Slow & Pressure Cooker users thread.

IronGiant

Looks like a budget Instant Pot.  Certainly worth a try at that price, especially as you can get replacement inner pots for them if the non-stick isn't up to much.  I await hyperfish's update

hyperfish

Tried it a few times and it works as intended as far as I can tell.

The tricky part is releasing the steam. If I switch the float valve as per instructions to the release setting, then yeah steam and water spray out. Leaving it 10mins after the cook doesn't help as the pressure is still there and would the cooking also continue beyond any recipe? The best solution is to press lightly on the float valve lever which reduces the steam slowly, then open the valve fully after a minute or so.

The PK was given to my wife. She's only tried it twice because of this. I'll help out next time. Turns out that it's only the 2.5l capacity. It's 10"x10" externally with a small internal copper coloured pot, the 5l version must be really big.

IronGiant

That will happen with any of them. Just leave it a bit longer.

mr starface

Debuted mine today and impressed so far.

Did a few ribs, dry rub then 30.mins on high. Meat was falling off the bone, put some bbq sauce on and finished under the grill so all done in under 44 mins.

For dinner tried a recipe online for beef ragu, cook time 30 mins so maybe an hour including prep. Very impressed  lovely sauce and beef shredded easily.

In the week will try a casserole and whole chicken maybe.

hyperfish

My mum had a Prestige stove top cooker when I was a kid. She would run it under the cold tap before removing the weighted valve, but you can't do that with these.

Dony

My childhood memories of a pressure cooker were similar, and the odd time the valve shot off.

sniffer66

Thanks guys. I think I'll give it a shot for the money. Amazon reviews seem pretty good, with the odd dodgy unit. But I guess 2nd hand will have probably been tested to some extent.

Given we both work long hours and use the slow cooker a lot I can see us really making use if it.

mr starface

Did quick casserole in the instant por last night, just a packet mix with small pack of beef, onion, carrot and mushrooms. 35 minutes and all done, was tasty though obviously would have been nicer from scratch. Had a lot of sauce left though, I guess you cant really reduce it under pressure so ended up throwing it on a pan on the hob for 15 minutes.

sniffer66

I was under the impression you could simmer to reduce in these pressure cookers, using the same pot you pressure cooked in

IronGiant

You certainly can, either on the low saute or the high slow cook, in the case of the Instant Pot.  Yours will no doubt have similar settings.