subject: Do You Need Pressure Cookers In Your Kitchen? [print this page] Pressure cookers are by far not a new invention, but with improved technology they have become safer and easier to use than ever.
Homemade soup is delicious and perfect in the winter months, but nothing is worse than waiting hours upon hours for your masterpiece to be complete and ready to eat. Even worse, soups are generally better the next day, giving you even longer to wait.
Pressure cookers make that waiting a little less painful by shortening the cooking time.
An airtight, sealed lid on a deep pot creates a heat chamber locking the heat and moisture in, allowing temperatures to rise faster and higher than in an ordinary pot. This allows your soup, beans or whatever else you"re cooking to get good and delicious faster.
Old models were unsafe because technology was just not advanced enough, but modern ones are equipped with safety functions that make them not only efficient kitchen gadgets, but also safe.
The pressure regulator is what will help you maintain the pressure inside the pot to keep your food cooking just right. Pressure cookers come with a variety of pressure maximum pressure levels, but your best bet is to choose the maximum, 15 psi (pounds per square inch). Most recipes are written for this pressure level and it is the most efficient in cooking.
There are three different types of pressure regulators with slight variations.
Weighted Valve
A weighted valve is the most traditional and well known pressure regulator. It works by continuously releasing steam to maintain the pot pressure. It does so by rocking back and forth. It is important to make sure the pot continues this motion to release the steam.
Modified Weighted Valve
A modified weighted valve is somewhat like the weighted valve, but releases steam in intervals instead of consistently. The release of steam allows your pressure cooker to cook without blowing its lid, but you need to watch carefully to make sure it is indeed releasing steam.
Spring Valve
A spring valve is the most modern and expensive. It is a visible regulator that indicates the pressure inside the pot. It usually has two settings and needs to be watched to make sure it is accurate.
Aluminum
Aluminum pressure cookers are inexpensive and do the trick perfectly. These pressure cookers are perfect for a few uses, but like other aluminum cookware, they don"t hold up to heat and abrasion as well as other kitchen sets.
Because pressure cookers work by creating immense heat and pressure in the pot, your pressure cooker takes quite the beating. Aluminum will wear out quickly and be less safe to use over time.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel pressure cookers can not only handle the heat and pressure, but are sturdy little suckers over time. Stainless steel can withstand pressure, cleaning and temperature change, but stainless steel is not the best for conducting heat.
Your best bet is a pressure cooker with a combination stainless steel and aluminum.
Pressure cookers are a great kitchen tool to have on hand for the cold wintery months and are much safer than they were in your parents" time. Invest in a good pressure cooker for years of warm, delicious treats in less time.
