As I read yall's postings, pressure cookers keep coming up in the
topics. I have never used one- when I was younger, I remember hearing
about how they can explode. Is that something of concern, or is that
just the older ones, or what? It sounds like many of you use them, and
I would like to hear what you have to say. Thanks!

writes:
>As I read yall's postings, pressure cookers keep coming up in the
>topics. I have never used one- when I was younger, I remember hearing
>about how they can explode. Is that something of concern, or is that
>just the older ones, or what? It sounds like many of you use them, and
>I would like to hear what you have to say. Thanks!

I have used pressure cookers before and they have never exploded on
me.........so far

"merryb" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> As I read yall's postings, pressure cookers keep coming up in the
> topics. I have never used one- when I was younger, I remember hearing
> about how they can explode. Is that something of concern, or is that
> just the older ones, or what? It sounds like many of you use them, and
> I would like to hear what you have to say. Thanks!

I don't think there's much chance of one exploding these days, as they have
safety pressure relief valves, plus the primary pressure control valve
itself is pretty foolproof. Some had the weighted valve that teeter-tottered
back and forth to let the excess steam out, while others used a spring
loaded valve. I can't see those failing unless one deliberately overrides
them, but then the safety pressure relief valve would kick in.

The other danger was opening before the pressure was released, but most are
designed to prevent removal of the lid if any pressure is present.

I've never heard of one exploding, or even read about it in modern times. I
think this is a worry from the past, and during a time when other things
using steam also exploded with some regularity, like steam locomotives on
trains and steam boilers in buildings.

I have two antique pressure cookers myself that don't have the safety
mechanisms, and that I would never use. One was made in the second half of
the 1800s, the other was made in the first half of the 1900s. Neither has a
safety pressure relief valve, and no real protection to keep one from
opening them under pressure. The older one is made of cast iron, which is
not a good material for pressure cookers anyway since it is quite brittle
and subject to casting flaws.

There is currently one of the cast iron pressure cookers from the 1800s for
sale on eBay which is just like the one I have. Mine is of the 5 gallon
size. This one for sale is at a ridiculous price of $345. I got mine for
$27, but the seller had no idea what it was... and neither did I at the
time. I only found out recently about it. Here's a link to that 1800s cast
iron pressure cooker:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=250022807939


--
( #wff_ng_7# at #verizon# period #net# )

> writes:
> As I read yall's postings, pressure cookers keep coming up in the
> topics. I have never used one- when I was younger, I remember hearing
> about how they can explode. Is that something of concern, or is that
> just the older ones, or what? It sounds like many of you use them, and
> I would like to hear what you have to say. Thanks!
>


If you follow the directions for heating and cooling down the contents,
you won't have that problem. They can explode if the cover isn't
fastened correctly or if you try to take off the cover before the
pressure has been released.

It's science but not rocket science.

gloria p

merryb wrote:
> As I read yall's postings, pressure cookers keep coming up in the
> topics. I have never used one- when I was younger, I remember hearing
> about how they can explode. Is that something of concern, or is that
> just the older ones, or what? It sounds like many of you use them, and
> I would like to hear what you have to say. Thanks!

I love my pressure cookers. I have a 4 and 6 qt one. My Grandmother
and Mother used them all the time and never had a problem. They save
lots of energy and are fairly simple. Presto is the brand my family
has always used. They come with very good recipe books.

New ones are not very expensive. I can buy replacement safety valves
and gaskets for mine at local hardware store. Give them a try you
will not be sorry.

"pamjd" > wrote in
oups.com:

>
> merryb wrote:
>> As I read yall's postings, pressure cookers keep coming up
>> in the topics. I have never used one- when I was younger, I
>> remember hearing about how they can explode. Is that
>> something of concern, or is that just the older ones, or
>> what? It sounds like many of you use them, and I would like
>> to hear what you have to say. Thanks!
>
> I love my pressure cookers. I have a 4 and 6 qt one. My
> Grandmother and Mother used them all the time and never had a
> problem. They save lots of energy and are fairly simple.
> Presto is the brand my family has always used. They come with
> very good recipe books.
>
> New ones are not very expensive. I can buy replacement safety
> valves and gaskets for mine at local hardware store. Give
> them a try you will not be sorry.

Yes, I agree with you.
Love my Presto's!!!
No problem ever. But I do follow directions, most of the time. ;-
)

In article .com>,
says...
> As I read yall's postings, pressure cookers keep coming up in the
> topics. I have never used one- when I was younger, I remember hearing
> about how they can explode. Is that something of concern, or is that
> just the older ones, or what? It sounds like many of you use them, and
> I would like to hear what you have to say. Thanks!
>
>

The older pressure cookers need to be watched carefully else they could
explode if the pressure regulator got clogged, etc. Newer models have
safety releases built in.

On 2006-10-02, merryb > wrote:

> topics. I have never used one- when I was younger, I remember hearing
> about how they can explode. Is that something of concern, or is that
> just the older ones.....

Pretty much, the older ones. They had one escape for the steam and if
it became clogged from overloading the cooker ....boom! But, today's
better p-cookers have multiple saftety devices. Mine and a few other
brands have up to three safety pressure releases makes them pretty
foolproof. OTOH, even the new one's can be screwed up and probably
made to explode. It's basically a matter or following instructions
and not using them improperly. They're all safe if used the way
they're meant to.

nb

merryb wrote:
> As I read yall's postings, pressure cookers keep coming up in the
> topics. I have never used one- when I was younger, I remember hearing
> about how they can explode. Is that something of concern, or is that
> just the older ones, or what? It sounds like many of you use them, and
> I would like to hear what you have to say. Thanks!
>
>
Modern pressure cookers are designed with fail safe features that
prevent them exploding. Mind you, it is still a good idea to ensure that
the outlet vent is not clogged.

I love my pressure cooker, use it all the time.

Christine

On 2 Oct 2006 16:15:30 -0700, "merryb" > wrote:

>As I read yall's postings, pressure cookers keep coming up in the
>topics. I have never used one- when I was younger, I remember hearing
>about how they can explode. Is that something of concern, or is that
>just the older ones, or what? It sounds like many of you use them, and
>I would like to hear what you have to say. Thanks!

If you have one of the old style PCs (like I do), it's important to
make sure that the stem is not clogged. I use a pipe cleaner for this
purpose, having long since lost the little brush gizmo that came with
the PC. Mine did "explode" once -- the safety valve popped, scared
the beejeezus and at least two lives out of my cat, Norman Bates, and
vesuviused black bean juice all over my white ceiling. I deduced that
it did so because someone (pointing finger at self) neglected to clean
the stem. I've become right religious about doing so ever since.
Norman is pleased. The ceiling still has faint BB juice stains.

TammyM

Geez, I've worried about the same thing for years. My mother had a
couple that she used all the time -- and never had any problems
whatsoever. However, she was responsible for scaring the hell out of
me; now, I suspect that she told me horror stories just to keep me away
from them back then.

I've now used my MIL's twice, and had no problems. My only complaint
is that hers is too small for some of the things I want to do! LOL One
of these days I'll buy a bigger one.

~Eri

Anytime you cook under pressure there is cause for diligence and keen
attention.

First rule: I never put any part of my pressure cooker in the
dishwasher - the cleaning agents are too corrosive and break down the
seals and pressure vent seals.

Second rule: check and recheck all rubber seals for signs of wear and
tear. If they look perished, even slightly, get new ones. Never, ever
use bodgy seals on a pc.

Third is basic common sense. If you are cooking anything under
pressure, allow the food to cool sufficiently, and the pressure to
reduce, before even thinking about removing the lid.
Or you'll end up with what you've cooked pressure blasted all over your
kitchen ceiling!

Once the pressure builds up and the pc starts to 'whistle' turn down
the heat until you get a constant, low, whistle from the valve. If you
keep the heat to high, it's more likely to 'blow'.

I've been using a pc for nearly 30 years - only ever used the English
Prestige model - and never had a drama.
As others have said, RTFM (ie: read the f'ing manual) and use common
sense and you won't have any problems.

cheers & good luck pc'ing!

LadyJane
--
"Never trust a skinny cook!"

One time on Usenet, "merryb" > said:

> As I read yall's postings, pressure cookers keep coming up in the
> topics. I have never used one- when I was younger, I remember hearing
> about how they can explode. Is that something of concern, or is that
> just the older ones, or what? It sounds like many of you use them, and
> I would like to hear what you have to say. Thanks!

My mom canned in one for as long as I can remember (I'm 42),
ditto my Gramma using her old Presto for cooking (I have it now).
They both warned me that yes, they can explode, but that's if you
aren't paying attention to it or following the directions. I
suspect the newer ones have more, safer features too...

--
"Little Malice" is Jani in WA
~ mom, Trollop, novice cook ~

One time on Usenet, (TammyM) said:
> On 2 Oct 2006 16:15:30 -0700, "merryb" > wrote:

> >As I read yall's postings, pressure cookers keep coming up in the
> >topics. I have never used one- when I was younger, I remember hearing
> >about how they can explode. Is that something of concern, or is that
> >just the older ones, or what? It sounds like many of you use them, and
> >I would like to hear what you have to say. Thanks!

> If you have one of the old style PCs (like I do), it's important to
> make sure that the stem is not clogged. I use a pipe cleaner for this
> purpose, having long since lost the little brush gizmo that came with
> the PC. Mine did "explode" once -- the safety valve popped, scared
> the beejeezus and at least two lives out of my cat, Norman Bates, and
> vesuviused black bean juice all over my white ceiling. I deduced that
> it did so because someone (pointing finger at self) neglected to clean
> the stem. I've become right religious about doing so ever since.
> Norman is pleased. The ceiling still has faint BB juice stains.

Heh!! Great story, Tammy. Reminds of the two, not one but two! times
I let a hard cooked egg on the stove run out of water, and came
running to a loud "pop" that indicated I needed to mop the ceiling.
In that house, the computer room was way in the back, and I didn't
have a portable timer -- once was actually funny, the second time was
just stoopid.

Of course now I know (thanks to Nancy) that you don't have to boil
an egg to hard cook it. AAMOF, an egg salad sandwich sounds like a
nice lunch...

--
"Little Malice" is Jani in WA
~ mom, Trollop, novice cook ~

On 2 Oct 2006 16:15:30 -0700, "merryb" > wrote:

>As I read yall's postings, pressure cookers keep coming up in the
>topics. I have never used one- when I was younger, I remember hearing
>about how they can explode. Is that something of concern, or is that
>just the older ones, or what? It sounds like many of you use them, and
>I would like to hear what you have to say. Thanks!

My mother used one as long as I can remember. I now have my MIL's. I
had and used them for 45 years.

1. Read and follow ALL instructions to the letter.
2. Keep it in good condition.
3. Do not leave the kitchen while it is in use. If you leave the
kitchen you will forget about the cooker and have a big mess on your
hands.
--
Susan N.

"Moral indignation is in most cases two percent moral,
48 percent indignation, and 50 percent envy."
Vittorio De Sica, Italian movie director (1901-1974

In article
>,
Old Mother Ashby > wrote:

> merryb wrote:
> > As I read yall's postings, pressure cookers keep coming up in the
> > topics. I have never used one- when I was younger, I remember hearing
> > about how they can explode. Is that something of concern, or is that
> > just the older ones, or what? It sounds like many of you use them, and
> > I would like to hear what you have to say. Thanks!
> >
> >
> Modern pressure cookers are designed with fail safe features that
> prevent them exploding. Mind you, it is still a good idea to ensure that
> the outlet vent is not clogged.
>
> I love my pressure cooker, use it all the time.
>
> Christine

If the safety valve goes (generally due to over-filling), it makes a
helluva mess. <G> If it happens, RUN until the "fountain" stops or you
might get scalded.

It's only happened to me once in the 20 + years I've been using one, and
it was my own fault for over-filling it when cooking beans.

Cleanest my kitchen had been in a year or so. <G> I had to move the
stove out away from the wall to get the wall and floor under and behind
it, and I also had to take part of the stove hood apart to get it
all.......
--
Peace, Om

Remove extra . to validate e-mails.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a bitch" -- Jack Nicholson

In article >,
(TammyM) wrote:

> On 2 Oct 2006 16:15:30 -0700, "merryb" > wrote:
>
> >As I read yall's postings, pressure cookers keep coming up in the
> >topics. I have never used one- when I was younger, I remember hearing
> >about how they can explode. Is that something of concern, or is that
> >just the older ones, or what? It sounds like many of you use them, and
> >I would like to hear what you have to say. Thanks!
>
> If you have one of the old style PCs (like I do), it's important to
> make sure that the stem is not clogged. I use a pipe cleaner for this
> purpose, having long since lost the little brush gizmo that came with
> the PC. Mine did "explode" once -- the safety valve popped, scared
> the beejeezus and at least two lives out of my cat, Norman Bates, and
> vesuviused black bean juice all over my white ceiling. I deduced that
> it did so because someone (pointing finger at self) neglected to clean
> the stem. I've become right religious about doing so ever since.
> Norman is pleased. The ceiling still has faint BB juice stains.
>
> TammyM

You also may have overfilled it. ;-)
Beans are famous for that......
--
Peace, Om

Remove extra . to validate e-mails.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a bitch" -- Jack Nicholson

"OmManiPadmeOmelet" > wrote in message
news
> In article >,
> (TammyM) wrote:
>
>> On 2 Oct 2006 16:15:30 -0700, "merryb" > wrote:
>>
>> >As I read yall's postings, pressure cookers keep coming up in the
>> >topics. I have never used one- when I was younger, I remember hearing
>> >about how they can explode. Is that something of concern, or is that
>> >just the older ones, or what? It sounds like many of you use them, and
>> >I would like to hear what you have to say. Thanks!
>>
>> If you have one of the old style PCs (like I do), it's important to
>> make sure that the stem is not clogged. I use a pipe cleaner for this
>> purpose, having long since lost the little brush gizmo that came with
>> the PC. Mine did "explode" once -- the safety valve popped, scared
>> the beejeezus and at least two lives out of my cat, Norman Bates, and
>> vesuviused black bean juice all over my white ceiling. I deduced that
>> it did so because someone (pointing finger at self) neglected to clean
>> the stem. I've become right religious about doing so ever since.
>> Norman is pleased. The ceiling still has faint BB juice stains.

> You also may have overfilled it. ;-)
> Beans are famous for that......

Well in this particular case, it wasn't overfilled -- but your point is a
good one, and of importance for prospective PC cooks to take note.

TammyM

In article >,
"TammyM" > wrote:

> "OmManiPadmeOmelet" > wrote in message
> news
> > In article >,
> > (TammyM) wrote:
> >
> >> On 2 Oct 2006 16:15:30 -0700, "merryb" > wrote:
> >>
> >> >As I read yall's postings, pressure cookers keep coming up in the
> >> >topics. I have never used one- when I was younger, I remember hearing
> >> >about how they can explode. Is that something of concern, or is that
> >> >just the older ones, or what? It sounds like many of you use them, and
> >> >I would like to hear what you have to say. Thanks!
> >>
> >> If you have one of the old style PCs (like I do), it's important to
> >> make sure that the stem is not clogged. I use a pipe cleaner for this
> >> purpose, having long since lost the little brush gizmo that came with
> >> the PC. Mine did "explode" once -- the safety valve popped, scared
> >> the beejeezus and at least two lives out of my cat, Norman Bates, and
> >> vesuviused black bean juice all over my white ceiling. I deduced that
> >> it did so because someone (pointing finger at self) neglected to clean
> >> the stem. I've become right religious about doing so ever since.
> >> Norman is pleased. The ceiling still has faint BB juice stains.
>
> > You also may have overfilled it. ;-)
> > Beans are famous for that......
>
> Well in this particular case, it wasn't overfilled -- but your point is a
> good one, and of importance for prospective PC cooks to take note.
>
> TammyM

Actually, I took interest in your post! I've never cleaned the pressure
stem with a pipe cleaner... I just clean it when I'm rinsing out the
lid. If my rocker does not rock, I guess that'd mean a plugged stem.
I've just never had that happen, but I'm sure taking notes! :-)

All it takes is once....... <lol>

But seriously, I've read the manual and over-filling seems to be a major
sin?

3/4 full MAX with any foods, Beans are recommended slightly lower.

I feel your pain! What a scary mess eh? <G>

A bit of spray 10% bleach on that ceiling may take the rest of the
stains out, short of just re-painting! :-)
--
Peace, Om

Remove extra . to validate e-mails.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a bitch" -- Jack Nicholson

The Cook wrote:
> On 2 Oct 2006 16:15:30 -0700, "merryb" > wrote:
>
> >As I read yall's postings, pressure cookers keep coming up in the
> >topics. I have never used one- when I was younger, I remember hearing
> >about how they can explode. Is that something of concern, or is that
> >just the older ones, or what? It sounds like many of you use them, and
> >I would like to hear what you have to say. Thanks!
>
> My mother used one as long as I can remember. I now have my MIL's. I
> had and used them for 45 years.
>
> 1. Read and follow ALL instructions to the letter.
> 2. Keep it in good condition.
> 3. Do not leave the kitchen while it is in use. If you leave the
> kitchen you will forget about the cooker and have a big mess on your
> hands.
> --
> Susan N.
>
> "Moral indignation is in most cases two percent moral,
> 48 percent indignation, and 50 percent envy."
> Vittorio De Sica, Italian movie director (1901-1974
Thank you everyone for your input. I guess I will be on the lookout for
one now- Presto seems to be the preferred brand.

merryb wrote:
> As I read yall's postings, pressure cookers keep coming up in the
> topics. I have never used one- when I was younger, I remember hearing
> about how they can explode. Is that something of concern, or is that
> just the older ones, or what? It sounds like many of you use them, and
> I would like to hear what you have to say. Thanks!

I use one quite frequently. I've canned salmon, I've cooked chicken as
well as other main course meals in it, and large amounts of potatoes at
one time. I've never had a problem with it, no explosions.

-SD-