Buzz
A pressure cooker is comparable to a bomb if certain careless mistakes are made.
1. Risks of Carelessness in Using Pressure Cookers
1. Failure to check the pressure release valve before cooking
The pressure release valve, also known as the pressure relief valve, can become blocked from cooking certain dishes or corroded over time if not used. A blocked or malfunctioning valve is highly dangerous, posing the risk of an explosion under high pressure. Moreover, a faulty valve may not release steam properly, leading the cook to mistakenly believe that the pressure inside the cooker has dissipated, resulting in opening it and causing a pot explosion. You can check this safety valve by lifting and lowering it; if it appears faulty, it requires replacement. It's essential to thoroughly clean the release valve to prevent food buildup and avoid using abrasive materials that may scratch the cooker.
2. Using a cracked or deformed cooker
Pressure cookers are relatively expensive compared to regular pots, so some individuals may use a slightly dented or cracked cooker, thinking that as long as they are careful, nothing will go wrong. However, the temperature inside the cooker when boiling water is very high, and coupled with retained pressure, it will find its way through any cracks. Steam can forcefully escape or food can spill out, causing burns to the cook.
3. Adding too much water
Each type of pressure cooker has a different water level requirement, but in general, it should not exceed 2/3 of the pot's capacity while cooking. The remaining 1/3 space in the cooker is meant for the steam to rise. Pouring too much water can damage the cooker or cause food to overflow, blocking the pressure relief valve.
+ High-expansion foods (porridge, beans, etc.): only fill 1/3 of the cooker's capacity.
+ Other foods (meat, fish, etc.): fill no more than 3/4 of the cooker's capacity.
4. Boiling with too much heat
The principle of pressure cooking is to start with high heat when placing the cooker on the stove and then reduce the heat once the food inside begins to boil, and steam escapes. If you leave the heat too high, excessive pressure over a prolonged period can lead to an explosion. Additionally, boiling with too much heat can evaporate the water quickly, leading to pot burning.
5. Opening the lid while cooking
With a pressure cooker, you cannot open the lid while cooking to season or check the doneness of the food. Doing so is akin to having boiling food splatter onto your face, causing burns. To check the food inside, you must turn off the stove 10 minutes prior, press the release button to expel the air from the cooker to balance the pressure inside and outside before opening the lid. When opening, be cautious not to place your hands and face near the pot to avoid the scalding hot steam.
6. Using a heavy object to press on the release valve
Some people, in their eagerness to expedite cooking, resort to placing a heavy object on the release valve, thinking it will increase the pressure and cook the food faster. However, this is a grave mistake as a blocked release valve disrupts pressure balance, leading to an inevitable pot explosion. Therefore, it's crucial not to place any heavy object on the release valve to avoid potential dangers.
