The variety of electric pressure cooker available on the market these days is wide. This can make shopping seem like an awesome experience.
But that’s not even close to the reality
Each time you venture out to actually buy something, you very easily get confused with all the current alternatives that you’re offered.
But you should, do not be threatened! If you are thinking about making the jump and trying an electric pressure cooker, here is a list of the essential things that you ned to know to get familiarized with your next electric pressure cooker.
Related: Best Electric Perssure Cooker to Buy in 2020
Contents
Pressure Cooking Terms That You Need to Know
Quick or Natural Release?
Once you are done making your meals, you have two options to release the pressure from your electric pressure cooker: quick release and natural release. That you can choose depending on what you’re cooking.
Quick Release
This means that you will release the pressure immediately after active cooking by turning, or lifting, or pressing the pressure release valve. You will usually use this release method for foods that don’t benefit from extra cooking time, like eggs. The pressure release should take about 1 to 2 minutes.
Natural Release
Natural Release is when you let the pressure drop slowly from your electric pressure cooker. Typically, it’s not necessary to do a single thing to make this happen; it’s going to drop automatically. This technique is especially great for meals that foam throughout preparing food, like dried beans. Most electric pressure cooker designs include an indicator pin which will drop once the pressure has been released. Otherwise, based on your model as well as the heat you have been cooking your food at, this might take Ten to fifteen min’s to finish.
Low, Medium & High Pressure
Depending on what you’re cooking, you will want to use low, medium, or high pressure. Have in mind that not all electric pressure cookers have a medium pressure option. The manual that came with your electric pressure cooker should indicate which type of pressure to use for which type of food.
In most cases for stove top pressure cookers, low pressure means 6 to 8PSI and high pressure means 13 to 15PSI. This will have a great range for electric.
Pressure Indicator
The pressure indicator is located on the lid of your electric pressure cooker. It is generally a tiny pin that will pop up to let you know when your electric pressure cooker has reached the correct pressure. It will also let you know when the pressure has dropped when the pin drops down.
The pressure indicator often acts as a locking agent for your electric pressure cooker as well. As a result, it is sometimes called the “locking indicator.”
Pressure Release Valve
The pressure release valve is located on the lid of your electric pressure cooker. By pressing, turning, or lifting this valve, you will release the pressure from your electric pressure cooker after you are done with the cooking.
Be careful! When you need to release pressure out of your electric pressure cooker, try to use a different tool like a long wooden spoon to turn or press down on the release valve. Doing this you are going to avoid getting your hands in contact with hot steam.
Steam Condensation Collector
The steam condensation collector is a small, usually plastic, container that locks to the side of your electric pressure cooker. It will hold and collect the extra condensation during cooking.
Silicone Sealing Ring
The silicone sealing ring, or gasket ring, is located on the inside of your pressure cooker’s lid. This ring creates a gas-tight seal that will not let any steam or air escape when you are cooking.
PSI
This abbreviation stands for pounds per square inch.
Trivet and Steam Basket
Your pressure cooker might come with a trivet and possibly a steam basket. These are used to keep food from touching the bottom of the cooker. I found the trivet by itself was totally fine to use for cooking hard-boiled eggs.
If you like more an explanation with a video here are some tips about what you should know before Buying an Electric Pressure Cooker
If you already have your Electric Pressure cooker don’t miss the next post about Electric Pressure Cooker Recipes