Types of pressure cookers and Slow cookers

How many types of slow cookers are there

7

Points to rember when using a pressure cooker

A minimum of 250 ml water should be used The cooker should be no more than two-thirds full with solid foods and no more half full with liquids Lock the lid in position and heat the cooker

Trivet(cooling rack)

allows food (eg chicken) to stand in the steam but not in direct contact with the base of the pan

Disadvantages of pressure cookers

careful timing is important to prevent foods such as vegetables from being overcooked

Safety Valve

if the pressure becomes too great in the cooker, it will be released through the safety valve which will either be pushed out or melt

Aluminum

most pressure cookers are made of this

Slow cookers

operated with electricity and used to make stews braises and other dishes that require long slow moist cooking

Locking lid and rubber seal (gasket)

prevents steam from escaping from the rim of the cooker so that pressure will build up inside, this is also used for safety as it can not be opened when under pressure

disadvantages of slow cookers

pulses and beans may not cook completely at the temperature of the slow cooker Meat and poultry may have to be browned in a pan beforehand

Automatic type

these have a timer which is set according to how long the food is to be cooked and releases the steam automatically once cooking is completed

Control Valve

this allows a small amount of steam to escape to prevent too much pressure building up inside the pan

High domed type

this has a larger capacity, and can be used for pot roasting a joint with vegetables on for other large foods

Pan type

this has a slightly domed lid and can be used to cook most foods,except large puddings and poultry

Pressure gauge

this is fitted over the control valve and either has separate weights which allow different pressures to be built up or has a central pin which rises as pressure builds up and indicates this by means of marks

Advantages of pressure cookers

Economical on fuel Meals can be prepared quickly While meals can be cooked in one pan

Points to rember when using a pressure cooker

Once a steady jet of steam is coming from the control valve place the pressure gauge in position and allow pressure to build up to desired level Lower the heat to maintain desired pressure and cook for correct time When cooking time is completed turn off heat and allow pressure to fall

Suitable foods and uses for pressure cookers

Jam making, fruit bottling Stews and casseroles Vegetables Meat joints Puddings Milk puddings Soups and stocks

Advantages of slow cookers

Little fuel is used Tough cuts of meat can be tenderized by the moist slow cooking

separate containers

These can be used to cook different types of food at the same time (eg vegetables)