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Understand the risks and precautions of unattended pressure cooking.
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No, it is generally not safe to leave a pressure cooker unattended on the stove, as rapid pressure changes, unexpected blockages, or a complete boil-dry could lead to a hazardous situation.

Detailed Explanation:

While modern pressure cookers have multiple safety features, leaving a stovetop pressure cooker completely unattended can be risky and is generally advised against.

  1. Pressure Regulation: Stovetop pressure cookers require careful monitoring, especially during the initial phase of pressure buildup and to maintain stable pressure. You might need to adjust the heat to prevent excessive whistling or sputtering, or to ensure enough heat is maintained for pressure to build.
  2. Boil-Dry Risk: If the heat is too high or the cooking time is misjudged, the liquid inside the pressure cooker can completely evaporate (boil dry). This can cause the cooker to overheat, potentially damaging the cooker itself, scorching the food, or in severe cases, activating safety mechanisms that could forcefully release steam or even cause rupture if those mechanisms fail.
  3. Blockages: Although safety valves are present, an unexpected blockage of the vent pipe (e.g., from a piece of food) could lead to dangerous over-pressurization if not noticed and addressed promptly.
  4. Electric Pressure Cookers (Instant Pots): While electric pressure cookers like the Instant Pot have more automated temperature and pressure control, they still shouldn't be left completely unattended for extended periods, especially during initial depressurization, in case of error codes or unexpected behavior. However, they are generally safer for short periods of unattended cooking than stovetop models.
It's best practice to stay within earshot and occasionally check on a pressure cooker, especially if you are new to it or using a stovetop model.

Pro Tip:

Always ensure there's sufficient liquid for the entire cooking duration to prevent the pressure cooker from boiling dry, especially for longer cooking times.

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