Cooking Resources

jes · 11-26-2011, 07:54 PM

I am watching a cooking show (Chef At Home - Micheal Smith, my favorite) and he is talking about the technological advancements of pressure cookers. They don't explode every few weeks anymore because of an expandable gasket and sealable lid. I understand that a gasket is a piece of rubber or metal that allows a joint to be sealed but I don't understand how that can apply to a pressure cooker.

Andy M. · 11-26-2011, 08:03 PM

The gasket, usually rubber, sits between the lid and the top of the pan. The lid locks onto the pan and creates a pressurized seal.

jes · 11-26-2011, 08:08 PM

I see. So, it is around the rim of the pan to form a seal between the pan and the lid.

What would make it "expandable"?

**PrincessFiona60** · 11-26-2011, 08:10 PM

It is a very pliable gasket, it fills the space and can expand when needed. In cross section it resemble a tire, U-shaped, the open part is to the inside of the pan.

Timothy · 11-26-2011, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jes

I see. So, it is around the rim of the pan to form a seal between the pan and the lid.

What would make it "expandable"?

If the pressure in the pan gets high enough, it will blow the gasket out instead of blowing the pan lid off.

The flying lid and hot liquid are what are the danger. When the gasket blows, it allows the pressure to escape without harming anyone.

If that happens, the gasket should NEVER be reused. buy another one and install it on the pan.

jes · 11-26-2011, 08:22 PM

I understand. "Expandable Gasket" seems, to me, to be a bit misleading. It is just a gasket, the word expandable is just a confusing addition.

**PrincessFiona60** · 11-26-2011, 08:43 PM

The gasket does expand to fill the space, if it didn't you would lose pressure. This is important if you want to use a pressure cooker, it's the most important part to check and make sure it is in good shape before you attempt to use the pressure cooker.

jes · 11-26-2011, 08:48 PM

What causes the gasket to expand inward?

**PrincessFiona60** · 11-26-2011, 08:51 PM

It does not expand inward, it expands and open like spreading the arms of a U open, it fills the space with pliable rubber. Have you ever seen a pressure cooker?