RV Microwave Pressure Cooker Redux!

My Microwave/Convection Oven

    MANY of you read my last article about Pressure Cooking with the microwave. Like you, I was a bit disappointed in the one that I tested. I received lots of comments and suggestions for new ones. After testing a couple, I finally received one that ACTUALLY WORKS! Yes, you CAN Pressure Cook in your RV using the Microwave. Of course, you can use the stove, but then you have to STORE the bulky cooker. You could even use an Electric version with your generator (or MAYBE a solar charging system after your batteries charge, but I'm still looking into that.) Bottom line, I have one that works now, mostly.

I Liked The Blue, It Comes In Several Colors!

The Cook's Essential Microwave Pressure Cooker is a true pressure cooker. It actually builds pressure to raise the boiling point of water to cook food faster and more efficiently. It's not the 15 PSI+ of a conventional stove-top or electric pressure cooker, but it still gets the job done. A little bit slower perhaps...but still a great job. I figure the pressure is around 5-6 PSI so I added a bit of time. Maybe 15-20% more is a good starting point. As I learn how it cooks, I will add or subtract time accordingly. In the box you get the cooker, it's lid, a strainer for the bottom of the pot, a spare silicone seal for the lid and two Recipe/Instruction books. It has two built in safety valves to vent over pressures. While it is plastic, it appears quite heavily built.

Not Much In The Box, But Everything You Need.

One of the main benefits of using the microwave rather than a stove top pressure cooker is the simple fact the lag between turning on the heat and beginning to time the cooking is MUCH less. Overall, you will get things done faster than with a traditional stove top version. I've always been amazed at the number of things that you can cook in a pressure cooker. A simple search online will garner thousands of recipes of every description. I do have a few favorites. Remember EVERY recipe for the pressure cooker REQUIRES some amount of liquid. As the liquid boils the steam is what pressurizes the vessel and cooks the food. no liquid = BURNT FOOD!

Chicken Stew!

Any type of beef cooks up incredibly tender, Even the cheapest cuts. I love precooking pork ribs (with your favorite rub or BBQ sauce) then grilling them for a few minutes on each side, Unbelievably tender and FAST!! Corned beef and cabbage with potatoes. All in one pot. In record time. Chicken or Veal Stew with carrots, peas and mushrooms with a bit of tomato sauce and your favorite spices. Absolutely delicious. Any vegetable will cook faster and incredibly tender. Potatoes and other root vegetables are especially great. Since the vessel is sealed, more nutrients remain in your food. It's healthier! A Win-Win!! Your imagination is really the limit here.

This pressure cooker can easily be found online for around $17.00 including shipping. I have seen a couple of other versions of Microwave Pressure Cookers manufactured by other companies. The main reason I wouldn't test them...they are EXPENSIVE! Around $100,00 for something I will only use infrequently, I'm going to use this one for the rest of the RV season here and perhaps throughout the Winter as well. We'll see how well it holds up to extended use. Maybe I'll write a recipe book if I like it that much!

Be Seeing You...Down The Road,

Rich "The Wanderman"
www.thewanderman.com