Pressure Cookers
A pressure cooker  cooks food using steam. Unlike its cousin, the slow cooker, the pressure cooker creates a sealed environment with high atmospheric pressure, usually 15 psi (pounds per square inch). At this pressure, water boils at a much higher temperature, cooking food rapidly while sealing in flavor, moisture and nutrients. Foods that would take hours to cook in a slow cooker or the oven can take a fraction of that time in a pressure cooker.
The newest models of pressure cookers have many safety features built in to avoid becoming a pressure-cooker situation themselves.
Recommendations
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- Cook's Illustrated, in their January 2005 issue, recommended the Fagor Duo 8 Quart (pictured) pressure cooker for its user-friendly features, wide bottom for sauteeing, and easy instructions.
- The runners-up were:
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What to Look For- Safety: Very important when using a pressure cooker. Be sure the model you choose has redundant safety systems:
- Good valves with pressure regulators (five or more pressure release mechanisms), and a quick-release mechanism.
- Pressure indicator to adequately measure proper timing.
- Heavy-duty, encapsulated three-ply base for even, consistent heat.
- Foolproof moving parts for ultimate durability.
- Stainless steel will be your best bet.
- Capacity: When buying a pressure cooker you will see them listed by capacity in quarts (from 5 to 24) or in liters. Usually size will correlate with price, starting at about $30 and reaching $200.
- Electric vs. Stovetop
- The main difference is the price (electric pressure cookers are more expensive).
- What gives stovetop models an advantage is their higher safety standards and easy-clean feature (most models are dishwasher-safe).
- What makes electric models stand out is their timer.
- Pressure : Most recipes for pressure cookers assume a pressure of 15 psi, which is fairly standard across the board. If you buy a cooker that uses a different pressure, you will have to alter recipes accordingly.
- Warranty: Look for long warranties to guarantee a quality product.
- Special Features: Timer, gadgets, etc. Browning and steaming functions. Non-stick finishes, though often they are not able to withstand the heat and intense uses of a pressure cooker.
Major Manufacturers
External Links- Miss Vickie's -- Learn EVERYTHING about pressure cookers. Lots of diagrams, recipes, timing recommendations, and more.
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