A microwave pressure cooker is a kitchen appliance that combines microwave technology with pressure cooking. This allows food to be cooked very quickly using both heat and pressure. But does this combination of cooking methods actually work?
How does a microwave pressure cooker work?
A microwave pressure cooker looks similar to a regular microwave but includes a sealed pot with a pressure valve. Food and some liquid are placed inside the pot and sealed. When the microwave is turned on, it heats the liquid inside the pot very rapidly, quickly building up steam and pressure. The pressure allows the temperature inside the pot to rise well above the boiling point of water, up to 250°F (120°C).
This combination of intense heat and pressure cooks food much faster than either a regular microwave or stovetop pressure cooker alone. Cooking times can be 70-80% faster compared to conventional methods. The steam and pressure tenderize meats and vegetables very quickly.
Benefits of microwave pressure cooking
Using both microwave energy and pressure cooking provides several advantages:
- Extremely fast cooking times – Full meals can be cooked in just 10-20 minutes.
- Energy efficient – Microwaves use less energy than conventional ovens.
- No need to watch the pot – Food can be set and left alone until finished.
- Minimal cleanup – Food cooks in a sealed pot with little mess or spatter.
- Retains more nutrients – The fast cooking helps retain vitamins and nutrients.
- Tenderizes meats – Pressure tenderizes even cheap cuts of meat.
- No heating up the kitchen – It doesn’t emit as much ambient heat as an oven.
What can you cook in a microwave pressure cooker?
A microwave pressure cooker can cook almost anything you would normally prepare in a conventional pressure cooker or microwave. This includes:
- Rice, grains, beans, lentils
- Stews, chili, curries
- Meat cuts – chicken, beef, pork, lamb
- Seafood – fish fillets, shrimp, clams, mussels
- Vegetables – potatoes, carrots, beets, squash
- Soups and stocks
- Desserts – puddings, custards, steamed cakes
It can be used to prepare complete meals with protein, vegetables, and grains cooked together. The only limitations are dishes that require deep frying or broiling.
Are there any disadvantages to microwave pressure cookers?
While microwave pressure cookers provide very fast cooking times, there are a few potential drawbacks:
- Lower capacity – The sealed pot has a smaller capacity than stovetop pressure cookers.
- No browning – The microwave does not brown or crisp food on the surface.
- No evaporation – Liquids do not reduce as they would on the stovetop.
- Potential overcooking – Food can overcook quickly if not monitored.
- No fond development – The fond (browned bits) that add flavor when sautéing cannot form.
- Size limitations – Very large cuts of meat or whole chickens cannot fit.
These limitations mean microwave pressure cookers may not be suitable for dishes that require lots of liquid reduction or benefit from fond development and oven browning. Careful timing is also required to prevent overcooking.
How to use a microwave pressure cooker
Using a microwave pressure cooker takes some getting used to but can become very quick and easy with practice. Here are some tips for success:
- Read the appliance manual thoroughly.
- Cut food into smaller, uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Add at least 1 cup liquid to the pot.
- Lock the lid securely before starting.
- Start with minimum cook times and check food often.
- Allow the pressure to release fully before opening lid.
- Be very careful when releasing steam from the vent.
- Avoid overfilling the pot which can cause boil-overs.
As with any pressure cooker, some care is required when using a microwave pressure cooker. Never try to force the lid open before depressurizing.
Are microwave pressure cookers safe?
Modern microwave pressure cookers include many safety features to prevent accidents while pressurized:
- Safety lid locks prevent opening while pressurized.
- Back-up pressure regulators prevent excess pressure buildup.
- Lid position monitors won’t allow microwaving if the lid is not fully locked.
- Maximum cooking timers prevent unintentional long cook times.
- If properly used based on the manufacturers instructions, microwave pressure cookers are generally considered safe.
However, any pressure cooking appliance must be treated with care. Never try to override or disable any of the safety mechanisms and always inspect for damage or faulty seals before use.
Microwave pressure cooker recommendations
Here are some top rated microwave pressure cooker models to consider:
| Brand | Model | Capacity | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instant Pot | Instant Pot Accu Slim Sous Vide | 6 quarts | 4.6 / 5 stars |
| Cuisinart | Cuisinart Microwave Pressure Cooker | 6 quarts | 4.3 / 5 stars |
| Tristar | Tristar Microwave Pressure Cooker | 10 quarts | 4.1 / 5 stars |
Conclusion
Microwave pressure cookers can significantly reduce cooking times for a wide range of foods thanks to the combination of microwave heat and pressurized steam. However, they work best for dishes that involve lots of liquid rather than those requiring searing, fond development, or oven finishing. With proper care and safety precautions, microwave pressure cookers provide a very fast and energy efficient way to prepare meals with minimal hassle or cleanup.