What to Do If a Presto Pressure Cooker Won't Open

Always use caution when preparing food with a pressure cooker.

Let it Cool

If there is still a bit of pressure left inside the cooker, the lid will be difficult or impossible to remove, which is a good thing. Depending on the amount of pressure and what's cooking inside, a steam explosion and extensive burns may result if you force the lid open. Let the cooker cool down or run cold water over the exterior for a few minutes, then try again

Flip the Safety Catch

Assuming the pressure is gone from inside the cooker, look under the handle for a metal safety catch which engages from the lid, locking it to the body of the cooker. Occasionally, this catch locks in place, preventing the lid from being rotated and opened. Pry the catch free with a butter knife, then open the lid.

Bottom Line

Always make sure the pressure inside and outside the cooker has equalized before trying to open it. Run cold water on the cooker, remove the rocker weight from the lid and be sure the pressure safety button on the lid has dropped. Once you take all of these safeguards and no pressurized steam exits the cooker, it's safe to open. If it won't open with firm pressure by rotating the lid of the cooker, release the safety catch, then firmly rotate the lid to open the cooker.

References

• Presto Pressure Cookers: Instruction Manual

Resources

• Presto Appliances: Instruction Manual Downloads