Pressure cookers have been a staple in kitchens around the world for decades, significantly reducing cooking times and preserving nutrients in food. However, over the years, concerns have been raised about the safety of pressure cookers, particularly the risk of explosions.
TorHoerman Law notes that these concerns stem from incidents of over-pressurization, improper sealing, and misuse, which have led to accidents and injuries in some cases.
Instances of Pressure Cooker Explosions
Pressure cookers themselves are generally considered safe and not designed to explode. However, the term “explosion” refers to incidents where scalding foods or liquids are forcefully ejected from defective pressure cookers, causing burns or injuries to nearby individuals.
In certain cases, the pressure has been known to cause lids to detach and hit people. Normally, safety mechanisms are in place to prevent such incidents by keeping the lid securely locked while the contents are under pressure.
Nevertheless, a series of pressure cooker explosion lawsuits have emerged in various courts across the country, detailing accounts of pressure cookers malfunctioning and causing harm.
For instance, in November 2021, a California woman filed a lawsuit against Instant Pot, alleging that she sustained significant burn injuries after her Instant Pot exploded. Over the past four years, lawyers have represented more than 700 individuals in over 40 states who have suffered severe burns due to exploding pressure cookers.
These incidents have raised concerns about pressure cooker safety, prompting a need for manufacturers to further improve their products’ design and safety features to prevent such accidents in the future.
To address these concerns, the pressure cooker industry has been continuously innovating and integrating emerging technologies to enhance safety and prevent accidents. In this article, we will explore some of the cutting-edge technologies that have been introduced to make pressure cookers safer than ever before.
Smart Pressure Sensors
A recent research paper published on ResearchGate introduced a groundbreaking safety advancement for pressure cookers, addressing the common risks and accidents resulting from user carelessness.
The main goal of this study is to present a device that incorporates smart pressure sensors, allowing constant monitoring of the pressure inside the cooker and providing real-time data to the appliance’s control system.
This integration of smart sensors ensures accurate measurement and regulation of pressure, effectively preventing over-pressurization, which is a major cause of explosions in pressure cookers.
Additionally, the paper proposes the use of sound sensors to detect the pressure cooker whistle’s sound waves. By recording the whistle count using an Arduino, users can track the number of whistles in real time.
The device also offers the convenience of sending notifications to the user’s mobile application, enabling them to stay informed about the whistle count and facilitating safe usage of the pressure cooker.
Ultimately, this innovative safety approach combining smart pressure sensors and sound detection aims to enhance pressure cooker safety and reduce accidents caused by user negligence.
Auto-Locking Lid Mechanisms
Traditional pressure cookers rely on a manual locking mechanism, requiring users to ensure a tight lid seal before cooking. However, human error can lead to inadequate sealing, thereby increasing the risk of pressure-related accidents. To address this concern, emerging technologies have introduced auto-locking lid mechanisms.
Auto-locking lids utilize smart sensors to detect the proper sealing of the lid before initiating the cooking process. In cases where the lid is not correctly secured, the cooker will not start, effectively preventing potential safety hazards. This innovative feature provides an additional layer of safety and peace of mind for users, especially those who are new to pressure cooking.
Pressure Release Innovations
Pressure release mechanisms have undergone significant advancements to ensure a controlled release of steam during and after cooking. Traditional pressure cookers often relied on manual pressure release valves, which could be challenging to handle for some users. The latest innovations now offer automatic pressure release options.
Intelligent pressure cookers are equipped with multiple release options, including natural release, quick release, and pulse release. These alternatives allow users to choose the most suitable method for their recipe and reduce the chances of accidents caused by improper pressure release.
Improved Gasket Materials
The gasket plays a crucial role in pressure cookers as it is responsible for maintaining a tight seal between the pot and the lid. In the past, gaskets were commonly made of rubber or silicone, which had the potential to degrade over time, compromising the safety of the cooker.
As reported by ConsumerNotice.org, more than 35,000 Breville Cookers were recalled due to a defective sealing gasket that posed a burn risk by allowing an unexpected release of built-up pressure.
However, advancements have been made in pressure cooker technology, particularly in gasket materials. Modern pressure cookers are now incorporating advanced materials like high-grade silicone blends or synthetic rubber compounds for their gaskets. These materials offer enhanced durability and better resistance to wear and tear, ensuring a longer lifespan for the pressure cooker and significantly reducing the likelihood of seal failures.
Mobile App Integration and Remote Monitoring
Some manufacturers are taking pressure cooker safety to the next level by incorporating mobile app integration and remote monitoring features. Users can connect their smart pressure cookers to a dedicated mobile app via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Users can monitor the cooking process, adjust settings, and receive real-time safety notifications through the app. If the cooker detects any abnormalities or potential safety risks, the app can alert the user and even initiate safety protocols automatically.
Conclusion
As technology continues to evolve, the pressure cooker industry is leveraging emerging innovations to make these kitchen appliances safer than ever before. As consumers, it is essential to embrace these advancements and stay informed about the latest safety features when selecting a pressure cooker for our homes.
By prioritizing safety and using these innovations responsibly, we can confidently enjoy the time-saving benefits of pressure cooking while minimizing the risks of accidents and explosions in the kitchen.
