My Pressure Cooker is Not Whistling: What To Do?

Pressure cookers are a popular kitchen tool. They’re one of the kitchenware that makes preparing delicious meals a breeze. 

These tools cook food fast. And their mode of operation is unique: Some pressure cookers produce whistling sounds. But not all pressure cookers generate the whistling sound when in use.

So if your pressure cooker that whistles stop whistling, something is not right. 

Here, we’ll discuss why your pressure cooker isn’t whistling and what you can do. 

Why is My Pressure Cooker Not Whistling

Normally, your pressure cooker won’t whistle when it stops cooking. In other words, it would stop whistling when the cooking is over. 

Can other issues prevent your pressure cooker from whistling? Yes, several technical issues can. 

For instance, the gasket and lid’s positioning can prevent the pressure cooker from whistling. 

What does the gasket do? The gasket is responsible for sealing the pressure cooker. And when sealed properly, the pressure cooker can build pressure, as expected. 

A damaged gasket means the pressure in the cooker won’t be high enough, preventing the appliance from whistling. In other words, pressure cookers with leaky gaskets cannot build steam. 

A stuffed and dirty valve can also prevent a pressure cooker from whistling.

You have to understand how a pressure cooker works to use yours effectively. And if your cooker stops whistling, make an effort to figure out why it’s acting that way. 

Reasons Why Pressure Cooker is Not Whistling

If your pressure cooker isn’t whistling, please make an effort to find out why. The whistle sound these cookers make when in use is quite crucial. It enables you to cook your food satisfactorily.

Without the whistling sound, you won’t know the state of what you’re cooking. As a result, you might overcook or even burn your food. 

Several things can make it possible for the pressure cooker to stop whistling. Let’s discuss them in detail.

1. The cooking process has been completed

 If your pressure cooker has stopped whistling, don’t start panicking. The fact that it stopped generating whistling sounds doesn’t mean it has picked up a fault. 

Normally, when pressure cookers finish cooking, they stop whistling. So this might be the case with your beloved pressure cooker. 

2. Excess food in the pressure cooker

Do you have excess food in your pressure cooker? Well, if it doesn’t whistle, that might be the reason. 

When you load the pressure cooker with too much food, raising the pressure and temperature would be an issue for the cooker. 

In this scenario, the extra pressure in the pressure cooker won’t be released, and consequently, the whistling sound won’t go off. 

3. Excess liquid in the pressure cooker

If you add too much water to the pressure cooker when cooking, it might have difficulty whistling. How a pressure cooker works is that it converts liquid or water into steam when in use. 

When the cooker’s pressure rises, steam normally escapes from the appliance. But if you add excess water or liquid to the pressure cooker, it will take longer to whistle or even release pressure. 

In some cases, the excess water or liquid might prevent your pressure cooker from even whistling.

4. Faulty gasket

If the gasket is stuffed with dirt or torn, don’t expect it to release pressure and whistling sound. 

So it’s important to clean your pressure cooker’s gasket after each use. That way, you’ll reduce the chances of dirt buildup that can prevent the appliance from whistling. 

Are Pressure Cookers Supposed To Whistle?

You must understand that not all pressure cooker whistles. The whistling is an indication that excess pressure in the cooker is being released. 

There’s also a possibility that the pressure cooker’s valve is lightweight, and therefore, it doesn’t whistle. 

Additionally, some pressure cookers don’t whistle so loud. They give off hiss sound instead, releasing their pressure slowly. 

Now, what are the pressure cookers that whistles? Let’s find out. 

1. Presto Pressure Cooker

If you’re seeking a calm pressure cooker, the Presto Cooker fits the bill. This pressure cooker is among the quietest cookers on the market. 

Does the Presto Pressure Cooker whistle? Yes, it does, but quietly. 

The cooler releases pressure slowly, producing a hissing sound. 

2. Electric pressure cooker

Do electric pressure cookers whistle? No, they don’t! Don’t forget another name for this pressure cooker is instant pot. 

However, pressure cookers release pressure when in use. All pressure cookers do. But instead of whistling, the electric cookers release shushing or hissing sounds. 

These cookers boast a built-in mechanism that allows them to function quietly. It enables them to cook quietly without whistling. But if you’re close enough, you’ll hear them hissing.

3. Tefal pressure cooker

Tefal pressure cookers cook or operate quietly and produce whistle sounds too. However, when you start the cooking process, the cooker won’t whistle. 

As the cooking progresses and the temperature, including pressure rises, expect Tefal pressure cookers to produce a whistling sound. 

4. Futura pressure cooker

Do Futura pressure cookers whistle? Yes, they all do. But this pressure cooker won’t start producing hissing or whistle sounds the moment you start cooking. 

The chances of the Futura pressure cooker whistling depend on the pressure buildup in the appliance. As the pressure and temperature in the cooker rises, the steam vent’s pressure also does the same. Expect your Futura pressure cooker to produce a whistling sound when this happens. 

Ways To Fix The Pressure Cooker Not Whistling

If your pressure cooker that normally whistles stop whistling, how can you fix this problem?

 Let’s discuss the various approaches you can take to fix the problem of your pressure cooker not whistling.

1. Position the lid

Misplaced or incorrect lid positioning might make it hard or impossible for pressure to build up in your pressure cooker. 

So, if this is the problem, carefully turn off the heat. Give the cooker some time to cool down, and reinstall the lid properly. 

2. Damaged, Bad or faulty locking system

The lids of pressure cookers boast a locking mechanism that helps to shut the cooker snugly and prevent over-pressurization. But sometimes, this locking mechanism might not engage when you close the lid.

Now, how do you fix this problem?

Just turn off the heat, and allow the cooker to cool down. Now, remove the lid and put it back so the lock mechanism can engage, as it should.  

3. Gasket problem

The gasket’s job is to keep the pressure cooker lid completely shut. Therefore, a worn, dirty, or inappropriately positioned gasket would make it impossible for the pressure cooker to whistle. 

How do you fix this problem? It is simple. 

Firstly, examine the gasket to know what’s wrong. Has it worn out, or is it dirty? If the gasket is dirty, clean it thoroughly. If worn or damaged, replace the gasket. 

A Handy Tip: Change your pressure cooker’s gasket every 12 to 18 months. And keep in mind that the sooner you change the gasket, the better. 

4. Faulty valve

A faulty valve can make it impossible for your pressure cooker to whistle. So, please fix it.

How do you fix a faulty valve? First, clean it carefully and remove any dirt hanging on it. But if you discover that the valve has worn out, get a replacement. 

5. Leaky cooker handle

A loose handle can make it difficult for pressure to buildup in the pressure cooker. So, look for any possible leakage in the handle and fix it. 

6. Excess food

You must understand that every cooker has a certain food limit. And when you exceed that limit, the pressure in the cooker will increase, though, but slowly. Sometimes, it may not even buildup or increase. 

How Long Does It Take For a Pressure Cooker To Whistle?

The pressure cooker generally takes about 3 minutes to whistle when working properly.

On the other hand, several factors could cause the pressure cooker to whistle for a long time. These include low temperature and excess food. 

Under low temperature, your pressure cooker would whistle. But it might take somewhere around 5 to 10 minutes for this to happen. 

Why Water is Coming Out of My Pressure Cooker?

Normally, water comes out from a pressure cooker when in use. A small amount of steam or water shouldn’t trouble you. 

But when excess water starts coming out from the pressure cooker, you need to take action. 

Here are possible reasons excess water is coming out of your pressure cooker. 

1. Excess heat

Extremely high heat causes pressure cookers to release water or steam from the safety value. This action is to warn you specifically about the high temperature, hoping that you would lower the temperature.

2. Safety valve or lid was not shut properly

If you discover that water is coming out of your pressure cooker’s safety valve or lid, you may have failed to shut them up properly. 

So, do the needful to stop your pressure cooker from leaking water. 

3. Warn out cooker

Water may start coming out if your cooker is old and worn out. The safety valve may release water even when the temperature isn’t high. This indicates that your pressure cooker needs a replacement. 

Conclusion: Why is my pressure cooker not whistling?

If your pressure cooker has been whistling but suddenly stopped, something is wrong. 

It could be that the gasket is worn, the lid is not properly closed, or the valve is faulty. Several factors could be responsible, as discussed in this post. 

However, you have to understand that not all pressure cookers whistle. Some pressure cookers work calmly.  

You can fix the issue that’s making your pressure cooker not to whistle. You might not even need the help of a professional to fix it.