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Chapter 17: Problem 14

How does a pressure cooker work?

Short Answer

Expert verified
A pressure cooker works by trapping steam produced from a boiling liquid in a sealed vessel, which increases pressure. This steam then forces the cooking liquid into the food under high pressure and temperature conditions, speeding up the cooking process. Once cooking completes, the cooker is left to cool and the pressure to reduce before safely opening it.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Pressure Cooking

Pressure cooking is a process of cooking food, using water or other cooking liquid, in a sealed vessel known as a pressure cooker. This traps steam produced from the boiling liquid, thereby increasing the internal pressures and allowing high temperatures.
02

The Role of Steam Pressure

As the pressure rises, the vapor pressure above the liquid in the cooker increases which forces the liquid into the food. This causes the temperature of the liquid and steam inside the cooker to rise above 100°C, speeding up the cooking process.
03

The Safety Valve

A pressure cooker has a safety valve, which releases excess steam when the pressure exceeds safe operating levels to ensure safety.
04

The Heat Source

A consistent heat source must maintain the desired pressure and temperature. Once the cooking time completes, the heat source is removed. The pressure cooker is left to cool and the pressure to reduce before safely opening.
05

The Role of High Temperature

The high temperature in a pressure cooker causes the food to cook faster. Also, the high pressure forces liquid and moisture into the food, which helps it to cook faster and makes the food moist and flavorful.

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