An unanswered cookware question....

Renee1965

New member
Feb 19, 2020
5
0
Hello,

My adult son, who is living with us in between his bachelor’s degree and grad school, got a cockatiel about 6 months ago. We all adore Benny! I got rid of all of my nonstick cookware as well as my silicone bakeware (and anything else we thought was questionable to have in the house with him). I’d like to buy a stovetop pressure cooker, but they all have either rubber or silicone gaskets and plastic handles, and I haven’t been able to find out whether this would be safe to be in the house with Benny. I don’t want to take any chances, so I’ll gladly go without if need be. Can anyone advise me about the safety of a stovetop pressure cooker?

Thank you!:grey:
 

Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
32,673
9,792
San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
Parrots
Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Welcome to the forums, thanks for considering Benny's well being.

Internal pressure cooker temperatures are likely high enough to activate (outgas) Teflon or other PFOA substances. I don't believe rubber or silicone gaskets would pose a threat, but will defer to our more knowledgeable members.

Should pressure cookers be deemed hazardous, perhaps an electric plug-in unit operated in a remote area or outside on deck/patio is worthy compromise?
 
OP
R

Renee1965

New member
Feb 19, 2020
5
0
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #3
Thanks for your input. I really appreciate it. It’s hard to overstate how much we love this little bird!
 

SailBoat

Supporting Member
Jul 10, 2015
17,669
10,065
Western, Michigan
Parrots
DYH Amazon
Pressure cookers with rubber gaskets are safe when used as directed by the unit's manual. The same is true for the plastic handles. When the rubber gasket and plastic handles are placed in direct contact with fire or heated beyond their melting point, both will provided dangerous smoke for Parrots and Humans alike. Once again, used properly they are safe.

Silicone gaskets are a true question as a result of the vast variation in chemicals, which silicone products can be manufactured.
 

wrench13

Moderator
Staff member
Super Moderator
Parrot of the Month 🏆
Nov 22, 2015
11,465
Media
14
Albums
2
12,703
Isle of Long, NY
Parrots
Yellow Shoulder Amazon, Salty
I think the silicone rubber gasket will not be an issue, as long as its not exposed to flames or high heat ( over 550F or so). What you need to find out is what the heating elements are coated with, which is often Teflon (PTFE) or a variation of that. Its when those compounds get excessively hot that they start to out gas deadly to birds fumes. If you contact the makers customer support they might be able to tell you, after they consult with engineering or manufacturing.

But I think your son owes us a nice beef stew now !
 

SailBoat

Supporting Member
Jul 10, 2015
17,669
10,065
Western, Michigan
Parrots
DYH Amazon
Question, why stovetop? I have both, and I prefer the electric!

We're stovetop folks, likely because our grandmothers and mothers used stovetop units. My big hold to stovetop is the hood fan above the stovetop. Plus, it can be used on either an electric or gas stovetop... Just my two cents...
 
OP
R

Renee1965

New member
Feb 19, 2020
5
0
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #8
Thanks everyone— stovetop because we live “off the grid” so appliances with heating elements are not great for our solar/wind electric system.
 

Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
32,673
9,792
San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
Parrots
Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Thanks everyone— stovetop because we live “off the grid” so appliances with heating elements are not great for our solar/wind electric system.

Fascinating, you also have one or more windmill devices?!
 

Most Reactions

Top