General
How is the Instant Pot® Aura Pro different from the Instant Pot® multi-use electric pressure cookers?
The Aura Pro is a slow cooker, but not a pressure cooker, and so does not reach the higher-than-boiling temperatures that can be achieved when pressure cooking.
The Aura Pro is the perfect small appliance to cook larger dishes as its rectangular cooking pot can easily hold a medium-size whole chicken or roast. The stainless steel cooking pot is dishwasher, stove-top and oven safe.
Why should I own an Instant Pot® Aura Pro?
The Aura Pro Multi-Use Programmable Slow Cooker uses the same advanced microprocessor technology that made Instant Pot® the #1 selling cooker brand in North America. The Aura Pro combines the functions of a Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Sauté Pan, Steamer, Stewing Pot, Roasting Pan, Oven-Style Baking Dish, Yogurt Maker, Sous Vide Cooker, and Warmer. With these built-in Smart Programs, your favorite dishes can be cooked to perfection, simply by pushing a button.
Where can I purchase the Instant Pot® Aura Pro Multi-Use Programmable Slow Cooker?
The Aura Pro is available at Sur La Table
For more information on Instant Pot® retailers, visit www.instantpot.com/where-to-buy
Why do you refer to the Instant Pot® Aura Pro as a Smart cooker?
The Aura Pro is a “smart” cooker because of its pre-programmed cooking instructions, useful for various food ingredients and cooking methods. As it remembers the last customization on each Smart Program, it can provide a more personalized cooking experience.
Is the Aura Pro available outside of North America?
The Aura Pro is currently only available for purchase and use within North America.
Is there an Instant Pot® Store?
Yes, go to www.store.instantpot.com
Specs
What size is the Aura Pro available in?
The Aura Pro is currently available in an 8 Quart (7.6 Litre) size.
What is the power of the heating element on the Aura Pro?
1500W
What is the power supply of the Aura Pro?
120V ~ 60 Hz
What color is the Aura Pro available in?
The Aura Pro is available in Stainless Steel & Black.
What are the dimensions of the Aura Pro?
Product Dimensions (L x W x H)
8 Quart
cm: 42.6 x 29.5 x 28.7
in: 16.7 x 11.6 x 11.3
What is the weight of the Aura Pro?
The Aura Pro weighs 5.8 kg, or 12.8 lbs.
What is the cooking pot made of?
The cooking pot is comprised of a bi-ply food grade 304 (18/8) stainless steel interior and aluminum exterior for optimal heating.
What accessories are included with the Aura Pro?
The Aura Pro comes with the following accessories:
- Steam/Roast & Sous Vide Rack
- 250mL Measuring Cup
Is the Steam/Roast & Sous Vide Rack stainless steel?
The steam/roast & sous vide rack it is made from food grade 304 (18/8) stainless steel, compliant to FDA food safety standards.
Operating Functions
How long after selecting the setting will the cooker start?
The Aura Pro will start 10 seconds after making your selections.
How long is the Delay Start time?
Delay Start offers the option to postpone the cooking start time for up to 24:00 hours.
How do the Smart Programs work?
The Instant Pot® is developed with an embedded microprocessor. The microprocessor carefully runs lab-tested algorithms to control the time and temperature to ensure consistent cooking results. Since users can customize the Smart Programs to achieve their preferred cooking results, over time the Aura Pro will become their own one-touch personal chef.
What are the times and temperatures for the different Smart Programs?
How do I turn the Aura Pro OFF?
Press Cancel. When plugged in but not in operation, the multicooker will remain in Standby mode and the display will show OFF.
To disconnect, press Cancel, then remove plug from power source.
How do I reset the Aura Pro to factory default settings?
To an individual Smart Program back to its factory settings, press Cancel, then press and hold the Smart Program key for 5 seconds, until the multicooker beeps.
To reset ALL the cooking programs back to factory default mode, press Cancel, then press and hold Cancel for 5 seconds, until the multicooker beeps.
Can I make adjustments after the cooking process has started?
The Aura Pro Slow Cooker allows you to easily adjust settings even after the cooking is in progress. Use the + and – keys between Time and Temp to adjust the Cook Time and Temperature.
How does the Cancel key work?
The Cancel key ends a Smart Program at any time and returns the slow cooker to Standby mode, displaying “OFF”.
It can also be used to reset the slow cooker to factory default settings.
To reset ALL the cooking programs back to factory default mode, press Cancel, then press and hold Cancel for 5 seconds, until the cooker beeps.
Cooking
How full can the cooking pot be?
To avoid spill or spatter, do not fill the cooking pot more than 3/4 full.
How do I know which controls and settings to use when preparing a dish?
Please verify the online Manual, or the Manual provided with the Aura Pro.
If working with an Instant Pot® recipe please follow the instructions indicated.
What is the Steam/Roast & Sous Vide Rack for?
The Steam/Roast & Sous Vide Rack is collapsible for multi-function use.
When the wires are folded down, the rack may be placed on the bottom of the cooking pot for steaming vegetables or to elevate dishes from the liquid in the cooking pot.
When cooking sous vide, the rack may be placed on the bottom of the cooking pot with the wires raised. Use the wires to separate sealed, airtight pouches of food.
Sous Vide
What is sous vide cooking?
The term ‘sous vide’ is synonymous with superior taste and gourmet quality. French for ‘under vacuum’, cooking sous vide refers to the process of vacuum sealing food, submerging it in a precisely controlled water bath, and holding the temperature for a period of time to achieve delicious, restaurant quality results every time.
Why is sous vide cooking a healthy way to prepare food?
Sealing food in pouches permits it to cook in its own juices, retaining vitamins and minerals from within the food. Not only is food healthier, more tender, juicier and tastier, natural flavors are intensified so a little goes a long way.
How much water should there be in the cooking pot when cooking sous vide—is there a minimum and maximum water depth for cooking?
There must be sufficient want to cover the food in the pouches.
What tools do I require to get started cooking sous vide?
Getting started is easy! Most materials are available in your home: BPA-free freezer bags, sealing machine (optional) and tongs to pull the food pouches from the hot water.
Is it safe to cook in plastic bags?
Bags made of polyethylene and polypropylene that are labeled BPA-free are perfectly safe for Sous Vide cooking. Always avoid bags that do not indicate BPA-free. Most brand-name air-tight bags should indicate on the package BPA-free or indicate their composition on the box.
Note: Eggs are on one of the few foods you do not have to vacuum before cooking Sous Vide as they are in their own watertight shell. For scrambled eggs, they will need to be sealed in a vacuum pouch.
Where can I purchase the plastic bags?
Purchase these food-safe pouches from any grocery store.
Do I need to cover the Aura Pro when cooking sous vide?
It is recommended to cover the cooking pot to maintain the water temperature.
Once everything has been set up and the cooking process has begun, do I need to watch over it?
No, once in progress you can forget about it until the Cook cycle has completed and you are ready for the final stage, a quick sear to complete the dish. Check periodically that the water level is still above the food level in the pouches.
Is cooking at low temperatures safe?
Reducing the risk of food-borne illness by cooking food is dependent not only on the temperature but also on the time. The lower the temperature, the longer the cooking time. Almost all potentially harmful organisms will be eliminated at 130F/54.5C. Cooking sous vide between 130F/54.5C and 195F/95C will result in food that is safe to consume.
What kinds of foods can be cooked sous vide?
The options are endless! Meat (beef, lamb, pork), poultry (chicken, turkey, duck), seafood (fish, lobster tails, scallops), eggs, root vegetables (potatoes, carrots, parsnips, beets, turnips) tender vegetables (peas, asparagus, corn, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, onions, squash), and fruits (apples, pears, mangoes, plums, apricots, peaches, nectarines, papayas, strawberries).
How do I season food to be cooked?
Sous Vide cooking seals in a food’s natural flavors, so seasoning can be lighter than traditional methods.
Note: Certain raw seasonings may not develop flavors in the same way as they do at higher temperatures. For instance, garlic will remain raw at temperatures used to cook steak, lamb, pork game, fish, shellfish, or chicken. When added to the sous vide cooking pouch, garlic works better as a powdered spice or already sautéed or roasted.
Here we have provided you with some seasoning guidelines:
Beef: (approximately 500g or 1 lb.)
- 50 g / 2 oz. butter, 2 cloves crushed garlic (roasted or sautéed), 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 50 g / 2 oz. butter, 2 cloves crushed garlic (roasted or sautéed), 2 sprigs fresh parsley
- 50 g / 2 oz. butter, 2 tablespoons fresh chives, 1 tablespoon grainy mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 sprigs fresh thyme, 50 g / 2 oz. cooked bacon
Lamb: (approximately 500g or 1 lb.)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary and 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 sprigs fresh mint
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 3 anchovies, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander and 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon Moroccan spice rub
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salmon: (approximately 500g or 1 lb.)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey and 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon chilli flakes
White Fish: (approximately 500g or 1 lb.)
- 2 slices lemon, 2 sprigs fresh dill
- 1 stalk lemon grass, 1⁄4 cup fresh basil, 2 slices lime
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil and 2 sprigs fresh coriander
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon
- Lemon rind, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
Chicken: (approximately 500g or 1 lb.)
- 2 slices lemon, 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 50 g / 2 oz. browned butter, 4 fresh sage leaves, salt and black pepper
- 20 g / 1 oz. butter, 2 sprigs fresh flat-leaf parsley, 2 tablespoons capers
- 1 onion, 1 clove garlic (roasted or sautéed), 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes, 1/4 cup fresh basil
- Mix 1 tablespoon ricotta with 1 tablespoon lemon zest and stuff mixture into the chicken breasts
- Pork: (approximately 500g)
- 1 tablespoon fennel seeds, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup apple sauce, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, 1 tablespoon fresh sage,
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 tablespoon ground coriander,
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon chilli flakes
What kinds of marinades can I use when cooking sous vide?
The alcohol often used in marinades such as wine, beer, liqueurs, and spirits will not evaporate in sous vide cooking as it does in traditional cooking methods. If you wish to use alcohol-based liquids to flavour food to be cooked sous vide, heat the wine or spirits prior to cooking to evaporate the alcohol, use it to marinate the food, pat the food dry, and vacuum seal prior to cooking. Do not include the marinade in the pouch.
Can I cook different food types in the same water bath?
Yes, as long as the food types are all to be cooked at the same temperature and are each sealed in vacuum pouches. As well, there must be enough room in the inner pot for water to circulate freely. Flavors and aromas will not transfer between pouches.
Is there a way to speed up the cooking process?
Yes, to speed up the cooking process, heat the water on the stovetop in a pot or a kettle, then pour the water into the inner pot once it has heated.
Should I flavor the cooking bath water?
No, it is not necessary to flavor the cooking bath water as the liquid does not penetrate the bag during the Cook cycle. To add spices or marinades, place the contents with the food inside the bag.
Am I required to sear / brown, or is this step optional?
We recommend not skipping this step; searing on a cast iron pan or barbeque is the extra step required to achieve gourmet quality results.
Why is one pouch floating?
There may be air or gas trapped in the pouch and air is lighter than water.
Does it matter if a pouch floats?
Yes. Air or gas trapped in the pouch can lead to uneven cooking. If this occurs, carefully remove the floating pouch, open it and remove the air, dry the edges, reseal, and re-submerge.
What do I do if the seal of my freezer bag goes underwater?
Pull the freezer bag out of the water to verify that no water has entered the bag. If water has entered, remove it. Adjust seasoning as required, dry the edges of the bag, and reseal it. Submerge the bag back into the water and continue the Cook cycle.
Where can I find sous vide recipes?
One can discover plenty of excellent recipes to try online. In addition, we are currently developing recipes for our customers to access through our web site www.InstantPot.com.
Safety
Can I place the Aura Pro on a stovetop or near a heat source?
No. Do not place the cooker on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated-oven, as this will damage the cooker.
Note: Intended for countertop use only.
Can I use the stainless steel cooking pot on the stovetop or in a heated oven?
Yes, the Aura Pro’s cooking pot is safe to use on an electric or gas range, as well as in a heated oven.
CAUTION: The cooking pot and non-slip silicone grip handles will be hot during and after cooking. To avoid injury, always use a pair of Instant Pot® mini mitts or other heat-resistant gloves/mitts when handling a hot cooking pot.
Can I deep fry in the Aura Pro?
No. Do not use this appliance for deep frying or broasting with oil.
My Aura Pro has stopped working, what should I do?
Start by referring to our Troubleshooting webpage, or to the Troubleshooting page in the User Manual provided with the Aura Pro.
If you are unable to find your answer in Troubleshooting contact the Customer Care Team by:
- Opening a Support Ticket
- Emailing support@instantpot.com
- Connecting with an agent over Live Chat
- Calling 1.800.828.7280
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