Designing Instant Pot Model IP-LUX60/50
After a runaway success of our model IP-CSG60/50, we have been looking for design ideas for our new models. Our source of inspiration came from user feedback. In general, the vast majority of our customers approves of our design philosophy of “Safe, Convenient and Dependable”. Instant Pot is about “set and forget” cooking style, leveraging the micro-processor controlled smart cooking programs.
Summarizing the user feedback, we found two areas which need improvement or enhancement.
- Convenient and intuitive user interface.
- Versatility of cooking capabilities.
We have taken these two points to heart and implemented them in the design of our new model IP-LUX60/50. This blog covers how the user interface is improved. I’ll talk about how the versatility is enhanced in my next blog.
We have a confession to make. The most support calls we received are questions about the flashing dashes and the marquee symbol (for pre-heating) in IP-CSG60/50. We decided to use plain English on the display to make the status display intuitive. Due to the limitation of the LED display panel, it’s a small challenge to find the right words.
Now in our new model IP-LUX60/50, the followings are used.
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- Preheating in Progress
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- Cooker is Not in any Cooking Mode
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- Warning: Need to Close or Open Lid to Continue
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- Keep Warm & Time In “Hour:Minute”. “L” Indicates Low Temperature
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- Sauté Temperature Reached
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- Delay Timer Selection & Display
Another improvement to usability is to allow manual changes to all preset cooking time. Simply, press and hold “+” or “-” to race the number to your desired cooking time. Note this doesn’t apply to the fully automated “Rice” and “Multigrain” programs.
Hi, Folks…. What about safety feature #7: the fuse. If it blows, how do I replace it? Don’t tell me I have to send the unit off somewhere…it’s heavy, and cartage these days aint cheap !!!
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Instant Pot Staff Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 8:50 am
Hi Kennie,
The fuse is self-replaceable. If the fuse blows, we’ll send you a replacement fuse and you can do it yourself. Hope this helps.
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Last question, in the Rice setting, how does the cooker know how much rice you are trying to cook to determine how much time to cook at pressure?
[Reply]
Instant Pot Staff Reply:
February 16th, 2012 at 1:19 pm
The pressure sensor at the bottom of the Instant Pot measures weight. Combining this with the pre-heating time, the cooker determines the pressure cooking time.
[Reply]
Charles Reply:
February 16th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
Smart
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Does the pot tell you with a beep or indicator that the pressure has been released? If I use the natural release method, how do I know when the release is complete?
[Reply]
Instant Pot Staff Reply:
February 15th, 2012 at 9:52 pm
When the working pressure is reached, Instant Pot displays count-down minutes. There are many ways to see if the pot has been depressurized. If you use natural release, you can try to turn the steam release to “Venting” position to see if there’s still pressure inside. You can also try to open the lid without forcing it. Another way is to look at the float valve. If the float valve drops below the locking switch, there’s no pressure in the cooker.
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Will there be a smaller version of this new model? Or will you only have the 6qt version?
[Reply]
Instant Pot Staff Reply:
February 5th, 2012 at 2:57 pm
Hi Charles,
Yes, we will introduce 5L/5.28qt model in a few month. However, I’d recommend the 6qt model for versatility. The 6qt model has the same diameter footprint as 5qt one, and is only about 1 inch taller.
[Reply]
Charles Reply:
February 5th, 2012 at 3:30 pm
Great. Thanks. How can I get it in Vancouver? Amazon won’t let me order the new model. Will the local stores have it this week for the same price as Amazon?
[Reply]
Instant Pot Staff Reply:
February 5th, 2012 at 11:55 pm
Many Vancouver stores will carry IP-LUX60. Please give the following a call:
D & J Import-Export Co.
110-3191 Thunderbird Crescent
Burnaby BC V5A 3G1
Tel: (604) 292-0004