Pressure cookers are known to be the MVPs of your kitchen, cooking everything you need in a short amount of time. One of the best functions of the pressure cooker is cooking the base materials for your meals, like rice, and especially beans.
What may seem a little silly at first can suddenly turn into the best possible way to cook beans better than you ever knew, with only a few easy steps. Using a pressure cooker for your beans will soon turn into a favorite go-to recipe.
Below you’ll find a review of the pros and cons of using a pressure cooker for cooking your beans, as well as some easy recipes to try out. You can also find a review of the best pressure cookers for beans, as well as some easy instructions you can follow next time you’re looking to find the best way to put that pressure cooker to good use.
Why Cook Beans in a Pressure Cooker
At first, it may seem so much easier to boil beans. However, there are some hidden pros and cons to using a pressure cooker to get the beans exactly how you’d like them to look and taste. This list might make you think twice before using the same old recipe to boil your beans instead of trying something new.
Pros:
- Beans will cook evenly in a pressure cooker
- Removes the anti-nutrients and are healthier this way
- Removes toxins from the food
- Better for dry beans
- Cuts down cooking time significantly
- Healthier than other methods of preparing food
Cons:
- Not excellent cooking method for all types of beans
- Won’t be able to check midway on progress
- Can’t always cook beans with other items if they have different cook times
The Best Pressure Cooker for Beans
Now that you understand some of the pros and cons that come with cooking beans in your pressure cooker, let’s get into finding the best pressure cooker for beans:
COMFEE Pressure Cooker
This Comfee slow cooker is a trusted name in kitchen appliances, and this specific slow cooker is made for multifunctional use. With it’s easy to handle automatic switches and bright LED display, this is a tool that is easy to use for everyone in the kitchen and even a 24-hour delay timer that helps make meal prep a breeze.
This slow cooker is also concerned with its user’s safety and includes a handle that is cool to the touch on the pot that ensures your security when opening and using the cooker. With these added features, there is much less of a chance of injury when handling hot substances.
This electric rice cooker from COMFEE is also able to be specifically programmed, and is made of BPA-free material, meaning that it’s safe from harmful materials and chemicals. This cooker has been built large, allowing a massive capacity for anywhere from 10 to 20 cups of cooked rice, 3-6 pounds of meat, or even a whole chicken. With this wide design in mind, the cooker is great for families, parties, or other outdoor activities.
While this product is not entirely dishwasher safe, it does come with outer pieces that can fit within the dishwasher, making for an easier cleanup job. This slow cooker also comes with nonstick coating on the inside of the pot, allowing for easier cleanup, making prep and washing up a breeze. COMFEE’ will also provide a 1-year manufacturer warranty included with the purchase if you are unsatisfied with your product.
Pros:
- Multifunctional
- Nonstick for easy cleaning
- 1 year manufacturer guarantee
Cons:
- No removable air vent for insulation
- Does not come with rice/water ratio or cooking instructions
- Not completely dishwasher safe
Presto 01362
With the rise of popularity in pressure cookers, the Presto stainless steel pressure cooker is an excellent fit for all kinds of homes. This pot has the bonus of coming in two different sizes, perfect for cooking any meal. With its three-layered base, this pot features a layer of aluminum sandwiched between two stainless steel layers. It assures even heating for all kinds of food.
Thanks to its unique build, this would be the perfect pot and pressure cooker for regular, smooth-top, and induction ranges. It has yet to meet its stovetop match. This pressure cooker has the bonus feature of being dishwasher safe, allowing for an easy cleanup process!
While it may be the most expensive product on this list, this slow cooker cannot only cook all the beans you need. It also comes with a cooking rack and a complete 64-page instruction/recipe book; all included with your purchase!
Another great feature of the Presto pressure cooker is the cover lock indicator. That is a feature that shows when there is pressure inside the cooker. This cover lock indicator also prevents the cover from being opened until pressure is safely reduced, an added safety feature that helps everyone. In addition to the cover lock indicator, this pressure cooker is not complete without the attached helper handle for ease of handling and using the pot.
An extended 12-year limited warranty is something else that you can expect with the purchase of this product, allowing for a return if there is an issue or not satisfied with your product.
Pros:
- Comes in two different options
- Dishwasher safe
- 12 year limited warranty
Cons
- Small stature, cannot fit a lot inside
- Metal polish can dull with use
HAWKIN Classic CL3T
The Hawkin classic slow cooker is recommended for use on gas stoves and can work great on electric, ceramic, and halogen cooktops. This slow cooker is a widely popular variety and comes in twelve different styles and sizes, all able to best suit your cooking needs for whatever you may be craving. While this pot also comes in a variety of sizes, you can also be able to fit much more than just beans in there, allowing for larger food items as well.
The pressure cooker is made from pure aluminum, mirror polished, and includes a matt base finish. Another impressive feature of this item is the “goof-proof” lid that seals from the inside, like a jetliner airplane. This pressure cooker also includes a shielded safety valve and a durable gasket, ensuring that safety is a top priority.
This feature is impressively made to ensure better safety for the user. Additionally, the pot’s pressure is regulated automatically while optimizing the levels for fast cooking, so you can get the food and flavor you want with less wait time.
Like many on this list, another impressive feature is the Hawkin’s stay-cool handle, ensuring that it remains at the optimal temperature when handling this device, not being too difficult to use while it’s working. Also, like others on this list, the Hawkin pressure cooker has a pressure locked safety lid that ensures that all the ingredients inside cook evenly together.
Pros:
- Comes in twelve different size options
- Equipped with a cool stay handle
- Goof proof lid that seals in
Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe
- It is not made of stainless steel
- No return warranty
How to Cook Beans in a Pressure Cooker
For anyone who may be thinking of trying out a new recipe or cooking technique, cooking beans in a pressure cooker is a simple and relatively stress-free way of getting a nutritious and satisfying meal. However, there are few essential things to remember when cooking beans in a pressure cooker if you are looking to get the best results possible with this method.
One of the most important things to remember is that you need to soak them beforehand, sometimes for extended periods, if using dried beans. Once that is done and you’ve added in the beans, you can add garlic, onions, or other ingredients that you wish together, as long as they have the same general cook time. It is also vital to consult the recipe during this step.
Once this is done, the beans can be set to cook for however long the recipe dictates. Depending on the type of pressure cooker you have, they may have different high or low settings. Most beans can handle a higher setting, as this cuts down on the cooking time and allows them to stay intact and retain both their flavor and nutrients.
Dishes (with Beans) You Can Make in a Pressure Cooker
If this sounds like something that you or your family might enjoy, there are a few simple and easy recipes with beans that you can make with your pressure cooker. There are plenty of recipes online to pick from. This site has lots of great examples of fun and simple recipes that you can make with your pressure cooker that includes beans. Some of our favorite dishes include:
- No soak beans that you can cook quickly
- Pinto beans in the pressure cooker
- Dry beans in the pressure cooker
These recipes range from simple to more complex and include your list of ingredients, as well as estimated prep and cook times. They also have tutorial videos, a list of tips and tricks, and instant pot accessories to help make the whole experience more comfortable for chefs of all levels.
Final Thoughts
When thinking about beans, it can sometimes be hard to get excited about something that’s often a vehicle for other foods. However, now with this new faster, healthier and safer method of cooking, beans are something you can get excited about seeing at the dinner table once again.
Understanding the techniques and safety features of each of the pressure cookers listed here and the added benefits of using this method has ensured that pressure cookers will not be underutilized anymore. Thanks to the pressure cooker, your beans will soon be healthier and taste better than ever.