So many people are talking about how valuable pressure cookers are in their kitchens and you are thinking of getting one for your home. Lucky you if you decide to get the electrical version – that is way easier to use and you have a guide to follow.

However, if you suddenly become the recipient of your grandmother’s old pressure cooker from the 50s or the 60s, you need some help in using it.

First of all, prepare whatever is needed for the recipe that you will be making. If a rack is needed inside the pot, put that in. Next, put the ingredients in the pot. Pour in the right amount of water (or any other fluids) as instructed in the recipe.

You should re-check the lid of the cooker, making sure that there are no holes in it. Inspect the vent pipe too. Now, cover the pot with the lid, making sure that the handles are evenly positioned.

Turn up the heat. Unlike the electric version which you can just leave, you need to watch over the conventional sort. When the regulator on top starts rocking, this is the sign that the food is starting to get cooked.

When you hear that tiny whistle, this means that the pressure inside is increasing. You might need to adjust the heat and lower it a bit. Cook the food according to the recipe.

Once the cover lock air vent drops, you can take the regulator off and open the lid. Even so, you have to be careful when doing this to prevent sudden steam burns. The food is ready to serve.