Pressure Cookers

Industrial Pressure Cookers: What You Need to Know

Commercial pressure cookers prepare food by cooking it in water or stock that transforms into steam as it cooks, similar to braising but much faster. In a pressure cooker pot, however, water achieves a higher heat than non-pressurized boiling or steaming can reach. High temperatures cook food quickly while maintaining the moisture and cooking process of braising or steaming. These pots are also useful at high altitudes as water boils at a lower temperature at high altitudes than it does at sea level.

Common Questions About Commercial Pressure Cookers

How does a pressure cooker work?

Industrial pressure cookers function by keeping food under high pressure, creating an environment where food cooks more quickly than traditional methods because the water boils at a higher temperature.

Water can't cook food to temperatures above its boiling point because, once it begins to boil, it becomes steam and escapes, leaving operators with food cooked at precisely 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Instead of capping at 212 degrees Fahrenheit, water under pressure can boil at, for example, 250 degrees Fahrenheit, causing food to cook considerably faster than it would without pressure. Altitude and the accompanying pressure changes also affect the boiling point of water, making pressurized cooking even more valuable. At extremely high altitudes, even a task as simple as boiling a potato can be impossible without a pressure cooker since the water doesn't get hot enough before it boils and dissipates.

What can I cook in a commercial pressure cooker pot?

The internet has a smorgasbord of recipes specifically for pressurized cooking, but the simplest answer to this question is anything that's braised, steamed, or boiled can be cooked in a commercial pressure cooker. Electric pressurized cooking is particularly useful for food items that would otherwise take a long time to cook. Dense proteins, such as roasts and turkey breasts, are great candidates for pressurized cooking, as are simmering starches, such as brown rice or mashed potatoes. Steamer baskets and pasta baskets can be useful for experimenting with new recipes and enhancing pressure cooker efficiency.

Are commercial pressure cookers safe?

Like all commercial cooking equipment, pressure cookers can be dangerous when used incorrectly, but all modern options have rigorously tested safety mechanisms that prevent pots from breaching. Contemporary models feature a vent through which excess pressure can escape, and most have a rubber valve system designed to buckle under excess stress and vent pressure in a single direction. This secondary release valve is in place in case the steam vent gets blocked by food or other debris and, if opened, may need to be replaced before the pressure pot can work again. Cooking with pressure can seem intimidating, but modern models are quite safe. Consult the product specification sheet for the individual model you're considering to see the exact precautions each model has.

Shop KaTom's collection of the best pressure cookers to find the right one for your operation.