8 Essential Tips for Safely Using a Stainless-Steel Pressure Cooker

Understanding a Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker:

Stainless steel pressure cookers are an incredibly versatile kitchen appliance. They speed up the cooking process while preserving nutrients in the food. The pressure cooker works by trapping steam inside, increasing temperature and pressure, and preparing food faster than traditional open-cooking methods.

Stainless steel is a durable material, offering great resistance to corrosion and proving to be an aesthetic, long-lasting material that retains its shine and doesn’t react with food during the cooking process. Both these qualities ensure that a cooker made from stainless steel is ideal for extensive day-to-day use in the kitchen. You can use it for pressurized boiling of your food, or use a cooker without its lid to bake cakes and breads. Its surface provides for even heating, which is a must for baking.

Things to Consider for Safely Using a Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker:

While using any kitchen appliances, safety should be the topmost priority. How to use a stainless steel pressure cooker? Here are some important factors to be considered while using a stainless steel pressure cooker:

Ventilation:

Always use the pressure cooker in a well-ventilated area or in a space that has an exhaust duct/fan/chimney. Exposure to open air avoids steam build-up, ultimately protecting you from suffocation or other accidents in the kitchen.

Lid the cooker properly:

Ensure that the Pressure cooker lid is covered properly before placing the cooker on the heating source.

Supervision:

Always check for unusual functioning of the pressure cooker. change the gasket every 6 months and get the Pressure cooker serviced at service centers regularly depending on the usage.

Keep a tab on time:

Do not forget to turn off the flame or heating source of the pressure cooker beyond the preparation time. Failure to do this can result in overcooked or burnt food.

Child safety:

Keep children at a safe distance from the cooking area to avoid mishaps.

Let the cooker cool down:

Allow the cooker to cool down naturally before cleaning it. Never wash a hot pressure cooker as it can not only burn you but also damage your cooker.

Safety handles:

Check for safety handles on the pressure cooker as they are helpful in holding the pressure cooker while it is hot. Handles also help to have a sturdy grip on the pressure cooker. If the handles are broken or loose do not forget to fix them before use to avoid burns.

People Also Search For: 9 Pressure Cooker Tips

10 Safety Tips while Cooking with Stainless Steel Pressure Cookers:

While a pressure cooker might be easy and fast to use once you get a hang of how to use it, staying cautious is always recommended. If not handled properly, pressure cookers can create life-threatening hazards. Certain safety measures that must be adhered to, while using a pressure cooker are as follows:

User Manual:

There are various types of Prestige pressure cookers available in the market, hence it is advisable to refer to the particular version of the Prestige pressure cooker user manual and follow the guidelines that are specifically listed for the use of the pressure cooker in discussion.

Check the Gasket:

A damaged gasket can affect the sealing of the pressure cooker. Ensure that the gasket is in good condition and properly fixed. A damaged gasket will result in overcooked food or food that is not properly cooked. The gasket needs to be changed every 6 months.

Ensure Cooking Level:

Avoid overfilling the pressure cooker while cooking as it can create excessive pressure in the cooker which will lead to potential hazards. The pressure cooker should not be filled more than ⅔ of its capacity. Refer to the user manual and check the safety precautions for filling the pressure cooker before cooking.

Lock the Cooker Properly:

A loose lid will release the pressure while cooking and result in uneven cooking. The pressure indicator in the cooker helps to indicate if the pressure is built or not in the cooker. Ensure that the pressure cooker lid is locked and secured properly before you place the cooker on the stove.

Check the Vent Valve:

Always ensure that the pressure cooker vent valve is cleaned properly and free from any obstruction. Generally while cooking, the food particles accumulate in the vent valve of the pressure cooker and remain there if not cleaned properly. Additionally, a blocked valve can prevent pressure release, leading to mishaps.

Prematurely Opening of the Pressure Cooker:

Avoid opening the pressure cooker while there is still pressure inside. Forcefully opening the lid while the pressure is still present inside the cooker can result in half-cooked food.

Avoid Cooking Certain Foods:

Foods like carbonated beverages or yeast-based doughs should not be cooked in a pressure cooker as they have the potential to rise and block the vent tube.

Maintenance:

Regularly check and inspect the functioning of the pressure cooker. A clean pressure cooker is less likely to malfunction.

By following these tips of stainless steel cooker you can seamlessly use the appliance.

Conclusion:

The above-mentioned guidelines and safety precautions can help you confidently use your Prestige stainless-steel cookware set and pressure cooker. Always remember to prioritize safety and never forget to read the user manual carefully before using the pressure cooker. These essential stainless steel pressure cooker usage tips will ensure a positive and enjoyable cooking experience.

At Prestige, pressure cookers are available in various shapes and sizes, ranging from a capacity of 2 liters to 20 liters. They also come in a variety of designs, including those with a lid cover that close inside the cooker (Inner Lid) and those that close outside (Outer Lid). There are also other lid options such as the Svachh lid and flip-on/ clip-on covers which can control spillage.

FAQs:

Q. Can I use the pressure cooker on all types of cooktop?

A. The majority of pressure cookers are designed to work on all stoves, but it is essential to check your specific model’s compatibility. All pressure cookers are designed to work on a gas stove. However, only some are specifically designed to work on an induction as well. Users need to check the respective Product pages/manual for induction compatibility. All Prestige stainless steel pressure cookers are induction-compatible.

Q. Can I use the pressure cooker for baking and frying?

A. Pressure cookers are designed for braising, stewing, and boiling. Avoid frying in a pressure cooker as frying should be done in a wide-open frying pan. Pressure cookers generally come in cylindrical shapes and frying in a pressure cooker is neither safe nor convenient. Baking is not recommended in a pressure cooker.

Q. How often do I need to replace the gasket of the pressure cooker?

A. It is advisable to change the gasket every 6 months. However, you can also replace the gasket if you notice any damage in the gasket. The lifespan of the gasket depends on the usage and maintenance of the pressure cooker.

Q. Can I use the pressure cooker for canning?

A. Pressure cooker is a cooking appliance and should not be used for storage. It is advisable to refer to the user manual of the pressure cooker before using it for canning purposes.

Q. What should I do if the pressure release valve of the pressure cooker is stuck?

A. If the valve of the pressure cooker is stuck do not attempt to force it open. Avoid using the pressure cooker if it is not normally functioning. Visit the nearest Prestige Authorised Service center and get the pressure cooker checked.

Q. What should I do if the pressure cooker starts making strange noises?

A. If the pressure cooker makes unusual noises then turn off the heat source immediately and allow the pressure cooker to cool down. Check if the lid is closed properly and all the settings are fixed properly. If the problem still persists, visit the Prestige Service Center to get it checked.