The Kitchen Novice

Is The Cuisinart Pressure Cooker A Misunderstood Appliance?

Other than my coffee pot, I think my Cuisinart electric pressure cooker is my most used kitchen appliance. I honestly wonder why I took so long prior to buying a pressure cooker, considering how often I now use it.

Truly, what took me so long? I understand now that I had no real exposure to pressure cookers, and so never considered buying one.

With that realization in mind, I asked about, and to my amazement not a single individual I knew owned a pressure cooker. They had crock Pots, mixers, blenders and food processors, but not a pressure cooker.

Now my curiosity was up. Each time I was in a shop that marketed Kitchenware, I searched for pressure cookers. There were none; although possibly if I had gone in a specialty store I might possibly have found one.

I began hunting for pressure cookers in thrift shops, but all I found was an occasional aged pressure cooker/canner, which is utilized more for canning rather than quick cooking meals.

I was in a dilemma. Was the pressure cooker an unappreciated, neglected appliance? It appeared so.

There was a time when pressure cookers were loud, and looked like they could explode any minute. Also, most people used them largely for canning rather than cooking a meal. I think this status stays with them.

One of my friends told me that she didn’t use a pressure cooker simply because she didn’t know how to can. She believed that was all they were good for, and didn’t realize that they were every bit as practical as cooking with a crock pot.

I must mention that the original pressure cooker, and today’s modern day model, have very little in common other than their fundamental structure of cooking under pressure. Today’s cookers have safety valves and secured seals so that the hissing and hazard of it exploding no longer exist. The Cuisinart pressure cooker, in fact, does not even permit the lid to be opened until the pressure has released. As well the pressure doesn’t even build till the lid is sealed in place.

If you wanted to can, you undoubtedly could buy a pressure cooker/canner; but many contemporary pressure cookers are utilized strictly for cooking food, not for canning. Also I could point out that today’s models are considerably more appealing than their predecessors.

There are a number of benefits to owning a pressure cooker, if you are thinking about purchasing one:

•  You can saute, gentle simmer and brown food in one pot
• Money is saved by not using as much energy operating your oven or stove
• Clean up is a breeze as you only use one pot
• Retains nutrients in the food rather than permitting them to escape by means of steam
• Meat and veggies can cook in the same pot, but individually
• Cooking time is sped up by 70%

I believe the pressure cooker has endured from its earlier reputation as being hazardous and volatile, and mostly employed for canning. Todays cookers, such as the Cuisinart electric pressure cooker, are secure, appealing, and a wonderful home appliance to own.

10 Cup Fuzzy Logic Rice Cooker in Milky White $142.01 TGA1007: Features: -Fuzzy logic rice cooker. -Milky White finish. -10 cups dry rice will yield 20 cups cooked rice. -Automatic Cooking Logic ACL programmable microcomputer controlled cooking ensures perfectly cooked rice every time. -Advanced pressure-controlled steam venting system seals in heat and flavor for the best tasting rice. -Special keep-warm heating elements keep rice warm for up to 12 hours without drying or burning of the rice. -Menu button selects up to 8 unique built-in cooking choices. -Cooking selections include plain, quick, rinse free rice, germinated brown, brown, porridge, mixed and sweet rice. -Re-heating cycle brings the rice to just cooked serving temperature. -Soft-touch control panel buttons. -Large LCD with clock and preset timer functions. -A signal sounds when cooking is complete and then switches to keep warm mode. -Indicator light shows which function is in use. -Compact body style with easy tote handle. -Roll-up power cord for easy cleaning and storage. -Non-stick scratch resistant inner cooking bowl. -Detachable steam release vent, for easy cleaning. Specifications: -Includes rice paddle, instruction booklet and rice measuring cup. -Capacity: 1.8 liter/69.87 oz. -Power: 964 W – cook/34 W – keep warm. -Voltage: 120V. -Tiger provides 1 year limited parts and labor warranty. -Overall dimensions: 10.5 H x 10.5 W x 13 D.

10 Cup LCD Warmer Rice Cooker $439.79 TGA1016: Features: -LCD warmer rice cooker.-Advanced IH even cooking system produces uniform temperatures throughout all cooking levels.-Built to cook rice at a higher temperature and pressure.-Features ”Okoge” selection which means the rice is browned slightly for a crunchy texture on the bottom of the bowl.-Exclusive high quality, 5 layered polished steel and aluminum bowl.-Easy to follow menu with many options to suit many different tastes.-Exclusive sealed-in cooking, retains moist heat up to 12 hours.-10 cups dry rice capacity makes up to 20 cups of cooked rice.-Water level marks on inner surface of rice cooking bowl ensures the correct amount of water is added.-Indicator lights show whether cooking or warming mode is in use.-Scratch resistant, non-stick cooking bowl to make clean-up easy.-Built in carrying handle for safe and easy moving.-Unique, removable washable lid.-Capacity: 10 cups. Includes: -Includes measuring cup, spatula, instruction booklet and cooking recipes. Specifications: -Voltage: 120V. Dimensions: -Overall dimensions: 9.75” H x 9.75” W x 9.75” D. Warranty: -Tiger provides 1 year limited parts and labor warranty and 3 year limited warranty for inner cooking bowl.

12-Element Pressure Cooker $159.43 12-Element Low Pressure, Pressure Cooker. These 2 stainless steel pans – 9qt and 4qt can be used 2 ways: One can be turned into a low pressure, pressure cooker with the addition of the pressure cooker lid and the welded, riveted handles locked into position; or, either pan can be used as a standard cooking pan with the addition of the see-thru glass cover not locking the handles. Limited lifetime warranty.

16 Quart Pressure Cooker/Canner $66.99 IRO1000: In a hurry to prepare dinner? You can cut cooking time of your favorite foods by as much as 70%, retain healthy nutrients that are lost in conventional cooking and make mouth watering meals with a Mirro Pressure Cooker. There are three separate safety features on all models. Features: -Pressure cooker/canner. -Heavy gauge aluminum construction. -Safety features like locking handle, overpressure release valve and gasket release window. -Built in pressure monitoring device on handle. -Rustproof and dishwasher safe polished. -Capacity: 16 quart. -Manufacturer provides 10 Year limited warranty. -Overall dimensions: 9 H x 13.6 W x 13.6 D.

16??? Outdoor Cooker w/ Stainless Steel Fry Pan and Basket $99.99 This compact King Kooker 16″ bolt together portable propane outdoor cooker package is great for all outdoor excursions. The cooker has a recessed top ring and large bottom ring for extra safety and stability, and a high pressure 54,000 BTU cast burner. Cook a variety of foods and save oil with the low profile 7 Qt. stainless steel fry pan and basket. Use the deep fry thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the flame with the adjustable regulator. Cook all your foods to perfection every time! Try the suggestions in our detailed instruction/recipe booklet, or create your own favorites! King Kooker lets you eat like a King!. CSA Design Certified.16″ portable propane outdoor bolt together cooker54,000 BTU Cast BurnerListed LP Hose and Regulator with Type 1 Connection 7 qt. Stainless Steel Fry Pan with Punched Basket and Heat Resistant HandleDeep Fry ThermometerCSA Design Certified