Can An Instant Pot Explode? How To Keep Safe

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One of the most common questions people in my Instant pot group ask is “Can an Instant Pot blow up?” or “Can an Instant Pot explode?“. I have seen so many people concerned about a potential Instant Pot explosion that they haven’t even taken their pressure cooker out of the box.

Will your Instant Pot Pressure cooker blow up? The truth is, while it is possible to have a pressure cooker explosion, it is highly unlikely. Unlike a traditional pressure cooker, electric pressure cookers and Instant Pots have a variety of advanced safety features to help reduce the risk of an Instant Pot explosion. Read on to learn more.

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Can An Instant Pot Explode? Is The Instant Pot Dangerous?

The answer is yes, an Instant Pot has the potential to explode. However, this is extremely unlikely and can be prevented by following safety precautions and using your pressure cooker properly.

Why Would An Instant Pot Explode?

To understand how an Instant Pot explosion might occur, it’s important to understand a bit about how they work. The primary component of all modern pressure cookers is the pressure regulator, which regulates the amount of steam and pressure that builds up inside the inner pot.

Do Instant Brand Pressure Cookers Explode?

To keep you safe, pressure cookers made by Instant Brands are equipped with a variety of safety features. These include a thermal fuse, anti-block shield and lid locks to prevent accidental opening while under pressure.

Additionally, all Instant Pot models also have a timer function and an adjustable steam release valve to ensure the optimal pressure is maintained.

If any of these safety features fail, it could potentially lead to an Instant Pot explosion. To avoid this scenario, always read your device’s user manual and follow directions carefully.

Make sure you understand how your pressure cooker works and its specific safety features before using it.

Instant Pot Safety Features: Reasons why Pressure Cooking Is Safe

The reason you can rest assured your Instant Pot will not blow up is that it has at least 10 different safety features to help prevent any type of explosion.

It has pressure regulators that prevent the pressure inside from reaching dangerously high levels that could cause an explosion. Here are just a few of these features:

You can avoid Instant Pot explosions by learning about the Instant Pot safety features.

Pressure Control

The automatic pressure control in your Instant Pot keeps the pressure at a safe range. This prevents it from blowing up.

This also prevents the lid from being blown off to release the pressure. If there is excess pressure building up, the pressure control will release some through the steam valve to keep the pressure at a safe level.

Your Instant pot has pressure regulator protection to ensure a safe cooking experience and guarantee excess pressure protection. The safety valve prevents Instant Pot accidents and ensures a safe level of pressure is maintained at all times.

Anti-Blockage Vent

Pressure cooker manufacturers have created an anti-blockage vent that prevents food and debris from blocking the vent. If it is blocked, it could trap steam and cause pressure to get too high. For this reason, your Instant Pot has this feature so that it can’t get blocked. 

With safety measures such as the anti-blockage vent, food is unlikely to block the steam valve as this prevents Instant Pots from exploding.

Safety Lid Lock

Lifting the lid while a pressure cook is pressurized can cause an explosion. To prevent this, your Instant Pot has a safety lid lock. It prevents you from accidentally opening the pressure cooker when it is still pressurized and gives your pressure cooker leaky lid protection.

Additionally, the lid has a sensor that monitors when the lid is leaking or if it is in an unsafe position for cooking. 

Can You Open The Instant Pot While Under Pressure?

No, you should never attempt to open your Instant Pot while it is still under pressure. Doing so would cause pressure cooker explosions.

It’s best to wait until the pressure has been released and all of the safety features have done their job before attempting to remove the lid from your Instant Pot.

Temperature Control

Your Instant Pot has an automatic temperature control that regulates the temperature depending on what type of food is being cooked.

Additionally, you have a high-temperature sensor that helps to avoid burning food (why you get the burn notice). If you get a burn notice, your Instant Pot is essentially preventing itself from blowing up. 

If the internal temperature of your Instant Pot exceeds safety limits, there is a fuse cut-off that turns off the electrical current. The Instant Pot will shut off. 

Additional Ways You Can Prevent Instant Pot Explosions

If you are still concerned your Instant Pot could potentially blow up, there are some things you can do to prevent an Instant Pot explosion. Here are some tips.

• Make sure you use enough water. It should be a minimum of 1 cup. 
• Avoid leaving it unattended. You don’t want to set it and leave it.
• Don’t fill your Instant Pot over halfway. This could cause it to overflow.
• Keep an eye on foods that get bigger when cooked such as rice, lentils, beans, and cornmeal. 
• Do not try and deep fry foods in your Instant Pot. 

Why Will Your Instant Pot Blow Up?

As I stated in the beginning, there is a slim possibility it could blow up. Although these things are very rare, here are a few reasons your Instant Pot will blow up:

• Manufacturing defects
• The lid is opened too soon
• The vent gets clogged
• Safety features like the blowout preventer failed to work properly. 
• Overfill or underfill the Instant Pot with water. 

Are Instant Pots Safe?

As you can see, if you use your Instant Pot with caution and follow the safety tips in your manual, you have nothing to be afraid of. The possibility of your Instant Pot exploding is extremely small, and many safety features make it one of the safest kitchen appliances you can use.

Just follow the instructions, pay attention to your pressure cooker, and enjoy all the delicious dishes you can make with an Instant Pot!  ​

What About The Instant Pot Silicone Seal?

When using the Instant Pot, it is important to remember to check your silicone seal regularly. This is because it helps keep steam and ingredients inside so that the pressure will build up correctly.

If you notice that your seal isn’t working properly, make sure to replace it as soon as possible. The silicone sealing ring should also be removed and cleaned regularly to ensure it is in good condition and free from buildup.

More Instant Pot Safety Questions

Here are a few more answers to questions you may have.

Can You Leave An Instant Pot Unattended?

Yes, you can leave your Instant Pot unattended, but you should never leave it for an extended period. Keep in mind that if something goes wrong, your Instant Pot could blow up.

Can You Put Water In An Instant Pot Without Food?

Yes, you can put water in your Instant Pot without food. This is how you perform the initial Instant Pot Water Test to check the Instant Pot is in good working order.

Can You Put Metal In An Instant Pot?

Yes, you can put metal in an instant pot as long as it is safe for pressure cooking. However, make sure that the metal pieces are small and don’t exceed the maximum fill line of your Instant Pot.

These are just a few of the important safety considerations you should keep in mind when using your Instant Pot. As long as you follow the instructions and use caution, your Instant Pot should be safe for use. Enjoy all the delicious meals you can make with your Instant Pot! ​​

Are The Safety Features The Same On The Instant Pot Duo And Other Models?

Yes, the safety features are generally the same across all models of Instant Pot. However, you should always refer to your user manual for specific instructions on how to use and maintain your particular model.

Whether you have an Instant Pot lux, Instant Pot Ultra or an Instant Pot Duo model, all of these Instant Pots have been designed with safety guidelines and all the safety measures are in place to ensure all Instant brands models are safe for use.

If you have safety concerns simply check your user manual for potential issues.

How Full Can You Fill An Instant Pot?

It is important to not overfill your Instant Pot. The maximum fill line should never be exceeded, as this could cause an overflow and increase the risk of a pressure cooker exploding. If you are cooking rice or other grains, make sure that the amount does not exceed halfway.

So How Often Do Instant Pots Explode?

Instant Pots exploding is extremely rare, and as long as you use your Instant Pot with caution and follow the safety tips in your manual, you have nothing to be concerned about. Also, make sure that all components of the Instant Pot are in good condition.

So Are Pressure Cookers Dangerous? Yes Or No?

No, pressure cookers are not dangerous when used properly. When you use your pressure cooker with caution and follow the safety tips in your manual, it is a safe kitchen appliance to use.

Enjoy Cooking Without The Worry Of Instant Pots Exploding

Using an Instant Pot can be a great way to cook delicious meals quickly and safely! Just remember to take all necessary precautions when using this wonderful kitchen appliance.

When in doubt, consult your user manual or contact the manufacturer to prevent Instant Pot accidents.

Instant Pot Recipes You May Love

Here are some tasty recipes you can cook in your Instant Pot.

• Instant Pot Orange Chicken
• Instant Pot Pumpkin Puree Recipe
• Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
• Instant Pot Corn On The Cob