The use of a pressure cooker or Instant Pot in the summer depends on your cooking habits and the types of dishes you enjoy making. Some people continue to use their pressure cookers year-round, while others may adjust their cooking methods based on the weather and seasonal ingredients.
Advantages of using a pressure cooker or Instant Pot in the summer:
Time-saving: Pressure cookers can significantly reduce cooking times, which can be beneficial during hot summer days when you want to spend less time in the kitchen.
Heat reduction: While pressure cookers generate heat during the cooking process, their cooking time is often shorter than traditional stovetop methods, so they can contribute less overall heat to your kitchen compared to extended stovetop cooking.
Versatility: Pressure cookers can be used to make a wide range of dishes, from stews and soups to grains and even desserts. You can use them to prepare summer-friendly recipes like chilled soups or cook ingredients that you can incorporate into salads and other refreshing dishes.
Convenience: The set-it-and-forget-it nature of pressure cookers allows you to spend more time outdoors or doing other activities during the summer while your meal cooks.
However, some people prefer to use alternative cooking methods in the summer to avoid additional heat in the kitchen:
Grilling: Many people enjoy grilling during the summer as it allows them to cook outdoors and keeps the heat outside.
Salads and Raw Dishes: In the summer, salads, cold pasta dishes, and other raw or minimally cooked meals are popular choices as they are refreshing and require little to no heat in the kitchen.
Slow Cookers: Slow cookers can be a good alternative to pressure cookers in the summer as they also provide convenience and require less hands-on cooking.
Ultimately, whether you use your pressure cooker or Instant Pot in the summer or put it away until the weather gets colder depends on your personal preferences, the type of recipes you like to make, and how you manage heat in your kitchen during hot weather. Both options can be viable depending on your cooking style and the specific dishes you enjoy preparing.