Function

• Similar in look and feel to traditional pots, electric pressure cookers steam and cook food at higher than normal temperatures. Because the pressure cooker’s lid completely seals the pot, steam from boiling liquid steadily builds pressure. As a result, these appliances cook food in less time than regular pots. The sealing is one component that allows pressure cookers to produce steam and cook food over a short period of time. Called a gasket, this rubber ring surrounds the side part of the lid, trapping steam and building pressure inside the pot. In addition to the sealing ring, electric pressure cookers are comprised of a pressure regulator, over-pressure plug, vent pipe, air vent, handle and cooking rack.
  
  

Features

• Electric pressure cookers are available in a wide range of brands and models. Ratings on key features will help you determine which pressure cooker is appropriate for you. One feature to consider is size -- for example, an 8- to 10-quart pressure cooker may be more practical than a 21-quart pressure cooker. Whereas 8-quart pressure cookers are sufficient for cooking a full chicken, 21-quart pressure cookers are more appropriate for preparing larger quantities of food.
  
  Check, too, the ratings on pressure levels and control mechanisms. The ability to select and control different pressure settings provides more flexibility in the types of food you prepare with your cooker. Other factors to weigh include the durability of accessories, such as valves, and industry safety ratings.
  
  

Considerations

• While Internet reviews and ratings can assist you when deciding between different types of electric pressure cookers, one or two negative reviews out of hundreds may not accurately reflect the quality and performance of the product. ConsumerSearch, Inc. states that their methodology assigns the highest ratings to products resulting from actual tests, rather than “sweeping endorsements.” Also consider the date and relevancy, as well as the personal knowledge of the reviewer, when researching ratings. Electric cooker ratings may also rank higher in one category -- for example, cook time -- and lower in another category -- cost -- depending on the thoroughness of the review.
  
  

Benefits

• Although electric pressure cooker ratings help assess whether one manufacturer is better than the other, some benefits can be attributed to pressure cookers irrespective of brand. For example, pressure cookers save not only time but also energy while cooking. Kitchens stay cooler and smoke-free since heat and steam stays inside the pot. This also helps with cleanup after cooking, since spills and splatters are contained in a covered pot rather than an open pan or skillet. FabFood adds that “due to the shorter cooking time and the fact that the food is cooked in less liquid that gets boiled away, more vitamins and minerals are retained than with conventional cooking methods.”