8 Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker Maintenance Tips

A stainless steel pressure cooker is a highly useful cooking tool. A pressure cooking is a sealed cooking device, which fastens the process of cooking by locking in steam. This method of cooking has several benefits. It reduces cooking time and the need for fuel. It also makes food more moist and soft. A stainless steel pressure cooker is durable and long-lasting. If you take proper care of it, you can use it for decades.

1 – Never Overfill the Pressure Cooker

To get the best out of your stainless steel pressure cooker, only fill it to a maximum of 2/3 of its capacity. This is because the cooking process expands food and overfilling can cause blockage in the vent pipe that lets steam out. It can also cause damage to the other rubber parts in the pressure cooker. The excess pressure can also be unsafe to people in the vicinity.

2 – Make Sure There is Adequate Water

It is important to add the required amount of water in the pressure cooker when you cook food in it with cover closed and sealed. Otherwise, the lack of water can cause damage and discoloration on the pressure cooker and also to the rubber parts. There is also a higher chance of burning your food.

3 – Wash after Every Use

After every use, wash your stainless steel pressure cooker with warm soap water. Remove the gasket, seal and plug and wash these parts as well.

4 – Avoid Sharp or Abrasive Cleaners

To clean your stainless steel pressure cooker, only use fine, non-abrasive cleaners. Never use steel wool or cleaners that contain chlorine. A vegetable brush or a nylon pad can be useful in removing stuck food. To remove heat stains and bring out the natural luster of your stainless steel pressure cooker, consider cleaning it with a silver polish.

5 – Replace Worn Parts as Needed

From time to time, the rubber gasket, seal, plug and ring of the pressure cooker will need replacement. These parts can tear, lose their elasticity, shrink or become hard. Most pressure cooker manufacturers recommend replacing these parts every 2 years or after 400 uses.

6 – Never Use for Pressure Frying

Only use your stainless steel pressure cooker for the intended purpose. Avoid using it on a fire, barbecue or other settings wherein the heat levels are over the specified limit. Never use the pressure cooker for pressure frying, wherein you seal the cooker after adding oil in it. This can be quite dangerous and it will also damage the pressure cooker.

7 – Make Sure Vent Pipe is Clear before Use

To ensure that the cooker can vent out the steam properly, it is important to check the vent pipe before every use. Some foods such as rhubarb, cereals, dry beans and apples are not god choices for pressure cooking, because they may block the vent pipe.

8 – Never Leave Pressure Cooker Unattended

Never leave your stainless steel pressure cooker unattended if you are cooking something in it. The cooking process is usually very fast and you must monitor it closely to avoid burning food and damaging the pressure cooker.