Curious to know what a pressure cooker is used for? Wonder no more! This post explains, in detail, what a pressure cooker is and the convenience they bring to your kitchen.
Quick Tip: A pressure cooker is just like a cooking pot; but it is designed to withstand pressure that emanates from cooking to ensure faster cooking time. You’ll understand all about it as you read further.
What Is a Pressure Cooker?
A pressure cooker is a sealed pot that cooks food quickly by utilizing steam pressure. It traps steam generated by the boiling liquid inside to raise the internal temperature needed to speed up the cooking process.
If you often cook, you must have observed a situation where the rice in the heat pressure forces the pot cover to rice and possibly fall. This doesn’t happen when you cook with a pressure cooker. Instead, the pressure is retained in the pot to maximize it for faster cooking time.
Cooking with a pressure often results in meals that would usually take hours to cook to be ready in a fraction of the time.
How Does a Pressure Cooker Work?
Under normal circumstances, water boils at 212°F (100°C) at sea level. But in a pressure cooker, the airtight environment increases the boiling point, which in turn raises the internal temperature.
The increased heat and steam break down tough fibers in food, making it tender and flavorful in significantly less time. You might want to check out how to use a pressure cooker for the first time.
What Is a Pressure Cooker Used for?
Here are 7 things a pressure cooker is used for:
1. For Cooking Food Quickly
The primary purpose of a pressure cooker is to cook food rapidly. This is why the cooker is sealed to increase the pressure inside. This way, it raises the boiling point of water, which in turn reduces cooking time.
So, the cooker is ideal for busy individuals or families looking to prepare meals in a fraction of the time it would take using conventional methods.
2. For Tenderizing Tough Cuts of Meat
Also, pressure cooking is exceptional for tenderizing tougher cuts of meat that typically require long, slow cooking. The pressurized environment helps break down connective tissues and collagen in the meat, resulting in succulent and fork-tender dishes.
3. For Cooking Legumes and Grains
No one loves to wait for a long time before a food gets cooked. If not for the need to eat as soon as possible, it is to reduce the bill imposed on gas.
With a pressure cooker, you can also cook legumes like beans, as well as grains such as rice, quickly and efficiently. This reduces the cooking time and can save energy compared to using traditional pots.
4. For Retaining Food Nutrients
Pressure cooking can also help preserve the nutritional value of foods. The shorter cooking times and minimal use of water can retain more vitamins and minerals in the ingredients compared to prolonged boiling or simmering.
Besides, as steam leaves regular pots, some portion of the food nutrients escape. However, since pressure cooker helps to minimize such escape, it helps to retain and maximize food nutrients. This is especially useful for cooking vegetables.
Pressure cooking vegetables is a fast and efficient method to retain their natural color, flavor, and nutrients. It’s particularly useful for steaming or blanching vegetables for further culinary applications.
Mind you, pressure cookers often have a pressure regulator for monitoring heat pressure and a release valve for letting go of excess ones.
5. For Preparing One-Pot Meals
Pressure cookers are well-suited for creating one-pot meals, such as stews and casseroles. These dishes often involve combining multiple ingredients and flavors in a single cooking vessel, which results in convenience and time savings.
You might also want to check out our guide on how to cook with an electric gas cooker.
Safety Precautions When Using a Pressure Cooker
While pressure cookers offer numerous benefits, they also require proper handling. Follow these safety tips for a worry-free pressure cooking experience:
- Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before using your pressure cooker.
- Use the appropriate amount of liquid to create steam and maintain pressure.
- Avoid overfilling the cooker to prevent clogging the steam valve.
- Release pressure carefully by following the recommended methods for quick or natural release.
- Regularly check and clean the steam release valve to prevent clogs.
Tips for Choosing the Right Pressure Cooker
Here are some tips to help you choose the right pressure cooker amidst various market options:
1. Determine Your Needs
Consider your cooking habits and the types of dishes you prepare most often. This will help you choose the right size and features.
2. Determine the Pressure Cooker Type
Decide between stovetop and electric pressure cookers. Note that Stovetop models are more traditional and require manual heat adjustment, while electric ones offer convenient preset programs and automatic control.
3. Focus on the Size You Need
Choose the right capacity based on your family size and needs. Common sizes are 4-6 quarts for small families and 6-8 quarts for larger ones.
4. Check the Material and Build Quality
You might want to opt for stainless steel pressure cookers for their durability and corrosion-resistant feature. Look for a thick, heavy-bottomed pot for even heating.
5. Look for Safety Features
Ensure the pressure cooker has safety features like a pressure release valve, locking lid, and safety mechanisms to prevent accidents.
6. Consider Ease of Use
Check for user-friendly features, such as clear pressure indicators, easy-to-read pressure settings, and simple venting mechanisms.
7. Regard Brand Reputation
Go for reputable brands with good customer reviews and a history of producing reliable pressure cookers.
8. Check Accessories and Extras
You might want to look for models that come with useful accessories like steamer baskets, trivets, and recipe books. These can enhance your cooking versatility.
9. Consider Warranty and Customer Support
Verify the warranty terms and the manufacturer’s customer support. A good warranty can provide peace of mind.
10. Stick To Your Budget
Set a budget and stick to it. Pressure cookers are available in a range of price points, so you can find one that meets your needs without overspending.
11. Read Reviews
Research and read user reviews and expert recommendations to get insights into the performance and durability of specific models.
| You might also want to know what an induction cooker is.
Final Note
Pressure cookers are kitchen marvels that streamline meal preparation and infuse dishes with intense flavors. Whether you’re a busy professional, a home cook looking to experiment, or simply someone who values efficient cooking, a pressure cooker is a kitchen tool you may love to use.