Disclaimer: There are affiliate links in this post. At no cost to you, I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Tips For Using Electric Pressure Cooker Safety

Are you intimidated by the prospect of using a pressure cooker? Possibly you have a childhood memory of your grandmother’s pressure to cook spaghetti sauce all over the kitchen ceiling. Or perhaps you’re intimidated by the prospect of the enclosed pot containing such a significant amount of pressure without exploding. 

Nevertheless, there is absolutely nothing to be concerned about. Today’s pressure cookers are built with various safety features that ensure that cooks will not experience the same explosion problems that were common in pressure cooker legends of the past. For example, some lids have locks that must be activated before the pressure inside the container builds up. These locks will not open until the pressure inside the container has been released ultimately. Most cookers are also equipped with valves that release excess pressure. 

However, some things can be done to make cooking with a pressure cooker both safer and more successful in the long run. Take advantage of these suggestions to get perfect results from your pressure cooker–without having to scrape spaghetti sauce off your ceiling! 

How Does An Electric Pressure Cooker work? 

Steam is formed as the heat of the liquid in an electric pressure cooker. This trapped steam builds up inside the pressure cooker, increasing the internal pressure. As the pressure inside the cooker increases, the temperature rises above the boiling point, up to 250 degrees F.  

The higher cooking temperature in a pressure cooker reduces the cooking time. Additionally, the high pressure inside the cooker “pushes” the moisture into the food, resulting in a more flavorful meal that not only cooks faster but also tastes better.  

Cooking meats in an electric pressure cooker result in highly juicy and tender results. Rice can be cooked in five minutes rather than twenty, and pasta can be cooked perfectly in five minutes as well. 

Soups and stews can be prepared quickly but taste as if they’ve been simmering for hours. 

Tips For Using Electric Pressure Cooker Safety 

Check Your Kitchen Equipment Before You Start Cooking 

Always inspect the rubber gasket (the ring of rubber that lines the inside of the cooker’s lid) to ensure that it is not dried out or cracked. Depending on how frequently you use your cooker, some manufacturers recommend replacing the gasket on a year-to-year basis. This is something you should consider ordering in advance to have on hand in case yours gets ripped while you’re in the middle of a recipe. Check to see that there is no dried food on the pot’s rim, as this could cause the seal to break and spill the contents. 

Don’t overfill the pot in the cooker 

If you’re cooking most foods in a pressure cooker, don’t fill it more than two-thirds of the way complete to avoid the possibility of food blocking the vents. It is recommended that foods such as beans and grains, which tend to swell as they cook, only fill about half of the cooker. 

Make Use of Enough Liquid 

A pressure cooker requires liquid to generate the steam used to cook the food. A good recipe will consider this, but if you’re making your own, you’ll need at least 1/2 cup of water or other liquid to make it work properly. If the steam does not appear to be building with this amount, open the cooker (first releasing any remaining steam) and continue to add a little more until you reach the desired level of pressure. 

Cooking Foods That Froth Should Be Done With Care 

The frothing can cause the steam valves and pressure-release vents to become clogged. Pasta, rhubarb, split peas, oatmeal, applesauce, and cranberries are just a few of the foods that froth up. Cooking these foods is not recommended unless you use a trusted recipe and keep the amount of food you are preparing in your pot well below the recommended maximum fill line. 

Don’t Pressure Fry 

Fried foods are prepared in a pressure cooker, such as fried rice and pressure-fried chicken. When some people receive their electric pressure cooker for the first time, they are eager to try these recipes. This is an error!  

While the electric pressure cooker is capable of incredible things, it is a small electric pressure cooker incapable of pressure-frying foods. If you attempt this pressure-cooking method, you will endanger your Pot and yourself.  

On the other hand, pressure frying requires specialized equipment, not pressure cookers. Make sure to check out the different Instant Pot recipes you should never cook. When it comes to frozen food, determine whether frozen meat can be cooked in an electric pressure cooker. 

Keep a Safe Distance from the Steam 

Avoid opening an electric pressure cooker in or near your face. While the steam may smell pleasant, it is extremely hot—often hot enough to cause skin burns. Always open the pot facing away from you (the lid makes this easy on purpose). If you’re performing a quick release, the hot steam may also endanger your hands, so we recommend first pulling on a protective oven mitt or similar glove. 

Release the Pressure in a Safe and Secure Manner 

You can release pressure in three ways: by simply removing the cooker from the heat and allowing it to sit until the pressure decreases (natural release), by running cold water over the lid of the closed pan (cold water release), or by opening the pot’s steam release valve and allowing the steam to escape (pressure release valve) (quick release).  

When you’re handing the cooker, make sure to use potholders to protect your hands, and if you’re using the quick-release method, make sure that your face, hands, and body are away from the steam vent. While cooking, hot steam will continue to escape from the pan when the cooker is opened; therefore, when you open the pan, tip the lid away from you and hold it over the pan to prevent hot condensation from dripping onto you. 

Avoid Leaving an electric pressure cooker Alone When Using High Pressure. 

We already know that one of the electric pressure cooker’s advantages is its relative hands-off nature. However, leaving the Pot unattended when pressure cooking foods is never a good idea. Unexpected accidents or issues can be avoided if you look for warning signs (and possibly clean up the mess). 

Clean the Cooker in a Proper Manner 

Remove the gasket and wash it separately and the lid, and the pot before reassembling. With a wooden toothpick, gently clean the valve, making sure it moves freely and is not obstructed. When not in use, store the cooker with its lid upside down on the pot rather than lock it in place. 

These suggestions will assist you in safely and successfully preparing meals in your pressure cooker. 

FAQs

Pressure cookers, in general, are a safe and convenient method of cooking food more quickly. However, pressure cooker lids can explode on rare occasions due to defective components or failed safety mechanisms. When this occurs, hot food and liquids can eject from the cooker, potentially burning or injuring anyone in the vicinity. 

The primary distinctions between a conventional pressure cooker and an Instant Pot are convenience, technology, and safety. While pressure cookers can explode, resulting in a mess and possibly injury, Instant Pots incorporate advanced safety features that make them significantly safer to use and far more user-friendly. 

Without water, you should not use a pressure cooker. That is because the pressure will build up in the absence of water, and the pressure cooker will explode. As you can see, your pressure cooker may explode, but the likelihood of this occurring is extremely remote. 

If you could open them, you would cause a hot, wet explosion as the pressurized contents rushed from the higher pressure inside the pot to the lower pressure outside the pot: this is fundamental physics. 

Conclusion

As you can see, electric pressure cookers are highly beneficial for those pressed for time. These kitchen appliances are simple to operate and can assist you in quickly preparing nutritious meals for your family.

Using an electric pressure cooker can significantly reduce meal preparation time and help you save money on your grocery bill. If you are thinking about purchasing one or already have one but aren’t sure how to use it safely, this article has discussed several tips for using an electric pressure cooker safely. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require additional assistance!

Related Posts

Why Trust Us

You will find what you are looking for at Jody's Bakery. From classic to luxury brands, you'll find both. We will help you to select appliances that fit your needs, budget and lifestyle. Whether you want to stop by to learn more — or plan to make a major purchase — we’ll treat you like family and assist you every step of the way. Shop with us today to receive friendly and experienced help along the way.

Tags:

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

      Leave a reply

      Best Deals For You

      Best price
      Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker Pro
      SaveSavedRemoved 0

      Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker Pro

      20

      The Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker Pro has truly elevated my cooking experience. With its precise water circulation at the exact temperature needed, I've achieved perfect results every time, eliminating the risk of over or undercooking my meals. Sous vide cooking with this device has proven to be ...

      $290.00 $399.00 Buy It Now
      Best seller
      Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet
      SaveSavedRemoved 0

      Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet

      20

      The Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet is a versatile and durable kitchen essential, perfect for beginners, home cooks, and chefs alike. Crafted in America with iron and oil, this skillet is designed to handle any kitchen cooktop, oven, grill, or open flame. One of the standout features of Lodge cast ...

      $19.90 $34.25 Buy It Now
      Best seller
      Tovolo Vented Collapsible Medium Microwave Cover
      SaveSavedRemoved 0

      Tovolo Vented Collapsible Medium Microwave Cover

      10

      The Tovolo Vented Collapsible Medium Microwave Cover is a versatile and practical kitchen accessory designed to enhance your microwave cooking experience. This cover features perforated lids that protect your microwave from splatters and spots. Crafted from BPA-free plastic and silicone, the topper covers food to ...

      Best value
      Nostalgia MyMini Personal Electric Skillet
      SaveSavedRemoved 0

      Nostalgia MyMini Personal Electric Skillet

      50

      The Nostalgia MyMini Personal Electric Skillet is a versatile and convenient appliance for on-the-go meals. It offers a quick and healthier way to cook a variety of dishes, including ramen noodles, pasta, mac and cheese, steamed rice, stir fry, omelets, hard-boiled eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausage, hashbrowns, cookies, ...

      Best seller
      Elite Gourmet EG6207 Fry Pan
      SaveSavedRemoved 0

      Elite Gourmet EG6207 Fry Pan

      10

      The Elite Gourmet EG6207 Fry Pan is a versatile and convenient addition to any kitchen. With its 10.5-inch size, it allows you to expand your cooking capabilities without the need for remodeling. The non-stick marble stone coating and cast-in heating element make cooking and clean-up a breeze. Whether you're whipping ...

      Braun MQ7035X 3-in-1 Immersion Hand
      SaveSavedRemoved 0

      Braun MQ7035X 3-in-1 Immersion Hand

      40

      The Braun MQ7035X 3-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender stands out with its innovative features and versatile functionality. The Easy SmartSpeed technology allows for single-hand operation with no predefined speed settings. Simply follow your intuition by pushing gently for roughly chopped results and increasing the ...

      $79.96 $109.95 Buy It Now
      Editor choice
      Breville the Barista Pro Espresso Machine
      SaveSavedRemoved 0

      Breville the Barista Pro Espresso Machine

      30

      The Breville the Barista Pro Espresso Machine offers a barista-quality performance with a user-friendly interface, making it easy to create third wave specialty coffee in the comfort of your home. The integrated grinder ensures that the right amount of freshly ground coffee is delivered on demand, resulting in a rich ...

      $699.99 Buy It Now
      Editor choice
      Cuisinart PRS-50 Pasta Roller & Cutter Attachment
      SaveSavedRemoved 0

      Cuisinart PRS-50 Pasta Roller & Cutter Attachment

      90

      Cuisinart PRS-50 Pasta Roller & Cutter Attachment is a perfect addition to your Precision Master Stand Mixer, allowing you to create a variety of homemade fresh pasta with ease. This attachment includes both spaghetti and fettuccine cutters, as well as a pasta roller, offering versatility in pasta shapes and ...

      $169.95 $179.95 Buy It Now
      Editor choice
      Instant Stand Mixer Pro
      SaveSavedRemoved 0

      Instant Stand Mixer Pro

      40

      Instant Stand Mixer Pro delivers powerful performance with its 600-watt motor, making it a versatile kitchen companion for a variety of culinary tasks. From whipping smooth meringues to kneading yeast dough, this stand mixer handles it all with ease. Featuring a digital interface, the mixer offers 10 speed ...

      $199.95 $299.99 Buy It Now
      Editor choice
      Koolatron 6 Bottle Wine Cooler
      SaveSavedRemoved 0

      Koolatron 6 Bottle Wine Cooler

      80

      The Koolatron 6 Bottle Wine Cooler offers an affordable and elegant solution for wine enthusiasts, providing a stylish and compact freestanding design that accommodates up to 6 standard-sized wine bottles. This wine fridge is a perfect addition to any table or countertop, allowing you to enjoy your favorite vintages ...

      Editor choice
      Hamilton Beach 2 Slice Extra Wide Slot Toaster
      SaveSavedRemoved 0

      Hamilton Beach 2 Slice Extra Wide Slot Toaster

      60

      Hamilton Beach 2 Slice Extra Wide Slot Toaster is a versatile and user-friendly appliance designed to make toasting a breeze. With slots wider than those on many 2-slice toasters, this toaster accommodates thicker breads, bagels, and other specialty bread items effortlessly. The extra-wide slots ensure a perfect ...

      Best value
      Hamilton Beach Blender Combo
      SaveSavedRemoved 0

      Hamilton Beach Blender Combo

      40

      The Hamilton Beach Blender for Shakes and Smoothies & Food Processor Combo offers impressive 3-in-1 versatility, making it a powerhouse in the kitchen. This combo includes a 40 oz. glass blending jar for larger servings, a 20 oz. blend-in personal blender travel jar for on-the-go convenience, and a 3-cup ...

      $68.65 $74.99 Buy It Now
      Show next
      Jody's Bakery
      Logo
      Compare items
      • Total (0)
      Compare
      0
      Shopping cart