How Does a Pressure Cooker Work?
It might seem complicated, but a pressure cooker is simple. It’s a sealed metal pot that heats its contents using steam pressure that builds up as the pot is heated. There are two types of pressure cookers: stove pressure cookers and electric pressure cookers.
A pressure cooker allows you to cook all types of food, like beans and rice, in no time at all while using, in the case of an electric pressure cooker, less energy than a larger appliance like a stove or oven. Use it to make soups, stews, risottos, curries and more.
What’s the Difference: Stovetop Pressure Cooker vs. Electric Pressure Cooker
Find the best model for your budget and cooking style.
Stove-Top Pressure Cookers
A stove-top pressure cooker is a metal pot that sits on your stove with a special tight-fitting lid that traps steam to cook food. It heats up faster and browns meat better than an electric pressure cooker. There is more hands-on time when using a stove-top pressure cooker. Depending on the model you choose, the steam may be loud when escaping from the pressure cooker.
Electric Pressure Cookers
An electric pressure cooker is a separate appliance that cooks using steam pressure, a great example of electric pressure cooking is the Instant Pot. Electric pressure cookers require less attention while cooking, are quiet until pressure is released, have more safety mechanisms in place and can be used to replace other appliances like a rice cooker. It does take longer to heat up and cook items and is tricker to clean (due to components that can’t be submerged in water) compared to a stovetop pressure cooker.
Tips on How to Use a Pressure Cooker
Always Read Your Pressure Cooker’s Manual
Every design, whether it’s an electric pressure cooker or a stovetop pressure cooker is different. Familiarize yourself with all the use and safety instructions before you start cooking your meal. Due to pressure used during the cooking process, you don’t want to skip any safety precautions that need to be taken. Also, check that all the parts are clean and in the right places on your pressure cooker.
Figure Out How to Prep Your Food for Pressure Cooking
Don’t skimp on seasonings because you’re using a pressure cooker. Just like you would ahead of using a slow cooker, browning and seasoning meat before putting it into a pressure cooker adds plenty of flavor. Spraying a little oil on the interior surfaces also helps prevent foods from sticking. Make sure you use steamer basket for delicate items like veggies.
Fill Your Pressure Cooker Properly
Depending on your model, the amount of water you need to add to your pressure cooker may vary, but no matter what keep these things in mind. Water is always necessary, read your user manual to find out exactly how much. Most pressure cookers recommend not overfilling the pot to allow room for steam to develop. Always pay close attention to ensure that you’re closing your pressure cooker properly and that all locks or seals are in place before you start cooking.
Be Careful When Releasing the Pressure Cooker Lid
All pressure cookers, whether you’re using a stovetop pressure cooker or cooking with an Instant Pot, use venting to release the steam pressure as it’s cooking. Depending on your model and what you’re cooking you can use different methods.
Two of the most popular methods of pressure release are:
Natural release: When you’re cooking food that isn’t in danger of overcooking, natural release means you let the pressure in your pressure cooker lower on its own over time. This works best for soups, stews or roasts.
Quick release: This method involves using the pressure cooker’s steam release valve to let the steam out. Ideal when you need to stop cooking fast, so if you’re steaming veggies or need to add an ingredient, it involves manually releasing the steam from your stovetop or electric pressure cooker.
No matter how you choose to release the steam from your pressure cooker, practice caution. Keep the steam away from exposed skin, your face and a safe distance from kitchen surfaces.
How to Use a Pressure Cooker FAQs
What Do I Need to Know Before Using a Pressure Cooker?
Every pressure cooker is different. So read up on your model’s operating and safety instructions before you start cooking. It will ensure that meals come out well and that you’re safe while cooking with pressurized steam.
How Does a Pressure Cooker Work?
A pressure cooker, whether it’s an electric pressure cooker or a stovetop pressure cooker, uses steam pressure to cook food quickly without drying it out. It reduces the cooking time and depending on your model is relatively hands-off. It lets you get dinner on the table faster.
How Much Water Do You Put in a Pressure Cooker?
It varies depending on the model of your pressure cooker but is usually between a half cup and a one cup of water. The important thing is not to overfill your pressure cooker so there’s adequate space for steam to form.