Hey all,

The other day I went to the thrift shop and while browsing, came across some pressure cookers that were being sold for cheap. I’ve heard of these things before, but this was my first time actually seeing them in person.

I did some research as to how they’re used and what for, and I’m thinking I might as well purchase one. However, I know there is a risk of the thing exploding, especially seeing that they aren’t new models sold from the store and all.

My main question is how I would go about preventing an explosion happening in my apartment if I were to use one. The two are stovetop ones rather than electric ones, and look more or less like this.

Thanks for any help in advance!

  • MartianSands@sh.itjust.works
    0·
    2 months ago

    They will have some kind of pressure relief valve, to let steam out and prevent an explosion. They only become dangerous if that valve isn’t working (assuming that whatever keeps the lid on is intact and still strong).

    Look for damage around the seal between the pot and the lid, and look for damage to the clamp or latch which holds the lid down against that seal.

    Then look at the valve. It’ll probably be a heavy object (such as a lump of metal) which sits on top of a hole of some sort, or it could possibly be something spring loaded. Either way, check that it moves freely.

    After that the only additional thing you could do is a pressure test, where you basically deliberately overpressurise it and see if it explodes, but if you had the means to do that safely then you wouldn’t be asking for advice here so I don’t recommend it.