Pressure Cooker Lingo
PIP, NPR and burn noticeโฆ just a few of the terms that are common amongst pressure cooker websites and recipes. Donโt worry if youโre not familiar with them, thatโs what this page is for ๐
The ABCโS of the electric pressure cooker
ย This is a round metal part with 5 holes thatโs found on the underside of the lid. Itโs purpose is to keep food particles from getting into the steam release valve. For optimal results, it should be removed and cleaned after each use. Especially when youโve cooked something that may have splattered. To remove it, use your thumb to push the side of the shield towards the outside of the lid and lift up.
ย This is the outside part of the pressure cooker, which contains the processor and heating element. Itโs paramount that you never add anything in the base without the stainless inner pot in place. Also, keep the base away from any heat source, like a stovetop.
ย This will show up on the display when there may be not enough liquid in the pot, OR, food may be too close or stuck to the bottom of the inner pot.
ย Not all pressure cookers in the Instant Pot line have this. Itโs the cup located in the back of your pressure cooker. It is used to collect any condensation that occurs during cooking.
Float Valve (also called the pin):ย Located by the steam valve, the red pin (sometimes itโs silver) indicates when your pot is pressurized. When the pin is up, itโs pressurized. When it drops, itโs not pressurized and you can open the lid.
ย High Pressure
ย The stainless steel pot that is inside the cooker base, where all the food and liquid are added.
ย Low Pressure
ย Select this button to set a custom pressure cooking time. Can also be used to set the pressure level in some models.
ย This is allowing the pressure cooker to slowly release itโs pressure on itโs own, until the pin drops down. Depending on how much food and/or liquid you have in the pot, it could take up to 30-40 minutes, although it usually takes about 10-15.
ย Referred to as the Pot-in-Pot method, it involves adding another pot inside the inner pot of the pressure cooker to cook a dish.
ย This is turning the steam release valve to release the pressure inside the pot manually until the pin drops. Typically, QR isnโt used in high starch recipes (like oatmeal, beans, etc), or when thereโs a lot of liquid, since it can cause a lot of spatter.
ย This is the silicone ring thatโs underneath the lid. For the pot to pressurize, it must have the sealing ring in place. It will absorb the flavors of what youโre cooking, so I highly recommend having 2 rings, one for savory, and one for sweet.
ย This is generally an accessory that comes with an electric pressure cooker. Itโs a rack that is added inside the inner pot.ย Itโs used to elevate food above the liquid in the bottom of the inner pot while you cook.
ย This is the valve that either seals in, or releases steam when you pressure cook. The valve must be in the โsealingโ position. If itโs in โventingโ it wonโt pressurize and your food wonโt cook. Itโs totally normal for small amounts of steam to escape while your pot is building pressure. When turning the valve to โventingโ take care to make sure your hand or arm isnโt above the valve, as the steam will be hot and can burn you.