Electric pressure cookers are currently dominating the consumer small appliance market.  Consumers see them as a way to streamline the cooking process.  Manufacturers are promoting them as appliances that make cooking easier, faster, smarter, and healthier.  Using an electric pressure cooker can help consumers save money, save energy, save time, and encourage healthy behaviors.  However, many people are leery of using them or hesitate to purchase them because of safety concerns.  

To address these concerns and help improve the health and well-being of families in Todd County, the Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences offered 3 hands-on, educational classes on Electric Pressure Cookers.  Thirty-three people attended the classes and 31 of them completed an end-of-the-meeting questionnaire.  

The evaluation showed that all of the participants increased their knowledge about how to use the pressure cooker to save money, energy, time, and help them eat healthier.  Ninety-seven percent said they were confident in their ability to use the electric pressure cooker based on participation in the class.  Participants also planned to use the electric pressure cooker to decrease the number of meals eaten away from home each week by 55%.  Ninety-three percent of those who did not currently own an electric pressure cooker plan to or might purchase one after the class

When asked how the information from the class helped them, participants said:

“I have had one for months and have only used it a couple of times, I feel more confident now.”

“I already have one but now know how to use it.”

“I feel less frightened of it due to learning about the safety features.”

A follow-up evaluation conducted 4 to 6 months after the classes with 20 participants returning their evaluations.  As a result of attending the class, 19 (95%) of the 20 said they were more comfortable cooking with the electric pressure cooker as a result of attending the class.   Sixty-one percent said they cook more at home; 73% said they use the electric pressure cooker more than they did before the class.  Fifteen (75%) said they had experimented with different types of recipes since attending the class.  

Two of the participants shared these successes:

“The class helped me to understand the different features on my Instantpot® and I’ve made several quick meals as a result. Greek yogurt was my biggest venture and turned out great!!”

“This was very informative and beneficial. I was afraid to use the cooker before the class. Now I use it at least once a week and usually several times.”