What is a pressure cooker
A pressure cooker is a modern kitchen appliance that will be appreciated not only by lovers of healthy eating, but also by people who prefer not to spend a lot of time on the cooking process.
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What is a pressure cooker
In appearance, a pressure cooker resembles a saucepan, but has its own design features. Thanks to the built-in valve, the lid with a special seal closes securely and hermetically. By changing the cooking conditions, namely creating higher pressure in a closed system, truly impressive results can be achieved. The only drawback with this method of cooking is that you cannot taste the dish, because the system is closed and airtight. All taste characteristics can be assessed after the procedure is completed. The principle of operation is simple: in any pressure cooker this is the process of pressurizing, direct cooking, and then releasing pressure. To make a choice, you need to know the features of different types of pressure cookers, their advantages and disadvantages.
Types of pressure cookers
There are two main types available in hardware stores:
- electric pressure cookers;
- for the stove.
Each of them has many varieties. When buying a pressure cooker for a stove, you need to check with consultants which one it is suitable for: one powered by natural gas or induction.
IMPORTANT! Pay attention to the material of manufacture of the proposed option: aluminum or stainless steel.
The first one will cost a little less, but it is difficult to use and will require more careful care from you, otherwise the device will quickly lose its external luster and appearance. But this is not so bad, since you will need to monitor with particular care the preparation of dishes containing a higher level of acidity, since the ingress of aluminum into food will harm your health.
The option with stainless steel will be completely safe in this sense, because it is not without reason that it is called “medical steel”, although you will have to pay more for it - this is the only drawback of using this technology.
The electric version can be a standard configuration or multifunctional. Representatives of this type will differ from each other only in power consumption and the abundance of different programs and mode settings for cooking. They can be equipped with protective automation and safety valves, which will increase the reliability and safety of these devices in various situations (during a power outage and emergency depressurization of the system).
IMPORTANT! When choosing a device, it is recommended to pay attention to the Redmond brand, Panasonic and Mouline - these are representatives of the budget category. Cristel, Fissler and Silit are developments from manufacturers who deal specifically with this area of technology and, accordingly, guarantee the implementation of the most progressive and innovative technologies and quality.
Advantages of pressure cookers
The main advantage is the high cooking speed.Compared to other methods (stewing or boiling in a regular pan), a pressure cooker will cook 1.5-2 times faster. Consequently, significantly less energy (gas) is spent. Savings can reach fifty or even seventy percent. In addition, the natural taste and aroma of vegetables is fully preserved due to the use of a small amount of water.
In a pressure cooker you can prepare many healthy dishes that are necessary for the whole family’s daily menu: various soups, meat broths, vegetable stews, pea puree, chickpeas, chicken, cereal dishes. There are programs in electrical devices that can prepare certain dishes with precision down to the second and absolutely without your participation. Such miracle devices are usually called “Switch it on and forget it”; they are indispensable for people in old age.
REFERENCE! Electric pressure cookers are completely safe to use and there is no need to be afraid of gas leaks and explosions or food poisoning from incomplete combustion and lack of proper ventilation in the kitchen. The delayed start function will allow you to get a hot, complete and healthy breakfast without wasting time; the equipment will do everything for you.
Mechanical pressure cookers will allow their owners to diversify cooking options, since they do not work according to programs, but at your discretion. Accordingly, you can experiment with preparing various dishes and surprise yourself and your guests with unforgettable tastes, the recipe of which only you will know. You won’t be able to make such a gastronomic variety of dishes with electrical appliances.
