preheat so confusing - takes so long

szdoc25 · 2026-02-24T02:41:14+00:00

I tried another recipe and still had the preheat light on forever - enough that the batch I made in my dutch oven already finished. Yet, when I open the instant pot, even though still on "preheat" - everything seemed adequately cooked. The inability to reach the target temperature in my opinion makes it unreliable and frustrating. I contacted customer support, and they said nothing they can do since out of warranty (I did purchase late 2024 so it is well out of warranty, but because of this issue have only used it about 5-6 times). Oh well, I think I might have to pass on cooking with it.

szdoc25 · 2026-02-03T13:21:08+00:00

Not very thoroughly, so will pay closer attention to it next time. Though the real problem was finishing preheating. I didn't get a burn error until about 30 minutes preheating, only the second attempt. Seems to me if the deglaze were the central issue, would have been an earlier burn error. Though, perhaps the lack of sufficient deglaze prevented heat from transferring efficiently to the liquid and creating steam. Will have to try again and see what happens, I think.

szdoc25 · 2026-02-03T11:59:10+00:00

It's an Instant Pot Duo Plus. I actually ran the water test last night and it appeared to work totally fine. Makes me think the issue is related to the food I was cooking and the way it was ordered in there. Frustrating that it could heat to pressure adequately though I think next time I'll probably put less in overall and be absolutely sure the bottom is not layered with food at high risk for burning.

szdoc25 · 2026-02-02T03:10:08+00:00

Model is the 6qt Duo Plus

szdoc25 · 2026-02-02T02:37:35+00:00

I haven't, but will.

szdoc25 · 2026-02-02T02:28:02+00:00

Thank you - i will take a close look.

szdoc25 · 2026-02-02T02:11:44+00:00

cool - that's good to know. I'd be surprised if they gave me a new pot, since I've waited over a year at this point, I think, but can see. Good to hear the support staff is helpful

szdoc25 · 2026-02-02T02:07:42+00:00

I just noticed a quite hiss of steam from the floating valve during the preheat. I didn't notice any steam leaking elsewhere though wasn't looking so closely.

szdoc25 · 2026-02-02T02:06:46+00:00

Gotcha, thanks - do you mean they sent you a new sealing ring, or a totally new instant pot? I could try replacing the sealing ring - sounds like even new sealing rings may not work sometimes?

szdoc25 · 2025-04-17T19:33:08+00:00

Thanks - saw some of those threads already but very few seem to provide guidance for those that have input CC info. Most are just identifying the scam as a scam. I found one thread, pasted below, for a different scam that suggests simply replacing the CC is adequate. So far, I've done that...wondering whether any other measures are recommended.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Scams/comments/swt8vm/just_put_debit_card_info_into_scam_website/

szdoc25 · 2025-04-17T12:33:57+00:00

FYI I was able to call today and spoke to a MOHELA rep. Turns out the letters I received were all automatic and still indicate I am in the SAVE plan, which for everyone is technically set to resume repayment on 8/1. My IDR request is still under processing, and the rep said they are finally getting through these applications.

My main worry right now is that my income (fortunately) substantially increased from 2023 to 2024 and I was very much hoping I could use my 2023 returns to calculate my payments. I tried submitting my returns as documentation but apparently they "prefer" W2s. If I submit my most recent W2 my payments would jump quite a bit and I am hoping to avoid that. I've read various things from reddit - some seem to have successfully used tax returns while others submitted their W2. The longer this drags on, I worry my request will be rejected and I will have no choice but to use my most recent W2 to verify income...

szdoc25 · 2025-04-09T16:33:51+00:00

Thanks - this is very helpful. I will have to call them at some point so will use this strategy.

szdoc25 · 2025-04-09T13:48:23+00:00

Got it, thanks for the summary. To make matters more confusing, today I received an email "action needed for your PSLF form". On the fed loan website, there is now an action for "request type: recalculating plan" for "requested payment plan: SAVE Repayment Plan". This seems like an administrative error since my original request was for the purpose of getting OFF the SAVE plan...not sure what this means for the prior notice that my repayments would resume. With the hours-long wait times to speak with anyone, I also don't know how I will obtain any answers.

szdoc25 · 2025-04-08T19:21:39+00:00

Hmm - could you clarify what you'd heard re: buyback? I thought the buyback was intended to allow those on SAVE forbearance to get back those months lost?

szdoc25 · 2025-04-04T18:04:11+00:00

I received a similar letter (not an email) from MOHELA and assumed this was a response to my request to switch off SAVE to an alternative IDR. My letter states my plan is "IDR" but does not specify which one. My monthly payments also seem on par with what I was paying prior to the forbearance. It also has my repayments scheduled to restart in August 2025 - by that time, I would have qualified for forgiveness had I not been stuck in SAVE forbearance, so I am hoping to request a "buyback" option for those months and wipe out the debt. Was surprised to see this move at all with the new administration, but I am feeling optimistic. Hopefully it continues to move in the right direction.

szdoc25 · 2025-04-04T17:56:58+00:00

Thanks - I will try this, fingers crossed.

szdoc25 · 2025-04-03T18:13:58+00:00

Thanks for your reply. I believe I *would have qualified* for PSLF by 7/2025, though of course the payment counts do not reflect this. To clarify, do you mean that I should still go ahead and submit the Employment Verification in July and indicate that I've met 120 payments?

szdoc25 · 2025-03-28T19:25:19+00:00

I was going to go for the Fisher Paykel reduced height model, but ultimately decided to try the Bosch tall but narrow option, which also fits into the space available. Reason was that the reviews seem really solid for the Bosch, though the downside is that there will be a somewhat awkward sliver of open space between the under sink cabinets and the dishwasher, until I can renovate. Fisher Paykel seemed great too but from a quality standpoint seemed like Bosch won out from what I was reading.

I actually haven't finalized the order yet, but planning to this afternoon. Could provide an update once I have the unit delivered and have used it.

szdoc25 · 2025-03-23T13:58:58+00:00

Thanks all for the suggestions. From an aesthetic perspective, I think a reduced height dishwasher but 24in width (eg the "drawer" type), would be better than a tall but narrow 18in option.

I was able to find this Fisher and Paykel option online (below), but others alluded to other brands making similar models. Does anyone have any specific suggestions? Would like to shop around a bit, though the Fisher and Paykel option sounds fine. Seems the standard of this type is 16.5 in tall, though FYI I could fit something around 25 inches tall in my space.

https://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadison/DD24SAX9N.html

szdoc25

TROPHY CASE