Pressure cookers are a renaissance in cooking, however, you must handle it right. Let’s go through the basics of using a cooker safely and correctly. You will find below a convenient checklist for your personal use.
Read the Manual
The product literature is essential and instructive. Do not toss it into the bin. Use it (along with the internet if you need instructive videos) to familiarize yourself with the cooker in parts and as a whole. Take into consideration the cooker model, its specific characteristics, and safety features as well.
Inspect Before Use
Closely scrutinize a pressure cooker before using it, it might be damaged which can cause a risk hazard.
- GASKET: Check whether the rubber/silicone gasket is in good condition and has no cracks. Replace immediately if damaged.
- LID: Check the lid of your pressure cooker whether it fits perfectly or not. If the lock is insecure do not use that cooker. Try repairing if the lid is dented. While opting for a new stainless steel cooker go for the ones with outer lid. The new ones even come with the efficient triply technology.
- VALVES: Check the valves to ensure optimum pressure release. If they are clogged, the cooker might burst or if they are leaky the food will remain undercooked. Regular maintenance is necessary.
Right Filling While Cooking
Overfilling: If the cooker is overfilled with liquid (like water) it might splatter out of the valves, or even cause a mishap. While cooking, the food (like grains and legumes) expands, and an overfilled cooker will not be able to cook vegetables, meats or grains fully.
It is always advisable to not fill more than two-thirds. For grains and legumes (eg. while making khichdi with rice, lentils, veggies), fill the cooker till halfway.
Underfilling: If you put too little water then the food will get burnt as all the water will evaporate whilst creating steam and none of it will be left for the cooking purpose.
Keenly Monitor Pressure Levels
Adjust the heat— simmer, mid or high whatever the recipe requires and keep an eye on the pressure valve. Adjust the heat to stabilize pressure if it fluctuates.
Do not force the valve to release pressure prematurely as it will lead to undercooking. Also, never force the inner lid open while the cooker is still pressurized, the hot food will voluptuously spill all over, causing you burns.
Safe Kitchen Practices With Pressure Cookers
- Never leave a pressure cooker unattended while cooking in it.
- If you hear the steam leaking or it is taking more than usual time for a whistle, turn off the heat immediately.
- Do not put your cooker on very high heat.
- Even when not on a stovetop, handle the cooker with care. While releasing the pressure, be mindful of the hot steam.
- If you have someone in your house who is experienced in handling cookers, have them around whilst using one.
- Always keep a first aid box near your kitchen.
Safety Checklist While Using A Pressure Cooker (For Personal Use)
| Safety Measure |  OR  |
| Read and Understood the Instructions (Manual & Internet) | |
| Checked Valve, Lid and Gasket | |
| Practicing how to put the lid | |
| Putting the right amount of liquid in | |
| Monitoring the pressure and the heat while cooking | |
| Safe releasing of the pressure (following methods) | |
| Cleaning thoroughly after cooking | |
| Replacing faulty parts ASAP | |
| Not leaving the cooker unattended | |
| Using a cooker with insulated handles for safe handling | |
| Handled hot steam skillfully | |
| Having a distance of 2-3 meters from the cooker while the whistle blows | |
| Understanding emergency safety procedures | |