don’t want to get a bigger one because it’s only for 2 people, can someone tell me if there’s a workaround? you mention “check the recipe” but I don’t really use recipes as such, i’ve had a rice cooker for rice for ages and i’ve never successfully cooked dried beans before! So wondering if there’s a close approximation that would replace the need for the multigrain function.
Thanks for stopping by Sudhira. My guess is in most cases if your IP doesn’t have a specific smart program, manual or pressure cook is the program to use. You can also google for Instant Pot beans and rice recipes, especially if you want to start with dried beans. I’ve seen a few that have a quick soak approach versus no-soak. Just check a few to get an idea of the method. You don’t have to follow one 100%. I’ve done that to create my own Mac and Cheese recipe. Good luck!