If you live in a small space, cooking can sometimes feel like a challenge. When I was renting an apartment, I only had limited counter space, small stoves, and cramped kitchens, making preparing meals a daunting task. Luckily, my Nana let me borrow her small pressure cooker for me to cook delicious food in my tiny kitchen space. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of pressure cooking in small spaces and share some of my Nana’s tips for using a pressure cooker.

Why Use a Pressure Cooker in Small Spaces

At first, I was hesitant to use a pressure cooker because of its intimidating feature, but my Grandma reassured me about using it and its benefits. Pressure cookers are perfect for small spaces for several reasons. Firstly, they are incredibly versatile and you can use them to cook a wide variety of dishes. A pressure cooker can handle everything from stews and soups to rice and pasta. I love that I can prepare meals quickly, especially when I have other things to do.

Additionally, they are not only compact and take up minimal space in my kitchen but also provide a great deal of versatility. I recently discovered that certain models of pressure cookers even have the ability to multitask; they can be used as slow cookers, rice cookers, and steamers. This allows me to get a lot of use out of just one appliance, which is incredibly convenient.

Tips for Pressure Cooking in Small Spaces

If you’re new to pressure cooker cooking, it can feel a little intimidating at first, believe me! When I was first using it, I overthink about how the lid will blow up my apartment’s ceiling. However, with a few tips and tricks from my Nana, I was able to take advantage of pressure cooking in small spaces.

Choose the Right Size and Type

If you’re cooking for a small group, then a 3-4 quart pressure cooker is typically adequate. It won’t occupy too much room in your kitchen, so it won’t be an issue, no matter the size of your space. This size cooker is more than enough for one or two people to cook quickly and efficiently with minimal effort on your part.

I have a 3-quart multi-cooker that is incredibly versatile and enables me to adjust to different settings. The multi-cooker has been incredibly useful in my kitchen as it allows me to cook a variety of meals with ease. You can use it for sautéing, simmering, steaming, and even slow cooking. By simply adjusting the settings on the multi-cooker, I am able to create delicious dishes quickly and conveniently without having to use multiple pots or pans.

Select the Right Recipe

Choosing the right recipes that are ideal for pressure cooking in small spaces is also another great tip I got from Nana. Since I have a small cooker, adjusting the recipes is also needed to have optimal results. Some popular options include soups, stews, chili, and curries. These dishes can be made with a variety of ingredients and you can customize it to suit your preferences.

Cook in Batches

When I have to prepare a meal for more than two people, it can be quite difficult in my limited kitchen area, especially with the restricted size of the cookware. If you find yourself in a similar situation, the most effective approach is to divide up the cooking process and do it in batches. This will help you complete your meal preparation more efficiently, given the limited resources at hand.

Do not Overfill

It is also important to be mindful of not overfilling your pressure cooker. You should not fill it with more than two-thirds full. Exceeding this limit may cause the lid to jam, or hazardous steam build-up could result in a messy and potentially dangerous situation. Remember, an overcrowded pressure cooker can put you at risk of being injured by hot steam or boiling liquid spilling out.

Invest in Multi-functional Tools

Investing in a trivet or steamer basket can be an excellent way to maximize your small pressure cooker’s capabilities. Being able to cook multiple items simultaneously, this convenient kitchen tool will prove invaluable for those with limited space and time. With the added benefit of being able to steam various foods like vegetables, fish, and other delicate ingredients that may not fare well under intense heat, a trivet or steamer basket is an invaluable addition to any kitchen.

Have a Folding Table or Cart

With limited space in my apartment kitchen, it can be a daunting challenge to have enough room for all the items I require when cooking. To help me make the most of this small area, my Nana graciously gifted me her folding table, allowing me to maximize the little space available in my kitchen.

Invest in Storage Containers

When my Nana cooked large batches of food, she would prepare ingredients in advance. I also find this technique very efficient when pressure cooking in small spaces. By preparing the ingredients beforehand and putting them in storage containers, you can reduce the cooking time significantly. Organizing and prepping all the ingredients before beginning to cook can save a great deal of time. It will make it easier to determine what you need for each recipe and ensure that everything is readily available.

Make Sure the Kitchen is Well Ventilated

When cooking with a pressure cooker, steam is released during the cooking process. So, I really find it uncomfortable, and it can cause damage to the walls in my apartment. That’s why my Nana suggests using a range hood when pressure cooking in small spaces. It will circulate the air and avoid further issues. Or if your kitchen has a window, I recommend opening it whenever you release the steam of your pressure cooker. 

Prioritize Safety

When cooking with a pressure cooker in tight, confined spaces, it is essential to be vigilant about safety and take the necessary steps to avoid any potential accidents. Carefully examine the pressure safety valve, locking lid, and rubber gasket for any signs of leakage or dents before beginning. Also, make sure that the cooker is on an even surface so that it remains stable during use. Additionally, keep an eye out for any steam escaping from the vents and adjust accordingly if needed.

Cooking in a small space can be a challenge, but a pressure cooker can make it a lot easier. With its compact size, versatility, and quick cooking times, a pressure cooker is an ideal appliance for anyone living in a small apartment or tiny house. Just follow these tips, and you’ll be able to whip up delicious, healthy meals in no time.