How dangerous is a pressure cooker?

They’re marketed as time-saving miracle home appliances, but some estimates put the yearly pressure cooker accident death toll at 5501, with upwards of 4,8001 injuries annually. With millions of different models across brands being recalled for safety. But what makes a simple household appliance so deadly? 

A pressure cooker works by trapping hot steam in a tightly sealed pot, raising the internal pressure and allowing the food to cook much faster than normal. As the liquid inside heats up, it turns to steam, which pushes the temperature above boiling. High heat and pressure are always a dangerous combination. 

Normally, the pressure is slowly vented off manually by a nozzle. But if something in the nozzle malfunctions, the pressure can release violently all at once. But the more dangerous outcome arrives if the vent is clogged. The pressure inside the cooker can reach extreme levels. And eventually rupture the entire appliance, sending metal flying everywhere. 

While pressure cookers are normally used for cooking, unfortunately, this everyday cooking appliance has been utilized by terrorists to cause chaos. The Boston Marathon bombing in 2013 occured when two pressure cookers were turned into explosive devices by simply adding gunpowder and ball bearings to a pressure cooker. The high temperature ignited the explosive continents inside, sending the metal bearings at high speed in all directions. Cause three deaths and maiming hundreds around the bomb. 

Now with all this information in mind, how do we properly use a pressure cooker without causing damage to anything or anyone? Here are a few simple tips on how to stay safe while cooking:

• Examine the seals before starting. 

  • Make sure the rubber ring sealing the lid and valve are not cracked or discolored.

• Do not overfill with water or ingredients

  • It's best practice to avoid overfilling the pressure cooker above two-thirds of its volume.

• Avoid adding oils if possible.

  • Adding too much oil to your pressure cooker might be risky. It can result in the gasket (rubber sealing ring around the vent or lid) to melt away and break. 

• Clean the valve and seal regularly.

  • Use a toothpick to clear obstructions from the vent port, to prevent a blockage from forming. 

Work Cited

[1]: TorHoerman Law