Pressure cookers are popular kitchen tools among many Vietnamese, but they pose significant dangers if not used correctly.
A pressure cooker is a cooking device that is quite commonly used in kitchens, including many households in Vietnam.
The advantage of this pot is that it allows for cooking and tenderizing dishes in a shorter time compared to traditional methods, while also using less fuel.
However, this cooking tool carries many risks if not used properly.
A pressure cooker is a commonly used cooking tool in the kitchen.
Recently, a rare incident occurred in Guangdong (China) that left viewers shuddering. According to footage captured by a camera, a woman was cooking and tidying up when suddenly a pot on the nearby stove exploded.
The terrifying explosion shattered the pot into pieces, sending debris flying and smoke billowing out. The horrifying scene left everyone who saw it trembling in fear.
How a Pressure Cooker Works
The term “pressure cooker” comes from the fact that this pot cooks food using water at a higher pressure than a standard pot.
During cooking, the pot is tightly sealed so that steam cannot escape at a predetermined pressure.
At this point, the water inside the pot reaches a temperature higher than the boiling point under standard conditions, meaning it boils at temperatures above 100 degrees Celsius.
When the pressure becomes too high, the gas automatically activates the release valve to let some steam escape through a small hole on the lid, in order to balance the pressure.
The saturation of steam and the higher boiling temperature allow water to penetrate food more quickly, softening it faster and saving more cooking energy.
To open the pot, one must release steam from the valve or place the pot in cold water to condense the steam inside and reduce the pressure.
Why Extra Caution is Needed When Using a Pressure Cooker
A pressure cooker can become extremely dangerous if used incorrectly.
As mentioned, pressure cookers typically have a mechanism to release excess steam. This mechanism allows some steam to escape to prevent excessive pressure buildup inside the pot while cooking.
However, if this release mechanism malfunctions or if the pot is overfilled with food, blocking the venting path, it can lead to an explosion and pose serious risks to life.
Additionally, a common mistake when using a pressure cooker is attempting to open the pot before fully releasing the hot steam inside, causing the pressurized gas to burst out unexpectedly, leading to injuries and burns.
Experts advise that users must exercise extreme caution and use pressure cookers correctly to avoid unfortunate consequences.
