Blog Home > Kitchen Tips & Tools > 10 Dos and Don’ts for Pressure Cooking
October 5, 2018 in Kitchen Tips & Tools 97
Pressure cooking is a popular cooking method in many households. There are many benefits to pressure cooking. Pressure cookers prepare food up to 70 percent faster than the oven or stovetop. Because of the high heat and short cooking time, pressure-cooked food retains more vitamins and nutrients compared to other cooking methods. Plus, the flavors of dishes are richer and more developed. To use your pressure cooker the right way, check out this list of 10 do’s and don’ts for pressure cooking so you can get homemade, nutritious meals made faster.
Pressure Cooker Dos:
1. Read the instruction manual. This is one of the most important things to do before you start pressure cooking. Every pressure cooker is different and has its own set of instructions you need to follow. There are safety features on pressure cookers you should know like where the steam-release valve and button are located and if the body of the pressure cooker is cool to the touch when it’s cooking.
2. Add enough liquid. When you use a pressure cooker, you need to have enough liquid in the pot for it to come up to pressure and cook the food properly. The rule of liquids in pressure cooking is to always add at least 1 cup of liquid unless the recipe states otherwise. The liquid will help create enough steam to cook the meal.
3. Start with easy recipes. Pressure cooking can be intimidating so it’s smart to start off with a few easy recipes to get you comfortable with this cooking method. Once you feel more confident, start experimenting with more advanced recipes.
4. Use this cooking method to build flavors. The pressure cooker locks in the flavors and helps maintain the texture of food to create better-tasting meals. Use the inner pot to saute veggies or sear meat to add flavor to the dish before cooking it under pressure.
5. Make desserts and side dishes in the pressure cooker. If you have a ceramic pot for your pressure cooker, you can make a main dish and a side dish at the same time. It’s perfect for one-pot meals. But did you also know you can make desserts in a pressure cooker? Get a springform pan to make fuss-free cheesecakes and custards that won’t crack.
Pressure Cooker Don’ts:
1. Don’t open the pressure cooker while cooking. Most modern electric pressure cookers make it impossible for someone to open them while pressure is building on the inside. But, regardless, you shouldn’t attempt to open one while it’s in use. If you need to open your cooker while food is cooking, turn it off first and release the pressure before opening.
2. Don’t release the pressure before it’s time. Follow recipe steps when it comes to releasing the pressure. There are two options, the recipe will tell you to either manually release the steam or wait for it to naturally release. If you release the pressure too early, your food might not be completely cooked.
3. Don’t overfill the pressure cooker. The pressure cooker isn’t meant to be filled all the way. Don’t fill the pressure cooker with food past the max level, which is usually ⅔ full. Overfilling may clog the steam-release valve or develop too much pressure.
4. Don’t add thickeners. Pressure cookers work off the steam pulled from the liquid inside the pot, so it’s important that you don’t add thickeners like cornstarch or roux before the food starts cooking. When you cook a thick sauce, soup, or stew, adding a thickener too soon can have a negative effect on the way it cooks because less steam is released from a thicker liquid. If you want to make thicker soups or sauces, add your thickener after the food is done cooking.
5. Don’t give up after one bad experience. If you are struggling with your pressure cooker, don’t give up. It takes time to understand a new way of cooking and find how it best fits your cooking routine.
If you don’t have a pressure cooker yet, check out our Pressure Cooker.
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97 Responses to 10 Dos and Don’ts for Pressure Cooking
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Toni October 24, 2018 at 7:16 am #
Is it possible to cook more than 6 eggs at a time in the PC quick cooker? If so, what is the maximum number that can be cooked and what rack or holder is used?
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Terri October 25, 2018 at 10:54 am #
If you have the ceramic pot, out can crack a dozen eggs into it to make egg salad. Cook for 5 minutes, manually release the steam, let sit for 5 minutes and then take out the pot to cool naturally.
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Sandy June 10, 2019 at 9:15 am #
Is the consistency of the egg when cooked out of the shell the same as hard boiled eggs?
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Margaret December 13, 2021 at 3:10 pm #
Does the pressure cooker let off steam as it is cooking at the top square button
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Cassy July 3, 2023 at 4:31 pm #
I’m more like asking rather then replying.. regarding steaming, the , No.5 canning , and everything else p.c, . I’m attempting to make tamales for the first time ever, using this p.c , I’m putting water in the( I think the canning half moon bowls) with the basket on , but I don’t know how much water to use for the 55 minute steam. Plzzzz tell me. Thank yo
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Donna October 25, 2018 at 5:25 pm #
I have cooked 30 eggs at one time. I use the small stainless colander (from the PC set of 3) instead of the stand. I still use just one cup of water and the time is 12 minutes with 10 minutes natural release. Perfect every time.
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Saundra P February 24, 2019 at 2:30 pm #
The set of 3 she is talking about is our Pampered Chef colanders. They come in a set of three. The smallest one fits in the QC
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Tammy June 30, 2020 at 12:55 pm #
If you have a presto canning pot and it wasn’t pressurizing while you were cooking chicken and you have to re-cook it do you have to change the lids and jars when you pressure rising again
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Ruby Sanchez June 24, 2022 at 6:38 pm #
Why does my pressure cooker constantly release pressure? I add liquid to make my chicken. Help please!
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Lynda October 26, 2018 at 6:02 am #
I did more by squeezing the on the rack. Wired fine, same timing.
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Lidia Magley January 2, 2019 at 9:42 am #
Yes I steam 12 eggs at a time. I put them in the small stainless steel colander from the colander set. I set all 12 eggs in it I put 2 cups of water in the bottom. I use the steam setting I adjust the time to 12 minutes and they are perfect
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Melissa May 22, 2019 at 8:23 pm #
I’ve cooked about a dozen. I bought a double layer rack on amazon.
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PattySue January 17, 2022 at 3:00 pm #
I have cooked as many as 14 smallish eggs at once. I routinely cook 6-8. I make deviled eggs out of some and some are just eaten as a snack. It is just the two of us.
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A gentle roll on the counter, and the shell comes off easily into pieces. Yolks are always cooked to perfection.PattySue January 17, 2022 at 3:04 pm #
Oh, and always just set for 3 minutes and allow natural release. A gentle roll on the counter, and the shell comes off easily into pieces. Yolks are always cooked to perfection.
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Ellen Vest November 8, 2018 at 10:17 pm #
Has anyone ever tried cooking tamales in the Pampered Chef Quick Cooker? I have a recipe that suggest using a pressure cooker, but it says cook between 15-20 minutes and reduce the pressure with the natural release method. Would that be the same as letting it release over a 10 minute period on the quick cooker?
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Lisa December 24, 2018 at 7:23 pm #
Yes! I can steam 12-18 at a time!! 1 cup water. 25 min, then natural release for 10 min. Lay them out to rest for 10 min. Perfect to eat. Just be sure not to make them overly large. I trim the tops to fit. And this is with only one PC Large Scoop of masa, spread out. If you make your mass layer thicker, you’ll need more time.
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shirley klotz November 12, 2018 at 2:46 pm #
Has anyone.cooked baked potatoes ( the whole potato)
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Martin MacNaughton February 11, 2019 at 11:09 am #
They would not be baked, they would be steamed. Baking is dry heat, and pressure cooking is steam heat, but to answer your question yes you can cook whole potatoes in a pressure cooker. They will NOT have the texture of a baked potato, they will be exactly like a boiled potato.
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Connie Hall November 16, 2018 at 6:58 pm #
I tried cooking a 3-lb. rump roast. It came out tough and dry. I had to throw it out. What did I do wrong?
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Linda November 18, 2018 at 6:41 pm #
Meat needs natural pressure release, not quick release, or it can be tough. Did you let it sit for at least 15 or 20 minutes before releasing the pressure?
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Ana December 29, 2018 at 9:57 am #
Mine came out Tough and dry as well, I switch to chuck roast and cut it in pieces versus leaving whole and it comes out tender, moist and delicious
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Neadine Kolodzyk August 21, 2020 at 8:49 pm #
You have to cut the roast up in 1 in thick strips, comes out really well. I’ve done 2 pork roasts. If you want it to fall apart on its own add 10-15 min to the cooking time. So 45-50 min and you have perfect consistancy.
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Jenny June 30, 2023 at 7:41 am #
I actually cut them into smaller chucks cook for 15 min quick release add veggies cook 3 min and release naturally comes out perfect everytime and way less time bc I cut them into chucks
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Nevaeh Lumiere April 3, 2021 at 4:57 pm #
You didn’t need to throw it out. You could’ve just added some water and slow cooked it and turned it into something else… Like barbecue beef or turned it into a soup etc.
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Monica October 3, 2021 at 10:53 pm #
Noooo. Cut or mince the meat and make it into a pie! No more waste!
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Rachel Glinke May 1, 2023 at 6:09 pm #
Rump roast have come out dry for me twice. It’s the cut of meat. Use a chuck roast or shoulder and it should come out just fine. Very tender, falling apart some, and juicy!
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Margaret Rice November 17, 2018 at 4:23 pm #
I am thinking about getting the Quick Cooker. I would like to know if you can do canning in it, like green beans?
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Kathy Vannoy December 10, 2018 at 10:43 am #
@Margaret Rice. Great question! I’ve asked and was told the Quick Cooker does not have the same pressure as a canner, it’s a pressure cooker (electric version rather than stovetop pressure cooker like our parents or grandparents used). Quick Cooker should not be used for canning.
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Tara June 23, 2020 at 10:08 am #
absolutely no way to safely can in ANY electric pressure cooker. they have been scientifically tested and proven to not reach and maintain the proper pressures/temperatures to kill off botulism spores. Regardless of any manufacturer’s testing, as of June 2020, there are no safe electric pressure canners on the market. period.
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Glenda bio September 30, 2022 at 8:31 pm #
Canyou help me what is the solution for damaged with corrosion in the pressure pan? I happened toleft food for several days in it. Is it still safe to use it?
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Julie H April 9, 2024 at 1:06 pm #
Pampered Chef said to use barkeepers friend to clean the inside or outside of the stainless steel inside pan. you’d be surprised it does takeoff quite a bit of corrosion. Hope it works for you.!
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Martin MacNaughton February 11, 2019 at 11:06 am #
Not unless you are planning on doing 1/2 pint tine little jars of green beans. You need a LARGE pressure cooker to can. I have my grandma’s canning pressure cooker, it is a OLD Presto with the rattler pressure controller, and it is HUGE, even with it you can only do if I remember right 5-6 1 qt. mason jars at a time. (been a while since I canned)
HTH
MartyReply
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Brenda November 26, 2023 at 10:57 pm #
You can’t use a pressure COOKER for canning. You need pressure CANNER.
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Leah Adams January 18, 2019 at 1:56 pm #
Each time I have used my Quick Cooker to cook meats that use a bbq or teriyaki sauce, the sauce caramelizes on the bottom of the pan during cooking and the portion of the meat that touches the pam is too hard to eat because the sauce caramelizes on the meat as well. Then I have a stuck-on mess in the bottom of my pot to deal with. What can I do to prevent this?
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TY October 4, 2019 at 3:41 pm #
I tried a recipe with Teriyaki sauce last night. I added approx 1/4 cup water to sauce. While it wasn’t as thick, it did still come out quite tasty. Actually, I will make the recipe again. Might cut back on the water a bit just to test next time. Somewhere between 1/8 – 1/4. Hope this helps…..
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Leslie February 18, 2019 at 6:06 pm #
I am using my PC Quick Cooker for the first time. Of course I chose a more complicated recipe for short ribs. It says to remove the ribs and to use the “sauce” option at the end to make a sauce for the ribs. It states to cook on medium heat for 30 minutes. There is no “sauce” option on this appliance. Any suggestions?
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D’Ann March 24, 2019 at 9:27 pm #
Hi, i do not have any water in my pressure cooker when it is done.
After it gets to pressure, steam comes out the whole time it cooks. Not sure what I am doing wrong.Reply
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John May 26, 2019 at 5:20 pm #
I’d recommend checking the manual on how to close your pressure valve. If it’s open and releases steam the entire time, you’re probably losing all water.
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Valerie May 9, 2019 at 3:50 pm #
I recently purchased the Pampered Chef Insta Pot, and have noticed that a lot of recipes say to use the “saute” button, which doesn’t come on this one. Do you use the “sear” button instead? Not sure if that does the same thing.
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James June 4, 2020 at 1:09 pm #
The heat on the sear function seems too high for sauteing. I’ve had better luck using the “steam” setting.
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DEBBIE MATTHEWS July 3, 2019 at 11:58 am #
WHAT AM I DOING WRONG . I JUST GOT MY PAMPERED CHEF QUICK COOKER. IT WAS A GREAT GIFT FROM MY SISTER !!!! I HAVE ONLY USED IT 3 TIMES. THE LAST 2 TIMES, THE BARS INDICATE PRESSURE, BUT IT WILL NOT EVER SHOW THE TIME AND COUNT DOWN. I TAKE THE SEAL OUT AND WASH IT AFTER EVERY USE. I HAVE MADE SURE THE SEAL IS IN PLACE. THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP.
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Kate W July 27, 2019 at 9:19 am #
It takes about 5 minutes for the pressure to build up. Once it’s at optimal pressure, then it’ll start counting down
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Kim O September 26, 2019 at 9:01 pm #
I am having the same trouble with the cook time never starting on the indicator. The food is cooking, I just don’t know when it is done.
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Sarah October 1, 2019 at 3:01 pm #
I am having this problem too! The cook time never displays, so I don’t know when it’s done.
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Niki February 18, 2020 at 2:29 pm #
Hello! Did you find a solution? I am currently experiencing the same and it’s very frustrating. Please let me know!! Thanks
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stephanie May 7, 2020 at 10:44 pm #
I just got the Quick Cooker on Sunday. This week, I finally figured out that the bars going around where you would expect the time to display is just the cooker heating up to pressure. Once it reaches pressure, which takes varying amounts of time depending on what is being cooked, the timer will then click on and start counting down. After it counts down, the timer resets to show you how much time elapses in the warm/steam release setting. Typically, you should allow 10 minutes on that timer before opening. I press the steam release button at that time before opening. I hope this helps!
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Pam May 9, 2020 at 3:18 pm #
I’ve had the same problem and I’m ready to throw the thing into the trash.
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Blanca Sanchez September 17, 2019 at 11:07 am #
I just got this cooker is it common for steam to come out of the red button? steam comes out of the red button before it popped up when I did hard boiled eggs.
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robin April 28, 2022 at 7:44 pm #
this is normal. once the red button goes up it shouldn”t release steam
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Patricia Bradley November 14, 2019 at 4:35 pm #
What is the correct position for the vent to seal? I’ve looked everywhere for this answer. It’s not in the manual I received!
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Lisa January 18, 2020 at 10:14 pm #
I’m am confused on the steam. Should there be steam streaming out of the steam valve, not the pressure valve, while it cooks? I’ve read online that it shouldn’t on the instapot.i was cooking a roast tonight and followed the directions to a T, and it ran out of steam with 25 minutes left. Steam poured out heavily for 40 minutes. The recipe said 1 hour 15 minutes. Curious about the steam.
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Mike April 8, 2020 at 6:37 pm #
You should never see any steam while something is pressure cooking. Re-check all the seals, and positions of the relief valves etc.
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Kaye Cowley March 30, 2022 at 2:15 pm #
I just came here to find the answer to this same question. I’m cooking a roast and steam was escaping just like the release button was pushed. Everything looked exactly like it should but I pushed the release button to see if it changed the steam output any at all, thinking if it released or messed up something, I’d just start all over. That was actually the problem! It had not completely released from the last time I used it and was just slightly depressed. As soon as I pushed it, the release valve sealed and the steam stopped.
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Julie H April 9, 2024 at 1:10 pm #
I had exactly the same problem. I didn’t push the button hard enough I guess when I started cooking.
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Aaron April 10, 2020 at 3:27 pm #
Quick cooker looks like it’s leaking. How do I make sure the seal is working correctly?
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Donald Barnes April 11, 2020 at 10:55 am #
Before you put food into the PC do you preheat it WITHOUT water with the lid open. I am confused about this as to my instruction booklet.
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George Buncich Jr April 21, 2020 at 9:59 am #
I’m wanting to cook pork loin and chops in my Emeril pressure cooker. Do I need to place the meat on the rack or just in the pot?
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Kathleen Tillson April 29, 2020 at 10:39 am #
I want to start by cooking the QUICK COOKER CHICKEN PARMESAN PASTA . Can I double this recipe ?
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Mary Werner January 22, 2021 at 3:31 pm #
Yes I double this all the time…add 5 minutes to the time for the noodles
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PJ April 30, 2020 at 9:32 am #
I’m looking into buying the PC. For those who have had yours for a bit, do you recommend to purchase it? After reading all the above comments it’s very intimidating. Also, can you use regular recipes in it or do you just use recipes geared for the PC or a Insta-pot?
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Valerie Richie June 30, 2020 at 8:01 pm #
How much time do I need for 2 cups of beans st a time I have a big family
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Sheri August 9, 2020 at 4:20 pm #
Hi, Did you get any answer to this? I have the same question. No way 1 cup is enough for my family of 5. Thanks!
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Julie H April 9, 2024 at 1:13 pm #
I’m using a PC quick cooker. I just set it on Rice and it came up with the four minute time, in the book it says four minutes for one cup of rice. But I cooked 5 cups of rice, same time came out perfectly..
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Donna Hendrix-Williams, RN, July 17, 2020 at 7:12 am #
has anyone used this to can fresh fruit preserves? If so would you share how you did it?
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Jessica Hughes September 9, 2020 at 4:57 pm #
My pot won’t seal have been using it for a year got new seals still doesn’t work !!!
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Mike Mason December 24, 2020 at 3:35 am #
Bang the side of the lid once it is locked in place. This will ensure that the inner pot seats properly in the groove with the seal in it.
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Marguerite October 22, 2020 at 4:55 pm #
Steam should not be streaming out while cooking. Position the big black square on the back to match the smaller square button then push the button if it is steaming out the big square. This will seal your pressure
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Cheri L McDonald November 1, 2020 at 4:03 pm #
You just helped me fix mine that has been doing this the past three uses!! I was about to lose my mind and give up on using my QA altogether. THANK YOU!!
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Mary Werner January 22, 2021 at 3:33 pm #
Also make sure the steam release button is even with the handle and not pushed in.
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Amy J Richardson January 3, 2021 at 4:12 pm #
I’ve used my Pampered Chef pressure cooker several times and I’ve been happy with it but I just noticed that the black coating on the inner pot has bubbled up and is peeling off. Has anyone else had this experience? Is this normal?
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Jennifer Giles January 27, 2021 at 5:54 am #
HI, I purchased the Quick Cooker in June of 2020 and I love it. I have only used it about a handfull of times and all of a sudden it doesn’t want to come to pressure. Also, It doesn’t seem to want to close easily and doesn’t want to pop off easily after I have turned it to take the lid off? Any else have any issues? Any one know why it wouldn’t be coming to pressure after only using it a few times. The seal is in properly and the black button is in the right position.
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Christina Hadley February 21, 2021 at 8:38 am #
Can I use apple juice instead of water or add to the water to infuse ribs?
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Kelly May 28, 2021 at 6:48 pm #
I’m having the same issue and pc has replaced my cooler with a new one but now my new one is doing the same thing. Did you find out why?
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Malia January 30, 2021 at 3:56 pm #
Since this is a pressure cooker, can you use the quick cooker for canning?
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Mary Osman March 2, 2021 at 2:05 pm #
Is there a difference between this an a pressure canner for canning? I know I can cook in my canner but it is so big I don’t want to.
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Cathy July 25, 2021 at 11:02 am #
I’m asking a question about ninja pressure cooker. I’ve used recipes from the book and I’ve followed them but after the pressure cooker heats for 5 min it asks to add water and keeps the recipes from continuing to cook need help please
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Anthony Banks November 13, 2021 at 1:05 am #
I tried cooking a roast in mine and burned the the whole thing so I unplugged it and just threw the entire thing off my balcony. Never again will I waste my time with one of these things.
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Laura smith June 22, 2022 at 2:55 pm #
I tried the teriyaki chicken recipe and my rice is not cooked what did I do wrong?
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Mary Peters July 30, 2022 at 1:56 pm #
I wish videos show how to use ceramic pot as a slow cooker. Do we put water in installation first? No instructions
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Marie November 2, 2022 at 12:07 pm #
Why does my Quick Cooker beep at me every few minutes in the slow cook mode? The panel isn’t giving me any errors and it is very annoying for, so far, a 2 hour period.
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Pampered Chef November 8, 2022 at 4:30 pm #
Hi Marie,
The Quick Cooker didn’t beep when using the slow cooker setting, but if you have the Multi Cooker, this excerpt from the Use & Care under the slow cook mode might be helpful:
“This is not a pressure setting. Because of this, the unit will vent about every 5 minutes. There will be a tone indicating this venting. To turn off the venting beep reminders, during the cooking cycle, press and hold START for 2 seconds. To stop the venting cycles when using a glass lid, during the cooking cycle, press STEAM-RELEASE for 2 seconds”.Hope this solves the problem!
Pampered ChefReply
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