"Bus uska whistle ka problem tha...thank God main bach gai": When to replace your pressure cooker to avoid any accident

When it comes to comfort cooking, a pressure cooker is one of the quickest and most efficient ways to prepare dals, rice, vegetables, and meats. It not only reduces cooking time but also makes it easier to prepare one-pot meals, where you simply add all the ingredients at once and pressure cook them. However, cooking with a pressure cooker also calls for extra care and attention. In an unfortunate incident, an Instagram user suffered significant damage in her kitchen because she neglected a minor whistle problem with her cooker. The video shared by the handle @nutanregal shows the mess a cooker blast made while the owner was still in the home. In the video she says, "Guys, manage anything else in life, but if there is even a 1% plus or minus in the cooker, then don't ever manage it. The condition you are seeing is due to the blast of this cooker. And there wasn't much of a problem with it." She adds, "Bus uska whistle kabhi ata tha kabhi nahi, aur dekho isne kitna damage kiya hai. Thanks to God main bach gai, because uus time main apne room mein nashta kar rahi thi." You can imagine that it has caused damage from one room to another. So, what would have happened to me if I had been there? I can't even think about it, she added in the video. According to the video caption, it is a real incident and nobody should ignore such a thing. Keeping that in mind, here we have curated a detailed list of dos and don'ts related to the cooker, guidelines for buyers and when you should replace your pressure cooker to avoid any such accident.

According to experts, a pressure cooker works under high steam pressure, which makes safety standards extremely important. That’s where BIS certification and the ISI mark come in. The ISI (Indian Standards Institution) mark shows the cooker meets quality and safety standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). For the unversed, BIS-certified cookers are tested for durability, pressure resistance, lid safety, handles, and valves and these tests help customers choose safer options in the market.

It is a Government of India-approved mandate where the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) department issues BIS certification for domestic pressure cookers under the Product Certification Scheme (PCS), requiring strict compliance with IS 2346:1992 standards. This critical safety regulation addresses the significant risks associated with pressure cooker accidents—including explosions, steam burns, and component failures—while ensuring quality products reach Indian households.

Aluminum pressure cookers made with aluminum alloy, stainless steel cookers made with SS 304, SS 202, and also induction base cookers made with aluminum and SS base.

While buying pressure cooker, always look for the followings as safety checks in mind:
1. Look for the ISI or BIS mark to ensure the cooker meets safety standards.
2. Choose the right size based on requirement, as overcrowding can affect pressure and cooking
3. Check the lid-locking system and safety valve
4. Ensure that the gasket or rubber ring is flexible and fits properly.
5. Prefer heavy-bottom cookers for even heat distribution and durability.
6. Always inspect handles for strong heat-resistant material and a firm grip.
7. Always buy from trusted and BIS mark-approved brands and keep the warranty card safely.

Worn-out seals and gaskets: Due to regular wear and tear, they lose efficiency and increase burn risk.
Corrosion or pitting: Due to regular use and impurities or excessive minerals in tap water, metal deteriorates and can release harmful substances into food.
Faulty safety valves: A malfunctioning valve can lead to over-pressurization, increasing the risk of accidents.

1. If your cooker is older than 7-9 years and is used everyday, it is advisable to replace it.
2. If you face difficulty in closing the lid, then also change it.
3. If you can see corrosion, dents, or any other damage on the internal body, then consider replacing the cooker.
4. Also, if the safety valve or pressure indicator is not working smoothly, it's a sign to change your pressure cooker.

Overcrowding the cooker: When you are cooking in a pressure cooker, never fill it completely. Always keep the cooker at half capacity, as this will help you get the best results.
Cooking on high flame: A high flame creates pressure faster without even cooking the dish and can also lead to burning the food at the bottom of the cooker. So, make sure that you cook food on a low-medium flame when using a pressure cooker.

Not using enough liquid: The rule of thumb with liquid is to always keep more in quantity in ratio to the key ingredient. For 1 cup of pulse, use 1.5 cups of water and for 1 cup of rice, use 1.5 cups of water and so on.
Releasing pressure incorrectly: Did you know that incorrect releasing of pressure can actually affect the taste and texture of the dish? Yes, it is always suggested to let the pressure release naturally and forced releasing of pressure might destroy the dish.
Poor cleaning and maintenance: It is suggested to clean the vent pipe, safety valve, and lid thoroughly after every use with the help of warm water and dish liquid.