How To Choose The Right Electric Pressure Cooker?
Electric pressure cookers are the hottest small electric appliance out there. But how do you know which one will be best for you? I can help! The From Val’s Kitchen Electric Pressure Cooker Buying Guide has the information you need to know on all of today’s most popular models, listing important features along with my reviews of those models. This guide is frequently updated, so please check back often!
Some of the posts on this site, such as this one, contain an affiliate link. This means I MAY get paid a VERY SMALL commission if you purchase the product or service. Have you been thinking about getting an electric pressure cooker? You’ve probably heard of the Instant Pot and some of the other popular models and wondered what all of the hubbubs was about.
I was a bit nervous about electric pressure cookers when they first came out, so I didn’t rush to get one. Once I got my first one, I fell in love, and there’s been no looking back. Here are some of the things to keep in mind when you are shopping for a pressure cooker with electric features.
What is an electric pressure cooker?
An electric pressure cooker features an airtight pot where food cooks quickly under steam pressure. Many of today’s electric pressure cookers are multi-functional and serve other purposes such as slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, yoghurt maker, egg maker and more.
Is an electric pressure cooker safe?
Today’s electric pressure cookers are much safer than the stovetop models of yesteryear. The modern electric pressure cooker is a self-contained unit that sits on the countertop and plugs into a regular household outlet. Those old horror stories of things exploding all over the kitchen ceiling are a thing of the past, as numerous safety features have been added.
With most electric pressure cookers today, you cannot remove the lid while the unit is under pressure. You have to wait until the pressure has been released. Most models today even have temperature sensors built in that will help prevent food from burning.
Is an electric pressure cooker easy to use?
Yes and no. There is a little bit of a learning curve with electric pressure cookers. They need a little time and patience to get to know. They look a lot more intimidating than they really are.
Many modern models have digital controls that make use and adjustment fairly straightforward and easy to monitor. Just press a couple of buttons, and your food will almost cook itself. Using an electric pressure cooker is perfect for busy days and nights where you just don’t have time to spend an hour standing over the stove.
Does an pressure cooker cook really fast?
While using an electric pressure cooker is quick, it isn’t as quick as some folks would have you believe. If you see a recipe that says 2-minute or 5-minute something, chances are it’s baloney, and the person that wrote the recipe isn’t counting the time it takes for a unit to get to pressure.
How long does it take for an electric pressure cooker to come to pressure? That depends on a few things, but in general, it takes 10-20 minutes depending. The length of time required to come to pressure can be dependent on several things, including how full the pot is, how much liquid there is, the size of the contents, and if the ingredients are cold or frozen.
Once the electric pressure cooker comes up to pressure, then the cooking time starts. Once the cooking time has been counted down on in the electric pressure cooker, the pressure must be released. There are two ways of releasing pressure – manually and naturally.
Wait, the important part begins here:
To manually release the pressure, you open the sealed vent in the electric pressure cooker’s lid and let the steam out. With a natural pressure release, you let the electric pressure cooker sit there sealed until the pressure releases on its own, which can take anywhere from 10-30 minutes. It will depend on what was in there.
However, some cooks cook even faster, for example, check out the Geek Robocook Price. It is important to know which type of pressure release you’ll need to do before you start cooking and include that time into your prep.
Many electric pressure cookers even have sensors built in that keep temperature in check and keep you from burning your food in cases where there isnít enough liquid in the pot to build up the appropriate cooking pressure. Instead of continuing to heat on high and burning the food inside the pressure cooker, it simply switches to the keep warm function, allowing you to add liquid and start over.
What are the pros and cons of using an electric pressure cooker?
The biggest upside of using an electric pressure cooker is that it cooks food quickly. Other advantages are that the food stays moist.
Using this small appliance also reduces heat in the kitchen when compared to cooking on the stovetop or in an oven—using steam for cooking results in food with deeper flavour. Also, a higher nutritional value because vitamins are not dissolved away.
Further, steam cooking results in more colourful food, as the food doesn’t oxidize as a result of being exposed to air. The high temperature of the steam is also known to kill most harmful micro-organisms, making it easier to prepare food safely and even do things like sterilizing baby bottles.
The downside of an electric pressure cooker is that it won’t brown things, and it won’t give you food that is crispy or crunchy.
Is an pressure cooker worth the money?
Yes. An electric pressure cooker is definitely worth the money if you’re going to use it.
An electric pressure cooker empowers you to make a home-cooked meal without spending hours upon hours in the kitchen. Most meals are almost hands-free and require no intervention once cooking is underway. Cook time for many types of recipes is reduced when compared to other cooking methods such as stovetop, oven and slow cooker. And, it will not heat up your house like using the stovetop and oven do.
Many electric pressure cookers are very versatile and can do more than just pressure cook; they can also work as a slow cooker, yoghurt maker, rice maker and many other things. For some, this may mean that you can retire some other small electric appliances and free up some room. If you want to reduce the number of appliances on your counter, you may be able to replace your slow cooker with an electric pressure cooker. Most electric pressure cookers have low and high slow cooker settings.
How To Choose The Right Pressure Cooker
Once you decide you’re ready to get the Best stainless steel rice cooker, you’ll find that they’re made by numerous brands and that there are a variety of models. This may leave you wondering how to pick the right electric pressure cooker. There are a few factors to keep in mind when buying it.
The most important factor is probably size. You’ll need to consider the size of your family, the size of the meals you cook and if you do things like meal prep or batch cooking.
There are a couple of 2 and 3-quart electric pressure cookers two and 3-quart electric pressure cookers out there. This site is pretty limiting and will work best for one or possibly two people.
There are a lot of 6-quart electric pressure cookers out there. 6-quart is probably the most popular size when it comes to electric pressure cookers. It’s the perfect size for a family of 3 to 4 people.
There are a number of 8-quart electric pressure cookers available. These are great for larger families or if you do a lot of meal prep, freezer cooking or entertaining.
