How to Use a Pressure Cooker

Saving both energy and time in the kitchen, a pressure cooker is the unsung hero we could all use right now. Capable of tenderising meats and cooking dried beans and grains in record time, a pressure cooker can also cook stews, soups and rice as fast as it takes to chop the ingredients. If you’re looking for a money-, time- or energy-saving kitchen hack that allows for greater preservation of vitamins and nutrients in the food, then look no further. With our complete guide on how to use a pressure cooker, you’ll find everything you need to know before buying this new gadget.

What Is a Pressure Cooker and How Do They Work?

A method of ‘wet cooking’, a pressure cooker’s fundamental purpose is to speed up cooking time. While there are multiple options to choose from in terms of shape, size and handle, a pressure cooker is a sealed pot with a valve that controls the steam pressure inside. As the heat builds the liquid inside creates steam which raises the internal pressure to a temperature that wouldn’t be achieved with liquid alone. This higher heat helps food cook faster and more efficiently by injecting both hot air and moisture into the food. It also helps to preserve the vitamins and minerals in the ingredients.

How to Use a Pressure Cooker

If you still envision a pressure cooker as a whistling pot on the stove about to explode, then rest assured that’s no longer the case. Modern pressure cookers are simple and safe to use. From detachable timers and easy-lock systems to heatproof handles and directional pressure regulators, pressure cookers come with a wide range of features to help you have a safe and successful cooking experience. 

To see how you can use one of these handy appliances, watch our video and follow our simple steps below:

1. Add food and liquid to the pot.

2. Close the lid making sure the valve is in the right position.

3. Choose the pressure setting.

4. Wait until the pressure builds up and starts cooking the food.

5. Release the pressure and enjoy your meal!

Tips for Using a Pressure Cooker

There are plenty of top tips to make the most of your pressure cooker – read ours below.

• Never fill up a pressure cooker more than halfway as it needs space to create steam.
  
  
• Remember that as pressure cooking is a type of ‘wet cooking’, you should never try to cook anything without at least 2 cm of liquid in the pot.
  
  
• With all pressure cooker recipes, cooking times should only be taken from when your pressure cooker indicates the required level of pressure has been reached. At this  point you should lower the heat but the pressure should be maintained. You can do this by turning the heat up or down during the cooking process or moving the pan to different sized hobs. (Note: this is only something to consider for stovetop pressure cookers, as electric ones will be adjusted via the touch of a button.)
  
  
• If you plan to cook a cut of meat, brown it in a pan first before adding it to the pressure cooker for extra flavour.
  
  
• While pressure cookers are great for preparing stews and tenderising tough cuts of meat, the liquid used to cook them doesn’t cook down during the cooking process, so prepare to simmer things down when the lid comes off if necessary.
  
  
• Use a timer! Depending on your recipe, a minute or two longer could ruin the dish.

What to Cook In a Pressure Cooker

As mentioned at the start of our guide, pressure cookers make short work of slow-cook ingredients. Whether you’re looking to do some batch cooking, create a speedy dinner or cook a single ingredient, see our list below of the best things to cook in a pressure cooker.

• Meat
  Save money on meat by buying cheaper cuts and cooking them until meltingly tender in a pressure cooker.
  
  
• Dried beans and lentils
  Cook pulses from scratch and save money on pre-cooked or canned varieties. Get more flavour too with this method.
  
  
• Rice and risotto dishes
  These can be made in half the time it takes in a normal pot.
  
  
• Stews and soups
  Get great depth of flavour and a warming meal in no time with this shortcut method.

Choosing the Best Pressure Cooker

Pressure cookers come in different sizes and shapes, so there’s a wide variety to choose from depending on what you’re looking for. Ensure the pressure cooker is suitable for your hob, and check whether it comes with added features, like a steamer basket for preparing fish and veggies. From stovetop models like the Prestige 6L and Tower 6L Pressure Cooker to freestanding multifunctional options like the Instant Pot or the Ninja which act as pressure cookers, slow cookers and more, at Robert Dyas we have a range of options to suit each and every need.

For cooking delicious, healthy, cost cutting meals for you and your family, a pressure cooker is a must-have item in the kitchen. From saving you time to retaining the vitamins and nutrients in your food without sacrificing flavour, this smart stovetop cooker is guaranteed to improve your weekly food prep. To find the perfect one for you, have a browse through our pressure cooker range and enjoy all those time-saving, nutritious dinners to come.