Crockpots are a popular kitchen appliance used to cook dishes over a long period of time at lower temperatures. The Crockpot Express is a newer model by Crockpot that functions as both a traditional slow cooker and a pressure cooker. Using pressure cooking, the Crockpot Express can cook foods much faster than a standard slow cooker.
What is a Crockpot Express?
The Crockpot Express is an electric multicooker that can be used as both a standard slow cooker and a pressure cooker. It has a 6-quart ceramic cooking pot that can be used with the locking lid for pressure cooking or with a clear glass lid for slow cooking. The ceramic pot can withstand temperatures up to 400°F.
The Crockpot Express has an airtight locking lid that seals in steam to allow food to cook faster. It has various safety features like an overheat protection device and a pressure release valve. There are also different programmable functions for pressure cook, slow cook, sauté/sear, and keep warm settings.
How Does Pressure Cooking Work?
Pressure cooking works by trapping steam inside the pot, allowing the temperature inside to rise well above the boiling point of water. At sea level, water boils at 212°F. With the sealed environment inside a pressure cooker, the internal temperature can reach around 250°F.
This higher temperature cooks food much faster compared to standard simmering or boiling. It helps tenderize tough meats and speeds up cooking beans, grains, and other dishes. Foods can cook up to 70% faster in a pressure cooker compared to traditional cooking.
Does Preheating the Crockpot Express Make a Difference?
For regular slow cooking, preheating the Crockpot Express is not necessary. You can add the ingredients directly to the stoneware insert while the heating base is cold. As soon as the cooker is plugged in and turned on, it will slowly bring the contents up to temperature.
However, preheating can make a difference when using the pressure cooking setting. The Crockpot Express user manual recommends preheating for 15 minutes before pressure cooking to ensure it reaches the proper internal temperature. Preheating brings the inner pot up to temperature before the locked lid is added.
Preheating is especially important for recipes with a shorter cook time, like vegetables, fish, or eggs. It helps ensure the contents immediately reach the target temperature once pressurized.
How Long Does It Take to Preheat the Crockpot Express?
The Crockpot Express takes about 10-15 minutes to preheat. To preheat:
- Add 1 cup of water to the inner pot.
- Lock the lid in place, making sure the pressure release valve is sealed.
- Select the pressure cook setting and set to high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Allow the unit to preheat for the full 15 minutes until pressurized.
As soon as it finishes preheating, the cooker will beep and you can quick release the pressure. Then the ingredients for your recipe can be added, the lid locked back in place, and the pressure cook cycle started.
How Long to Cook Common Foods
Here are estimated cook times for some common foods in the Crockpot Express:
| Food | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 8-10 minutes |
| Beef roast | 25-40 minutes |
| Dry beans | 25-30 minutes |
| Winter squash | 8 minutes |
| Potatoes | 7 minutes |
| Rice | 4 minutes |
| Steel cut oats | 11 minutes |
| Hard boiled eggs | 4-7 minutes |
Cook times can vary slightly based on the amount of food and the thickness or density of the ingredients. Always check the recipe and appliance guidelines when pressure cooking.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Crockpot Express
Here are some tips to help you pressure cook efficiently with your Crockpot Express:
- Cut food into smaller uniform pieces – this allows food to cook evenly.
- Don’t overfill the inner pot – leave at least 1/2 cup headspace for proper pressurization.
- Use extra liquid for evaporation – liquids like broth or sauce will reduce down as some evaporates during cooking.
- Preheat for shorter cook times – preheating is a must for vegetables, seafood, eggs, etc.
- Allow for natural release after cooking – let pressure release naturally for more tender results (unless following recipe directions).
- Check and modify cook times as needed – adjust up or down as you get familiar with your appliance.
- Use the delay timer – this allows you to prep ingredients ahead but schedule cook time.
Conclusion
The Crockpot Express can cook foods much faster than a traditional slow cooker, with most dishes taking 15 minutes to 1 hour on high pressure. Preheating is recommended, especially for quick cooking foods, and takes about 10-15 minutes. Following recipe guidelines and getting to know your model will help you pressure cook foods properly without over or undercooking.