Pressure cooker safety: the essential rules

Pressure cookers are a fast, energy-efficient way to cook, but they concentrate heat and steam under pressure. A mistake can cause serious burns or, in rare cases, an explosive release of steam and food. These rules apply to stovetop and electric models alike.

Before you cook

• Read the manual. Every cooker has specific limits and parts. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for maximum fill, minimum liquid, and safe cooking times.
• Inspect the parts. Check the gasket (sealing ring) for cracks or stiffness, the vent pipe for clogs, and the pressure regulator and safety valves for freedom of movement. Replace worn parts with manufacturer-approved spares.
• Never overfill. As a general rule, do not fill more than two-thirds full. For foods that foam or expand, such as beans, rice, or pasta, do not fill more than half full. Overfilling can block the vent and cause dangerous pressure buildup.
• Use enough liquid. Pressure cookers need liquid to generate steam. Never cook with less than the minimum amount stated in the manual, and never let the cooker run dry.
• Check the lid and lock. Make sure the lid is properly aligned and locked before heating. If the lid does not lock securely, do not use the cooker.

During cooking

• Start on high heat, then reduce. Bring the cooker to pressure, then lower the heat to maintain a steady, gentle pressure. Strong, continuous hissing or rattling may mean the heat is too high.
• Stay nearby. Do not leave the cooker unattended for long periods. Keep children and pets away from the stove.
• Watch for problems. If steam leaks from around the lid, the pressure regulator does not move, or you smell burning, turn off the heat and let the cooker cool completely before investigating. Do not attempt to force the lid open.

Releasing pressure and opening

• Use the correct release method. Follow the recipe or manual for quick release, natural release, or cold-water release. For foamy foods, use natural release to avoid sputtering.
• Wait for the indicator. Before opening, confirm that the pressure indicator (float valve) has dropped and no steam escapes when you gently move the regulator. If in doubt, wait longer.
• Open away from you. Open the lid so that steam escapes away from your face and hands. Never lean over the cooker.
• Never force the lid. If the lid will not turn, the cooker is still under pressure. Let it cool naturally.

What NOT to do

• Do not use a cooker with a damaged gasket, a blocked vent, or a missing safety valve.
• Do not fill beyond the maximum line or cook without enough liquid.
• Do not open the lid while the pressure indicator is up or steam is escaping.
• Do not put your face or hands over the pressure regulator or vent.
• Do not use a stovetop cooker on a burner larger than the cooker base, and never use it in an oven unless the manual says it is safe.
• Do not modify or repair the cooker yourself beyond replacing user-serviceable parts.

When to get professional help

If you are burned by steam or hot food, cool the burn under cool running water and seek medical advice. For a serious burn, call emergency services. If the cooker shows any sign of damage or malfunction, stop using it and have it inspected or replaced.

Pressure cooking is safe when you respect the equipment. Before your next use, check the gasket and vents, measure your ingredients against the fill lines, and confirm the lid locks properly. A few minutes of preparation prevents most accidents.

This is general information and not a substitute for professional advice. Always follow your cooker's manual and local safety guidance.