Pressure Cookers 101

Today we have a guest blogger, Suzanne, an expert from Cookware.com. The topic is Pressure Cookers... she gives us a rundown of what they are and things we should know about them and how they can benefit us. You can visit Cookware.com to see their complete selection of pressure cookers.

I hope you enjoy reading her blog.

What is a Pressure Cooker?

A pressure cook is a sealed pot that heats liquids to a temperature that is far higher than what can be achieved by a regular pot. This fact allows you to cook your food in about 1/3 of the time it would take you in conventional cookware or dinnerware. The pressure cooker builds up steam and pressure as the liquid boils and is released through a valve to keep the unit from exploding. Once the optimal amount of pressure is reached, the heat is turned down to maintain a constant temp for a designated period of time.

What are the Benefits of a Pressure Cooker?

Pressure cookers are great for quickly and evenly cooking meats, vegetables, and even fruits. When you boil foods they lose much of their vitamins and minerals, but in a pressure cooker foods retain their nutritional value. Also, not only do pressure cookers prepare meals in a fraction of the time, but they also save energy and prevent smells from permeating throughout the house while you cook. They help trap in flavor so they are perfect for slow cooked meals such as soups, stews, and chili.

Are Pressure Cookers Dangerous?

When ever you are working with contents under pressure, you should always be mindful of what you are doing. Many people fear pressure cookers because of stories involving them exploding, but modern pressure cookers come equipped with a back up pressure release valve to avoid any such accidents. It is important however, that you read the directions carefully before you attempt to cook anything with a pressure cooker. Pressure cookers come in a variety of sizes and with different options, so it’s important that you know the inner workings for your particular make and model before you turn it on.