Pressure cooker: the best way to use and maintain it

A pressure cooker is a treasure. It saves time, cooks healthier without having to add oil and enhances flavours. If you have lost the instruction manual on how to use it, keep reading.

Safety comes first

A pressure cooker works with pressure. When you close it, you do it hermetically thanks to the rubber on the lid. Then you apply heat and the heat creates the pressure in the interior of the cooker. Most of the newly designed ones are very safe. They have valves that release the pressure when overheating occurs. This avoids explosions. But some of us, humans, lack patience and this might lead to kitchen accidents that involve pressure cookers. Basic safety rules not to be involved in one of those accidents are very simple and effective. First one is not to open the pressure cooker until the indicator says so. Professionals advise to keep the lid on up to 30 minutes after the indicator allows you. This will balance the inner temperature with the temperature outside. The second and last rule is not to fill the cooker over two-thirds of its capacity. Of course, do not attempt to accelerate the process by putting the water under cold running water.

How to make the most of your pressure cooker

The internet is full of charts with cooking times for different recipes and types of pressure cookers. Take some time and surf the web in search for yours. Stews and casseroles are the starlets of pressure cooking. Steam cooking is one of the healthiest ways of cooking vegetables and pressure cookers often come with a steam accessory. It is a basket that you can hang in the pressure cooker just above fingers of water. It takes much less time than other steam appliances and the result is just the same. In this case, time also means energy savings.

Pressure cooker maintenance

There are two basic elements that need to be kept in mint condition. The valve that releases pressure has to be thoroughly clean after every use. Of course only when the lid is cold because extreme changes in temperature can damage it. The other one is the rubber that lets the lid adjust to the body of the cooker. Thanks to the rubber the closing is hermetic and the pressure cooker works faster than traditional pans. Time and use can deteriorate it by cracking it. The best is to wash it by hand and change it on a regular basis.

How to clean your pressure cooker

Unlike frying pans and other delicate kitchenware, the body of the pressure cooker can safely go in the dishwasher. They are made to be tough, as they need to endure high temperatures and a lot of pressure, so their materials are strong. Nevertheless, it is always a good idea not to abuse the dishwasher in order not to damage the outer layer, which is usually nonstick. Again, the washing up should take place once the cooker is cold. The lid should be washed by hand.