Pressure Cooker Timer OnlineFree pressure cooker timer for Instant Pot, stovetop pressure cookers, and all pressure cooking. Set accurate cook times for beans, meat, soups, and more.Frequently asked questionsWhen do I start the pressure cooker timer?Start the timer when the pot has reached full pressure — indicated by the float valve rising (Instant Pot) or the pressure indicator reaching the correct mark. The time shown in recipes is cooking time under pressure, not including the 10–15 minutes it takes to build pressure.What are the basic pressure cooker times for common foods?Chicken breast: 8–10 min. Beef chunks: 20–25 min. Dried beans: 25–30 min. White rice: 3 min. Potatoes: 10–12 min. Soup with vegetables: 5–8 min. Whole chicken: 25 min. These are under high pressure; stovetop and electric vary slightly.What's the difference between natural release and quick release timing?Natural pressure release (NPR) takes 10–30 minutes and continues cooking food gently — add this time to your plan. Quick release (QR) takes 1–2 minutes but may overcook delicate foods. For meat and beans, NPR gives better texture; for vegetables, use QR.How do I adjust the timer for high altitude with a pressure cooker?At altitude, pressure cookers don't quite reach the same pressure as at sea level. Above 2,000 feet, increase cook time by 5% per 1,000 feet. At 5,000 feet, add about 15–20% more time. Most Instant Pot models automatically adjust; check your manual.Can I use one timer for multiple stages (e.g., sauté then pressure cook)?Use separate timers for each phase. Sauté is open-lid at normal heat — treat it like a stovetop timer. When you switch to pressure cooking, reset and start the pressure cook timer separately. Keeping phases distinct prevents timing errors.