Sunday, August 30, 2009

What Features You Should Demand In Your Next Pressure Cooker

By Jim Samposzi

Pressure cookers are air-tight units that will ensure the non-escape of air during operation. This style of cooking your food is unique and preferred by many. Pressure cookers are usually constructed with stainless steel or aluminum. Nowadays, these devices are much less dangerous to use than they used to be. In pressure cooker's earlier days, the pressure cooker manufactured with safety features. In this time, pressure cookers were known for causing explosions in the kitchen. Although the previous types were dangerous, the ones nowadays are built with the following features:

* Handles - A long handle on one end of the pressure cooker where the lid is closed and a shorter piece on the opposite side make it very to pick up the pressure cooker when you need to. Because of this handle arrangement, there is a reduced risk of burns when picking up the cooker. A longer handle will be a lot cooler than the shorter due to the increased distance from the flame.

* Locking system - Most of the time, the cover of the cooker is pushed into place and then locked closed. This feature provides more safety and lessens the chances of the lid popping up in someone's face while cooking due to the pressure. The lid and the rim of the base pot keep the lid on tight so it cannot open unexpectedly. Safety lid locks are another feature, where the unit will not start cooking if the lid is not properly closed; this mechanism is typically put in place by the simple press of a button.

* Weights - Older cookers used to rattle when pressure built up. Today, weights are attached on the lids of the unit to reduce the rattle. Also, a manual dial feature or rising valve stem is also included with the pressure cooker. These parts reduce the escape of moisture from the food. In case of too much pressure, the existing pressure is safely reduced through a series of secondary stems and valves on the pot.

* Metals - A stainless steel pressure cooker is great for cooking all kinds of food as it does not react with acid ingredients from things like tomatoes. Stainless steel cookers can be safely used on any stove top. They can also be used inside the grill or put right onto a flame when camping. Also, a metal spoon is suggested for stirring in a stainless steel pressure cooker as they do not scratch or discolor the cooker. Moreover, stainless steel pressure cookers last a long time.

* Pop up pressure indicator - Pop up pressure indicators show when the desired pressure setting has been reached. This feature eliminates guesswork and accurately shows the pressure in the cooker.

This series of cookers have come a long way since the early days. Nowadays, many individuals are familiar with pressure cookers and use them regularly. Many people use these types of cookers during holidays and special occasions. And, many people use them regularly to slow cook meals to allow for optimum flavor. Either way, pressure cookers provide an effective way to cook food and is now safer than ever.

About the Author:

No comments: