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How to Use a Pressure Cooker

Learn how to use our ProCook Pressure Cooker, so you can cook delicious foods easily.

Pressure cooking is a simple yet effective cooking method, perfect for time sensitive individuals who like to cook quickly and efficiently without compromising on taste. Cook individual foods or recipes on the stovetop with the ProCook Pressure Cooker, which also doubles as a stockpot. However, if you’re new to pressure cooking, we’ve created this handy guide.

So, if you’re wondering how does a pressure cooker work as well as pressure cooking timings, we’ve got the answers for you. 

A pressure cooker is a stovetop appliance that sits on top of your hob and uses steam pressure to cook. The appliance features a sealed pot, causing a lot of steam to build inside to a high pressure, which allows you to cook food faster. This time-saving kitchen gadget is perfect for those who lead busy lifestyles or who enjoy quick meals.

The ProCook Pressure Cooker is a stovetop pressure cooker, which allows you to create delicious, healthy meals in a fraction of the usual cooking time. Simply lock in your ingredients, set the appropriate pressure setting and place on the hob. 

What is a Pressure Cooker? 

The most talked about benefit of a pressure cooker is its speed. However, there’s a plethora of advantages to cooking with a pressure cooker. Along with its time-saving and quick cooking, pressure cookers can be considered a more economical way to cook and great for preserving nutrients and vitamins.

ProTip: Our ProCook Pressure Cooker comes with a glass lid, doubling up as a stockpot for when pressure cooking isn’t needed. 

What are the Benefits of a Pressure Cooker? 

How to Use a Pressure Cooker 

Pressure cooking is a simple and quick cooking method, although it is essential that you read through the instructions provided by your pressure cooker’s manufacturer.

Our ProCook Pressure Cooker is easy to use and effective for slow cooking methods. Here’s our guide on how to use the ProCook Pressure Cooker. 

Before first use 

Remove all packaging before first use and check the safety valve, sealing ring and pressure regulator. Clean each piece before using (and clean between each use).

Make note of the measuring inside the pot. The minimum amount of liquid should be approximately 250ml, whereas the total minimum filling level (both food and liquid) should be at least 1/3 full – never fill the pressure cooker more than 2/3 full, and if you’re cooking food likely to expand, swell or foam, do not fill more than half full. 

Keep an eye on the red safety valve 

The ProCook Pressure Cooker features a red safety valve. This valve raises and becomes visible when pressure is building once the pressure cooker is closed. Once the red valve is no longer visible, the pressure is no longer building, and the pressure cooker can be opened. 

Using your ProCook Pressure Cooker 

Add liquid and food 

Our ProCook Pressure Cooker features two buttons – one to signify ‘unlocking’ and the other to indicate ‘locking’ the lid to the pot. Familiarise yourself with these settings beforehand, so you know how to properly fix the lid to the pot.

ProTip: If adding salt, only add to already boiling water to avoid corroding to the base of the pressure cooker. 

Set the pressure regulator 

Once you’ve added the liquid and food to your pressure cooker, it’s time to set the pressure regulator level (measured in kPa – kilopascal, a unit of pressure).

Choose between the following:

90 kPa – Fast cooking. Reaches approximately 120C. Perfect for cooking and braising foods like meat and stews.

60 kPa – Gradual cooking. Reaches approximately 113C. Perfect for steaming delicate foods like vegetables and fish. 

Put on the hob 

Set your hob to a relatively high temperature. The pressure within the cooker will start to increase, meaning the cooker can no longer be opened. After you reach pressure, lower the burner to a simmer. While it cooks, steam will continually escape from the pressure regulator (this steam will be hot, so be careful). This means that the cooking time has now started. 

Cooking time complete 

Turn off the hob once cooking is complete and wait for the safety valve to no longer be visible. If you cooked at the pressure of 90 kPa, change the pressure regulator from 90 kPa to 60 kPa before turning it completely off. When cooking under pressure 60 kPa, feel free to turn the pressure cooker off without minimising through stages.

Once all the steam has been released, the lid is ready to be opened and removed. Remember, you must never force the lid open. 

We’ve compiled a guide on pressure cooker timings relevant to the ProCook Pressure Cooker set at a 'High Pressure” setting (90 kPa). Use these timings as a guidance – they may differ depending on the size of the food as well as whether they have been defrosted beforehand. Also note that cooking times differ between stovetop pressure cookers and electric pressure cookers. 

What can you cook on a low-pressure cooking setting? 

We’ve compiled a guide on pressure cooker timings relevant to the ProCook Pressure Cooker set at a 'High Pressure” setting (90 kPa). Use these timings as a guidance – they may differ depending on the size of the food as well as whether they have been defrosted beforehand. Also note that cooking times differ between stovetop pressure cookers and electric pressure cookers. 

Pressure Cooker Timings 

How to Clean Your Pressure Cooker 

Cleaning between uses is essential for food hygiene and protecting the longevity of your pressure cooker. Here are our top tips on how to clean a pressure cooker.

1. Allow your pressure cooker to cool completely before cleaning.

2. All parts of the pressure cooker minus the lid are dishwasher safe. Place in the dishwasher for a quick and efficient clean.

3. When cleaning the pressure cooker lid, do not immerse the lid in water. Rather, the lid must be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Never clean with steel wool or any abrasive, alkaline or chlorinated detergents.

4. Rinse the sealing ring under running water and dry after each use. Use this time to check the integrity of your sealing ring. If it’s worn or damaged, replace the sealing ring. It’s normal for your sealing ring to need replacing due to wear and tear every 1-2 years (only use sealing rings supplied by us).

5. Clean the pressure regulator by removing it from the lid (do this by setting it to the position with an arrow pointing upwards). Clean under running water and then re-insert back into the lid. Alternatively, clean the bottom part of the pressure regulator from the inside of the lid with a damp cloth.