Pressure cookers are making a strong comeback.
Consumers have begun to re-discover the value of pressure cookers in cutting down high fuel costs.
The Consumer Council has surveyed the market and compared 7 series of pressure cookers (each with different sizes to suit individual needs) for their features and price range.
There is no doubt that pressure cookers can deliver speedy hot meals more economically at a time of surging fuel costs.
What may take conventional stove-top cooking hours to accomplish, pressure cookers can do it in matter of minutes.
For instance, beef brisket requiring prolonged heating, can be prepared in just about 30 minutes or so instead of 2 to 3 hours. The savings in energy consumption could be substantial over the long term.
Understandably, some consumers may have concern over tales of "exploded" cooker and food-splattered ceiling.
Indeed, the importance of safety in the use of pressure cookers cannot be stressed enough.
Essentially, in operating a pressure cooker, to build up pressure inside the device for quick cooking, its lid must be closed properly. After cooking, the pressure must be reduced before opening the lid.
Different brands or series have different ways to close the lid and to reduce pressure. Consumers should, therefore, thoroughly understand how to operate the pressure cooker before buying. Here are some important safety tips:
- Read and follow the instructions closely.
- Be sure to check the steam vent before use to make sure it is free and clear of any food particles.
- Do not overfill the pressure cooker, especially for food that expands during cooking, such as rice and beans, the amount needs to be reduced accordingly.
- Ensure the pressure cooker is not cooking without water.
- Keep away from the steam vent when there is escaping steam from the pressure cooker.
- At the end of cooking, turn off the heat and depressurize the cooker, always following the instructions.
- When cooking congee, soup or food that expands during cooking, such as rice and beans, do not depressurize the pressure cooker by opening the steam vent to quickly release the steam. Otherwise the liquid inside the pressure cooker may spit out with the steam or the steam vent may be blocked. Depressurize the cooker by turning off the heat and let it cool down naturally.
- Replace the gasket or rubber seal when it is out of shape.
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