Why is there a steam valve in a multicooker?

Any device that generates steam under pressure is equipped with a special safety device. The household multicooker is no exception. Regardless of modification, each device has a built-in steam valve. Let's look at what functions it performs and what the principle of its operation is.

Why is a steam valve needed?

This part belongs to the security system. Its main purpose is dumping excess steam inside the device during the cooking process.

Reference! Modern multicookers are equipped with automatic valves that do not require additional settings or adjustments. They themselves, upon reaching a certain internal pressure, release excess steam.

Faster processing of products

The pressure inside the device allows you to speed up the heat treatment of cooked products. Here the multicooker works on the principle of an autoclave: the higher the pressure, the higher the temperature. But we should not forget about the strength limits of the device body.

Safety

The importance of the valve, which at first glance is not such a significant design element, can be appreciated if you imagine what could happen if it is missing or malfunctions.

During the cooking process, intense evaporation of liquid occurs inside the multicooker, producing a large amount of steam. Finding no way out, it accumulates inside the device, creating high pressure and at the same time heating up to 150–200°C.

Important! When the valve is not working, this pressure sooner or later reaches a critical value. This creates a real threat of explosion.

The consequences of an explosion of a metal pan with superheated hot air inside can be the most tragic for those who will be in the kitchen at that time.

What if the element is faulty?

EIf the steam valve does not function properly, do not use the multicooker..

The cause of the malfunction may be blockage. In this case, the part should be cleaned and, after making sure that it is working properly, reinstalled.

When are problems related to structural defects, then such an element cannot be used. It must be disposed of, replacing it with a new device to maintain the required pressure level.

Why are there two valves in the multicooker?

Conventional multicookers are equipped with one valve designed to release excess hot air. This is due to the relatively low operating pressure inside them.

Reference! Devices that also operate in pressure cooker mode are equipped with two valves:

• the first one is main or worker;
• second - safety or spare.

This is due to the fact that pressure cookers are designed for much higher internal pressure. To do this, they are made more durable than conventional multicookers. But the consequences if the steam valve on a pressure cooker fails to operate can become more dire.

Basic

Different manufacturers call the main multicooker fuse differently: drain, steam outlet, pressure regulator, etc.

It operates throughout the entire cooking process, releasing excess steam from time to time. And at the end of cooking, it is used to remove any remaining air from the appliance so as not to get burned by it when opening the lid.

Additional

Additional fuse is intended to duplicate the work of the main. It comes into effect when it fails.

It is called safety, blocking, emergency. In addition to relieving excess pressure, it also prevents the pressure cooker from being opened if there is concentrated hot air inside it.

The lock is necessary to prevent burns from overheated steam when opening the lid.

What happens to the valve when using a multicooker

Steam elements working one-way mode. By releasing excess steam, they at the same time prevent outside air from entering the multicooker.

Initial stage of work

Due to this tightness, increased pressure is created inside the device. And the boiling point of the liquid is reached within 10–15 minutes.

Reference! As pressure builds up, air flows out in a slow stream through the bleeder hole. At the same time, a slight hiss is heard.

In progress

But when the required indicator is reached, the element is automatically blocked. It remains in the closed position until the pressure inside the device body becomes excessive.

Simultaneously with the closure of the drain channel the hissing stops. This means that the multicooker has entered full cooking mode.

Two valve positions

Typically, safety elements have two positions - “open” (Vent) and “closed” (Seal).

• If the device is planned boil or stew products, then the steam valve must be closed. This will create the necessary pressure inside.
• In frying modeOn the contrary, the valve is recommended keep open. This is necessary to remove smoke and carcinogens from the multicooker that are formed when heating vegetable and animal fats.

Reference! Some modern models have complex valves on which you can independently set pressure levels to release steam. This allows you to cook different foods in different, most suitable modes.

How to clean the valve

To ensure proper operation of the steam valve, it should be promptly cleaned of contaminants such as small particles of food and fat.

• The device is dismantled and thoroughly washed in a cleaning solution.
• For these purposes it is better to use Detergents with grease removing effect, since it is the main enemy of steam valves.

Reference! By clogging the drain channel, fat blocks the timely release of excess steam. This creates a potential explosion hazard.

• To get rid of dried fat deposits inside the drainage channel, him for a while placed in hot water with anti-grease agent dissolved in it.
• After half an hour or an hour, the valve is thoroughly washed in hot running water, wiped dry and put back in place.

The procedure for removal and installation depends on the design features of a particular model and is described in the technical data sheet of the household appliance.