Pressure cookers are an amazing invention that allows us to cook things much more quickly than conventional methods. Today’s electric pressure cookers are even safer and more user-friendly than the dangerous stovetop type our grandmothers used.
The Breville electric pressure cooker is so versatile as it also has a slow cook function. This gives you the best of both worlds in one appliance – you get the speed of a pressure cooker when you need it or the convenience of a slow cooker.
These pressure cookers are great for reducing your cooking time and helping in the kitchen because of their multi-cooking option.
The pressure function works by heating the water inside the unit. This builds up steam pressure and creates high heat. The time of pressure development inside the pot varies from about 5 to 40 minutes. This will only be able to build up, though, if the cooker is properly sealed.
Once you’re done cooking your favorite food, you have the option of releasing the pressure quickly, manually, or slowly and naturally, depending on the instructions in the recipe.
Always make sure that you have released the pressure inside the pressure cooker before you remove the lid.
Lid Not Locking
An issue that some people have with their pressure cookers is that of the lid not locking properly. If the lid doesn’t lock, your Breville pressure cooker will not be able to build up sufficient steam to cook the food.
There are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem before you can proceed with cooking.
7 Steps to Fix the Breville Pressure Cooker Lid Not Locking
1. You must make sure that your pressure cooker lid is properly closed. This is essential because your pressure cooker will only generate pressure after the lid is properly settled. To correctly close it, align the arrows and turn the handle clockwise until it locks into place.
2. Ensure that you do not open the lid during the cooking time as this will disturb the pressure formation.
3. Check the sealing ring on the lid to see if it is damaged in any way. Sometimes removing the sealing ring for washing causes small tears or deformities in it.
This creates small gaps between the pot and the lid, which can let the pressure escape. Therefore, it is a good idea to always have a spare sealing ring on hand.
4. If the sealing ring is undamaged, but the lid still won’t lock, check if the sealing ring has been properly placed. The lid will not lock until you have aligned the ring properly into place.
Also, there was an issue with some of the gaskets in the older models that had a “top” and “bottom” that you could mistakenly insert upside-down. These gaskets have since been recalled, but you may still have the older type.
5. Another reason for the lid not locking may be that the steam release valve of your Breville pressure cooker is not in the right position. This valve is also known as a pressure limit valve. It is secured under the seal so that pressure is generated inside.
6. Check that your steam release valve still has its silicon ring. Sometimes the ring wears out, and it stops functioning.
7. Check that the entire pressure cooker has been properly cleaned. Any part containing the food particles can cause it to malfunction by blocking valves or not sealing correctly. Sometimes food particles are left inside the valve. Be sure to rinse out every part thoroughly.
Hopefully, this post has helped you to resolve your Breville pressure cooker locking issue. If not, do not hesitate to contact their customer support line.