Hi Brigitte – you can press cancel any time after the pressure cooking time is finished. The pressure will release with the Keep Warm setting on or off. Many people like to use the Keep Warm setting as a timer so they know when 5 minutes have passed and they can release the pressure. It is a good habit to get in to to press cancel before releasing the pressure so that you don’t leave the Keep Warm setting on with the inner pot removed, but it doesn’t make any difference if it’s on or off while releasing the pressure.

Greg is correct in that nothing physical is released. The manufacturers continue with the term’ release’ simply to be consistent with the release concept of the quick method where steam is forcefully and highly visibly released. With natural release the steam that the layperson consumer expects to be released or rather gotten rid of, is ‘released’ by means of condensation as the temperature decreases. So they are simply using the term to make it easy for people!

Greg. I’m reading our comment nearly a year later but… You are a rock star! I’m considering taping this phrase to my fridge,

“if you are going to be obnoxiously pedantic in an article about using a kitchen appliance you could at least be right”.

Thanks!

Hi Amber – the time for a quick pressure release also varies depending on what you are pressure cooking. It could be as short as 1 minute to more than 5 minutes. No, it won’t ruin the cooking process, but don’t underestimate the danger. I overrode the safety features once to open it up more quickly and was amazed at the force of the pressure and soup sprayed all over. So now I’m more patient.

Hi Barb – you’ll leave the valve in the venting position.