how pressure cooker safety valve works made in china

Pressure cooking is a wonderful way to prepare food that cooks thoroughly and quickly at a high temperature. Some are worried about the dangers of using a pressure cooker, so it is helpful to find out how to check your pressure cooker safety valve for safe operation.

For those worried that a pressure cooker might explode, the safety valve is the design feature that prevents this from happening. If the cooker has a safety valve, you can see it installed on the cooker’s lid.

A pressure cooker is designed to trap the steam inside to increase the pressure. However, too much pressure is not safe. The valve must release pressure if it gets too high.

The blog of pressure cooking today has many recipes that are delicious. There are 25 recipes for pasta so you can try a new one every day for nearly a month.

There is a weight inside many of the safety valves that is lifted by the internal steam pressure when it reaches a certain amount. When the pressure lifts the weight inside the valve, this allows some steam to escape.

Jeffrey Eisner who says “he is a nice Jewish boy from Long Island.” He started with pressure cooking by making a simple mac and cheese dish with a recipe that he shared on YouTube. The video was an immediate success and led to his making new recipes for pressure cooking.

In a sealed cooker, as the pressure builds up, the boiling point of water rises. This phenomenon is the cause of the increased heat that cooks the food more thoroughly and faster.

The science that explains this is fascinating. The normal boiling point of water under standard atmospheric pressure of 15 pounds per square inch (psi) is 212°F (100°C). In a pressure cooker, the atmospheric pressure doubles from 15 psi to 30 psi. This added pressure raises the boiling point of water from 212°F (100°C) to 250°F (121°C).

If you see steam escaping from the safely valve do not worry. The steam escaping from the safety valve is its normal function, which means the valve is working properly.

If the internal pressure within the cooker gets high enough, this lifts a weight in the safety valve that allows steam to escape. The escaping vapor lowers the pressure. You can hear the steam escaping, making a whistling sound, or rattling the valve.

The first pressure cooking devices were used in the 17th century. They were useful to remove fat and collagen from bones so that the bones could then be ground down to make a pure bone meal.

The inventor of the device, Denis Papin, called it a “steam digester” or “bone digester.” His invention was the precursor to both pressure cookers and the steam engine. Surprisingly, the early designs did not have any safety features, and this caused some of the first ones to explode while being used.

The legacy of those early pressure-cooking devices may be why some still fear this problem even today. Papin, to his credit, came up with a design improvement that is what we call a safety valve to avoid the dangers of these explosions.

By the 1930s, the modern pressure cooker design became useful in a home kitchen. The Flex-Seal Speed Cooker, invented by Alfred Vischer, came out in 1938.

These home cookers became even more popular in 1939 with the release of the design by the National Pressure Cooker Company (now called National Presto Industries), which is still manufacturing these cookers today.

The first-generation cookers had a safety valve that worked with a weight. When the internal pressure rises high enough to lift the weight, some steam escapes, and the valve makes a distinctive rattling sound.

Second-generation cookers use a spring-loaded valve that makes less noise and is adjustable for pressure sensitivity by using a dial, which is on the cooker.

Third-generation models are the most recent versions. They use an electric heating source that is regulated by the internal pressure. These devices do not need a safety valve because the heat source automatically shuts off before the pressure gets too high.

Suppose you are thinking about getting a new cooker. In that case, there is another device that you might consider called a food dehydrator, which I describe in the article entitled, “How Much Electricity Does a Dehydrator Use?” here.

For the styles of cookers with a safety valve, it may not be obvious when the valve is not working if it is blocked. You may notice the lack of steam while the cooker is heated. The valve could rarely be blocked, but if not cleaned properly, it is possible.

Alternatively, the valve may be broken, missing, or the pot may not seal properly. These problems might allow too much steam to escape. This leakage may cause the cooker not to heat up properly and not allow the internal pressure to build up to the proper level.

One of the signs of a problem with a lack of pressure is that the food takes much longer to cook than you normally expect when using a cooker of this type.

One tip in the video is not to open the cooker after finishing cooking and take the lid to run it under cold water. This sudden temperature change can make the safety valve work less well and may cause the need to change the valve more frequently.

If you use a cooker that needs a valve to work properly and the valve is broken or missing, you can replace it with a new valve. Be sure to get the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure you use the correct replacement part.

Some of these problems include the ventilation knob being open or not enough liquid is in the cooker (requires at least one cup). Another cause is the sealing ring is missing, damaged, covered with food particles, or not in the proper position.

The video narrator shows how she cleans her float valve for her instant pot that she uses as a cooker. If you use too little liquid or too much, the cooker may not pressurize.

For the type with screws, hold the valve from the bottom of the lid with the pliers and use the screwdriver to remove the screws from the top to remove the broken part. Replace it with the new one and tighten the screws that hold it in place by holding it with the pliers from the bottom of the lid again and tightening the screws from the top.

For the type with a nut, use the wrench to loosen it for removal and perhaps a socket when you put on the new valve to tighten it with enough torque to hold it securely in the proper position.

Modern pressure cookers that are in good repair are quite safe. The one caution to remember is not to overfill the cooker so that the food might block the safety valve. This overfilling with food would be very difficult to do and not something to worry about for normal use.

Be careful where you keep your cooker on the countertop because it is important to know how hot a stovetop can get. Even when turned off, a stovetop may still be very hot, which I discuss in this article.

Now you know everything you need to know about a pressure cooker safety valve. You know what they do, how they work, and how to replace one if it needs repair. Enjoy your pressure-cooking recipes without worrying about the safety valve.

If having a safety valve on your cooker still bothers you, consider buying an electric cooker without a valve that instead has a built-in safety feature that automatically shuts off power if the pressure gets too high.

That ensures that nothing interferes with the lid of the pressure cooker, which is where most of the other safety systems are. Also, check that the primary valve is clean and clear before pressure cooking.

If something were to go side-ways, even before it gets to that point, the pressure cooker itself will detect that the pressure (temperature) inside is too high and turn off the pressure cooker.  But, while that’s happening, though, the food inside is still boiling and building pressure so the cooker will release excess pressure from the valve on the lid. And, if the main valve were to be clogged the cooker will release pressure from the lid-lock or secondary valve. If that were to be blocked, the cooker will release pressure from the gasket.

The last safety system of for absent-minded cooks like me. Where at the last minute I realize, “Oh, I need to add some carrots” and try to open the pressure cooker during cooking.  Well, the lid locks automatically the minute pressure starts to build. It means that if there is any pressure still inside the cooker, you cannot open the lid.  It’s a mechanical system so even if there is no electricity you will still be prevented from opening the lid.

Pressure relief valves (safety relief valves) are designed to open at a preset pressure and discharge fluid until pressure drops to acceptable levels. The development of the safety relief valve has an interesting history.

Denis Papin is credited by many sources as the originator of the first pressure relief valve (circa 1679) to prevent overpressure of his steam powered “digester”. His pressure relief design consisted of a weight suspended on a lever arm. When the force of the steam pressure acting on the valve exceeded the force of the weight acting through the lever arm the valve opened. Designs requiring a higher relief pressure setting required a longer lever arm and/or larger weights. This simple system worked however more space was needed and it coud be easily tampered with leading to a possible overpressure and explosion. Another disadvantage was premature opening of the valve if the device was subjected to bouncing movement.

Direct-acting deadweight pressure relief valves: Later to avoid the disadvantages of the lever arrangement, direct-acting deadweight pressure relief valves were installed on early steam locomotives. In this design, weights were applied directly to the top of the valve mechanism. To keep the size of the weights in a reasonable range, the valve size was often undersized resulting in a smaller vent opening than required. Often an explosion would occur as the steam pressure rose faster than the vent could release excess pressure. Bouncing movements also prematurely released pressure.

Direct acting spring valves: Timothy Hackworth is believed to be the first to use direct acting spring valves (circa 1828) on his locomotive engine called the Royal George. Timothy utilized an accordion arrangement of leaf springs, which would later be replaced with coil springs, to apply force to the valve. The spring force could be fine tuned by adjusting the nuts retaining the leaf springs.

Refinements to the direct acting spring relief valve design continued in subsequent years in response to the widespread use of steam boilers to provide heat and to power locomotives, river boats, and pumps. Steam boilers are less common today but the safety relief valve continues to be a critical component, in systems with pressure vessels, to protect against damage or catastrophic failure.

Each application has its own unique requirements but before we get into the selection process, let’s have a look at the operating principles of a typical direct acting pressure relief valve.

In operation, the pressure relief valve remains normally closed until pressures upstream reaches the desired set pressure. The valve will crack open when the set pressure is reached, and continue to open further, allowing more flow as over pressure increases. When upstream pressure falls a few psi below the set pressure, the valve will close again.

Most commonly, pressure relief valves employ a spring loaded “poppet” valve as a valve element. The poppet includes an elastomeric seal or, in some high pressure designs a thermoplastic seal, which is configured to make a seal on a valve seat. In operation, the spring and upstream pressure apply opposing forces on the valve. When the force of the upstream pressure exerts a greater force than the spring force, then the poppet moves away from the valve seat which allows fluid to pass through the outlet port. As the upstream pressure drops below the set point the valve then closes.

Piston style designs are often used when higher relief pressures are required, when ruggedness is a concern or when the relief pressure does not have to be held to a tight tolerance. Piston designs tend to be more sluggish, compared to diaphragm designs due to friction from the piston seal. In low pressure applications, or when high accuracy is required, the diaphragm style is preferred. Diaphragm relief valves employ a thin disc shaped element which is used to sense pressure changes. They are usually made of an elastomer, however, thin convoluted metal is used in special applications. Diaphragms essentially eliminate the friction inherent with piston style designs. Additionally, for a particular relief valve size, it is often possible to provide a greater sensing area with a diaphragm design than would be feasible with a piston style design.

The reference force element is usually a mechanical spring. This spring exerts a force on the sensing element and acts to close the valve. Many pressure relief valves are designed with an adjustment which allows the user to adjust the relief pressure set-point by changing the force exerted by the reference spring.

What is the maximum flow rate that the application requires? How much does the flow rate vary? Porting configuration and effective orifices are also important considerations.

The chemical properties of the fluid should be considered before determining the best materials for your application. Each fluid will have its own unique characteristics so care must be taken to select the appropriate body and seal materials that will come in contact with the fluid. The parts of the pressure relief valve in contact with the fluid are known as the “wetted” components. If the fluid is flammable or hazardous in nature the pressure relief valve must be capable of discharging it safely.

In many high technology applications space is limited and weight is a factor. Some manufactures specialize in miniature components and should be consulted. Material selection, particularly the relief valve body components, will impact weight. Also carefully consider the port (thread) sizes, adjustment styles, and mounting options as these will influence size and weight.

In many high technology applications space is limited and weight is a factor. Some manufactures specialize in miniature components and should be consulted. Material selection, particularly the relief valve body components, will impact weight. Also carefully consider the port (thread) sizes, adjustment styles, and mounting options as these will influence size and weight.

A wide range of materials are available to handle various fluids and operating environments. Common pressure relief valve component materials include brass, plastic, and aluminum. Various grades of stainless steel (such as 303, 304, and 316) are available too. Springs used inside the relief valve are typically made of music wire (carbon steel) or stainless steel.

The materials selected for the pressure relief valve not only need to be compatible with the fluid but also must be able to function properly at the expected operating temperature. The primary concern is whether or not the elastomer chosen will function properly throughout the expected temperature range. Additionally, the operating temperature may affect flow capacity and/or the spring rate in extreme applications.

Beswick Engineering manufactures four styles of pressure relief valves to best suit your application. The RVD and RVD8 are diaphragm based pressure relief valves which are suited to lower relief pressures. The RV2 and BPR valves are piston based designs.

Keeping your pressure cooker at the right pressure is necessary to ensure safe, efficient pressure-cooking. This Safety Valve Gasket helps release excess pressure with the Safety Valve and Pressure Regulator. If your Safety Valve Gasket needs to be replaced, this one fits the following pressure cookers:

Pressure cooking is the process of cooking food under high pressure steam and water or a water-based cooking liquid, in a sealed vessel known as a pressure cooker. High pressure limits boiling, and creates higher cooking temperatures which cook food far more quickly.

The pressure cooker was invented in the seventeenth century by the physicist Denis Papin, and works by expelling air from the vessel, and trapping steam produced from the boiling liquid. This is used to raise the internal pressure up to one atmosphere above ambient and gives higher cooking temperatures between 100–121 °C (212–250 °F). Together with high thermal heat transfer from steam it permits cooking in between a half and a quarter the time of conventional boiling.

According to New York Times Magazine, 37% of U.S. households owned at least one pressure cooker in 1950. By 2011, that rate dropped to only 20%. Part of the decline has been attributed to fear of explosion, although this is extremely rare with modern pressure cookers, along with competition from other fast cooking devices, such as the microwave oven.

In 1679, French physicist Denis Papin, better known for his studies on steam, invented the airtight cooker used steam pressure to raise the water"s boiling point, thus cooking food more quickly. In 1681 Papin presented his invention to the Royal Society of London as a scientific study; he was later elected as a member.

In 1918, Spain granted a patent for the pressure cooker to José Alix Martínez from Zaragoza. Martínez named it the olla exprés, literally "express cooking pot", under patent number 71143 in the Boletín Oficial de la Propiedad Industrial.360 recipes for cooking with a pressure cooker.

In 1935, the Automa pressure cooker was introduced. Mountaineers attempting to climb Mount Everest took it along with them to cook in higher altitudes.

In 1938, Alfred Vischer presented his invention, the Flex-Seal Speed Cooker, in New York City. Vischer"s pressure cooker was the first designed for home use, and its success led to competition among American and European manufacturers.1939 New York World"s Fair, the National Pressure Cooker Company, later renamed National Presto Industries, introduced its own pressure cooker.

Today, most pressure cookers are variations on the first-generation cookers, with the addition of new safety features such as a mechanism that prevents the cooker from being opened until it is entirely depressurized.

These include an electric heat source that is automatically regulated to maintain the operating temperature and pressure. They also include a spring-loaded valve (as described above) and are typically non venting during cooking.

Second-generation electric, with digital controller. Delayed cooking becomes possible and the controller shows a countdown timer when working pressure is reached.

Third-generation electric, with smart programming, which includes pre-set cooking times and settings based on heating intensity, temperature, pressure and duration.

Some pressure cookers are multifunctional (multicookers): pressure cooker, saute/browning, slow cooker, rice cooker, egg cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sous vide, canner, and stockpot warmer that can also be used to keep cooked food warm.Ninja Foodi pressure cooker, which was the first pressure cooker that could also air fry, several other pressure cooker manufacturers, including Instant Pot, have come out with their own pressure cookers that can air fry, which are now known as pressure air fryers. Pressure air fryers have two separate lids, one for pressure cooking, and one for air frying.

At standard pressure the boiling point of water is 100 °C (212 °F). With any food containing or cooked with water, once the temperature reaches the boiling point, any excess heat causes some of the water to vaporize into steam efficiently carrying away heat keeping the food temperature at 100 °C.

In a sealed pressure cooker, as the water boils, the steam is trapped in the cooker which raises the pressure. However, the boiling point of water increases with pressure resulting in superheated water.

In a sealed pressure cooker the volume and amount of steam is fixed, so the temperature can be controlled either directly or by setting the pressure (such as with a pressure release valve).

For example, if the pressure reaches 1 bar or 100 kPa (15 psi) above the existing atmospheric pressure, the water will have reached a temperature of approximately 120 °C (248 °F) which cooks the food much faster.

Pressure cookers also use steam and water to rapidly transfer the heat to the food and all parts of the vessel. While, compared to an oven, a pressure cooker"s 120 °C is not particularly high, ovens contain air which is subject to thermal boundary layer effects which greatly slows heating, whereas pressure cookers flush air from the cooking vessel during warm up and replace it with hot steam. For items not placed within the liquid, as this steam condenses on the food it transfers water"s latent heat of vaporization, which is extremely large (2.275 kJ/g), to the surface, rapidly bringing the surface of the food up to cooking temperature. Because the steam condenses and drips away, no significant boundary layer forms and heat transfer is exceptionally efficient, and food heats much faster and more evenly.

However some recipes require browning to develop flavors as during roasting or frying. Higher temperatures are attainable with conventional cooking where the surface of the food can dry out. Such browning occurs via the Maillard reaction, at temperatures higher than the roughly 120 °C (248 °F) achieved in pressure cooking. Because those temperatures are not reached in pressure cooking, foods are generally browned by searing them, either in the open pressure cooker or another pan beforehand.

A pressure cooker can be used to compensate for lower atmospheric pressure at high elevations. The boiling point of water drops by approximately 1°C per every 294 metres of altitude (see: High-altitude cooking), causing the boiling point of water to be significantly below the 100 °C (212 °F) at standard pressure. This is problematic because temperatures above roughly 90°C are necessary to cook many common vegetables in a reasonable time. For example, on the summit of Everest (8,848 m (29,029 ft)), the boiling point of water would be only 70 °C (158 °F). Without the use of a pressure cooker, many boiled foods may remain undercooked, as described in Charles Darwin"s

Having crossed the Peuquenes [Piuquenes], we descended into a mountainous country, intermediate between the two main ranges, and then took up our quarters for the night. We were now in the republic of Mendoza. The elevation was probably not under 11,000 feet (3,400 m) [...]. At the place where we slept water necessarily boiled, from the diminished pressure of the atmosphere, at a lower temperature than it does in a less lofty country; the case being the converse of that of a Papin"s digester. Hence the potatoes, after remaining for some hours in the boiling water, were nearly as hard as ever. The pot was left on the fire all night, and next morning it was boiled again, but yet the potatoes were not cooked.

When pressure cooking at high altitudes, cooking times need to be increased by approximately 5% for every 300 m (980 ft) above 610 m (2,000 ft) elevation. Since the regulators work off the pressure differential between interior and ambient pressure, the absolute pressure in the interior of a pressure cooker will always be lower at higher altitudes.

Weight is a concern with backpackers, so mountaineering pressure cookers are designed to operate at a lower differential pressure than stove-top units. This enables them to use thinner, and therefore lighter materials. Generally, the goal is to raise the cooking temperature enough to make cooking possible and to conserve fuel by reducing heat lost through boiling.Sherpas often use pressure cookers in base camp.

Pressure cookers employ one or more regulators to control the pressure/temperature. All types have a calibrated pressure relief valve, as well as one or more emergency valves.

With the simplest types, once the desired pressure is reached, the valve opens, and steam escapes cooling the vessel and limiting the temperature. More advanced stovetop models have pressure indicators that permit the user to adjust the heat to prevent the steam from escaping. Third generation types automatically measure the state of the vessel and control the power so as to not release steam in operation.

Pressure cookers are available in different capacities for cooking larger or smaller amounts, with 6 litres" capacity being common. The maximum capacity of food is less than the advertised capacity because pressure cookers can only be filled up to 2/3 full, depending on ingredients and liquid (see Safety features section).

Because of the forces that pressure cookers must withstand, they are usually heavier than conventional pots of similar size. The increased weight of conventional pressure cookers makes them unsuitable for applications in which saving weight is a priority, such as camping. Nonetheless, small, lightweight pressure cookers are available for mountain climbers

A gasket or sealing ring, made from either rubber or silicone, forms a gas-tight seal that does not allow air or steam to escape between the lid and pan. Normally, the only way steam can escape is through a regulator on the lid while the cooker is pressurized. If the regulator becomes blocked, a safety valve provides a backup escape route for steam.

The twist-on design has slots on the lid engaging with flanges on the body, similar to a lid on a glass jar, that works by placing the lid on the pot and twisting it about 30° to lock it in place. A common modern design, it has easily implemented locking features that prevent the removal of the lid while under pressure.

The bolt-down design has flanges on both its lid and its body for bolts to be passed through, and usually uses wingnuts that hinge on the body and so are never fully removed from the cooker; this sealing design is typically used for larger units such as canning retorts and autoclaves. It is very simple to produce, and it can seal with simple and inexpensive gaskets.

The internally fitted lid design employs an oval lid that is placed inside and presses outward; the user inserts the lid at an angle, then turns the lid to align it with the pot opening on top because the lid is larger than the opening. A spring arrangement holds the lid in place until the pressure forms and holds the lid tightly against the body, preventing removal until the pressure is released.

Gaskets (sealing rings) require special care when cleaning (e.g., not washed with kitchen knives), unlike a standard lid for a saucepan. Food debris, fats, and oils must be cleaned from the gasket after every use. Gasket/sealing rings need replacing with a new one about once a year (or sooner if it is damaged e.g. a small split). A very dry gasket can make it difficult or impossible to close the lid. Smearing the gasket sparingly with vegetable oil alleviates this problem (using too much vegetable oil can make the gasket swell and prevent it sealing properly). A gasket that has lost its flexibility makes bringing the cooker up to pressure difficult as steam can escape before sufficient pressure is generated to provide an adequate seal; this is usually a sign that the gasket needs replacing with a new one. Oiling the gasket with vegetable oil may alleviate the problem temporarily, but a new gasket is often required.

Early pressure cookers equipped with only a primary safety valve risked explosion from food blocking the release valve. On modern pressure cookers, food residues blocking the steam vent or the liquid boiling dry will trigger additional safety devices. Modern pressure cookers sold from reputable manufacturers have sufficient safety features to prevent the pressure cooker itself from exploding. When excess pressure is released by a safety mechanism, debris of food being cooked may also be ejected with the steam, which is loud and forceful. This can be avoided if the pressure cooker is regularly cleaned and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer"s instructions and never overfilled with food and/or liquid.

Modern pressure cookers typically have two or three redundant safety valves and additional safety features, such as an interlock lid that prevents the user from opening the lid when the internal pressure exceeds atmospheric pressure, preventing accidents from a sudden release of hot liquid, steam and food. If safety mechanisms are not correctly in place, the cooker will not pressurize the contents. Pressure cookers should be operated only after reading the instruction manual, to ensure correct usage. Pressure cooker failure is dangerous: a large quantity of scalding steam and water will be forcefully ejected and if the lid separates it may be propelled with considerable force. Some cookers with an internally fitted lid may be particularly dangerous upon failure as the lid fits tighter with increasing pressure, preventing the lid from deforming and venting around the edges. Due to these dangers pressure cookers are generally over-engineered in a safety regard and some countries even have regulations to prevent the sale of non-compliant cookers.

For first generation pressure cookers with a weighted valve or "jiggler", the primary safety valve or regulator is usually a weighted stopper, commonly called "the rocker" or "vent weight". This weighted stopper is lifted by the steam pressure, allowing excess pressure to be released. There is a backup pressure release mechanism that releases pressure quickly if the primary pressure release mechanism fails (e.g., food jams the steam discharge path). One such method is a hole in the lid that is blocked by a low melting point alloy plug and another is a rubber grommet with a metal insert at the center. At a sufficiently high pressure, the grommet will distort and the insert will blow out of its mounting hole to release pressure. If the pressure continues to increase, the grommet itself will blow out to release pressure. These safety devices usually require replacement when activated by excess pressure. Newer pressure cookers may have a self-resettable spring device, fixed onto the lid, that releases excess pressure.

On second generation pressure cookers, a common safety feature is the gasket, which expands to release excess pressure downward between the lid and the pot. This release of excess pressure is forceful and sufficient to extinguish the flame of a gas stove.

The recommended maximum fill levels of food/liquid avoids blockage of the steam valve or developing excess pressure: two-thirds full with solid food, half full for liquids and foods that foam and froth (e.g., rice, pasta; adding a tablespoon of cooking oil minimizes foaming),pulses (e.g., lentils).

Pressure cookers are typically made of aluminum (aluminium) or stainless steel. Aluminum pressure cookers may be stamped, polished, or anodized, but all are unsuitable for the dishwasher. They are cheaper, but the aluminum is reactive to acidic foods, whose flavors are changed in the reactions, and less durable than stainless steel pressure cookers.

Higher-quality stainless steel pressure cookers are made with heavy, three-layer, or copper-clad bottoms (heat spreader) for uniform heating because stainless steel has lower thermal conductivity. Most modern stainless steel cookers are dishwasher safe, although some manufacturers may recommend washing by hand. Some pressure cookers have a non-stick interior.

Pressure cooking always requires a water-based liquid to generate the steam to raise the pressure within the cooker. Pressure cooking cannot be used for cooking methods that produce little steam such as roasting, pan frying, or deep frying. A minimum quantity of liquid is required to create and maintain pressure, as indicated in the manufacturer"s instruction manual. For venting cookers more liquid is required for longer cooking times. This is not desirable for food requiring much less liquid, but recipes and books for pressure cookers take this into account.

Food is placed inside the pressure cooker with a small amount of water or other liquid such as stock. Food is either cooked in the liquid or above the liquid for steaming; the latter method prevents the transfer of flavors from the liquid.

Sauces which contain starch thickeners can tend to burn onto the interior base of the pressure cooker which may prevent the cooker from reaching operating pressure. Because of this issue, sauces may require thickening or reduction after pressure cooking.

With pot in pot pressure cooking, some or all of the food is placed in an elevated pot on a trivet above water or another food item which generates the steam. This permits the cooking of multiple foods separately, and allows the use of minimal water mixed with the food in the pot which permits thick sauces which would otherwise scorch onto the bottom of the pan to be cooked.

The lid is closed, the pressure setting is chosen and the pressure cooker is heated to boil the liquid. The cooker fills with steam and vents air. As the internal temperature rises, the pressure rises until it reaches the desired gauge pressure.

It usually takes several minutes for the pressure cooker to reach the selected pressure level. It can take around 10 minutes or longer depending on: the quantity of food, the temperature of the food (cold or frozen food delays pressurization), the amount of liquid, the power of the heat source and the size of the pressure cooker. There is typically a pop-up indicator that shows that the cooker has pressure inside, but it does not reliably signal that the cooker has reached the selected pressure. The pop-up indicator shows the state of the interlock which prevents the lid from being opened while there is any internal pressure. Manufacturers may use their own terminology for it, such as calling it a "locking indicator."

Timing the recipe begins when the selected pressure/pressure is reached. Once the cooker reaches full pressure, the heat is lowered to maintain the pressure. With pressure cookers accurate timing is essential using an audible timer.

With first generation designs, the pressure regulator weight begins levitating above its nozzle, allowing excess steam to escape. In second generation pressure cookers, either a relief valve subsequently opens, releasing steam to prevent the pressure from rising any further or a rod rises with markers to indicate the pressure level, without constantly venting steam. At this stage, the heat source is reduced to the lowest possible heat that still maintains pressure, as extra heat wastes energy and increases liquid loss. In third generation pressure cookers, the device will detect the vessel has reached the required cooking temperature/pressure and will maintain it for the programmed time, generally without further loss of steam.

Recipes for foods using raising agents such as steamed puddings call for gentle pre-steaming, without pressure, in order to activate the raising agents prior to cooking and achieve a light, fluffy texture.

Small containers such as plastic pudding containers can be used in a pressure cooker, if the containers (and any covering used) can withstand temperatures of 130 °C (266 °F) and are not placed directly on the interior base. The containers can be used for cooking foods that are prone to burning on the base of the pressure cooker. A lid for the container may be used if the lid allows some steam to come into contact with the food and the lid is securely fitted; an example is foil or greaseproof paper, pleated in the center and tied securely with string. Containers that are cracked or have otherwise sustained damage are not suitable. Cooking time is longer when using covered containers because the food is not in direct contact with the steam. Since non-metal containers are poorer heat conductors, the type of container material stated in the recipe cannot be substituted without affecting the outcome. For example, if the recipe time is calculated using a stainless steel container and a plastic container is used instead, the recipe will be undercooked, unless the cooking time is increased. Containers with thicker sides, e.g., oven-proof glass or ceramic containers, which are slower to conduct heat, will add about 10 minutes to the cooking time. Liquid can be added inside the container when pressure cooking foods such as rice, which need to absorb liquid in order to cook properly.

The flavor of some foods, such as meat and onions, can be improved by gently cooking with a little pre-heated cooking oil, butter or other fat in the open pressure cooker over medium heat for stove-top models (unless the manufacturer advises against this) before pressure cooking, while avoiding overheating the empty pressure cooker not heating the empty cooker with the lid and gasket in place to avoid damage. Electric pressure cookers usually have a "saute" or "brown" option for frying ingredients. The pressure cooker needs to cool briefly before adding liquid; otherwise some of the liquid will evaporate instantly, possibly leaving insufficient liquid for the entire pressure cooking time; if deglazing the pan, more liquid may need to be added.

After cooking, there are three ways of releasing the pressure, either quickly or slowly, before the lid can be opened. Recipes for pressure cookers state which release method is required at the end of the cooking time for proper results. Failure to follow the recommendation may result in food that is under-cooked or over-cooked.

To avoid opening the pressure cooker too often while cooking different vegetables with varying cooking times, the vegetables that take longer to cook can be cut into smaller pieces and vegetables that cook faster can be cut into larger pieces.

To inspect the food, the pressure cooker needs to be opened, which halts the cooking process. With a conventional saucepan, this can be done in a matter of seconds by visually inspecting the food.

This method is sometimes called a quick release, not to be confused with the cold water release (mentioned below). It involves the quick release of vapor by gradually lifting (or removing) the valve, pushing a button, or turning a dial. It is most suitable to interrupt cooking to add food that cooks faster than what is already in the cooker. For example, since meat takes longer to cook than vegetables, it is necessary to add vegetables to stew later so that it will cook only for the last few minutes. Unlike the cold water release method, this release method does not cool down the pressure cooker. Releasing the steam with care avoids the risk of being scalded by the rapid release of hot steam. This release method is not suitable for foods that foam and froth while cooking; the hot contents might spray outwards due to the pressure released from the steam vent. Pressure cookers should be operated with caution when releasing vapour through the valve, especially while cooking foamy foods and liquids (lentils, beans, grains, milk, gravy, etc.)

The natural release method allows the pressure to drop slowly. This is achieved by removing the pressure cooker from the heat source and allowing the pressure to lower without action. It takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes (possibly longer) for the pressure to disappear before the lid can be opened. On many pressure cookers, a coloured indicator pin will drop when the pressure has gone. This natural release method is recommended for foods that foam and froth during cooking, such as rice, legumes, or recipes with raising agents such as steamed puddings. The texture and tenderness of meat cooked in a pressure cooker can be improved by using the natural release method. The natural release method finishes cooking foods or recipes that have longer cooking times because the inside of the pressure cooker stays hot. This method is not recommended for foods that require very short cooking times, otherwise the food overcooks.

This method is the fastest way of releasing pressure with portable pressure cookers, but can be dangerous if performed incorrectly. Hence it is safer to release pressure by using the other methods. The manufacturer"s instruction book may advise against the cold water release or require it to be performed differently.

The cold water release method involves using slow running cold tap water, over the edge of the pressure cooker lid, being careful to avoid the steam vent or any other valves or outlets, and never immersing the pressure cooker under water, otherwise steam can be ejected from under the lid, which could cause scalding injury to the user; also the pressure cooker lid can be permanently damaged by an internal vacuum if water gets sucked into the pressure cooker, since the incoming water blocks the inrush of air.

The cold water release is most suitable for foods with short cooking times. It takes about 20 seconds for the cooker to cool down enough to lower the pressure so that it can be safely opened. This method is not suitable for electric pressure cookers, as they are not immersible. This type of pressure cooker cannot be opened with a cold water quick-release method.

The cold water release method is not recommended when cooking pulses e.g. red kidney beans, as the sudden release of pressure can cause the bean to burst its skin.

Most pressure cookers have a cooking (operating) pressure setting between 0.8–1 bar (11.6–15 psi) (gauge) so the pressure cooker operates at 1.8 to 2.0 bar (absolute). The standard cooking pressure of 15 psi gauge was determined by the United States Department of Agriculture in 1917. At this pressure, water boils at 121 °C (250 °F) (described in vapour pressure of water article).

The higher temperature causes food to cook faster; cooking times can typically be reduced to one-third of the time for conventional cooking methods. The actual cooking time also depends on the pressure release method used after timing Christmas puddings are typically timed according to their weight. Frozen foods need extra cooking time to allow for thawing.

When pressure cooking at 1 bar/15 psi (gauge), approximate cooking times are one minute for shredded cabbage, seven minutes for boiled potatoes (if cut small, not diced) and three minutes for fresh green beans. If the pressure is released naturally after timing

Some recipes may require cooking at lower than 1 bar/15 psi (gauge) e.g. fresh vegetables, as these can easily overcook. Many pressure cookers have 2 or more selectable pressure settings or weights.

Some pressure cookers have a lower or higher maximum pressure than 1 bar/15 psi (gauge) or can be adjusted to different pressures for some recipes; cooking times will increase or decrease accordingly. This is typically done by having different regulator weights or different pressure or temperature settings. Some pressure cookers operate at lower pressures than others. If the recipe is devised for a higher pressure and the pressure cooker does not reach that pressure, the cooking time can be increased to compensate.

Less energy is required than that of boiling, steaming, or oven cooking. Since less water or liquid has to be heated, the food reaches its cooking temperature faster. Using more liquid than necessary wastes energy because it takes longer to heat up; the liquid quantity is stated in the recipe. Pressure cookers can use much less liquid than the amount required for boiling or steaming in an ordinary saucepan. It is not necessary to immerse food in water. The minimum quantity of water or liquid used in the recipe to keep the pressure cooker filled with steam is sufficient. With non venting pressure cookers, steam isn"t continually escaping, thus evaporation losses are non existent once it has reached pressure. Overall, energy used by pressure cookers can be as much as 70% lower than used by cooking in a pan.

Because of this, vitamins and minerals are not leached (dissolved) away by water, as they would be if food were boiled in large amounts of water. Due to the shorter cooking time, vitamins are preserved relatively well during pressure cooking.

Several foods can be cooked together in the pressure cooker, either for the same amount of time or added later for different times. Manufacturers provide steamer baskets to allow more foods to be cooked together inside the pressure cooker.

Not only is this steam energy transmitted quickly to food, it is also transmitted rapidly to any micro-organisms that are present, easily killing even the deadliest types that are able to survive at the boiling point. Because of this enhanced germ killing ability, a pressure cooker can be used as an effective sanitizer for jam pots, glass baby bottles, or for water while camping.

Some foods are not recommended for pressure cooking. Foods such as noodles, pasta, cranberries, cereals and oatmeal can expand too much, froth and sputter, potentially blocking the steam vent and creating an unsafe condition.

An ≥ 121 °C) is a type of pressure cooker used by laboratories and hospitals to sterilize equipment. A stovetop autoclave is essentially a higher-pressure cooker with a gauge, used as an autoclave in poorer areas.

Pressure canners are large pressure cookers which have the capacity to hold jars used in canning. Pressure canners are specifically designed for home canning, whereas ordinary pressure cookers are not recommended for canning due to the risk of botulism poisoning, because pressure canners hold heat (≥ 115 °C) and pressure for much longer than ordinary pressure cookers; these factors are a critical part of the total processing time required to destroy harmful microbes such as bacterial spores.

A pressure air fryer (not to be confused with a pressure fryer) is a recent combination of a pressure cooker and an air fryer, with two separate lids, one for pressure cooking and one for air frying. The air frying lid has a convection fan in it that allows it to air fry foods, similar to an air fryer oven. This innovation was popularized by the Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker, marketed as the first pressure cooker that can crisp and air fry.

A pressure oven is a recent combination of an oven and pressure cooker, usually as a countertop convection oven. They operate at low pressures, 10 kilopascals (1.5 psi), compared to other pressure cookers.rotisserie. Although having insufficient pressure for most conventional pressure cooking functions, they do also have non-pressure oven modes.

Rick Rodgers; Arlene Ward & Kathryn Russell (2000). Pressure Cooking for Everyone. Chronicle Books. p. 12. ISBN 9780811825252. Retrieved 30 June 2016.

Park, Je Won; Kim, Young-Bae (March 2006). "Effect of Pressure Cooking on Aflatoxin B in Rice". Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 54 (6): 2431–2435. doi:10.1021/jf053007e. PMID 16536630.

Wise, Victoria (2005). The Pressure Cooker Gourmet: 225 Recipes for Great-Tasting, Long-Simmered Flavors in Just Minutes. Harvard, Mass: Harvard Common Press. p. 262. ISBN 1-55832-201-9.

Borenstein, Seth (17 April 2013). "How does a pressure cooker bomb work?". MediaWorks TV. Archived from the original on 24 March 2016. Retrieved 13 November 2018.

"Burning Issue: Canning in Pressure Cookers". National Center for Home Food Preservation. September 2015. Archived from the original on 13 November 2018. Retrieved 13 November 2018.

The purpose of this utility model is to avoiding above-mentioned the deficiencies in the prior art to propose vapour pressure in a kind of novel pot regulated and protecting the vapour auto-electronic pressure cooker in the pressure regulation that the safety steam pressure is protected vapour (promptly not steam discharge) work down.

Structure of the present utility model comprises pot cover, pot body, sealing ring, safety valve (plug), shell and electric calorifie installation, has temperature control equipment in the electric calorifie installation, is used to control the working steam pressure of heating-up temperature and then control electric pressure cooking saucepan.Characteristics of the present invention are that temperature control equipment combines the composition pressure regulation and protects the vapour control device with a register, a working steam forces down in security personnel"s exhaust pressure of each steam valve (plug) in the pot that this pressure regulation guarantor vapour control device is regulated and control, has certain corresponding relation according to steam pressure in the electric pressure cooking saucepan and temperature, register can be regulated the temperature that requires control on demand in safe range, make electric pressure cooking saucepan under the steam pressure of needs, carry out work, because this working steam forces down in security personnel"s exhaust pressure of each exhaust steam valve (plug), electric pressure cooking saucepan can be in all the time protect the work down of vapour state simultaneously.

Needs and safe requirement according to real work, a working steam is pressed and can be designed the security personnel"s steam discharge pressure 50kpa to 150kpa that is lower than each steam valve (plug) in the pot that pressure regulation guarantor vapour control device is regulated and control, and the Regulation Control device can be 20kpa-250kpa to the modification scope of working steam pressure in the pot.

The vapour control device is protected in pressure regulation of the present utility model can adopt multiple version, and its temperature control equipment can be the ferrite formula thermostat of by switch lever connection and support, and perhaps switch lever is positioned at the double-metal sheet type thermostat of bimetal leaf deformation range.Ferrite formula thermostat comprises and is close at the bottom of the electric pressure cooking saucepan or the temperature-sensitive ferrite and the permanent magnet interactional with it of heat-conducting plate, before the temperature of electric pressure cooking saucepan reaches the Curie-point temperature of temperature-sensitive ferrite, the temperature-sensitive ferrite has magnetic, hold permanent magnet, when electric pressure cooking saucepan reaches the residence point temperature of temperature-sensitive ferrite, the temperature-sensitive ferrite loses magnetism, permanent magnet is subjected to effect trippings such as gravity and spring force, drive switch lever and rush open corresponding contact switch, cut off the electricity supply, reach the temperature control purpose.The register of this ferrite formula thermostat is to be contained in the regulating spring or the adjustment (adjusting) lever of the temperature-sensitive regulated ferrite on the switch lever and permanent magnet interaction force or to regulate wheel shaft or other similar adjusting devices.According near temperature-sensitive ferrite magnetic disappearance process Curie-point temperature one section change curve is arranged,, can regulate the temperature that permanent magnet breaks away from the temperature-sensitive ferrite within the specific limits, thereby reach the temperature adjustment purpose by above-mentioned each governor motion.The double-metal sheet type thermostat is subjected to the thermal deformation degree to control temperature by the bimetal leaf of induced electricity pressure pot heat-conducting plate temperature, when electric pressure cooking saucepan reaches the predetermined control temperature, bimetal leaf deformation degree is the pull switch lever action just in time, rush open corresponding contact switch, cut off the electricity supply, reach the temperature control purpose.The register of double-metal sheet type thermostat can be the adjustment (adjusting) lever of regulating this switch lever and bimetal leaf relative position that is contained on the switch lever or regulates wheel shaft or other similar adjusting devices, adjustment (adjusting) lever or adjusting wheel shaft link to each other with switch lever by the magnetic effect, thereby when pulling adjustment (adjusting) lever or rotate to regulate wheel shaft when changing its position, adjustment (adjusting) lever or adjusting wheel shaft drive the relative position of switch lever change and bimetal leaf, make bimetal leaf could produce the temperature control action by the pull switch lever, thereby reach the purpose of temperature adjustment with corresponding different deformation (corresponding to different electric pressure cooking saucepan temperature).

Above-mentioned all kinds of register (comprising the register of ferrite formula thermostat and the register of double-metal sheet type thermostat) can be by being contained in feather key (relative adjustment spring) or push-key (with respect to adjustment (adjusting) lever) or turn-knob (with respect to regulating wheel shaft) the control temperature of recruiting and then pot interior working steam pressure of recruiting on the electric pressure cooking saucepan panel.On panel, can scribe corresponding temperature adjustment (or pressure regulation) scale.

Be contained in pot cover safety valve (plug), can select the various steam-operating formula safety valves (plug) of existing pressure cooker for use.The utility model proposes a kind of more suitable multifunctional comprehensive safety valve (as Fig. 1 or Fig. 2), it is combined with fuse sheet by the porthole that can regulate exhaust steam pressure, comprise valve seat (5) with exhaust hole, porthole (6) can be sealed the exhaust hole of valve seat (5) by spring (10) and look nut (9) spinning, porthole (6) has a centre porosity with internal thread, wherein by cored screw (7) and the tight fuse sheet of hollow bolt (3) press seal (11), cored screw (7) one ends stretch out outside the look nut (9), and a steam bleeding handgrip (8) is housed, valve seat (5) can be fixed on the pot cover hole by valve seat nut (4), this comprehensive safety valve has following function, the pressure that first envelope is pushed down the porthole (6) of valve seat exhaust hole can be changed by the elastic force of rotation nut (9) regulating spring (10), thereby the security personnel"s steam discharge that can regulate porthole (6) is as required pressed; It two is that superpressure is not during steam discharge for some reason when vapour pressure, and fuse sheet can play the secondary safety effect.The function (being undertaken) that also has manual steam bleeding by steam bleeding handgrip (8).

The bottom shape of electric pressure cooking saucepan pot body can be the concave bottom formula, can be made into sunken bottom formula (evagination curved surface shaped) especially.This helps improving the strength and stiffness in the bottom of a pan, also applicable to frying in shallow oil, iron and stir-fry etc.

The utility model is owing to adopt the pressure regulation temperature preservation control device, make electric pressure cooking saucepan depress and can work in protecting under the vapour state under than higher safe vapour pressure at the working steam of needs, can help saves energy, shorten working hours, and, also helping the purification working environment owing to do not adopt the steam discharge pressure limiting valve, the utility model attemperating unit is simple in structure, reliable operation provides guarantee for the trouble free service of electric pressure cooking saucepan.The utility model is particularly suitable for as cooking apparatus, can also be as High pressure steam sterilizer.

A60 safety valve is adopted in the European type range. The flameout protection device uses the principle of magnetic attraction of the solenoid valve to ensure that the gas is automatically closed when the flame goes out unexpectedly. Widely used in Europe, Australia, Middle East, Southeast Asia and China market.

A variety of installation ways, the application is more flexibleWe can adjust and tailor-made the specifications according to the structure and functions of the cooker manufacturer. A60 safety valve has a variety of installation methods, including SPIGOT, SADDLE MOUNT, U MOUNT and FLANGE.

The A60 safety valve with CSA, CE and Australian certification meets the highest standards of air tightness, durability and working pressure and temperature in the commercial appliances industry. Cooker"s manufacturers can sell the same model to multiple markets for saving development and design costs.

The body of clamping design of on-off valve A18-X1X can be assembled with a general wrench, which is fast and convenient for assembly. Stainless steel flexible tube are produced from CSA certified raw materials with durable and reliable quality.

Manifolds and gas valves pre-assembly service to save the assembly cost of cooker"s manufacturers and increasing their production capacity. All of Alpha Brass Control"s products are high accurate and 100% air-tight tested.