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Can An Instant Pot Explode Or Not?

Many people fear using advanced technology in the kitchen. They prefer to stick to the old way of cooking, even though they need to work harder and to spend more time in the kitchen.

This article addresses a difficult question: can an instant pot explode? The short answer is yes (although very unlikely), if the safety measures put in place by the manufacturer aren’t adhered to.

We will take a closer look into the way instant pots work, into their safety features, and into the possible reasons why they would explode.

Briefly put, your instant pot may be much smarter than you think, so you shouldn’t shy away from using it.

Featuring built-in safety elements, these items prevent you from using them in a dangerous manner.

How Does An Instant Pot Work?

To start with, let’s see how instant pots work. Just like the old pressure cookers, instant pots work by building pressure inside a sealed environment, and therefore cooking food much faster than conventional kitchenware.

In order to avoid explosions, the pressure has to be controlled with the help of a special device called a pressure regulator.

Older models of pressure cookers had this pressure regulator on top of their lids. The instant pot is a more modern version of pressure cooker and it is able to keep the pressure at optimal levels, in order to avoid accidents.

What Safety Features Prevent An Instant Pot From Exploding?

The reason why instant pots aren’t likely to explode is that they are designed with multiple safety features. As most accidents occur due to human error, these safety features are an absolute must.

Lid Close Detection

The lid close detection is perhaps the most important safety features. Whenever you fail to properly close the lid, the instant pot deactivates pressure cooking.

You can always use the keep warm function, if your pot has one, but you won’t be able to use the cooking function unless you close the lid the right way.

Automatic Pressure Cooking Cut-Off

Also, in the event of a leakage, the instant pot will automatically switch from pressure cooking to keeping warm.

This may occur in case of a faulty steam release or missing sealing ring. Either way, you don’t risk that the instant pot explodes in your face, so you’re as safe as can be.

Anti-Blockage Vent

The anti-blockage vent is another useful feature that keeps you safe during cooking. Thanks to this system, tiny food particles can’t clog up the pressure release vent.

This means that the pressure can’t exceed the safety threshold set by the manufacturer. At the same time, you should know that the lid locks under pressure, so you won’t be able to open it until the pressure comes down.

If you have children, you won’t need to worry about any of them removing the lid to look inside the pot. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t allow your children in the kitchen while you cook.

Temperature Thermostat

Unlike old pressure cookers, instant pots have a thermostat that regulates the cooking temperature.

Thanks to this feature, the temperature and the pressure will always be at the optimal levels. Of course, you’ll be able to adjust these settings to match the ideal cooking temperature of different foods.

Sometimes, the temperature of the instant pot may rise over the upper limit, due to the lack of moisture in the pot.

In such situations, the high-temperature warning goes off, so you’ll know you need to do something about it as soon as possible.

Also, the heat will be automatically cut, in order to prevent unwanted incidents. There’s no way an instant pot can explode, as its safety mechanisms are not only redundant but also highly efficient.

Why Would An Instant Pot Explode?

Since most consumers worry about explosions, all major instant pot manufacturers take special measures to ensure their products are always as safe as can be.

The only situation in which an instant pot can explode or leak is a malfunction or a manufacturing error. The design of these items is safe, but a faulty unit can wreak havoc on your kitchen.

If you want to be on the safe side, you should thoroughly inspect your instant pot before every use. Check the seal and the release valve to ensure they are clean and free from any form of blockage.

Also, make sure you clean the instant pot after every use, in order to prevent food particles from accumulating inside the vent or on the seal.

Consider replacing the seal every 12-16 months. Failing to do so may result in leaks.

Always fill the pot below the maximum level. Some foods expand their volume a lot during cooking, so they may block the steam release holes.

If you load the right amounts of food, you don’t have any reason to worry that your pot will explode or leak.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an instant pot can only explode in case of a manufacturing fault or human error.

If you use it correctly and you always clean it thoroughly after use, you’ll have nothing to worry about. Just pay attention to all details and stop using the pot in case you observe anything unusual.

For more cooking tips and kitchen ideas visit Show Home Style.