What is the steam valve for in a multicooker: purpose, use

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

Why do you need a steam valve?

This part is related to the security system. Its main purpose is discharge of excess steam inside the appliance in the process of cooking.

Reference! Modern multicooker is equipped with automatic valves that do not require additional settings and adjustments. They themselves, upon reaching a certain indicator of internal pressure, discharge excess steam.

Accelerated food processing

The pressure inside the appliance makes it possible to speed up the heat treatment of the food being prepared. Here the multicooker works on the principle of an autoclave:

the higher the pressure, the higher the temperature. But one should not forget about the ultimate strength of the device case.

Safety

The importance of a valve, at first glance, is not such a significant structural element, can be appreciated by imagining what could happen if it is absent or malfunctioning.

In the process of cooking food inside the multicooker, intensive evaporation of liquid occurs with the formation of a large amount of steam. Finding no way out, it accumulates inside the device, creating great pressure and simultaneously warming up to 150-200 ° C.

Important! When the valve is inoperative, this pressure sooner or later reaches a critical value. This creates a real threat of explosion.

The consequences of the 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 item is defective?

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 the problems associated with design defects, then such an element cannot be used. It must be disposed of by replacing it with a new device to maintain the required pressure level.

Why are there two valves in the multicooker?

Conventional multi-cookers are equipped with one valve designed to release excess hot air. This is due to the relatively small indicators of working pressure inside them.

Reference! Appliances that also function 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 multicooker. But the consequences of the failure of the steam valve in the pressure cooker can become more dire.

Basic

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

It acts throughout the entire cooking process, bleeding off excess steam from time to time. And at the end of cooking, it removes the remaining air from the device so that it does not burn itself when the lid is opened.

Additional

The additional fuse is intended to duplicate the work of the main. It takes effect when it fails.

It bears the name of safety, blocking, emergency. In addition to relieving excess pressure, it also prevents the pressure cooker from opening if there is concentrated hot air inside it.

The lock is necessary to prevent scalding by superheated steam when opening the lid.

What happens to the valve when using a multicooker

Steam elements work unilaterally. While releasing excess steam, they at the same time prevent outside air from entering the multicooker.

Initial stage of work

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

Reference! During the pressure build-up, air slowly flows out through the drain hole. At the same time, a slight hiss is heard.

In progress

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

Simultaneously with the closure of the discharge channel stops and hiss. This means that the multicooker is in full cooking mode.

Two valve positions

Usually the safety elements have two positions - "open" (Vent) and "closed" (Seal).

• If the device is planned to boil or simmer products, then the steam valve should 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 vegetable and animal fats are heated.

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

How to clean the valve

To ensure correct operation of the steam valve, it must be promptly cleaned of dirt - small food particles and grease.

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

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

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

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