A pressure cooker is a sealed cooking vessel that uses high pressure to increase the boiling point of liquids. This allows food to cook more quickly and with less water and energy than with standard cooking methods. However, pressure cookers can be dangerous. Manufacturing defects and design defects are frequently the cause of pressure cooker explosions. Some common injuries from pressure cooker use are steam burns, contact burns, splashed/spilled hot liquids, and explosion. However, proper use can minimize the risk of these types of injuries when using a pressure cooker.
Frequent Defects in Pressure Cookers
- Inadequate Lid Seals – An inadequate lid seal can result in spilling and expulsion of cooker contents.
- Faulty Gaskets that Allow Premature Opening – A faulty gasket that allows the premature opening of the pot during high pressure can cause steam and contact burns.
- Inadequate Venting – Inadequate venting can cause a pressure cooker to explode.
Tips for Safely Using Pressure Cookers
- Inspect the Pressure Cooker Before Cooking – The rubber gasket between the pot and lid is critical to the proper functioning of a pressure cooker. Before cooking, ensure the gasket is clean and is not cracked or dried out. Some manufacturers suggest replacing the rubber gasket once a year, depending on how frequently you use your pressure cooker.
- Don’t Overfill the Pressure Cooker – A pressure cooker should never be over two-thirds full. This is to prevent food from blocking the vents in the lid of the cooker. For foods that swell or froth (i.e. beans, rice, pasta), only fill the cooker halfway.
- Use Enough Liquid – Pressure cookers are designed to cook food by using steam under extreme pressure. Steam cannot be created without some form of liquid. At least half a cup of liquid is needed to create enough steam to properly use the cooker.
- Be Mindful of the Type of Food Being Cooked – Froth produced during the cooking process by certain foods (i.e. pasta, split peas, oatmeal, applesauce and cranberries) can block the steam valves and vents of the cooker. Before cooking these foods in a pressure cooker, ensure your recipe calls for the same size cooker as yours and do not overfill the cooker. Never fry food in a standard pressure cooker. Some pressure cookers are specifically designed for the purpose of frying. A small amount of oil can be included in a recipe, but frying in a cooker that is not made for frying can melt the gasket and other parts.
- Release Pressure in a Safe Way – Pressure can be released three ways: Natural release by removing the cooker from heat and allowing it to sit until the pressure reduces; cold water release by running cold water over the lid of the closed cooker; or quick release by using the steam release valve to expel steam. Always be sure to protect your face, hands and body when releasing pressure and remember that steam may still escape when opening the pressure cooker—even if you believe you have properly released the pressure.
- Clean the Cooker Properly – When you have finished using your pressure cooker, remove the gasket and clean it separately from other parts of the cooker. Clean out the release valve with a toothpick. To reduce unnecessary wear on the gasket, store your cooker with the lid upside down on the pot rather than locked in place.
Written by*:
Jennifer Neal
Approved by Francisco Guerra, IV
WATTS GUERRA LLP
4 Dominion Drive, Bldg 3, Suite 100
San Antonio, Texas 78257
Phone (210) 447-0500
* This information is provided only to supply information and should not be received as legal advice. Legal advice is only given to persons or entities with whom Watts Guerra LLP has established an attorney-client relationship.
© Watts Guerra LLP 2015
