While many kitchen counter-top appliances generally do not harbor a dangerous reputation for causing injury, the now modernized and high-tech version of grandma’s favorite pressure cooker has been put under intense scrutiny as of late.
With numerous reports surfacing about faulty devices exploding and causing second-degree burns on unsuspecting owners, many people are wondering whether pressure cookers can actually explode and if so, why they can?
Of course, because this question comes with the horrific image of a pressure cooker shattering into a thousand pieces and violently spewing food everywhere, it’s easy to see why owners would be afraid for their safety.
So, can pressure cookers explode? Yes, they can, and while it is a very real concern had by both customers and manufacturers alike, there are some things you can do to eliminate your risk.
As with all types of appliances, pressure cookers do come with health warnings that state if they are mishandled, used carelessly, or improperly checked for defects, they can cause some serious injuries like second-degree burns, blunt force trauma, impact trauma, and severe damage to the structure of your kitchen.
With this said, let’s detail out why they can explode, tips on how to stop them from exploding, and how you can handle your pressure cooker safely.
Why Would a Pressure Cooker Explode?
Unfortunately, even with the advanced safety features that modernized pressure cookers comes with, namely lockable lids that cause the appliance to build pressure if the locks are active, operator controlled valves for excess pressure release, and heavy-duty seals that prevent pressure from leaking, there are still a number of things that can go wrong.
1# There Was an Error in Operator Use
When an individual fills the pressure cooker with too much food or cooks with a recipe that contains a lot of fat, the safety systems can often become disengaged as things like bubbles, foam, and fat being turned into oil from the food stop the safety systems from detecting the pressure on the inside. Then when the individual goes to open the lid, there is a sudden burst of unevaporated heat that causes a miniature explosion of hot food.
2# There Was a Defect with Either the Valves, Safety Pins, or Locking Mechanisms
If you have a defective locking mechanism, the lid can be lifted off prematurely by steam or accidental force. If your release vales are defective, steam will not be able to escape to reduce pressure, and if you have defective safety pins, the lid can blow off prematurely due to heavy pressure.
3# There Was Improper Steam Ventilation
If you have improper steam ventilation, your pressure cooker is going to gain too much pressure and blowout as a result. This can be caused by excess foam or any other ingredient clogging the release hole.
4# The Seal Gaskets Were Broken/Gunked Up or Defective
If your seal gaskets are defective, they cannot properly keep the lid closed, which will allow excess steam to escape. This can cause your food to not cook, cause electric shocks, or cause the lid to pop open.
How Do You Keep a Pressure Cooker from Exploding?
- Always Check Your Equipment. The first thing you want to check is the rubber gasket. Make sure that it does not have food stuck in it, isn’t dried out, and has no cracks. This is an important step as it seals your lid closed, prevents steam from escaping, and allows the pressure cooker’s safety functions to work correctly.
- Do Not Overfill Your Cooker. Always read your pressure cooker’s manual to understand the guidelines for filling purposes. For beans, grains, and rice, you never want your pressure cooker to be more than ½ full while everything else is 2/3 full.
- Butter & Oil Guidelines. Never use more than a ¼ cup or four tablespoons of fat or butter within your pressure cooker. As for oil, you never want to use it at all as even a tiny amount can cause parts of your pressure cooker to melt.
- Release Pressure Safely. The safest method for releasing pressure is the natural pressure release or the slow normal method. Use one of these depending on what type of food you are cooking.
- Never Force the Lid Open. If you find any resistance when opening up the lid, re-check your valve and make sure that it is in the right position to release pressure. Wait for the lid-locking mechanism to disengage before opening the lid.
- Avoid Recipes That Use Thickeners. If you are able to simmer in thickening agents after pressure cooking, do so as this will prevent unnecessary expansion and overfilling of the cooker during pressure cooking.
How Long Do You Wait Before Opening a Pressure Cooker Under Maximum Pressure?
The amount of time that you should wait will be dependent on what type of food you are cooking and what type of opening method you are planning on using. It is safe to open up the lid when the liquid that has been under pressure has depressurized completely.
If you choose to open the lid up before the liquid has completely depressurized, the contents of your pressure cooker will “explode” when the lid is removed.
This explosion is brought on by the immediate expansion of gas being released. Here are a few ways you can open up your pressure cooker and how long each should take.
- The Cold-water Quick Method – 30 seconds. This method involves the cook taking the pressure cooker over to the sink and drizzling water across the top of the lid. This method has been historically recommended but can be fraught with issues that cause the metal to warp and the failure of safety systems unable to detect condensed steam pockets due to the running water. If a recipe calls for this, consider using the normal pressure release instead.
- The Quick Release (Normal) – 2-3 minutes. This method is as simple as using the valve, button, or lever on your pressure cooker. It should only be used for quick-cooking foods like vegetables and not for fruit-based, rice, or legume-based recipes. If you are cooking a meat dish, only use this method if the meat is completely covered in liquid otherwise other ingredients may get tossed around. Give a few small jolts to release any hot seams of air and then let it sit open for the remainder of the time.
- The Slow Normal Method – 5-6 minutes. This method uses your pressure cooker’s valve, lever, or button but recommends that the pressure gets released very slowly. If your pressure cooker’s valve only allows for the pressure to be released at full throttle, it is recommended that you use short bursts to allow the steam to come out slowly. If you find that you are getting foam or food particles coming out of the valve, keep the valve closed for ten seconds before continuing the process. This process tends to work the best for grains, legumes, and fruits or when the natural pressure release methods are too long of a wait.
- The 10-Minute Natural Pressure Release Method. This method combines the natural pressure release and the slow normal method. You allow the pressure cooker to naturally release the pressure for ten minutes after being taken off the heat and then use the slow normal method to relieve any remaining pressure.
- The Natural Pressure Release -10-30 minutes. This is one of the slowest methods available and can take anywhere from ten to thirty minutes depending on the cooker type and type of food. The pressure will release slowly from the cooker once the device has been removed from the heat. This is best used for foods that need to cool down slowly or produce foam due to expansion.
- Base Immersion Technique – 1 minute. This technique involves carrying your pressure cooker to a basin or sink that has been partially filled with water. You lower the base of the pressure cooker into the water to get the liquid to depressurize. This is a very old method that hasn’t been recommended in decades due to the fact that it can damage your sink and yourself. If for some reason this method is recommended to you, use the normal pressure release method instead.
Are Pressure Cookers Safe to Use & Handle?
Yes, pressure cookers and cooking via this method is safe and these devices are safe to use and handle permitting that you are following recipes from trusted sources and are following your pressure cooker’s instruction manual.