My Experiences with the Power Pressure Cooker XL
As most of you know, I love cooking. I also enjoy trying new products. I have been testing the Power Pressure Cooker XL for the last couple of weeks and wanted to share my experiences.
The unit I have been using is their six quart version. They also sell both an eight quart and a ten quart options.
Basically the unit works like most pressure cookers on the market. The convenience factor sold on the commercials is that this brand offers a one touch system and foods will cook up to 70% faster than conventional cooking methods.
So far, we have prepared vegetables, baked ziti, pasta with meat sauce, chili, ribs…lots of ribs, honey glazed ham, rice (white and wild), crab and corn chowder, and several pot roasts with vegetables.
Do I like it? Yep. I like the shorter cooking times on most items. While I am not sure that they are 70% faster in preparing the dishes, I will give it props for being able to go from freezer to table in just a little over an hour with a large pot roast. I think it really depends on what you are cooking.
Pasta takes 6 minutes in the pressure cooker. It takes what 9 minutes on the stove top? This would be what about 33% faster in the pressure cooker? But, this doesn’t take into the time needed to reach the cooking point in the unit (that would be the point of boiling water on stove top).
The difference for me is that I can put the water and pasta in the pressure cooker and walk away. On the stove top I would have to monitor the pot for boiling over, then drain the pasta before serving.
In the pressure cooker, I can brown the meat, add the liquids and seasonings to make my pasta sauce, then add the water and pasta to finish the meal. My recipe for our Pasta with Meat Sauce is one we have made several times.
Pot Roasts or other stew type meals that you would normally allow to simmer all day in the slow cooker or for hours in the oven can be made in at least half the time in the pressure cooker. The time difference is actually greater if you factor in that you can start your meat from the frozen state in the pressure cooker without adding much time to the cooking process. We all know frozen meat would add a great deal of cook time if in the slow cooker.
So for those meals when I forgot to take something out of the freezer, I reach for my pressure cooker. Just start the meat browning while gathering the vegetables and liquids. In just a little over an hour you will be ready to sit down to a nice pot roast with lots of vegetables. Our recipe for Pot Roast with Vegetables is so easy that you will never worry about what’s for supper again.
Have you heard about our ribs? Oh yeah, these are fall off the bone ribs in only thirty minutes of cook time in the pressure cooker. These are so popular and easy, my teens will make themselves a slab of ribs for dinner… their dinner! So grab your favorite barbecue sauce, rack of ribs, and the pressure cooker. A plateful of ribs in no time at all (compared to the normal baking or grilling times for ribs). Our Fall Off the Bones Ribs will be one of your favorites too!
Baking in the pressure cooker is something I do enjoy. Things like potatoes or squash are done to perfection. Honey Glazed Ham or Brown Sugared Sweet Potatoes are a snap too. I wrap them in foil and place on the rack to keep out of the liquids and for easy clean up.
There are a couple of things that I have found frustrating, not a deal breaker, but frustrating from a user view.
The minimum settings can not be adjusted down. Which means the standard settings for pasta or rice can not be changed if you want the product cooked for less time (perhaps you are using it in another dish and need it still stiff to allow for additional cook time). This would be an option that I would appreciate.
The amount of time needed to reach sealed level is longer than other devices I have used. This time is not included in the cooking time and can add up to twenty minutes to the meal preparation time. Again, not a deal breaker, but frustrating when you are reaching for the unit so you can save time.
Overall, I am happy with the power pressure cooker XL. I did have an issue with the first unit they sent but the brand replaced it quickly. From my dealing with the customer service department, they do honor their warranty for 60 days. There is an additional warranty that can be purchased if desired.
I will be sharing recipes as we use this pressure cooker. You can grab the latest recipes here.
The Power Pressure Cooker XL is available in their online store. It is also available at many of the local and online stores like Amazon (with free shipping, a savings of $29.99), Bed Bath & Beyond, and Walmart. The packaging includes the Power Pressure Cooker XL, along with a steaming rack, measuring cup, and a small scoop to use if serving directly from the cooker (so you don’t scratch the liner). It also includes a helpful Recipe Book and a basic Canning Guide to get you started.
For the latest information and recipes from the Power Pressure Cooker XL, make sure to connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.
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