Abstract: A pressure cooker is provided and consists of a container having an external threaded peripheral rim, a gasket affixed to the rim of the container, a pressure plate that sits upon the gasket covering the rim of the container, a cover for the container having an internal threaded peripheral flange, the cover having a plurality of lateral through openings on the flange, a compression seal providing a seal between the cover and the pressure plate the compression seal and pressure plate effectively sealing the lateral through openings when the cover is threaded onto the container, the seal comprising a compressionable material compressing up against the cover when vapor pressure in the container exceeds a predetermined pressure causing the pressure plate to rise up and uncover the lateral through openings and vent the container vapor outwardly when the seal has compressed sufficiently up against the cover when the vapor pressure exceeds the predetermined pressure and the seal material having memory and restoring