For more than 30 years, I have carried a WMF pressure cooker around with me. I have used it in six different countries with no electrical socket to worry about. It saves me so much time on my weekly cooking that I couldn't be without it. The pressure it builds may be intimidating at first, but I can assure you, it is very safe to use and I will give you some good tips.
My mother had a Lagostina pressure cooker. I bought my WMF in Milan because I thought it was easier to use. I found the pressure cooker an essential tool for time-saving and flavour enhancement.
WMF Perfect Pressure Cooker 4.5L with Sealing Ring Ø 22 cm Made in Germany Inside Scale Cromargan® Stainless Steel Suitable for Induction Hobs
I am a participant in several Affiliate programs one of which is Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Affiliate advertising programs are designed to provide a means for Bloggers such as "Your Guardian chef" to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and other affiliated sites. I would never recommend products I wouldn't use myself.
How does a pressure cooker work
The concept is very simple and it is all about physics.
You are not only cooking at high temperature but also at high pressure, as a consequence the food is cooked much faster.
The cover of the pressure cooker seals the air inside the pan.
When the vapour is formed, instead of evaporating away, it is trapped inside, increasing the pressure inside the pan.
All those particles of water under pressure will retain and push all the flavours inside the food making it even tastier.
Don't be afraid of the noise it makes. As long as you fill it not more than ⅔ and properly close the valve, everything is ok.
When you are finished cooking, just release the valve gently to gradually release the pressure.
Shorter cooking time
The cooking time depends on the recipe but just to give you an idea:
- The meat would normally cook in 30 minutes instead of 2 hours.
- The potatoes cook in 5 minutes instead of 20 minutes, and you can use the steamer.
- Other vegetables cook in 3 minutes instead of 10 or 15.
- I make the pulled pork in 40 minutes instead of 6 hours.
- The lamb ragu only takes 35 minutes instead of 2 hours.
- Instead of boiling chicken or beef bones for hours, you only need 35 minutes with a pressure cooker and the flavour will stay locked in the broth under pressure. I freeze the stock in bags of different sizes, as I explain in Once a Month Freezer Meal Prep.
- The same applies to Bolognese sauce, a complete dinner cooked in 35 minutes.
With the pressure cooker, I cook pulses (the edible seeds of pod-bearing plants) such as beans, chickpeas, and brown rice.
They come out chewy and creamy but still firm and full of flavour.
You could use the Pressure Cooker also to make a Risotto, but at your own peril!
Why I like WMF pressure cooker
I recommend WMF Perfect. It is easy to use and it is strong.
- Why I love it more than other brands: You can buy different size pans to use with the same top. You can cook small portions of baby food or large bone marrow for brown stock using the same top.
- I have heard a lot about Instant Pot but I really do not need an additional appliance in the kitchen.
- There is no electrical socket or converter, so you can use it in the USA as well as in the UK or Europe.
- My pressure cooker is stored in the cabinet with all the other pots and pans and does not occupy space on my kitchen counter.
- The pressure cooker also comes with a basket if you want to steam your food.
The safest pressure cooker to use
If you are concerned about safety you can buy the Pro or Ultra type that has a more sophisticated and easy to use closing mechanism.
There are so many different types and designs, it is just a matter of budget.
The pan comes with an instruction book and as long as you follow the basic rules, it is very safe.
- Never cook with less than ¼ of Litre of water and fill it at no more than ⅔ of its capacity.
- Make sure the valve is completely closed (if it is not closed, you will hear a high-pitched steam whistle).
- When you build up the pressure keep high temperature. Once the pressure is up, lower the temperature to cook for the required time.
When I don't use the pressure cooker
- I don't make risotto, risotto wants the stock to be added gradually. Putting all the stock at once in the pressure cooker does not give the same result.
- I don't use it for vegetables or seafood that requires short cooking time as it tends to overcook them.
- I do not use it when I have ingredients that I need to add gradually, as they have a different cooking time.
Questions I am often asked
Why do I use a stovetop pressure cooker and not an Instant Pot?
I have heard a lot about the Instant Pot, but I really do not need an additional appliance in the kitchen. My pressure cooker has no electrical socket or converter, so I can use it in the USA as well as in the UK or Europe. It is stored in the cabinet with all the other pots and pans and does not take up space on my kitchen counter.
Is a pressure cooker safe?
The pan comes with an instruction book, and as long as you follow the basic rules, it is very safe. Never cook with less than ¼ litre of water and never fill it more than ⅔ of its capacity. Make sure the valve is completely closed. When you finish cooking, release the valve gently so the pressure comes down gradually.
Can you make risotto in a pressure cooker?
I don't make risotto in the pressure cooker. Risotto wants the stock to be added gradually, and putting all the stock in at once does not give the same result. This is how I make risotto.
Can you make stew and ragu in a pressure cooker?
I do stew and ragu in it because it saves time and consume less energy. I do not use it when I have ingredients that I need to add gradually, as they have a different cooking time.
Do you need to soak beans and chickpeas before the pressure cooker?
I would say read the box instructions, as some pulses like chickpeas and dry beans need to soak in water for at least 10 hours. In the pressure cooker, they cook in 15 minutes.
What size pressure cooker should I buy?
I have the standard size, 4.5 litres, which is good for a family of four. Even if I am by myself, ragu and stew freeze well, so I can make portions.
Can you replace the sealing ring on an old pressure cooker?
Yes, I have replaced the sealing ring, and it works perfectly.
How long do you cook octopus in a pressure cooker?
It depends on the size of the octopus. For a large size, I would try with 20 minutes.
Does the WMF Perfect work on induction?
Yes, it works on induction.
Recipes I make with my WMF pressure cooker
Here is a list of recipes I make with the pressure cooker.
It is just a selection and every time I publish a new recipe, you will find it here.
If you buy the WMF pressure cooker and have some questions or want to share your recipe, leave your comment below I would like to hear from you. You can find more delicious ideas if you check my Amazon shop or FOLLOW ME on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram or sign up to my newsletter.
The rest of my kitchen
The pressure cooker is one of the appliances I cook with, and it is not the only one. Everything else I use, and the few things I refuse to own, are in How To Equip Your Kitchen If You Love To Cook Italian.
Leave a Reply