Cookware - Pressure Cookers

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Pressure cookers are an important tool for any cook. In today’s life, full of work, family activities, and social pressures, pressure cookers are especially useful in cutting down the amount of time spent in the kitchen. This guide to pressure cookers will tell you everything you need to know to understand these important appliances and choose the right one for your home

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How Do Pressure Cookers Work?

Under normal circumstances, water comes to a boil at 212°F (100°C). That means that water cannot get any hotter than 212°F because at that point, the liquid is converted to steam and dissipates into the atmosphere. This means that there is a limit to how hot you can cook food in water.

Note, however, that’s what happens to water “under normal circumstances.” The rules change if you put water under pressure. By sealing the lid of your cooker so that no steam can escape into the air, you increase the pressure on the water. This means that the water boils at a higher temperature, and that you can make your cooking temperature higher than normal

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What are the Benefits of Using a Pressure Cooker?

So why would you want to use a pressure cooker?  What’s the point of cooking at a higher temperature, anyway?  A pressure cooker gives you:

• Faster cooking times, since the temperature inside your cooker is higher than normal.

• More nutrients remain in the food because the cooking time is shorter, and fewer healthy vitamins and minerals are boiled away with the water.

• Save money on energy by needing less cooking time to achieve the same goals.

So your meals will be done more quickly, they’ll be more healthy, and you’ll save money and energy in preparation – those are three great reasons for using pressure cookers.

Are Pressure Cookers Safe?

When pressure cookers were first produced, some people had accidents with them, usually because the food was left unattended or overcooked.  Today’s technology, however, has created a number of safety features that make working with pressure cookers a breeze.  These include:

• Sturdy construction.

• Better seals.

• Release valves that prevent over pressurization.

• Redundant safety measures, so that if one valve fails, the others will still work.

• Pressure cookers can’t be opened until steam is released.

• Easy ways to monitor internal pressure.

If you follow a few safety steps, like not overfilling your pressure cooker and not using too much heat, your pressure cooker can last a lifetime without any danger whatsoever to yourself or your family.

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What Should I Look For in a Pressure Cooker?

If you would like to have one of these useful tools in your own kitchen, here are the top things that you should consider before making a purchase.

New Model.  Pressure cookers from a few decades ago lacked many of today’s modern safety features.  If you are buying a pressure cooker used or on eBay, make sure that it’s not only of those older designs.

Standard Safety Marks.   Look for a pressure cooker with a recognised safety mark for your particular country which is a sign that the manufacturer follows the best safety precautions.

Right Size.  The size of your family will have an impact on the pressure cooker you’ll want to buy.  Consider whether you’ll be more likely to cook for two or eight when making your decision.

Good Construction.  It doesn’t help to save time if your food ends up scorched because of hot spots in the metal of your pressure cooker.  Invest in a good, stainless steel cooker with a heavy 3-ply base to ensure even cooking.

Solid Handles.  When you’re dealing with a very hot pressure cooker, good, solid handles are a must.  Look for one long handle with a shorter helper handle on the other side of the pot.  Make sure that the handles feel solid and are firmly attached.

Good Reviews.  Check cooking magazines and websites to read pressure cooker reviews from other consumers and businesses.

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