Pressure cookers are great tools for making quick and tasty meals. When you use a pressure cooker, a lot of steam builds up in the pot, creating pressure inside. The cooker adjusts the pressure inside it by releasing the steam.
Typically, the cooker does this automatically, but sometimes you must do it manually for recipes. So, it’s crucial to know how to release pressure from a pressure cooker.
If you know this, it will make your cooking experience much more pleasant and convenient. But you’ve nothing to worry about even if you don’t have any idea because it isn’t rocket science. With a little practice, it would be a piece of cake.
This article will discuss how the steam release system works and how to release pressure from various pressure cookers. So, let’s get started.
Pressure Release Systems of a Pressure Cooker
Different types of pressure cookers are available on the market. Most of them come with a steam release valve, the most common pressure release system.
Usually, the valve is located on the cooker’s lid, and it has a spring-loaded plunger that opens a small hole to let out the steam. When the pressure inside the cooker reaches a certain level, it releases excess steam through the valve. This keeps the cooking environment safe.
Nowadays, many pressure cookers use a pressure regulator to control the pressure inside the pot. This additional safety mechanism prevents the pressure from rising too high and causing injury.
A pressure regulator has two main parts: an adjustable relief valve and a PSI regulator. The relief valve works like the steam release valve, and the regulator controls it when to operate.
For example, the relief valve will open when the pressure reaches the highest level to let the steam out. Hopefully, it’s clear to you how pressure release systems work. So now, let’s see how to do it manually.
How to Release Pressure from a Stovetop Pressure Cooker?
All these systems release the steam naturally, but if you need to do it manually, you can do so within a few steps. This is a tricky process, so you have to be careful enough.
1. Turn off the flame or remove the cooker from the stove.
2. Open the steam release valve slowly with a knife or a spoon. You can do this by taking a short break for 10 seconds, one after. Keep a safe distance between yourself and the cooker while doing this because the steam will shoot out fast that can burn your finger.
3. Let the steam vent completely, then close the valve. If you have a pressure gauge in your cooker, you can easily see how much pressure is left.
4. Open the lid and let the pressure drop to normal. Please don’t put your face on the pot while you open it.
5. Wait a while for the steam to get off fully.
How to Release Pressure from an Electric Pressure Cooker?
But some electric pressure cookers like Instant Pot come with two pressure release systems- natural release and quick release.
Natural release is the most common method of releasing steam from these cookers. This method slowly releases the steam keeping the pressure constant inside the pot. As a result, your food will be cooking continuously. This method is ideal for cooking your food for a long time and keeping the food warm.
Quick release allows you to release the pressure quickly without damaging your food. This method is ideal for preventing your food from overcooking. Also, it will save you time when you’re in a hurry. So now the question is how to release the pressure quickly.
1. Cancel cooking by pressing the Cancel button.
2. Switch the steam release valve to the venting position. Be careful while doing this because the steam will shoot out fast, which can burn your finger.
3. Let the steam vent completely.
4. Open the lid carefully. Please don’t put your face on the pot while you open it.
5. Wait a while for the steam to get off fully.
How to Release Pressure from a Jiggle Top Pressure Cooker?
The jiggle is usually made of stainless steel and has a valve that operates automatically. When the pressure inside the pot reaches a certain level, the valve opens, allowing the steam to escape safely.
If you need to release the steam manually, you can do so within a few steps.
1. Remove the cooker from the stove.
2. Push the jiggle from the lower side with a knife. Be careful while doing this; otherwise, the steam can injure your finger.
3. Let the steam vent completely.
4. Wait for a couple of minutes, then open the lid.
Safety Precautions While Releasing Steam Manually
The steam that escapes from a pressure cooker could be dangerous for you and your family. To avoid any issues, you should follow some safety precautions when releasing the steam:
- If your cooker has a pressure gauge, then check it before releasing the pressure. If the gauge shows low pressure, you don’t need to release the steam.
- If you need to release the steam, then turn off the heat source or remove the cooker from the stove.
- Switch the steam release valve open. After 10 seconds, take a break and switch the valve on again.
- Never open the lid of the pressure cooker while the steam is escaping.
- Step back immediately if you accidentally open the lid while the steam is escaping. Wait safely until the steam escapes completely, then turn off the heat source.
- Never touch the pressure cooker while it is still hot.
- Do not leave the pressure cooker unattended. Always keep an eye on it, especially the pressure gauge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when natural release is done?
You need to wait a few minutes to hear the “popping” sound of the escaping steam. Until it releases the pressure completely, you will hear the sound repeatedly. This means that the sound will stop when the pressure is gone.
How long does an instant pot take to depressurize?
It takes approximately 20 minutes for the instant pot to depressurize naturally. It may vary from model to model, but 20 minutes is the average time.
What happens if you open a pressure cooker without releasing pressure?
Fortunately, you won’t be able to do so, and even you can’t move the lid. If you accidentally open the lid, the steam will come out as a blast, and you might get scalded badly. So, don’t do this ever.
Conclusion
We are at the end of this blog post. Hopefully, it was helpful for you. Now you know how to release pressure from different types of pressure cookers.
It could be challenging for you if you have never done this before. But if you can utilize the knowledge, it should be an easy task for you.