Using a Pressure Cooker as a Slow Cooker

By Prestige | Published: 2026-10-23

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to adapt your pressure cooker for slow cooking, including timing, liquid ratios, and safety tips.

Quick Answer

Yes, you can use a pressure cooker as a slow cooker, but you'll need to adjust cooking times and liquid levels. Follow the steps below to get tender, slow-cooked results without a dedicated slow cooker.

Why Use a Pressure Cooker for Slow Cooking?

If you already own a pressure cooker, you can skip buying a separate slow cooker. Pressure cookers are versatile and can mimic low-and-slow cooking with a few adjustments.

The main difference is that pressure cookers cook faster and use less liquid. Slow cooking relies on gentle, moist heat over several hours, so you'll need to reduce the heat and increase the liquid to prevent burning.

Key Differences: Pressure Cooking vs Slow Cooking

Pressure cooking uses high pressure and temperature to cook food quickly, while slow cooking uses low, steady heat over a longer period. This means you can't just set your pressure cooker to 'slow cook' and walk away—you need to monitor it.

Liquid is crucial: slow cookers require enough liquid to create steam, but pressure cookers need even more to build pressure. Always follow your pressure cooker's minimum liquid requirement.

Adapting Recipes for Your Pressure Cooker

When converting a slow cooker recipe to a pressure cooker, reduce the cooking time by about 70-80%. For example, an 8-hour slow cooker recipe might take 1.5-2 hours on low pressure.

You may also need to thicken sauces at the end, as pressure cooking retains more liquid. Use the sauté function to reduce liquids after cooking.

Step-by-Step: Slow Cooking in a Pressure Cooker

Step 1: Choose the Right Pressure Cooker: Use a pressure cooker with a low-pressure setting. Not all models have this, so check your manual. If yours only has high pressure, you can still slow cook by using the simmer function or adjusting the heat manually. If your pressure cooker lacks a low-pressure option, consider using the sauté or simmer setting instead.
Step 2: Adjust Liquid Levels: Add at least 1 cup of liquid (water, broth, or sauce) to your pressure cooker. Slow cooking requires less liquid, but pressure cooking needs enough to create steam and prevent burning. Remember: more liquid than a slow cooker recipe calls for is usually necessary.
Step 3: Brown Meat and Sauté Vegetables First: Use the sauté function to brown meat and cook aromatics before slow cooking. This adds flavor and helps seal in juices. Don't skip this step—it makes a big difference in taste.
Step 4: Set the Heat to Low: If your pressure cooker has a slow cook or low-pressure setting, use it. If not, set it to the lowest heat setting and keep the lid slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape, mimicking a slow cooker's environment. Monitor the temperature to avoid overcooking or burning.
Step 5: Adjust Cooking Time: Reduce the slow cooker recipe time by 70-80%. For example, a 6-hour recipe becomes about 1.5-2 hours. Check for doneness and adjust as needed. Start checking early to avoid overcooking.
Step 6: Thicken Sauces at the End: After slow cooking, remove the lid and use the sauté function to reduce liquids and thicken sauces. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and stir until thickened. This final step gives you a rich, glossy sauce.
Step 7: Safety Check: Always ensure the pressure release valve is set correctly and the lid is sealed when pressure cooking. Never leave the cooker unattended while it's building pressure. If you're unsure about your model's slow-cooking capability, consult the manual before starting.

Recommended Product

Induction 6 Litre Pressure Cooker & Gasket Spares Set: This 6-litre pressure cooker comes with three additional gaskets and a lifetime guarantee, and it was featured in Good Housekeeping's Top Ten Pressure Cookers. Having spare gaskets means you can maintain your pressure cooker for years, ensuring safe and efficient slow cooking whenever you need it.
Induction 6 Litre Pressure Cooker & Gasket Spares Set