How To Use An Electric Pressure Cooker With Printable List
I know sometimes people are afraid to use a pressure cooker, not to be confused with a pressure canner to preserve food. If you can afford an electric pressure cooker I would highly recommend getting one because it will save you time, and I mean a lot of time in the kitchen.
Sometimes I forget I have this wonderful kitchen tool called an electric pressure cooker. Here’s the deal, if you want to save time and money get one of these gems. I prefer the Fagor brand: Fagor 670040230 Stainless-Steel 3-in-1 6-Quart Multi-Cooker
. Last night I had some company here for dinner and I had a few too many pots going on the stove I was watching.
So let’s get started……………….
How To Use An Electric Pressure Cooker
I decided to grab the pressure cooker and start cooking the small red potatoes. I placed the red potatoes in the pot inside the cooker with one cup of water (the minimum required) and locked the lid in place. I set it on HIGH for 8 minutes by pushing the HIGH button 8 times (thus 8 minutes of cooking time). I set the dial on top to “pressure” and pushed the “start” button. Then I did laundry and made salads and let the cooker do its thing. Here’s a YouTube I made showing you how to use it: Food Storage Moms.
Here is a FREE printable for veggies: Temperatures-Vegetables. Please adjust the cooking times according to your electric pressure cooker.
Here is a FREE printable for rice, grains, and beans: Temperatures-Rice, Grains and Beans. Please adjust the cooking times according to your electric pressure cooker.
Here is a FREE printable for meat: Temperatures-Meat Please adjust the cooking times according to your electric pressure cooker.
Pasta Recipe
If you want to cook a recipe with pasta, here is the formula I use:
1 pound uncooked pasta
48 ounces of spaghetti sauce or canned tomatoes to cover the ingredients in the pan
Meat, pre-cooked sausage, cooked chopped chicken, or cooked fried hamburger
Chopped onions, chopped green pepper
Shredded carrots (optional-I like to sneak in all the veggies I can)
Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all of the ingredients in the pressure cooker. It must be a little watery because the liquid will be absorbed into the pasta. After cooking, drizzle olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cook on high for 6 minutes. Use natural release as stated below.
I took this statement from Fagor Website. and I quote:
a) Natural release method: let the pressure drop naturally without turning the pressure regulator knob to “Steam”. This will take several minutes, during which the food inside will continue cooking. Some recipes benefit from this extra cooking time. You will know when the pressure has been released for the floating valve will drop and you will be able to open the lid.
b) Quick release method: release the pressure immediately by turning the pressure regulator knob to STEAM. All the pressure will be released in seconds. CAUTION: The steam coming out of the cooker will be hot, and might contain droplets of hot liquid. Always turn the jet of steam away from your face and hands. NOTE: If you do not press the START/STOP button at the end of the cooking time, the multi-cooker will beep periodically to remind you that the cooking ended.
I hope these charts help you use your electric pressure cooker today or in the future when you are able to get one for your family. Life is good when you eat at home around the dinner table and do so without a lot of unnecessary cooking time. ***** Please don’t use one of these for pressure canning. It is NOT safe to do because there is no pressure gauge to regulate the pressure. Please be safe when preserving your food.
My favorite things:
Fagor 670040230 Stainless-Steel 3-in-1 6-Quart Multi-Cooker
Can this be used to can foods?
Hi Shirley, no it cannot be used to can food because the temperature does not get up high enough to be safe. Thanks for asking that question, I am going to go add that to my post. Hugs, Linda
Hi Shirley,
While this particular pressure cooker cannot can, there are others that will. I just bought a Pressure Cooker Plus and it has a canning function for small batch canning. I tried it and it worked perfectly. My mother and my sister also have them and have canned successfully as well.
Cathy, that’s awesome! I will look into that Pressure Cooker Plus, thanks!! Linda
The extension offices are still saying don’t can in an electric pressure cooker, regardless of the manufacturers claims.
Hi Lori, we need to shout this from the rooftops!!! It is NOT safe to can in our electric pressure cookers. Thank you, I keep telling people this!! Linda
Such a helpful group of lists! Thanks!
Hi Carol, thanks to you I am able to make printables! Linda
I have 2 electric pressure cookers….best invention since the wheel!! Put in the food, push the button, walk away. It beeps when done and then keeps food warm for up to 8 hours. What’s not to love! I use the handle of a wooden spoon to push the steam release so I don’t get burned with live steam when I am in a hurry. Everyone should have one, IMHO.
Hi Emily, I want two of them! I am so glad I am not the only one that thinks two would be awesome! Thanks for the tip on the wooden spoon! Linda
Great post, I just saw a tv commercial for a pressure cooker similar to this one I was curious about using it. Now I know that I want one… Thank you.
Hi girlfriend! You would love one, I promise! I bought one for all mu daughters. They save so much time and make the food taste yummy! Linda
My granddaughter has finally decided it is the thing to cook with each day. She has twins 6 years old and 10 year old son. She is president of PTA at their school, plus boys scouts den mother, and all the sporting activities the three are involved in. She needs one and loves it. Grandmothers are smarter than they think!
Hi Barbara, oh man does she ever need a pressure cooker. My one daughter teaches pre-school 6 hours a day and has 4 children left at home. She uses her pressure cooker almost every night! She needs a thermal cooker too! She can cook dinner on the run! I better do a post again on my thermal cookers. Moms drive around in the car while dinner is cooking in the car with their thermal cookers. Here is a link until then:
Are these printables all using natural release method?
Hi Robin, no they are not all natural release. You can decide which release you want to use. These are just the cooking times of non-frozen meats and vegetables. I usually use natural release with my rice and quinoa only. I hope this helps. If you want the food to cook longer or stay warm longer, you can use natural release. Let me know if this doesn’t answer your question. You can decide how to release the pressure. Pressure cookers save so much time. Linda
Hi Barbara, just found your website! I recently purchased a walmart 10psi farberware electric pressure cooker. I know its not the brand you recommend but I thought I would give it a try. So many sites have unspecified weights on their cooking charts for meats, why is this? I am having a hard time figuring out how much time is required per pound, per meat. Do you have a more specified time chart for your meats by weight that you could share with me? Thanks for your help!
Hi Nikki, I love Farberware products!! The reason I bought the Fagor was because I took classes from Chef Brad (that’s what he used) and they sold them in the kitchen store I worked at teaching bread making classes, etc. I do have some pressure cooker PRINTABLES. How many watts is your Farberware electric pressure cooker? Have you seen the ones I made for each food product? It’s not based on weight but rather how the meat is cut, whole chickens versus tenderloins, etc. Potatoes, cubed or whatever. I bought an Instant Pot in December, it is 1000 watts as well. I am going to be doing some posts comparing the two machines side by side. Let me know how many watts it shows on your electric pressure cooker. Thanks, Linda
Hi Nikki, I looked on the Walmart website and it looks just like mine. I have a 6 quart, is yours a six quart? I cannot see the wattage. I know you can’t fill them typically more than 2/3 full because they need the room to build up steam to pressure cook the food. You will love it!! Linda
I mean Linda!…so sorry!!!……multitasking mother…lol!!!
Hi Nikki, LOL! Nor worries, I totally get the multitasking!!! <3
Hello there Barbara,
merely discovered your site! I as of late obtained a WalMart 10psi Farber were electric weight cooker. I know it’s not the brand you prescribe, but rather I thought I would try it out. Such a large number of locales have unspecified weights on their cooking diagrams for meats, why would that be? I am experiencing considerable difficulties out how much time is required per pound, per meat. Do you have a more indicated time graph for your meats by weight that you could impart to me? Much obliged for your offer assistance!
Hi, Miliana, I love hearing you bought an electric pressure cooker, I have tried two brands. Here’s the deal about the weight of the meat, it’s not the weight but rather if it’s a whole chicken, chicken pieces or whatever. If the meat is a whole pork roast, pork chops or chunks. You cannot fill the pressure cookers more than 2/3 full. Look to see how much your brand states, does it say do not fill over 1/2 or 2/3 full? I add one cup liquid to my meat and vegetables, lock the lid and set it to pressure or seal depending on the brand. IF the meat is not as tender as you like, reset the pressure for another 20 minutes or whatever. Just make sure you have the one cup of water. I prefer my meat almost like shredded tender kind of meat. I always cook mine longer than it says. Some people like to slice their meat, mine must be very tender. Don’t be afraid to re-set it if the meat is not to your liking as far as tenderness. Linda
How about recipes for non electric pressure cookers?
John, that’s a great idea! When I was growing up my mom used a pressure cooker on the stove. I know Chef Brad uses both electric and stove top pressure cookers. Great idea, I would need to buy one before I could publish cooking times. Let me work on that, thanks John, Linda
I love my pressure cooker. I made chicken teriyaki in mine last night. I have never done that before. It came out pretty good but the sauce was not thick enough so I had to thicken it on the stove. I guess I didnt add enough cornstarch LOL. Thanks for the printables. They are great.
Hi Judy, oh my gosh, my mouth is watering! I love chicken teriyaki! Linda
Linda, Can you make beef bone broth in the pressure cooker? If so, do you have a recipe to tell me how?
Thanks for the printables !! Really appreciate all the help!!! I’m a scardy cat at trying new things!! lol
HI LaRene, oh yes you make broth in a pressure cooker, just add more water to the pan with the meat, but remember you can’t fill it more than 2/3 full. No fear with that one. You know how some meat makes more juice, this will make more broth and juice. Hugs, Linda
Any recipes for using dehydrated potatoes slices? I have a few buckets full & I am not sure how long to cook them in the presser cooker?
Hi Starlene, that’s a great idea! I have never cooked mine in the pressure cooker. They would require water to be hydrated with tepid water and then some practice with the small chunks or thin slices as I have… I’m afraid they might become mushy, I’m going to practice. Great idea! Linda
Some time ago I bought a Conservo canner. It came with an old book. I heard that this was good for canning, pressure cooking or smoking meat. Not sure, but you can use it on a stove or a fire so it looked like a good survival item. I still am not sure how to use it and I have the book!. It came with old timey baby bottle holders. If you know how to use it, i’d sure like to know how to use it. If you aren’t sure what it is, Ebay has several Conservo canners. They aren’t that small. I’m kind of hoping to test it.
On an aside, I’m watching things in Venezuela. Looking to see what they run out of, how they deal with shortages and chaos. Some things are very hard to prepare for. I wish the best for the people there. It’s sad. But turmoil could sometime come to our country too. Now if I can get that Conservo to be useful, I’ll stop kicking myself for buying it in the first place.
Hi Debbie, it should be good for a large soup pot. I would check with your local state extension service. They should be able to show you how to use it and if it’s safe to use. Linda
I was just reading on Amazon about the pressure cooker that you have; it can also be used as a slow cooker (crock pot). Have you ever used yours that way? And if so, how does it compare to a regular crock pot?
Thank you, Jane
Hi, Jane, I have never used it as a slow cooker, I may try it tomorrow with some soup. Thanks for reminding me!! Yes, it has a low and high. I just put it on the counter I will try some soup in the morning. Linda
I want to know how to do canning with this pressure cooker , but the cookbook doesn’t Mention how. Do you have such info?
Hi Bea, you cannot do your pressure canning in this kind of pressure cooker. You need a regular CANNING pressure cooker, where you can control the temperatures. You may see posts saying you can pressure can in these, is it not true or safe. Linda
Love all 3 of my electric pressure cookers and it’s your fault, as I bought a 6qt Fagor on your recommendation. I now have a 4qt Fagor for everyday and a 3qt Instant Pot for the RV. The 6qt gets used for family potlucks. …and did I mention I hate to cook? Thank you.
Love all 3 of my electric pressure cookers and it’s your fault, as I bought a 6qt Fagor on your recommendation. I now have a 4qt Fagor for everyday and a 3qt Instant Pot for the RV. The 6qt gets used for family potlucks. …and did I mention I hate to cook? Thank you. I, too, prefer my Fagors. (And I have a modern stovetop pressure cooker too, for when the power fails.)
Oh, Lori, I have never used a stovetop pressure cooker. My mom used one when I was growing up. I need to order one of those, thanks for the reminder. Happy Holidays, Linda
Hi Lori, oh how I love this statement! I just heard that Instant Pot makes a 3-quart pressure cooker. I still prefer my Fagor over the Instant Pot but it saves families time in the kitchen. I actually gave away my Instant Pot. Happy Holidays! I hate to cook, I love it! I got the giggles! Linda
What altitude are you cooking your recipesnfor so I can adjust for my high Colorado Altitude…8500
Thanks and have a blessed day
Hi, Sheroe, good question. I live in Southern Utah. Wow, I need to add this to my post, thank you!! Here’s what I have read, for every 1,000 feet above 2,000-foot elevation, you must increase cooking time by 5 percent. Southern Utah is just under 2800.Thank you again, Linda
Thanks for getting back as I have tje chart…it was wisely suggested to me to ask for the altitude from folks who are posting their great recipes b/c of the cook times posted and adjust to my altitude from theirs. Have a wonderful day
Hi Sherie, Thanks again for the question! Linda
I too have a “pressure pot” I thought it would be great, but have struggled with it. Even adding the water, I am burning the food (on the bottom). Do I need to add a separator/rack on the bottom of the pan? It sears the meat beautifully, I am not cooking the food too long (besides the bottom, the rest of it comes out ok). When I tried pasta, the bottom scorches, but the rest is edible. What do I need to know???
Hi Brenda, I’m so sorry to hear this. What brand did you buy? The Instant Pot requires a deal in the bottom. I gave all my girls a Fagor pressure cooker. I bought an Instant Pot to see what the Hoopla was all about and I got rid of it. It was flimsy and the instructions made zero sense. I used it twice. If your food is burning, you probably need a steaming rack or whatever your brand calls it. I do eggs in my Fagor pressure cooker and the Instant Pot said I needed a steamer tray/rack. They are all different. Do not give up. I can help you. Linda