Critical warning from experts!
Pressure cooker usage errors can lead to explosions!
Pressure cookers can lead to dangerous situations such as explosions. The correct and safe use of pressure cookers is critical for preventing serious accidents…
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Dr. Rüştü Uçan, stating that pressure cookers must be produced in accordance with standards, said, “There must be a Turkish user manual. It should be read carefully before use. It should only be used with heat sources specified in the manual.”
Chemical Engineer Lecturer Mustafa Cüneyt Gezen, pointing to the main reasons for pressure cooker explosions, also warned, “Failure to use the pot in accordance with manufacturer instructions, especially errors regarding heat settings and cooking times, can cause an explosion.”
Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Health Sciences, Head of Occupational Health and Safety Department, Dr. Lecturer Rüştü Uçan and Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Lecturer Mustafa Cüneyt Gezen made important warnings regarding the safe use of pressure cookers.
Careless use can cause explosions
Dr. Lecturer Rüştü Uçan pointed out that pressure cookers are kitchen tools that help cook food in shorter times due to the increased pressure of steam formed during the cooking of food inside them, and said, “However, careless use and uncontrolled increase in internal pressure can lead to an explosion, which is a dangerous situation.”
What to consider when buying a pressure cooker?
Dr. Lecturer Rüştü Uçan stated that pressure cookers must be produced in accordance with EN12778 standards, and gave information: “There must be a Turkish user manual. It should be read carefully before use. It should only be used with heat sources specified in the manual.”
A pressure cooker should never be opened by force
Dr. Lecturer Rüştü Uçan also made important distinctions regarding pressure cooker use, stating, “Children should not be allowed to approach the pressure cooker. Before applying heat, ensure that the cooker is properly closed. The pressure cooker should never be opened by force. It should not be opened before the internal pressure drops. The pressure cooker should never be used without adding water. This can cause serious damage. The pressure cooker should not be filled more than 2/3 of its capacity. Food items such as rice or dried vegetables that expand during cooking should not fill more than half of the cooker's capacity.”
A pressure cooker should not be used without water
Dr. Lecturer Rüştü Uçan, also explaining that the valves should be checked for clogging before each use of the pressure cooker, continued as follows:
“The flame diameter of the stove where the pot is placed should not be larger than the diameter of the pot's base. If a ceramic, glass, or induction hob is used, the pot's base should be clean and dry. Damaged, torn, or dirty gaskets should never be used. Before closing the lid, the valve and movable parts that ensure steam release must be clean and in working order. A pressure cooker should never be used without water. There must be at least 1 glass of water or liquid. When the pot reaches normal cooking pressure, the heat should be reduced to prevent the liquid inside the pot from completely evaporating. Do not try to open your pot before it has completely cooled down and the pressure inside has been released. The lid should not be forced open.”
Why do pressure cookers explode?
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Lecturer Mustafa Cüneyt Gezen listed the main reasons for pressure cooker explosions as follows:
“Overfilling: Filling the pot beyond its capacity prevents proper steam circulation. This can cause internal pressure to reach dangerous levels and lead to an explosion.
Clogging of the release valve: The release valve in pressure cookers plays an important role in releasing excess pressure. If this valve becomes clogged with food particles or dirt, the pressure cannot be reduced, and the pot can explode.
Worn gaskets increase the risk of explosion
Malfunction of the pressure valve: The pot's pressure valve is also critical for keeping internal pressure under control. If the valve does not function correctly, the pressure can rise excessively and cause an explosion. This valve has 0-1-2 settings.
Worn or damaged parts: Wear or damage to the gaskets, lids, or other parts of the pressure cooker leads to improper control of pressure. This also increases the risk of explosion.
Incorrect use: Failure to use the pot in accordance with manufacturer instructions, especially errors regarding heat settings and cooking times, can cause an explosion.”
How to tell if a pressure cooker is about to explode?
Lecturer Mustafa Cüneyt Gezen, also drawing attention to the signs that a pressure cooker poses an explosion risk, listed these signs as follows:
“Overheating: If the pot feels hotter than usual or its outer surface heats up abnormally, the internal pressure may have risen excessively.
Abnormal noises: If the whistle makes different or louder sounds than normal, it could be a sign that the pressure regulating system is not working correctly.
Beware of abnormal steam release!
Abnormal steam release: Excessive steam coming from the pressure cooker's whistle or other parts like the lid can indicate that the internal pressure has risen excessively.
Constantly active whistle: If the whistle is constantly active, it is a sign that the pressure needs to be reduced.
Abnormal lid movement: If the pot's lid moves abnormally or leaks, it could indicate pressure problems.”