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Key Points
- This is an old-fashioned electric pressure cooker with some advanced cooking and safety features.
- The Instant Pot Viva has 10 safety features that make it one of the safest pressure cookers on the market.
- With 15 preset buttons, the Instant Pot Viva has 17 cooking programs, a customizable pressure cooker option, and a keep warm button.
Table of Contents
- Quick steam release button
- 9-in-1 kitchen appliance
- Automatic seal lid
- 15 one-touch programs
- Delay start + keep warm
- Durable stainless steel pot
- Available in two cooking capacities: 6-quart or 8-quart
- Compatible with the Air Fryer Lid
- BPA-free
- Dishwasher safe
- 1-year warranty
- Requires significant space on your countertop
- Sautéing in IP is not the most convenient
- No progress (preheat) indicator
- Legacy model
The Instant Pot Viva is based on the best-selling pressure cooker/multi-cooker from the brand—Instant Pot Duo. However, it’s more like the twin sibling of the Instant Pot Duo Plus.
It has the same nine-core cooking functions and a newer pressure release switch.
The Instant Viva is an old electric pressure cooker but is still available for sale. The Instant Pot Duo Plus is more up-to-date than the IP Viva. Or you could also check the latest Instapots.
If you’re interested in this model, it’s available in two cooking capacities.
| Instant Pot Name | 6 Qt Instant Pot Viva | 8 Qt Instant Pot Viva |
| Picture |  |  |
| Price range | $ | $$ |
| Other name | Instant Pot Viva 60 | Instant Pot Viva 80 |
| Number of programs | 15 smart programs | 15 smart programs |
| Wattage rating | 1000 watts | 1200 watts |
| Compatible with Air Fryer lid | Yes | – |
| Get at Amazon → | Get at Amazon → |
Features of the Instant Pot Viva
The Instant Pot Viva has a lot of great features, including 15 smart cooking programs that take the guesswork out of your recipes. Here’s what you should know about the features of the Instant Pot Viva.
Lid Holder
The lid holder design is suitable for either right or left handed users without modification. This allows everyone in the family to use the Instant Pot Viva without making a mess while stirring or serving from the Instant Pot.
Delay Start
The delay start feature allows you to set up your Instant Pot early and come back to a ready-to-eat meal. Delay start can be set up to 24 hours in advance. This means you can put your recipe in the Instant Pot Viva in the morning, set it to start automatically when you leave work, and have a home-cooked meal ready when you arrive at home.
5 Core Functions
Here are the core functions of the Instant Viva Pressure Cooker.
Pressure Cook
Pressure cooking opens up so many culinary possibilities. You can make new ones and improve on the recipes you already know. Briefly speaking, this function enables you to create juicy and tender meat for minimal time and effort!
What can you cook: Pulled pork, chicken curry, chili, mashed potatoes, etc.
Contrary to pressure cooking, slow cooking consumes significant time, but with similar phenomenal results—mouthwatering dishes. And the good news? It also requires minimal effort.
The three settings on the slow cook can be likened to the low, medium, and high settings on your slow cooker. The temperature can be changed, with Less from 180 to 190 degrees Fahrenheit, Normal 190 to 200 degrees, and More 200 to 210 degrees.
What can you cook: Beef stew, cobbler, pulled pork, curry, etc.
Slow Cook
Sear/Sauté
Why not sauté in the same pot you’ll pressure or slow cook? It’s time-saving, and not to mention, there’ll be less stuff to clean afterward.
There are some temperature ranges to be aware of. Less can be set from 275 to 302 degrees, Normal can be set from 320 to 349 degrees, and More can be set from 347 to 410 degrees.
You leave the lid off to saute.
As for the non-cooking functions, there’s the warmer and sterilizer.
Sterilizer
For new parents, this function will be convenient. Instead of buying a standalone sterilizer, you might as well use the Viva Instant Pot. In other words, this will save you space and money. And for non-parents, you can also sterilize your mason jars with the IP.
You can also use the less setting on the sterilizer to pasteurize milk.
Keep Warm
There is also a Keep Warm button that doesn’t count as one of the preprogrammed presets but is equally convenient. I use this feature often, especially when recipes cook faster than anticipated. You can adjust the temperature on the Keep Warm function from 145 to 172 degrees.
11 Cooking Programs
Nestled within the above core functions are 11 preset cooking programs that make using those functions a piece of cake (maybe literally). The time and temperature of these presets can be adjusted using the easily marked buttons on the Instant Pot Viva.
Anyway, here are the specific programs of Viva pressure cooker:
Most of these cooking programs are found on any instant pot, but here’s a review if this will be your first one.
Pressure Cooking Presets
There are 7 pressure cooking presets. These are essentially like the buttons on your microwave and have preset cooking times and temperatures. You can change the times, but not the temperatures on the pressure cooking programs. You can also change the pressure and set delay start.
These include:
- Soup/Broth
- Meat/Stew
- Bean/Chili
- Multigrain
- Eggs
- Rice
- Steam
Cake
The cake preset is a non-pressure cook setting that allows you to bake a cake right in your Instant Pot Viva! Like the other preset programs, there are three settings. Less is for light moist cakes like lava cake. Normal is for dense moist cake like you would make for a birthday cake. The more setting will allow you to make New York Style cheesecakes.
Yogurt
Making yogurt in the Instant Pot Viva is a multi-step process using different levels of the Yogurt preset. Full instructions on how to make yogurt in the Instant Pot Viva are in the instruction manual.
Smart Program Settings
In addition to the 11 cooking programs above, the Instant Pot Viva allows you to program 3 favorite time and temperature programs per function.
Safety Features of the Instant Pot Viva
One of the things I love about the Instant Pot Viva is the array of safety features that aren’t found on other pressure cookers. Here is a brief rundown:
- Steam release valve allows a safe way to decrease pressure during cooking
- Anti-block shield prevents food from entering the steam release valve
- Safety lid locks into place while in use
- Safety lid detection sensor prevents operation when lid is not securely locked in place
- Automatic temperature control prevents overheating and overcooking without constant monitoring
- Overheat and burn protection sensors reduce temperature automatically to avoid burns and fires.
- Automatic pressure control sensors stop heating when the ideal pressure is reached
- Internal electric fuse to avoid tripping breakers
- Thermal fuse cuts off power if the unit gets too hot
- Leaky lid detection sensors prevent pressurization when lid is leaking steam
Technical Specifications
| Type | Pressure Cooker / Multi-Cooker / Slow Cooker |
| Brand/Series | Instant Pot by Instant Brands |
| Model # | Instant Pot Viva 60 V2 (6-quart model) Instant Pot Viva 80 V2 (8-quart model) |
| Price | $ |
| Rating | 4.2 out of 5 |
| Pressure (Max) | 11.6 psi |
| Wattage | 6 qt model: 1000 watts 8 qt model: 1200 watts |
| Functions | 9-in-1: Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Sauté, Soup/Broth, Rice, Steamer, Sous Vide, Yogurt, Warmer |
| Pot | Stainless Steel |
| Capacity | IP Viva 60: 6 quarts (5.7 L) IP Viva 80: 8 quarts (7.6 L) |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| BPA Free | Yes, since the Inner Pot is stainless steel |
| Color | Silver |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | Instant Pot Viva 6 quart: 13.4 x 12.2 x 12.5 inches (34 x 31 x 31.7 cm) Instant Pot Viva 8 quart: 14.8 x 13.3 x 14.2 inches (37.7 x 33.8 x 36.1 cm) |
| Cord Length | 35 inches (88.9 cm) |
| Application | Home and Personal Use |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
| Related Products | Instant Pot Ultra Mini, Instant Lux, Instant Pot Smart, Instant Pot Nova Plus 60, Instant Pot Duo Crisp 80, Instant Pot Duo |
Accessories
In addition to the pressure cooker itself, your Instant Pot Viva should come with a steam rack, condensation collector, rice paddle, soup spoon, and measuring cup. You’ll also find a spare red lid gasket.
Keep in mind that since this is no longer being offered as a new model, the Instant Pot Viva you purchase might have more or fewer accessories included.
While optional, I highly recommend you get these accessories.
- An extra inner pot.
- Transparent lid for slow cooking.
- Steamer basket when you’ll steam veggies often.
There is one other accessory you should absolutely invest in to increase the capability of your Instant Pot Viva – the Instant Pot Air Fry Lid.
Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid
Model # 140-3003-01
If you opt for the 6-quart model, it’s compatible with the brand’s air fryer lid. Apart from having a dependable pressure cooker, it also transforms into a full-pledged air fryer.
You can learn more about the air fryer lid here.
*only compatible with selected 6-quart Instant Pots
*Product Images and Video Courtesy of Instant Brands
What can you cook with the 9-in-1 Instant Pot Viva?
Though it has nine core cooking functions, it’s equipped with 15 smart programs. As a result, you can create countless recipes with it.
The best way to find out what you can cook in this pressure cooker is to check out the Instant Pot smartphone app. This app has thousands of recipes that can be used with your Instant Pot pressure cooker.
Cooks Frozen Meals with Ease
What I love most about the Instant Pot Viva is that I can add frozen ingredients to the Instant Pot and they will cook up into a delicious meal.
Just add a frozen pound of ground beef, some tomato sauce, and other fresh ingredients to make fresh pasta sauce before work for a quick spaghetti dinner.
Eggs, Oats, & More
You can also cook batches of hard-boiled eggs for deviled eggs to free up space on your cooktop while preparing large meals.
Overnight oats for the next morning are also a piece of cake in the Instant Pot Viva.
I also want to mention that you can cook a whole chicken or any other chicken recipe in the Instant Pot Viva, even though there is no preprogrammed button. Several of the available cooking programs can be used to cook chicken depending on the dish. But, if you want a chicken-specific setting, look at the Instant Pot Duo instead.
Sous Vide
Sous Vide is a method of low-temperature slow cooking in which food is placed in a plastic pouch or a glass jar and cooked in a water bath.
This lengthens the time the food cooks and more accurately regulates the temperature. This is a great option if you will be gone all day but you want to cook something that would not normally need to be in the pressure cooker for so long.
Is the Viva Instant Pot easy to use?
All multi-cookers have learning curves, especially pressure cooking when you’re new. Luckily, the Instapot Viva boasts straightforward controls (despite its 20 buttons). The lid must be locked into place correctly for most programs, but this is simple with indicator arrows and a digital jingle to indicate when it is in place.
Here’s why:
The 14 buttons on the sides are one-touch programs. Essentially, they have a pre-programmed duration and pressure, taking away the guesswork out of the equation. On top of that, this also helps you achieve consistent results.
Customizable Presets
Naturally, you can also customize the said functions as recipes aren’t all the same.
Better yet? The setting you’ll use (time and pressure) gets saved. In other words, the next time you use the same program and recipe, simply press the said function. No need to adjust further.
Helpfulness of Progress Indicator is Limited
The progress indicator is limited to its cook time. Thus, you won’t know how long the preheating will be or how long it’s been. Regardless, it’s just a minor caveat compared to the breathtaking functionalities the Instant Pot Viva offers.
The rest of the indication will be illumination on top of the program you selected, the pressure (low or high), and temperature (low, med, or high).
Helpful Cooking Guide
Since multi-cooking (with its 15 programs) can be intimidating, Instant Pot highlights an in-depth manual to get you started. For instance, it has a pressure cooking timetable and grain-to-water ratios. In short, you won’t be a complete stranger the first time you use the machine.
Safer Pressure Release Valve
The Instant Pot Viva features a separate release valve. As a result, you don’t need to directly touch the steam vent when releasing pressure, unlike older models or other brands, for that matter.
The release valve is very close to the release button. This means it is easy to burn yourself on the steam. I always use an oven mitt when releasing the steam. Also, make sure you’re not peering over the lid when you hit the button to avoid burns.
How to clean the Instant Pot Viva?
Most Instant Pot electric pressure cookers clean like a breeze, and that’s true with the Viva model as well.
In summary, you first have to remove the lid and inner pot. Secondly, detach anything removable from the lid—silicone ring, float valve, and anti-block shield. You can clean them one by one, yet I find that it’s easier to do it all at once.
However, ensure that you don’t lose any of the small parts.
Afterward, you can wash the lid and inner pot by hand. Or, you can also load the said parts into the dishwasher for more effortless cleanup. The inner pot isn’t strictly nonstick, and it will stick more if you don’t treat it right. Never use anything abrasive to clean the inner pot, and use only plastic or silicone utensils to avoid ruining the finish.
Don’t forget to clean the condensation collector. Often it will be empty, but it collects quite a bit of water when I make pasta. It is important to clean this periodically or with every use, because it can grow bacteria or mold if forgotten.
That being said, here’s a video demo on how to clean your Instapot.
A Note About the Sealing Ring
Your Instant Pot Viva comes with two silicone sealing rings that need to be placed in the lid of the Instant Pot before operation. It is a good thing that it comes with two rings, because these can absorb odors that are difficult to get rid of. I use one ring for savory foods and one for sweet just to be certain that I don’t get the wrong odors or flavors in my food.
The best way to remove odors and completely clean the sealing ring is to run the water test a few times with the seal in place. Baking soda helps as well, but I found that the water test method is really the best way to remove odors.
See Instant Pot Viva in Action
Don’t take my word for it, here’s a short video demonstration from the brand.
Based on the ever-popular Duo series, the Instant Pot Viva features 9 functions in one, making it a versatile kitchen appliance. Moreover, it also boasts 15 smart programs that simplify cooking tasks. On top of that, it can support hefty portions with either the 6-quart or 8 quarts version.
Is the Instant Pot Viva worth it?
It’s affordable with so many functionalities, so you can’t really lose with the 6 qt or 8 qt 9-in-1 Instant Pot Viva pressure cooker. That being said, it’s a bit outdated given that it’s not even on their site (at the time I’m writing this).
Instead, I recommend their newer ones that get updated still, Instant Duo Plus, or perhaps the best overall multi-cooker—Instant Pro Plus.
