Yes, it is normal for an Instant Pot to release some steam while cooking. The Instant Pot is a pressure cooker, and steam is an essential part of its cooking process. As the contents inside the Instant Pot heat up and reach the desired pressure, the steam builds up, and excess steam is released through a vent or a valve to maintain the proper pressure level.
There are a couple of instances when you might notice steam escaping from the Instant Pot:
During the "Preheat" Phase: Before the cooking time begins, the Instant Pot needs to come up to pressure. During this preheat phase, you will often see some steam being released from the vent or the valve. Once the Instant Pot reaches the required pressure, the cooking timer will start, and the steam release will decrease.
Natural Pressure Release (NPR): After the cooking time is complete, the Instant Pot needs to release the pressure before it's safe to open the lid. This can be done through a natural pressure release, where the Instant Pot is left to release the pressure on its own. During this process, you might see some steam escaping from the vent until the pressure is fully released.
Quick Pressure Release (QPR): Alternatively, you can perform a quick pressure release, where you manually release the pressure by turning the steam release valve. When doing a QPR, a burst of steam will escape from the vent until the pressure is fully released.
While some steam release is normal, if you notice excessive or continuous steam leaking from the Instant Pot during the cooking process (not related to the preheat or pressure release phases), it may indicate a problem with the seal or the valve. In such cases, it's a good idea to check the Instant Pot's gasket (the sealing ring) and the steam release valve to ensure they are in good condition and properly installed. A well-maintained and functioning Instant Pot should not leak an excessive amount of steam during normal cooking.