Abstract: A steam pressure cooker having a lid with a retainer body, such as a grip member or a valve housing for containing safety and monitoring devices releasably affixed thereto by means of a sealed fastener element. For protection of said devices against contamination from inside or outside the cooker, such as during cleaning thereof, all of said devices are located in cavities formed in said retainer body and sealed against the interior of the cooker, said sealing being accomplished by means of a diaphragm. The fastener element is releasable independently of the remaining components.