People in the US love electric pressure cookers. This is most evident during Memorial Day and Black Friday sales. There are discounted prices on all sorts of consumer goods during these sales, but kitchen products are what most people are usually after. The electric pressure cooker is one such product that sees an absurd demand during this, as well as most other times of the year.

According to a report published on Industry Research, It’s been stated that the global electric pressure cooker market has a value of around $4269 million as of last year. In the next six years, this value will increase to $4907.4 million. Therefore, it’s safe to say that it’s not just the US that’s obsessed with these electrical kitchen appliances but the entire world.

Electric pressure cookers save you time, energy, and money too, but despite these benefits, this appliance isn’t without its problems. That being said, here are some of the most common problems associated with using an electric pressure cooker.

1 Complexity of Use

While electric pressure cookers are designed to simplify cooking, they can be quite complex for beginners. The multitude of buttons, settings, and cooking modes can overwhelm users, leading to confusion and mistakes.

Without a proper understanding of the cooker's functionalities, users may find it challenging to achieve desired results and may even risk damaging the appliance or compromising their safety.

2 Safety Concerns

Safety is a critical aspect when using any pressure cooker, including electrical ones. While modern electric pressure cookers are equipped with safety features like locking lids and pressure release valves, accidents can still occur, if these features are not used correctly.

A report by Beaumont Emergency Hospital highlights that around two-thirds of all home fire accidents start in the kitchen. Most of these fires originate from the stove or oven, usually during the cooking process. Although it’s not a major contributor to such kitchen fires, electric pressure cookers do play a role here as well. Even if not a direct fire, it can still lead to other health risks and injuries.

According to a news report by The Kansas City Star, an electric pressure cooker defect led to an explosion that scalded a woman in Nebraska. The incident gave her scars on her abdomen, arms, and wrist. Manufacturing defects, failure to follow proper instructions, overfilling the pot, or attempting to open the cooker before releasing all the pressure can lead to scalding, burns, or even explosions. It is crucial to familiarize oneself with the appliance's safety guidelines and exercise caution while operating it.

The Instant Pot burn lawsuit is a grim reminder of how fatal electric pressure cooker explosions can be. According to the Instant Pot lawsuits, there have been reports of defective pressure cookers causing burns and other types of injuries. Despite having safety features, these cookers have led to people being injured and severely burned in many cases. 

TorHoerman Law reports that around 15 electric pressure cooker brands have been recalled by the Consumer Protection Safety Commission on the grounds of failing to adhere to necessary safety standards. As a consumer yourself, you need to be aware of such brands and fully understand the health risks associated with using an electric pressure cooker before you decide to use one regularly. 

3 Learning Curve

Mastering the art of using an electric pressure cooker requires patience and practice. The learning curve associated with these appliances can be steep for individuals accustomed to traditional stovetop cooking methods.

Determining the right cooking time and pressure settings for different recipes demands trial and error, and it may take several attempts to get it right. This learning process can be frustrating for those seeking quick and hassle-free cooking experiences.

4 Limited Cooking Capacity

One limitation of electrical pressure cookers is their relatively smaller cooking capacity compared to conventional stovetop pressure cookers. While this may not be a significant concern for individuals or small families, larger households or those who regularly entertain guests may find the limited capacity restrictive.

It becomes challenging to prepare large quantities of food in a single batch, which can be a hindrance when hosting gatherings or special occasions.

5 Difficulty Monitoring Cooking Progress

Unlike stovetop pressure cookers, electric pressure cookers do not allow users to visually monitor the cooking process. The sealed nature of the appliance prevents users from observing the food's progress or making adjustments as needed.

This lack of visibility can lead to overcooking or undercooking, particularly with delicate ingredients that require precise timing. Users must rely solely on the preset cooking programs and timers provided, which may not always produce desired results.

6 Risk of Food Burnt and Scorching

Electrical pressure cookers, especially those with non-stick coatings, are susceptible to the problem of food sticking to the bottom of the pot. This can result in the burning or scorching of the food, which not only affects its taste and texture but can also damage the appliance.

The risk of burnt or scorched food is higher when cooking thick sauces, starchy dishes, or recipes that require prolonged cooking times. Vigilance and proper stirring techniques are essential to minimize this problem.

The list of problems associated with using an electric pressure cooker goes on and on, depending on how you use it. However, the list above covers most of the common ones, knowing which will help you decide whether or not you actually want this appliance inside your kitchen.