Are pressure cookers safe? And, how we can work safely?

Are pressure cookers safe? If not, then how we can work safely?

Pressure cookers are commonly used item in every household and they help in quick cooking of food by increasing the boiling point and pressure during the cooking process. All the minerals and vitamins present in the food are also retained during the cooking process so a pressure cooker is a quick, easy and healthy way of cooking food on a daily basis. Still, many people worry about the safety of the pressure cooker because of the associated risks of explosions and sudden eruptions.

What really is a pressure cooker?

During cooking with a pressure cooker, a lot of pressure builds up inside a small cooking pot and the possibility of explosions with a pressure cooker can never be denied. However, the safety measures taken while manufacturing a pressure cooker and the efforts incurred to ensure the protection against any kind of pressure cooker mishaps cannot be denied either.

Modern pressure cookers come with safety valves and lid locks that are activated once the pressure starts to build and they don’t allow the lid to open up unless and until the pressure is reduced to a certain level. Pressure release valves also allow releasing excess pressure in case the pressure starts to build up, beyond a certain point. Moreover, the lid interlocking system will not allow the pressure to build up until the lid is locked properly.

If you follow the instructions properly, and take necessary precautionary measures while cooking with a pressure cooker, the chances of hazards and dangers become minimal and with modern lid interlocking and safety valve technology, cooking with a pressure cooker has become completely safe and secure.

How it can be safe for you?

Here are some precautions that you can follow for a safe and comfortable cooking process with a pressure cooker.

++ Wash your pressure cooker properly before each cooking and take special care while washing the lid and rubber gasket. Make sure that nothing is stuck in the steam nozzle and rubber gasket of the cooker. The lid should be intact and there should be no cracks or broken edges of the lid.

++ Read the user manual properly before first time cooking as all pressure cookers are designed differently and it is imperative to be sure about how your pressure cooker works.

++ While cooking beans or lentils, make sure that you do not fill your pressure cooker with too much water. There should be enough room for beans to expand during the cooking process and the water should not boil out.

++ Follow the maximum fill line level of your pressure cooker for each cooking process and be extra careful while cooking frothy foods as they tend to block the pressure release valves which can be hazardous.

++ Once you turn off the flame, give your cooker a plenty of time to release all the pressure. There is a visible mechanism that tells you about the level of pressure inside your cooking. Follow that mechanism according to the instructions manual.

++ Never try to open up the lid, raise the top knobs, move adversely or hit the pressure cooking pot while its place on flame. First, you should turn the fire off and then after sufficient time break, you should open the lid.

++ While opening the lid of the pressure cooker, be extra careful as a lot of steam can release and the steam vapors will drip along the lid so keep your hands and face away from the cooker. Try to put the lid away from your face and also handle it with great care to avoid any harm to your skin.

Cooking with a pressure cooker can make your cooking simple, easy and quick. You do not always have to worry about having pre-prepared meals with a pressure cooker as you can cook anything in it in just a matter of minutes. Modern pressure cookers are completely safe and protected, all you have to do is to follow the instructions properly and keep up with the maintenance of your cooker like changing the rubber gasket and nozzle heads every six months or so depending upon the usage.