What should be done if the kettle is operating under pressure but not cooking effectively?

When a kettle is operating under pressure but not cooking effectively, the most appropriate action is to check for air pockets within the kettle. Air pockets can create insulation around the food being cooked, which prevents even heating and can lead to inadequate cooking. Because steam cooking relies on the effective transfer of heat through steam, the presence of air pockets disrupts this process. By ensuring that the kettle is fully occupied with water and steam, you facilitate proper cooking by maximizing contact between the heat source and the contents.

Reducing the temperature setting, removing some of the contents, or adding more water might not address the root cause of the issue. Lowering the temperature could compound the cooking inadequacy by reducing heat transfer. Removing contents may not necessarily resolve the problem; it could worsen the heat distribution if the remaining contents are still not being heated adequately. Filling the kettle with more water might lead to a situation where the water level exceeds the manufacturer's specifications or creates other operational problems without solving the air pocket issue. Therefore, checking for air pockets is the critical step to ensure effective cooking in a pressured kettle.