It was late Friday evening, and we were both feeling vulnerable. I was slurping on a microwavable cup of tomato soup, and Julie was eating an open-face sandwich. We talked openly and discovered new things about ourselves, but more on that later.
———————
I thought I knew myself, but I’m always learning something new. Or perhaps I’m learning more about things that I already knew. I dreaded my elective surgery. I had heard terrible things about the recovery, but something else was bothering me, and I didn’t know what it was.
In my usual style, I planned and over-planned. I researched what others dealt with after shoulder surgery. I practice behaviors like taking a shower with only one hand. I purchased a few items that would aid my recovery. I set up a station in my family room where I could recover in a reclining chair with things to occupy my time and hold my interest. All of these things gave me a sense of control and comfort.
I had quite a bit of pain the first week, but that was expected. I was surprised at how vulnerable I felt and incapable of doing the simplest things.
Initially, my recovery felt like I was having a childhood snow day. I could do what I wanted without feeling guilty for not being productive. The first two days were wonderful in that regard, but then I fell into a slump, feeling both sorry for myself and somehow abandoned. This phase quickly moved into my usual state of accepting the situation, planning solutions, and looking forward. I focused on the fact that I was showing improvement every day, but it was still tough for me not to do what I did in my retirement, such as cleaning the house or shopping for groceries. This surprised me.
I’m a clear communicator, and before the surgery, I told people close to me what I needed from them. In most cases, things went as expected, but I did have a few surprises. One person close to me got into a trivial fight with me. This was surprising because we had never fought before. Further, it was over something that had been settled many months ago. For a few days, that person barely talked to me and was unavailable to help me. Initially, I was hurt, then angry, and then hurt again. However, after thinking about it, I realized what was going on. I was always there for that person and was the person who could always solve their problems no matter what they were. I was their caretaker, and my illness frightened them. Luckily, that period of distancing was short and entirely resolved after a few days.
I have another very close connection who I told that I needed visits during my recovery. Seeing the discomfort on his face when I mentioned this surprised me. He did show up multiple times at my house with a cup of coffee in hand and was willing to engage in conversation; however, his level of anxiety was palpable. I always thought that this person had a germ phobia, but in reality, he has a fear of illness and a fear of being vulnerable. Seeing me ill was upsetting and threatening to him. I appreciated his willingness to visit me despite this considerable hurdle. However, I felt an obligation to ease him of his pain. I emphasized to him how well I was improving while doing whatever I could to give him a pass not to visit.
What surprised me the most was what I learned about myself. These were not entirely new revelations; they emphasized common recurring themes. I pride myself on being a problem solver and a take-charge person. I pride myself on being able to rely entirely on myself. To be honest, I pride myself that I don’t need anyone. However, this last statement is ridiculous. It is in my psyche as a protective mechanism allowing me to pull away and seal over if someone is hurting me or (worse) abandoning me. The above traits have been key to my successful life. However, they are only part of an incomplete story.
————————
The kids were away for the evening, which added raw quiet to the room. So there we were on that Friday night. Julie asked me if I wanted anything for dinner. I wasn’t very hungry, but I asked her to heat up a microwaveable cup of tomato soup and to make me a half-sandwich. I made a pot of tea to assuage my guilt of not being productive. We both had a rough week.
Julie had her cancer check-up. Thankfully, she got an all-clear on the cancer front. However, a new and potentially serious problem from her radiation therapy was discovered. She was stressed from this and the added burden of doing many of the jobs I usually did. Just the day before, she had twice locked her keys in her office, requiring the building super to come to her aid. She told me how guilty she felt that I was left alone during my second week of recovery. This surprised me, and I reassured her that I could occupy my time and care for my basic needs. She noted that she thought others must think of her as horrible for working and leaving me alone. I told her that was not the case. It was clear that she was emotionally exhausted, just like I was.
Her vulnerability opened a door in my mind and allowed me to access my vulnerability. I told her how guilty I felt about relying on others, but there was more to my feelings. There was a real fear that those who I love would not be willing to help me during my time of need. A genuine concern that they would reject me, perhaps ridicule me. A fear that I would be abandoned and alone. That fear fueled me to go grocery shopping for the family 10 days into my recovery. I prided myself on the fact that I could pack and transport bags of groceries only using my left hand. That fear is what pushed me to practice preparing food and taking a shower only using my left hand the week before surgery. That fear drove me to tell my friend I needed him to visit me. That fear is what caused my anger and hurt when a loved one got into an argument with me days after my operation.
I realized how I had turned fear into an asset as a young child. I combined it with anger to become independent and self-sufficient. I used it to reject other’s views that I would never amount to anything, and to build a sense of self-confidence. But now, in a vulnerable state. A time when I couldn’t be independent. At a time when I needed help even to make a sandwich, my core fear was re-emerging.
When I become frightened, I instantly go into my head. I problem-solve, analyze, and journal to dig deeper. You can see that process in real time in this blog post. In reality, I do need people in my life. In fact, I have been reasonably independent during my early recovery stage. I can shower, dress myself, and prepare simple meals for myself. In reality, I do feel bad that I can’t take care of my family and friend’s needs. But I know that situation is temporary. My childhood caretaking traits were likely a defense against my fear of abandonment. However, they are now a well-established habit that gives me pleasure and a sense of genuine worth.
There is a theme that runs through my life and my blog posts. Things are neither good nor bad. It is how we view them that determines their meaning.
Somehow, as a very young child, I was able to take fear and anger and turn those feelings into strength—an imperfect strength, but a strength that has served me well throughout my life. Suppose I hadn’t faced certain situations in my early life. In that case, I don’t think I would have developed my problem-solving, empathy, and self-confidence abilities, which allowed me to do some amazing things. I find that counterpoint very interesting.
Things are neither good nor bad…they just are. What we do with them is what matters.
The recovery from shoulder surgery is often worse than the surgery itself. I had a rotator cuff injury that needed to be repaired. Since this was an elective procedure, I had some time to prepare for it, and I’d like to share some of that information with others who may be planning on a similar procedure. I’m posting this for informational and educational purposes only. This is not medical advice, and you should always follow the instructions from your caregivers.
How you compensate for having an arm in a sling will be determined by whether you are having surgery on your dominant arm or not. I had surgery on my right shoulder, which is also my dominant arm. Trying to do things with my left hand was awkward.
About a week before the surgery, I started to practice using only my left hand for basic functions like dressing and showering. I also tried to prepare simple meals using only that arm. It’s more complicated than you think, but it was easier to practice while I still had a functioning right arm to take over when needed. I discovered that there were some things that I could do well when practicing, but they became more difficult postop. For instance, I could put on a shirt using only one arm before surgery, but I needed assistance doing the same job once I had surgery. Update: I was able to put on a shirt by myself after a week post-op, but it was very uncomfortable to do.
I didn’t realize how huge my sling would be.
Assistance needed
Luckily, my family could assist me with jobs that would be difficult to do by myself, like removing my surgical bandage and replacing it with a waterproof barrier. If you are in a position where you are flying solo, discuss this with your doctor before your surgery. Perhaps you’ll need a nurse to check in on you. It’s always easier to arrange options beforehand.
I needed help with tasks like removing my surgical bandage and replacing it with a waterproof barrier. You can also see the breakaway shirt I purchased in this photo. It was helpful during my first three days as I couldn’t get a regular shirt over the bandage.
Setting things up
Most doctors suggest sleeping at an incline after rotator cuff surgery. Sleeping flat can be difficult as it places more pressure on your shoulder. People usually sleep in a recliner, but technically, you could sleep in a bed with a wedge pillow or on a couch with stacked pillows. I used a recliner.
My couch has built-in recliners on both ends and since my left hand would be free, I chose the end I could control with that hand. I decided to set up a recovery zone as I’d be spending a lot of time in that space. I ensured the end table next to my “nest” had a lamp I could access. I also had a spot for medication, a charging station for electronic devices, a cup of water, and space for gadgets I enjoy using.
This was the nest that I built. You can see my camper’s refrigerator freezer, then a small waste basket. Above the wastebasket is a TV tray with some electronics, and behind that is a table with medication, water, and a charging station. You can also see my back support, neck pillow, and other pillows that I used to make myself comfortable. Naturally, your needs may be different than mine.
Some people love books, and naturally, they should have books available. I’m more of an electronics person who reads books and magazines on a screen. I also write on a laptop, listen to music and the news, and do almost everything on a computer. I have a lightweight laptop, which I thought would be perfect. However, after surgery, I had a great deal of difficulty handling it as it was slippery, and when I tried to use my right hand to manipulate the mousepad, it caused me quite a bit of pain. Luckily, I have a small iPad Mini that I use when I travel. That was the perfect device, as I could easily manipulate it with one hand. In fact, I’m using speech to text dictation on it to type this post.
You might find yourself in a situation similar to mine, so it makes sense to see if you have a tablet computer around the house that you can use; if not, perhaps you can borrow one. I thought my iPad Mini’s 8-inch screen size was perfect. I would have bought a cheap tablet in a pinch if I did not have access to the Mini. I think any tablet with a screen of 7-11 inches would be usable, but an eight or nine-inch screen size is ideal as it allows for ample viewing and one-handed operation. Some can get by using their phone, but my phone’s screen was too small for me to view for long periods.
Some Android tablets can be bought for under $100, which would be worthwhile if you think you would use the device after your recovery. Small tablets make good e-readers and are great for media consumption when you’re lounging about. iPads are the best tablets (in my opinion), but inexpensive Android-based tablets can do most of the things a tablet user needs to do. Cheap Android tablets are unsuitable for high-resource games but can play simple games. If you are looking for affordable yet reputable tablets, consider the 8” Amazon Fire tablet or the 8” Walmart Onn tablet. Both are basic, but they work. The Onn tablet’s advantage is that it runs regular Android and can access millions of apps. The Fire tablet’s app store is more limited, but the tablet is tightly integrated into the Amazon ecosystem of Kindle ebooks, Prime videos, and Prime music.
My inability to use my computer lasted about a week. After that point, I was able to type with both hands. However, doing this for any length of time got my shoulder going. For quite a while post-op, I preferred the tablet, as it placed less strain on my right arm.
Regarding my recliner, I watched a YouTube video from an occupational therapist who recommended using supports for the neck and the back. The back support could be anything from an actual back support to a rolled towel to a small pillow. We had a removable back support on an office chair that I used. For my neck, I used a simple donut-style travel pillow, the kind you use on an airplane. Both supports made a difference as I tried sleeping with and without them, and I felt more comfortable with the supports in place.
I also had a variety of pillows and blankets that I could configure as my mood dictated. It can be challenging to sleep in a chair, and I wanted to maximize my comfort as much as possible. Overall, my recliner nest worked out well. However, after about a week of sleeping in a chair, I was ready to try my regular bed with a wedge pillow.
Hygiene
The more independent you can be, the better. Before my surgery, I practiced taking showers with one hand. It wasn’t as tricky as it sounds, but I had to adjust. I usually use bar soap, but I needed to give that up for shower gel in a pump bottle. The pump made it easy for me to get the soap out. I bought a shampoo and shower gel combo that worked for me. However, some people prefer separate products. I recommend getting all of those in pump bottles.
I bought a combination of shampoo and shower gel that came with a pump bottle. However, if you want to be fancy, you can go with decorator bottles that do the same.
It’s difficult to wash under your arms during recovery from rotator cuff surgery. I purchased an inexpensive sponge on a flexible rod from Amazon that helped in that area. I usually use a stick-type deodorant, but applying that post-op was impossible. Instead, I bought some deodorant in an aerosol can. These simple things allowed me to shower independently.
This sponge stick was inexpensive. But it allowed me to wash areas that I couldn’t do postop.
Your doctor will give you specific instructions on showering. My doctor told me that I could remove my bandage in three days. At that point, he told me to cover my incision sites with waterproof material. The only times that I was allowed to take off my sling were during showering, physical therapy, and putting my clothes on. I felt more secure keeping my arm in a sling when showering, and I purchased an inexpensive mesh sling from Amazon. Some patients will buy an inexpensive standard sling from the drugstore for showering, which serves the same purpose. You don’t want to get your expensive prescription sling wet.
I only used this shower sling a few times until I was comfortable showering while keeping my arms still. However, it was very inexpensive and made me feel more secure when I did use it.
I’m fortunate that our shower head detaches from the wall. We also had a shower chair from a past surgery that I could use. These things made my shower life a little easier, but I could have adapted to a less perfect situation if necessary.
Most doctors will ask you to protect your surgical site from water until the incisions are healed. They will tell you to use a waterproof barrier, and I found that Tegadem worked well. This is a transparent film that is breathable but waterproof. It comes in sheets of various sizes and clear bandages. Bathing in a tub should be avoided until your wound sites completely heal.
Men, I recommend sitting for all bathroom tasks until you are steady on your feet. Adapting wiping techniques is straightforward with a bit of creativity. However, I was fortunate to have a bidet.
I use an electric toothbrush and recommend that for anyone undergoing this procedure. You could use a regular toothbrush, but it would be a bit awkward. If possible, get a tube of toothpaste that has a flip-open lid instead of a screw cap.
I’m retired, and I’m letting my beard grow. However, if I had to be tidy, I would switch from my regular razor to an electric razor, which I believe I could manage with one hand.
Ice
Most doctors recommend that you ice your shoulder regularly after surgery. In my case, my doctor wanted me to ice 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Right after surgery, my very thick shoulder bandage blocked any coolness to my shoulder. However, I could place an ice pack close to my wound site by tucking it up into my sling, and that provided some comfort.
The surgicenter discharged me with a cheap disposable ice bag that I could fill with ice cubes and water. This was a poor solution. My sister gave me blue gel ice packs she used for her knee surgery. They worked well. They remained flexible when frozen, making it easy to place them where I needed to, and they stayed cold for a long time.
A variety of companies sell these gel ice packs. They’re inexpensive, flexible, and stay cold for a long time.
She also lent me a cool therapy ice machine but couldn’t find her AC adapter. I ordered one on Amazon, and it arrived three days after my surgery. The ice machine was terrific as it provided a constant cold to my wound site (by then, I had my bandage off). I found that freezing disposable water bottles worked better than using ice cubes. I had two sets of water bottles and would freeze one while using the other. Naturally, there was also water in the therapy machine as that was what was circulated to my shoulder. I think buying an expensive cool therapy machine for shoulder surgery would be overkill, but if you can borrow one or if your insurance will cover the rental of one, I would highly recommend it; otherwise, I liked the inexpensive gel packs.
Cool theory machines are excellent. But they’re pretty expensive.
When I retired, I built a camper van with a friend. The build included a chest-style refrigerator/freezer. I moved the camper’s fridge to my family room to freeze my ice packs and water bottles. I also kept some frozen meals in it. I still have kids at home who are always on the hunt for a quick meal, and keeping some meals in my little freezer ensured I had easy-to-make food on hand. My camper fridge/freezer was a convenient option. I used it because I had it. Otherwise, a regular freezer would be fine.
Food
Preparing and eating food can be challenging, even for simple tasks like opening a can. Luckily, many inexpensive adaptive gadgets can help with everything from opening a jar to pulling a pop top.
These silicone mats are not only great for gripping, but they can also stabilize a jar or a bowl on the table. This pop top puller was only a few dollars and was very welcomed by my cat, who demands to be fed first thing in the morning
Generally, I went for food items that I could prepare with one hand. I purchased some single-serving frozen dinners that I could easily make in a microwave. I also purchased soup in cans. As far as the soups were concerned, we already had a microwavable bowl cozy. This allowed me to take the bowls from the microwave without scalding myself. If I hadn’t had the cozy, I think it would have been safer to heat them on our induction stove.
A friend made us this soup cozy several years ago. We use it all the time. It’s convenient when taking hot bowls out of the microwave.
Fortunately, my wife and kids took turns making dinner, so there was something to eat at dinner time. However, lunchtime was more on my clock; I picked things I could easily make and never went hungry.
Clothing
Dressing can be a challenge. It’s much easier if you can stay at home during your early recovery, which is what I did. Starting from the feet, I recommend slippers or socks that pull on easily. If you are going out, wear slip-ons or those shoes from Kizik and Skechers that can be put on hands-free.
Stretchy underwear helps, and elastic waistband-type pants are a must. The pants could be sweatpants, pajama pants, or whatever you have. In warmer weather, elastic waistband workout shorts would work. You don’t want to wear pants with buckles and zippers, as both are difficult to close with one hand.
Most recommend using button-down shirts, as getting them around your wounded shoulder is more manageable. Stretchy T-shirts also work. It’s January, but I’m wearing a short-sleeve shirt, as pulling on a long-sleeve is difficult for me.
I purchased a special shirt for shoulder injuries that had snaps along its edge, allowing me to open up one side of the shirt. This was helpful during the first three days of my recovery as I was wearing a gigantic bandage on my injured shoulder, making it impossible to pull any regular shirt over it. After the bandage was off, I could wear button shirts and stretchy T-shirts.
Some crafty folks buy a few cheap tee shirts, split them along their seams, and reattach the two sides with Velcro. If you are a non-sewer, you can use scissors to open the bottom of the arm of a cheap tee shirt to accommodate the shoulder bandage. If desired, you can reattach the opening using safety pins.
This should go without saying, but always sit when you put on your clothing. Standing carries the potential for a fall, a disaster for your healing shoulder. A little stool works well, as does sitting on the toilet seat.
Pain management
You’ll likely be offered a nerve block, an optional procedure. My anesthesiologist highly recommended it. It numbed my arm from surgery to about 8 p.m. and was a godsend. At 8 PM, I started to feel some pain and took a pain pill plus naproxen per my doctor’s instructions. However, at two in the morning, I woke up in horrific pain, at which point I took another pain pill. Unfortunately, that one took about an hour before it kicked in. After that point, I was pretty aggressive with my pain management, especially at night. I would set an alarm to wake me so I could take a dose before the last pill wore off. This allowed me to sleep and kept my pain down to a manageable level. The pain does get better every day, so I was able to taper the narcotic pills over time. Naturally, I always followed my doctor’s advice and instructions.
A word of advice. If you think you’ll be taking medication during the night, it sometimes makes sense to have that medication out and ready in a little container. In a sleepy state, you may take the wrong medicine or too much medication if you pour it out of a medicine bottle. In addition, you can invert the “child-proof” cap on most prescription medicine bottles to turn them into simple screw caps. With both of the above suggestions, use common sense if you have little ones about; you don’t want them getting into your medications.
Other medications
My doctor gave me a prescription medication for nausea, which surprised me. I’ve had other surgeries and never suffered from long-term nausea postop. However, I had quite a bit of nausea after this surgery and was grateful to have the prescription medication.
Doctors often recommend taking some sort of stool softener, which may be a pill or just extra fiber. Narcotic pain medication can be constipating, and no one wants to have to deal with that, along with shoulder pain. If your doctor doesn’t prescribe some sort of stool softener, ask for his or her recommendations on this topic.
Cautionary note
There’s a lot of advice about rotator cuff surgery on YouTube from patients and orthopedic surgeons. You must follow your doctor’s advice. Different doctors do different procedures, and taking another doctor’s advice could potentially hamper your recovery.
Likewise, although the patient-created YouTube videos I watched seemed sincere, their suggestions varied. Use common sense when watching them. I used them primarily for mobility tips rather than orthopedic advice.
I also found videos from occupational therapists discussing topics like getting dressed or sleeping in a recliner. I found those the most helpful.
Final thoughts
Rotator cuff surgery is relatively common but can be an unpleasant recovery. With planning, life becomes more manageable. Make sure you follow your doctor’s advice. You’ll be given written instructions that you should read several times. I found information on my second read that I missed on the first. Remember not to push your recovery limits, as you could potentially re-tear your rotator cuff and cause more problems—best of luck.
The above is my personal opinion and should not be construed as medical advice.
Images are my own and from various websites and are used for educational purposes only.
As my relatives age, I have become increasingly aware of the importance of seniors having internet access. It is how we communicate, entertain ourselves, do business activities, and shop. Most of us have some sort of smartphone, but if you are a senior, it can be challenging to view a tiny screen or to press tiny on-screen buttons.
My oldest sister is in her 80s and no longer chooses to deal with the hassle of a laptop. Yet, she wants to stay current with social media and news outlets. She switched to an iPad some years ago and hasn’t looked back.
The advantage of a tablet computer, like an iPad, is that it is very hands-on and graphical. Open a program? Press an icon. Turn the page when reading an e-book? Swipe. Fill in a form? Touch a text box and tap in your answer using the sizeable on-screen keyboard. Watch a YouTube video? Press and go! There is no need to type commands or even navigate a mouse.
In a recent post, I wrote extensively about laptops and tablets for seniors. A tablet is the way to go for those who are technologically challenged. The basic iPad is my number one tablet recommendation for seniors; it retails for around $350. It is very intuitive and a pleasure to use. However, $350 can be out-of-range for some, so I also listed (and tested) a couple of sub-two hundred dollar tablets that ran the Android operating system. Although not quite as nice as the iPad, they were still very useable.
While researching the topic, I found several favorable reviews of Walmart’s Onn 10.1 tablet (2024 version). This tablet intrigued me because it was less than $100. Some seniors have minimal incomes, but many can afford $100. Additionally, a $100 gifted tablet from a friend or loved one would not be out of the question. Lastly, at the other end of the age spectrum, a $100 tablet could be a reasonable choice for a child who always wants to play with mom’s smartphone. Would such a device be useable or an exercise in frustration? That is what I decided to test.
For those interested in the bottom line, the Walmart Onn 10.1 tablet (2024 version) is a viable solution for those on a budget. If you can afford a basic iPad, go with that. Even a sub-two hundred dollar Android table will give you a better experience than the Onn 10.1. However, after testing the Onn for several weeks, it is entirely usable and would serve the needs of most seniors. Please note that I’m reviewing the 2024 version. Walmart sells a 2022 version for less than $60, but its 2 GB of RAM is inadequate. In addition, that tablet is running an outdated version of Android.
Let’s dig into the weeds.
The Walmart Onn 10.1 (2024 edition) tablet is available in several colors for a low price of $99.00. Various cases can be had for an additional $10-20. It is highly recommended that you purchase a protective case, preferably one with a way to stand the tablet up for movie watching.
Hardware
The Onn 10.1, 2024 edition features 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of memory/storage. This is the bare minimum needed for a modern tablet. Running a single app at a time (like Facebook) takes a few seconds to load, but once loaded, it runs well. This tablet is not suited to run multiple programs at once. The 32 GB of memory/storage is sufficient for most casual users who want to play simple games, check in to Facebook, watch Netflix, etc. This tablet has a micro-SD expansion slot, so you can inexpensively add additional storage. This extra storage would be helpful for those who have significant storage needs—for instance, those wanting many movies stored directly on their tablet.
Memory/Storage
The Onn comes preloaded with a lot of useful software, including:
Gmail (email program)
Google Maps (mapping program)
Google Drive (cloud storage)
Google TV (TV-watching app, subscription needed)
Play Books (e-books similar to Amazon Kindle. Some books are free, others purchased)
Google Wallet (e-wallet to pay for things, use e-hotel keys, carry an e-driver license and more)
Google Contacts (e-address book)
Google Photos (photo storage in the cloud and photo editing)
YouTube (video-watching site)
Google Meet (video conferencing similar to ZOOM)
Google Calendar (e-calendar)
A calculator
An alarm clock/timer
And more
I loaded some additional apps that seniors might use, including simple games. Your app needs could be different. I was primarily interested in seeing how much storage would be left on the tablet after loading a “typical” number of apps. It is very easy to add apps using the included Google Play store. These are the apps that I added:
Netflix (for movie and TV watching)
Facebook (social media app)
Facebook Messenger (a texting app).
WhatsApp (a texting, voice calling, and video chat program).
Google Chat (texting and video chat program).
The Weather Channel (weather information).
Jewel/Osco (a grocery/pharmacy app for online shopping and prescription renewal).
Amazon (shopping app).
eBay (shopping app).
State Farm (car/home insurance app).
Solitaire (game).
Candy Crush (game).
Chess (game).
Docs (Google’s free word processor).
Sheets (Google’s free spreadsheet program).
My Chart (Portal to healthcare providers).
Spotify (streaming music app).
Epson Print (print and document scanning for Epson printers)
Note: I use a nation-wide bank which has an app. However, the Onn was incompatible with that app (although other bank apps were compatible). However, I could still easily access my bank using its website via the included Chrome Internet browser.
After adding these programs, 10 GB of the 32 GB of initial storage remained. That is plenty to store a bunch of photos or documents. A 128 GB micro-SD card can be purchased for around $10 if more storage is needed.
Display
The 10” display is the perfect size for most. It is large yet easy to hold. The Onn 10.1 tablet (2024) has a screen resolution of 1280 x 800, less than many tablets. Photos and videos look fine. Print is OK but not as crisp as on tablets with higher pixel counts. I was initially very aware of the softer-looking text, but I adjusted to it over time. However, it may be tiring to read very long documents.
Watching Videos/Video Calls
I had no problems watching videos on this tablet. The images were sharp and clear.
I tried several video chat programs, including WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Google Chat, and I could make video calls. The 2 MP front-facing camera was not the greatest, but it did the job well enough.
Video calls worked pretty well.
Texting
I tried texting using several apps, including WhatsApp, Google Chat, and Facebook Messenger. They all worked well. You can also link your phone and send standard text messages from this tablet, but I didn’t try that function.
Using the included Chrome browser
Tablets from years past used inferior browsers, but newer tablets, like the Onn 10.1 (2024), have browsers that look similar to their PC counterparts. I had no problem viewing websites, filling out forms, or checking bank balances.
Email
You need a free Google Gmail account to log into any Android device, including this tablet. It is easy to sign up for one. If you already use a non-Google email address, add that account to the Gmail mail client or use a separate dedicated app or website client.
Logging in
To open this tablet, you must enter an eight-number digital password. The Onn does not have sophisticated security functions like face or fingerprint recognition.
Operating speed
My iPad instantly opens apps, while the Onn takes a few seconds. My iPad can run multiple programs simultaneously, while the Onn is best at running just one program at a time. Scrolling on my iPad was smooth as butter but a bit less smooth on the Onn. However, none of these are deal breakers. I would have been pleased with its performance if I hadn’t directly compared the Onn to my iPad.
Battery life/charging speed
Battery life was excellent. I used the Onn extensively for two days and still had a battery to spare. However, charging times are slow. It is best to plug in the Onn overnight to prepare for the next day.
Speakers
The Onn’s on-board speaker is loud but lacks bass and is a bit harsh. However, it was perfectly useable.
Ports/headphone jack
The Onn lacks a headphone jack, a trend in many newer tablets. However, you can still connect headphones, dramatically improving the tablet’s sound.
The only port on the Onn is a multi-function USB C port. This port allows you to charge the Onn and connect it to many things. You can connect wired USB-C headphones, which can be purchased inexpensively, and other peripherals, like a keyboard or hub.
WiFi/Bluetooth
I found it easy to connect the Onn to my WiFi network, and the connection was stable. The Onn has Bluetooth capabilities that can connect many things, from wireless keyboards to wireless headphones/earbuds.
Cameras
The Onn has a front-facing 2 MP and a rear-facing 5 MP camera. The photo quality is barely acceptable. It is good enough to send a friend a photo of an outfit you bought or have a video call with the grand-kids. Better tablets have better cameras.
The 2 MP front camera is usable for video calls.The 5 MP rear camera was pretty poor with terrible dynamic range and detail.
Build
The build quality is surprisingly good with an aluminum case. However, the case is a bit slippery.
Accessories to consider
A case is a must, as the Onn is slippery. I bought a cheap $10 case, which is fine, but it could not prop up the Onn. I would spend a few dollars more and buy a case that props up the Onn for movie-watching.
Headphones are also nice, providing much better audio quality and private listening. USB-C headphones can be plugged in, and the Onn can also use wireless headphones and earbuds via Bluetooth.
Bluetooth keyboards come in a variety of sizes and styles. Some are full-sized, others are part of a case, and still others can be folded for travel. They are handy if the user plans on doing a lot of keyboard work on their tablet, such as writing long emails.
Bottom line
Yes, there are better tablets, my favorite being the iPad. However, for less than $100, the Onn 10.1 (2024 edition) provides excellent value and can do almost any basic task that an average senior needs. If money is tight, I recommend the Onn 10.1 (2024 edition), available only at Walmart or Walmart.com.
I remember when one of my training supervisors got a car phone. He told me, “You wouldn’t believe how much time it saves me, Mike. I return all my calls while I’m driving home!” I was pretty stoked about the technology. How amazing it would be not to have to hunt for a slimy public phone when I needed to return a page. “When I get a real job, the first thing I’m going to do is have a car phone installed,” I said to myself.
That opportunity came during my first year as an attending physician. A Christmas bonus from my boss covered the high $2000 price, not for a car phone but for an even more fantastic phone I could carry.
I recall the excitement that I felt when I purchased it in 1988. It was a Panasonic and roughly the size of a box of cigars. The phone had a separate handset and was powered by a lead acid camcorder battery. It was so heavy that its strap would hurt my shoulder if I had to carry it more than a block, and its only abilities were making and receiving phone calls. Yet, people would stop me on the street and ask, “Is that a phone?” When I nodded, they sometimes gasped and uttered, “Wow,” under their breath. It was incredible, and I felt cool having it.
I thought I was pretty cook carrying around my Panasonic “mobile phone.”
After a few years of breaking my back, it was time to upgrade, but I can’t remember to what. I’m sure it was one of those candy bar-style phones, as they were much smaller and lighter. Sometime during the mid-1990s, I got a Motorola StarTec flip phone, one of the skinny ones that easily could slip into my pants pocket. I felt that I was riding on the cutting edge of technology.
This flip phone was state-of-the-art when I bought it in the late ’90s. Mine was a cool “putty” color.
I had a few other phones in the 2000s, but their memory has faded.
During that same period, I used electronic organizers called PDAs (Pocket Digital Assistants) and went through a series of them, including several from Sharp. I eventually landed on a Handspring Visor that used the Palm operating system. That device was terrific, as it easily synced to my computer and could run useful programs, many of which were free. What would it be like to combine the features of my PDA with a phone in one little box? I pondered. Others obviously thought the same thing, and a few years later, smartphones hit the market.
I had a few Sharp PDA-style organizers. They looked pretty cool, but you lost all of your data if the battery went dead. Plus, they were a pain to backup on a computer. One of the doctors I knew told me about his Palm Pilot, and I bought a Handspring Visor, which ran Palm OS. Wow, that was a great device. It was small, efficient, could run programs, and had a matching app for my computer. I enjoyed using it.
You may think Apple invented the smartphone, but that is untrue. Apple was late to the game, introducing its first iPhone in 2007. Before that time, most smartphones had physical keyboards, and Apple’s keyboardless design was so unique that then-CEO of Microsoft Steve Ballmer ridiculed it, saying, “There’s no chance that the iPhone is going to get any significant market share.” He was obviously wrong.
I had a primitive and clunky Windows CE smartphone and then an early Android phone from HTC. The latter would spontaneously reboot itself right during a phone call. The HTC was so terrible that I started to refer to it as a dumbphone.
I had a Windows CE Smartphone similar to this one. It looked cool, but its software was super clunky. I thought the phone used a light version of Windows, but that was in name only. It ran its own OS which was pretty terrible.I upgraded to this HTC phone, which used an early version of Android. I researched the phone, and its initial reviews were great. However, it had hardware problems and would constantly crash, often in the middle of a phone conversation.
Patients would come into my office and show me their new iPhones. They were as proud as if they were telling me about a fabulous trip abroad or their new Mercedes. Even the early iterations of the iPhone were spectacular. Where my dumbphone took grainy photos, their iPhones did a decent job. Things we now take for granted, like watching a YouTube video on a phone, were utterly unique and impressive. During that time, Apple had an ad campaign emphasizing what an iPhone could do. For every problem, there’s an app for that, the commercials said. Many other smartphones of the day seemed to be works in progress, but the iPhone had its act together. It was a next-generation device.
People were so proud of their new iPhones that they would pull them out and show them to me.
I eventually gave up on my dumbphone and bought an iPhone. I can’t remember which version, possibly an iPhone 3 or 4. I was already using a Mac, and purchasing an iPhone solidly transformed me into an Apple fanboy. I followed iPhone news and rumors the way that some follow sports teams. I was not alone, as people would wait overnight in line to get their hands on the latest model. It seemed like every version was more impressive than the last.
My first iPhone looked something like this.
I joined with the others, buying a new phone every 2-4 years, and each time, I was amazed at the model’s meaningful advances. I’m a photographer, and the cameras got better and better. Newer phones worked on updated cell frequencies, allowing me to call from more remote places. The phones seamlessly integrated with my Mac, permitting me to start a project on one device and finish it on another. The phones had ever-improving GPS to get me to my destination despite my poor sense of direction. Video calling was available on other devices, but it was pretty awful. Apple’s FaceTime worked well. An iPhone could record excellent video, so I could leave my camcorder behind when attending my kids’ events. The advantages continued; I felt like I was carrying a miracle in my pocket.
Although many of the advances were software-based, they were fueled by ever more powerful and sophisticated hardware.
I traded in my iPhone 10 for an iPhone 12 Pro Max. The new phone had three rear cameras, giving me regular, wide-angle, and telephoto lenses. That flexibility allowed me to leave my pro camera behind, even when traveling. It was a significant advancement. However, there was something concerning about that phone. It was of a lower build quality than my previous iPhones. At one point, the battery swelled for no reason and cracked the screen. Then, the lightning connector failed, causing me to upgrade to an iPhone 14 Pro Max. A phone that I have used until last week. The iPhone 14 also had significant improvements over previous versions. Notably, It could connect to satellite emergency services if it was out of cell coverage range. I travel to remote places that lack cell coverage, making that feature highly desirable.
I did not intend to replace my iPhone 14 Pro Max; however, I noticed its lightning connector was starting to fail. I was also aware that my battery was degrading faster than the batteries on previous models. I pondered if Apple was practicing a little planned obsolescence.
My 14 Pro Max had an excellent trade-in value, so I decided to upgrade my phone before the port worsened or other things started to break, as they would lessen the amount of trade-in cash I would get. I now have an iPhone 16 Pro Max. Is it the game-changer that previous generations were? I would say no. This phone is two generations beyond my last phone; it is more advanced on paper. It has better hardware, a bigger screen, extra buttons, and Apple Intelligence. The camera is also different, and the faster processor allows for a few more software tricks. However, with this iteration, the advancements don’t translate into performance differences that impact me in any way. Additionally, the software changes, like Apple Intelligence, seem more like novelties I had already used via other AI outlets. I’m sure that at some point in the future, Apple Intelligence will be the bomb, but by then, my 16 Pro Max will be outdated.
My new iPhone works great, but its new features don’t wow me like past versions of iPhones.
In the US, around 60% of phone users have an iPhone. Yes, new iPhones continue to offer new capabilities, but for most, they are unnecessary or unwanted. We generally text, call, FaceTime, use GPS, take photos, and do other things that have been available for generations of phones.
I don’t need AI to summarize a three-sentence text message or make a more adorable emoji, and having an extra camera button won’t improve my life. I don’t think I’m alone in my apathy. When was the last time you saw a news report of people waiting all night for the Apple store to open so they could be the first to get a new iPhone?
I’m sure Apple knows this reality, so they have moved towards subscription services. Now, you can rent your news, music, health app, TV shows, and cloud storage by paying Apple’s never-ending monthly subscriptions.
I wonder if they are cheaping on their parts, as my last two phones had major failures within a few years. That would be a shame, as one of Apple’s hallmarks is the quality of its products. Android phones are now very sophisticated, and decent Android phones can be bought at reasonable prices. Switching to Android would be inconvenient, but it would hardly be impossible.
With all of the above, you have probably guessed that my opinion of my upgrade is “Meh.” I’m sure that there are things that I will eventually appreciate, like changing the Lightning port to USB C, and I may even like Apple Intelligence if it can subsequently improve Siri’s responses. However, it offered nothing that my old phone couldn’t deliver.
Should you update your old iPhone for a new one? If you are happy with the functionality of your old phone, no. If it isn’t holding a charge, you may want to consider replacing the battery to give it new life. Phones are expensive, and now that they have become commonplace, there is no longer any status to have the latest one on the block. Will all of this impact Apple’s market share? I don’t know, and I’m not too concerned. I’m sure Tim Cook is working on options for Apple. Monthly subscription to rent your iPhone? Oh wait, that is already being done; it is called a cell phone plan.
Peace
Mike
Images from various websites are being used for educational purposes only. The above post is my personal opinion.
I wrote this post to educate seniors about the various computing options available. This information would be helpful for anyone who wants to understand this topic better or needs to replace their existing computing device. However, if you are looking for the bottom line, go to the last section of this post. In this post, I’ll only discuss portable options, specifically tablets, and laptops, as these seem to be the devices many seniors desire.
If you are a senior citizen in 2024, you likely have a computing device. However, consider updating that gadget before the proposed upcoming tariffs are implemented, as they could dramatically increase the cost of all electronics. With so many choices, deciding how to maximize your cost vs. benefit ratio can be challenging. For many, buying a $3000 computer is out of the question. However, those same individuals likely don’t want a $50 computer from Temu. I hope this post will help you sort things out.
Not long ago, having a PC and an internet connection was a luxury. That time has passed. Most of us carry the internet with us on our smartphones. For some, that is all the connectivity they need; however, if you do any type of personal computer work, from writing stories to online shopping, or if you use the internet for media consumption, or if you do any sort of work from home, you will benefit from using a larger device.
In 2024, the many options available may confuse the average senior. Should you spend $25 on a reconditioned school Chromebook or over $6000 on a top-of-the-line MacBook Pro? For most, the answer lies in between.
Tablets
Everyone knows of Apple’s iPad, but several other tablet types use operating systems that are different from Apple’s iOS.
A tablet is a perfect choice for media consumption. You can watch Netflix and Hulu, stream music, view YouTube videos, and catch up on Facebook. You can also do home business tasks like shopping and banking or talk to the grandkids via a video chat app. Tablets allow you to keep a calendar, address book, and set reminders. You can easily catch up on your email correspondences. Typing short messages using a tablet’s on-screen keyboard is possible, but buying an external keyboard is best if you plan to type long documents.
Some keyboards can be purchased as part of a tablet case, which is a convenient choice. Naturally, these keyboards will be smaller than standard, making typing very long documents frustrating for some (my sister, Nancy, hates using a tablet keyboard, while I have no problem using one). Some tablets allow users to connect peripherals, like a monitor or a mouse, to them. You can print from a tablet if you have the right printer. Some gaming is possible on tablets. Complex games require premium tablets with fast processors and storage for large gaming apps.
Most tablets have excellent battery life. They are great for everyone who prefers a more visual/hands-on approach to computing. Their small size makes them perfect for browsing in an easy chair or bed, and they tend to be less intimidating than large computer systems.
Each family of devices allows you to download additional programs, called apps, from their respective app stores. Some apps are free, some charge a one-time fee, and others require a monthly subscription fee, so read the app’s description carefully. You can get apps that do many things, from word processing to games. For instance, you can download the free Facebook app to access Facebook easily.
Tablet Families
Fire TabletFamily
Amazon sells these tablets using a “razor and blade” philosophy. At the turn of the last century, Gillette popularized the safety razor, which they sold at a very reasonable price. These quality grooming tools were made so well that I still can use a razor made in 1953, my birth year (yep, I have one). Gilette didn’t care if they made money on the razors; they were interested in customers buying their overpriced blades.
Amazon’s objective has been to use the cheapest components to make an acceptable tablet and sell it at a bargain price. They fill the tablet with Amazon-specific apps and encourage the user to buy everything from books to toilet paper using the tablet. Most of their tablets support Alexa, Amazon’s virtual assistant.
A virtual assistant uses AI (artificial intelligence) to answer your questions. For example, you could say, “Hey Alexa, what is today’s weather.” Alexa would then give you the forecast.
The majority of Amazon tablets are usable but of lower quality. The exception is the Fire Max 11, which combines better-quality components at a reasonable price.
Amazon uses a “forked” (heavily modified) version of Google’s Android operating system.
An operating system is the main computer program that allows all other programs to work. Examples of operating systems are:
Fire OS for Fire tablets
Windows OS for Windows computers
Mac OS for Apple computers
Chrome OS for Chromebook computers
Android OS for Android phones and tablets
Linux OS for many things
iOS for iPhone-for iPhones
iOS for iPads-for iPad tablets (optimized for tablets)
Operating systems are developed for different purposes. For example, Chrome OS is designed to work with low-powered computers, while Mac OS is designed to run very complicated programs on speedy computers.
Amazon’s software engineers modified Google’s free Android OS to create Fire OS. Fire OS is a closed OS that only runs on Fire devices, forcing users to use Amazon’s ecosystem.
A computer ecosystem is a group of related technological things. In this case, Fire OS runs programs from the Fire app store, uses Alexa as its virtual assistant, and is preloaded with Amazon apps.
Some apps, like the excellent free Google apps, Instagram, and Dropbox, are unavailable as they are not in the Amazon Fire app store. I also checked to see if my doctor’s office app, called MyChart, or my banking app was available in the Fire store; they were not. However, Fire tablets support many other apps, like Netflix, Facebook, TikTok, and Zoom.
You can access some unsupported programs by connecting with their website versions using “Silk,” Amazon’s proprietary web browser. Still, the experience may not be as good as when using a dedicated app. Additionally, some websites are designed to work best on popular browsers like Chrome, Edge, or Safari, which are unavailable in the Fire app store.
A browser is a program that allows the user to access and interact with the Internet. The first graphical browser, Mosaic, was released in 1993. The development of browsers changed the way people use the internet. In the early 1990s, I could only access the internet using a text-based program called Gopher. It was clunky and not interactive. Browsers brought a graphical interface to the internet, allowing for other features like hyperlinks. Hyperlinks allow the user to click on a link on a webpage and be instantly taken to a different spot on that page or another page in the World Wide Web (WWW). Every time you view a website full of photos and graphics, thank your browser. Browsers brought the internet to everyday citizens.
You can side-load the Google Play store to access millions of apps, including those created by Google. Side-loading is a hack used to install apps that are not available on the Fire app store. Although this procedure is relatively straightforward, it does involve a number of steps and temporarily connecting a Windows computer to the tablet; some report difficulty implementing all of this. This option may not be reasonable for a senior who wants to use a tablet right out of the box.
Most Fire-based tablets have an expansion slot for a micro-SD card, allowing you to dramatically and inexpensively increase your device’s storage capacity. This additional storage is best used for data like photos, movie files, and documents. However, some apps will allow you to run them off external storage. However, they may run slower when doing this.
Fire tablets offer unlimited cloud storage for photos.
Cloud storage means that photo files are saved on Amazon’s massive remote computers, not on the device. You must have an internet connection to store and retrieve the images, which is not usually a problem in today’s Wi-Fi-filled world.
A word of caution: Google Drive used to offer free cloud storage for photos. Once the service became popular, it started charging for it. Amazon may do the same in the future.
Fire devices are best for those who spend a lot of time in the Amazon ecosystem and use apps available in the Fire app store, such as Facebook and Netflix. If that is you, you can score a reasonable tablet at a good price. At this time, the Fire Max 11 is a good choice. It is selling for a fantastic sale price of $139.99, a 39% discount from its usual price.
The Amazon Fire Max 11 is an upgrade from other Fire tablets and can be had for a reasonable price.
The Android Tablet Family
Android OS is free, so dozens of tablet manufacturers use it as their operating system. This has led to some good products and some truly terrible ones.
The Android OS has been around for a long time and is constantly being updated. Reputable tablet manufacturers post updates for their tablets. However, for other tablet brands, you may be stuck with the OS version that the tablet was shipped with. Updates not only bring new features and stability but also supply security patches.
Some manufacturers sell a range of devices from bargain level to high-end. Mid-priced Android tablets may offer more dollar value than a comparable Apple iPad.
Some Android tablets pair well with Android phones, specifically Samsung tablets paired with Samsung phones. The Google Play store has millions of apps for just about any need. Notably, all Google-created apps are available and free. Stick with apps from the Google Play store, as other sites may have malware-filled programs.
Malware is software designed to do destructive things, like infect your device with a virus or steal private information from you.
Most Android tablets use Google Assistant, a very powerful virtual assistant. You can also download Alexa (Amazon’s virtual assistant) and use that app.
Many Android tablets have an expansion slot for a microSD card, allowing you to increase your device’s storage capacity inexpensively. This additional storage is best for data like photos, movies, and documents. Some apps will allow you to run them off this external storage. However, they may run slower when doing this.
Apps like Google Docs (word processor) and Sheets (spreadsheets) store their documents in the cloud-based Google Drive. Google gives all users a small amount of storage space for free, and their paid starter plans are inexpensive.
Most Samsung tablets have a Dex feature, which makes the tablet look more like a desktop when connected to external peripherals, like a Bluetooth keyboard. Some will even let you connect an external monitor.
Remember that Android is an operating system designed primarily for phones, not tablets. This may lead to some issues when running some apps on a tablet.
A decent Android tablet may be a good choice if you already use an Android phone. Additionally, it is possible to find a functional Android tablet at lower prices than an iPad.
It is difficult to give a specific recommendation for an Android tablet as there are so many, and they change frequently. Consider a brand-name tablet with 4 GB or more RAM and at least 64 GB storage. If you save a lot of large files, like many movies, go for more storage (or add an inexpensive microSD card). If you play many complex games, go for a faster processor, more RAM, and storage—i.e., a high-end tablet. Remember that streaming movies and music does not permanently use storage space on your tablet. It may use a bit for buffering, but that is not permanent.
The higher-end units within a brand’s range will have better screens, faster processors, and better construction. They may have more features, like a stylus or the ability to connect an external monitor. However, a budget/mid-range, brand-name tablet will do the job for many.
Go to a store like Best Buy for a hands-on experience before you buy. Regarding inexpensive Android tablets, I have read good things about the Walmart Onn 12.1, the Samsung A9 Plus, and the Lenovo M11 Android tablets. These budget tablets aren’t the latest or greatest, but they work. Currently, these tables can be had for less than $200. Samsung tablets have the best reputation for software updates of the three. Lastly, some caution is advised with brand X Android tablets, which may contain malware pre-installed at the factory.
The Samsung A9 Plus offers a lot of value and is currently on sale.
The Apple iPad Family
This is the gold standard when it comes to tablets. iPads come in various price points, from a reasonable $350 to several thousand dollars. Higher prices provide better “everything,” from displays to memory to powerful processors.
iPads are stable and built to last. They are enjoyable to use because they are refined and designed to be user-friendly.
Millions of apps are available in the iOS app store, and you can do anything with them. However, like other tablets, iPads are best for consuming media, viewing social media, and performing tasks like email, shopping, and banking. Naturally, there are games adapted for iPads. Your personal information may be better protected with Apple products, as Google’s primary business is selling user data.
If you plan on using an iPad as your only device, it is best to buy a keyboard case. Apple keyboard cases are excellent and sophisticated, but they are highly priced. You can purchase off-brand keyboard cases for significantly less. They won’t be as good, but they will do the job.
You can download Google Apps, like Google Docs and Gmail, on an iPad. They can be used offline but work best when connected to the internet. You can also download Amazon apps like the Kindle app, which allows you to order and read ebooks (books converted to an electronic form) from Amazon.
Apple supplies many useful apps for free, including Pages, a word processor; iMovie, a simple yet robust video editor; and Photos, a good photo editor that runs without an internet connection. Apple also includes other apps like FaceTime for video chat, Apple Messenger, a sophisticated texting app, and Notes, which allows you to save anything from your mom’s secret meatloaf recipe to a PDF file of your washing machine’s quick-start guide. iPads are the number one selling tablet, so all the usual apps from Facebook to YouTube are available.
Apple’s virtual assistant is Siri, but you can add Google Assistant and Alexa via their respective apps.
Apple apps synchronize with other Apple devices, so you can start a word-processing document on your tablet and finish it on your Mac. This ability makes an iPad a clear choice if you already use other Apple devices, like an iPhone or Mac computer.
A few years ago, Apple separated iPad iOS from their phone iOS. Although many similarities exist between the two operating systems, iPad apps can utilize the iPad’s additional size and other capabilities. iPads have become more computer-like and now allow a variety of peripherals, including keyboards, hard drives, and monitors, to be connected to them. Modern iPads can use a stylus, which varies from model to model. iPad iOS includes features that make it more functional for “real” work. However, iPads are not as comprehensive as a traditional computer for most business applications. With that said, many business applications have specifically been written for the iPad.
The reasonably priced basic $350 iPad will do the job for most seniors. If you keep a lot of movies on your iPad, buy one with more storage. If you plan on regularly doing complex jobs on an iPad, like 4K movie editing, go with one of the higher-end models. The iPad Air M2 is incredibly powerful for the price. The top-of-the-line iPads are called iPad Pros. They are costly and are overkill for most seniors.
My sister Carol changed from a laptop to a basic iPad several years ago and hasn’t looked back. She can use FaceTime, send text messages and emails, watch YouTube videos, stay up-to-date on Facebook, and quickly check up on various news sites. iPads generally have excellent build quality and long battery life. Since they are built well, they usually work for years. You can only download apps from Apple’s app store, which is monitored to prevent viruses and other malware. Millions of apps are available for just about anything you could think of.
The excellent basic iPad starts at around $350 and is enough for most. You can often find this model for less on sites like Amazon. The current “generation” of the basic iPad is the 10th generation. You can order all iPad versions with more internal storage but at a steep price. Unless you use massive apps or need the storage space for other reasons, 64 GB of memory will likely serve you. Using iCloud, Apple’s cloud storage service, you can store documents and photos. Apple provides a small amount of free cloud storage, and basic plans are inexpensive, with 50 GB of storage costing only 99 cents/month. iPads do not have micro-SD slots, so you are stuck with the amount of internal storage that you buy at the onset.
You can also buy a refurbished iPad from Apple (https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/ipad) or last year’s model at considerable savings without sacrificing much performance. Avoid very old iPads resold from sketchy companies. Even if they work, their battery may be on its last legs, and they are expensive to replace.
I would buy an iPad if I were interested in getting a new tablet. However, if cost is an issue or if you use an Android phone, a good basic Android tablet is a reasonable choice. Amazon Fire tables are great if you can get a good deal and heavily use Amazon services.
iPads have long been the tablet of choice due to their quality and ease of use.
Laptop Families
The Chromebook family
When Chromebooks were introduced 15 years ago, they were a joke. They were very cheaply made with puny processors and tiny amounts of storage. They were a glorified web browser. However, Google has consistently improved Chrome OS into an efficient operating system that runs well on lower-powered (and therefore less expensive) machines.
Six years ago, I did a deep dive into Chromebooks and reviewed several units selling in the $100 to $300 price range. None of the units were sexy; they had so-so displays, mushy keyboards, and small trackpads. However, they were all perfectly functional. Many browser-based programs (programs accessed through a computer’s web browser) were also available, allowing me to write long documents, create spreadsheets, do my banking, watch YouTube videos, listen to Spotify, and even manage this website.
In those days, browser-based photo editing apps like Google Photos had limited abilities but were still useful. However, Google Photos is more powerful now and even has AI functionality. The only thing that was impractical for me to do on those older units was video editing. However, I could record and upload a simple video to YouTube using a Chromebook.
A few years ago, I recommended a Chromebook to my father-in-law, who has been quite happy with it. Before that acquisition, he had been using inexpensive Windows machines and had constant issues with slowdowns, crashes, and other problems.
Chromebooks update easily, and their performance is surprisingly fast since they are primarily web-based. Two of my kids were given Chromebooks by their schools, and they used them until graduation from high school. My daughter felt she was never hampered by using one during those years.
Schools love Chromebooks because they are inexpensive and easily managed by their IT team. Viruses are not an issue if you only use Chrome OS. Since Chromebooks are primarily cloud-based, students who forget their Chromebooks can be given a loaner. When they sign in, the loaner is configured exactly like the computer they forgot, including their assignments and apps.
Chromebooks are most useful when connected to the internet, but they can run some programs in situ (directly on the computer). Chromebooks can now run many Android apps, giving users many more options, including additional games and even some basic video editing. However, video editing requires a lot of internal computing power, so don’t expect miracles.
Chromebooks recently added the ability to run Linux programs, many of which are free and powerful. There are Linux versions of Audacity, which is a DAW (for audio recording), and Gimp, which is a free powerful photo editor with much of the functionality of Photoshop. Here, too, you will be limited by the lower processing power of Chromebooks.
Some Chromebooks have a microSD slot, allowing memory expansion. However, this option is phasing out on newer models. Documents, photos, and the like are stored in Google’s cloud service, Google Drive. Google gives a small amount of this storage for free, and basic storage plans are available for a small monthly fee.
The ability to use Android and Linux apps opens up additional potential for Chromebooks but also holds additional risk, as downloads may contain malware. This is especially true if you download programs from sketchy sites.
A basic, inexpensive Chromebook will be fine if you spend most of your time using browser-based applications. If you want to run many Android apps and/or Linux programs, you will need a Chromebook with a faster processor, more storage, and a better display. This year, Google introduced Chromebook Plus Chromebooks, which have more powerful processors, more storage, a better display, and a better webcam. These models can also use Gemini, Google’s advanced AI (artificial intelligence) program. For a Chromebook Plus model, expect to pay $250-400. You can pay much more for a premium Chromebook, but at higher prices, most are better off buying a traditional laptop.
Some Chromebooks offer touch screens and can fold backward to create a tablet. However, they are bulky and not nearly as comfy as traditional tablets. A touch screen may be handy if you run many Android apps, as many are designed to be controlled by touch on Android phones.
Chromebooks allow many peripherals, including printers, scanners, monitors, and external drives. However, you must check the web to see if your device supports Chrome OS. You can check the device’s website for compatibility or simply Google, “Is XXX compatible with Chrome OS.” Some peripheral manufacturers don’t make specific drivers for Chromebooks. You may be stuck using a generic driver that may not offer as much functionality as the dedicated drivers written for Windows or Mac OS. However, most users will get enough useability from a peripheral device if it is compatible with the Chrome OS.
Editor’s Note: I just tried to print using my Epson printer using an updated Chromebook, which was significantly easier than when I did this 6 years ago. Chrome OS found the printer and connected with it with a click. However, its functionality was reduced; for instance, I had no option to print double-sided.
Battery life on most Chromebooks is excellent.
At this time, I would only buy a basic Chromebook if money was very tight. Instead, I would spend $250-$400 on a Chromebook Plus Chromebook as everything about them will be better. I would avoid refurbished Chromebooks on eBay as some previously lived as school Chromebooks, and you can only imagine how they were treated. A Chromebook will give you a laptop experience and an excellent price point. Many are durable, and since their processing is mainly done in the cloud, they don’t slow down over time like Windows computers.
Chromebook Plus computers offer value, excellent battery life, and useability for casual computer users.
The Windows family
You can buy a Windows computer for a few hundred dollars, but they are trash. Companies introduced these ultra-cheap Windows computers to capture the Chromebook market. What they produced were horrible, slow, and clunky computers. I tested one when I explored Chromebooks around 6 years ago. I’m sure things have improved, but that computer was the worst experience I have ever had using a computer, including the first computer I ever owned, a Commodore 64, gifted to me in 1983! Expect to spend around $500 or more on a basic functional Windows OS computer. For around $1000, you can get a quite nice Windows machine.
Windows computers have many positives as well as some negatives.
The Windows operating system is highly robust and was made to run complicated programs using the computer’s built-in hardware. Windows computers can do complex tasks like editing photos in Photoshop and video editing using Adobe Premiere. You can run these complex programs on a $500 Windows computer. However, you will be limited and get better performance with a more expensive Windows computer with a fast processor, lots of RAM, and a big and fast SSD drive.
Another Windows advantage is that some software only runs on Windows, the most popular operating system for laptops. In the day, every place I worked at used EMR (Electronic Medical Record) software that ran only on Windows. However, more specialty software is now cloud-based and will run on many machines via a web browser. My wife uses an EMR software called “Simple Practice,” which is browser-based and can be used on devices from Chromebooks to Macs.
There is a broader variety of software programs for Windows machines. Pick any category, and you will find more software titles than those available for other systems, including Mac OS.
Some Windows laptops have touch screens.
On the negative side, because there are so many Windows computers, they are targeted by malware. Because there are so many manufacturers and models of laptops, some models run Windows better than others. With its many features, Windows tends to be bloated and requires more expensive/faster everything for optimal performance.
Windows updates can be long, buggy, and frustrating. If you haven’t updated your computer in a while, it may take a very long time to update. I have had Windows laptops running well, but after an update or a new Windows OS version, they slowed down and became highly frustrating.
Windows machines tend to get slower over time, often forcing users to buy a new machine after several years. Naturally, the more premium the machine, the longer it will remain functional.
Cheaper machines can have poor battery life, and less expensive Windows machines may also be bulky and heavy. If you are not tech-savvy, you may do better with a different OS system.
What to buy? For a user with simple needs, go for a $500-$700 computer. Don’t buy a machine with a traditional hard drive; get one with an SSD (solid state drive) of 256 GB or larger (these are now commonplace) and at least 8GB of RAM (more is better). If you are out and about with your computer, try getting one that is 3 pounds or less. Naturally, if you are into editing 4K videos or playing the latest and most complicated games, you will need a higher-end unit, but that is beyond the objectives of this post.
Windows laptops can be amazing machines, but expect to spend at least $500 for a basic model, as lower-priced ones will likely disappoint.
The MacBook family
MacBooks have become increasingly popular. Mac OS is a comprehensive OS, just like Windows. However, Apple designs Mac OS and also builds Mac computers, allowing them to be optimized for each other. MacBooks are famous for their stability, reliability, and longevity.
They are also more expensive than a comparable Windows machine, but they will likely last longer and continue to run well throughout their life.
MacBooks are not upgradable, and ordering a model with more RAM or storage quickly escalates costs.
Although there are fewer software choices than Windows, much of the available software for the Mac OS is excellent and stable. Macs are used professionally for every application, including movie editing, photo editing, CAD, and other advanced needs. You should be able to find great software, except for specific specialty software that only runs on Windows. However, as I stated in the Windows section of this post, more and more specialty software is becoming browser-based and works on many different operating systems.
I did a lot of video editing in the early days of video editing on computers. Buying a video editing Windows computer then was extremely expensive, so I taught myself how to build my own. I built many Windows computers for myself and my friends but switched to Macs over 15 years ago. Their combination of software and hardware allows me to do things on my laptop without constantly trying to figure out how to tweak a program to stop it from crashing (as I did on my Windows machines). Macs just work. Macs are the best full-featured laptop for most of us.
All Macs come with software, including a terrific office suite and simple but useful movie and photo editors. Macs include an excellent texting program called iMessage and an amazing video conferencing tool called FaceTime. Naturally, calendar, appointment, and note-taking apps are also included.
In 2020, Apple switched from using Intel processors (the computer’s brain) to processors of its design. These “M” chips are more energy efficient, often process faster, and very capable. The “M” processor is a game changer, making even the most basic MacBook Air a mighty machine.
My favorite thing about MacBooks is their integration with other Apple products. I can send and receive iMessages, take and make phone calls from my computer, easily view photos taken on my iPhone on my Mac, edit a word processing document created on my computer on my iPhone or tablet, and so much more. I am a fanboy of Macs.
What is the downside? Price. A basic MacBook Air will start at around $1000 and go up from there. A powerful MacBook Pro that is all spec’d out can cost many thousands of dollars. Additionally, MacBooks are not upgradable, so you need to buy a computer that will meet your needs now and in the future (MacBooks tend to be usable for a long time).
If you want a traditional computer but can’t afford the latest MacBook model, buying an older model with an “M” series chip is reasonable. M3 and M4 chips are being used at the time of this writing. However, a MacBook Air with basic specs and an M1 chip is still an excellent machine. I just checked the Walmart website, and they are selling NEW 2020 MacBook Airs with an M1 chip and 256 GB of storage for an amazingly low $650. You can buy a renewed Air with an M2 chip on Amazon for around $720. These super-powerful machines will serve the needs of all but the most demanding users.
The MacBook Pro is the next model up from the MacBook Air. You would know if you needed such a powerful computer; most seniors don’t.
For a basic MacBook Air, 8 GB of RAM is acceptable, and many users will be just fine with 256 GB of storage. I’m typing this post on a 2020 MacBook Air with an M1 processor, and it does everything I need a computer to do. If this were a Windows machine, I would likely have already replaced it. I have had this computer for almost five years and have only used 150 GB of storage. However, I archive thousands of photos to an external hard drive.
Editors note: I’m an enthusiast photographer who does some professional work. I take a lot of photos using professional gear, which I back up to an external drive. My iPhone photos are backed up to the cloud.
iCloud, Apple’s cloud storage service, allows you to store files, documents, and photos. Apple provides a small amount of free cloud storage, and basic plans are inexpensive, with 50 GB of storage costing only 99 cents/month. You can also expand your storage locally using a flash drive or an external SSD. All your Apple devices can access files stored in the cloud.
The MacBook Air is a fantastic computer that should last a very long time.
So what is the bottom line?
Consider a tablet for non-technical people who consume a lot of media, use social media, and want maximum portability. My pick is the iPad, but an Android tablet could be a choice if you already have an Android phone or if you need the best bang for the buck. Fire tables are suitable for those who spend a lot of time in the Amazon ecosystem.
If you want the layout of a laptop but your needs are simple, go with a Chromebook Plus laptop. Software and security issues are managed automatically. The Chrome OS is simple, so your computer should work well for quite some time. For a very inexpensive price, you will get a full-sized laptop that will allow you to do everything from online banking, to watching Netflix movies, to video chatting with the grandkids. I use the Google Office Suite for the majority of my writing. In fact, I’m using it right now to write this blog post. This suite is free and accessible via a web browser to all computer operating systems, including Chromebooks. I have used this Office Suite to author complex documents, create complicated spreadsheets, and make “PowerPoint” like presentation slides for talks I have given hundreds of people. Did is say it was FREE? (I guess I did)
If you plan to run programs directly on your computer or do a lot of photo editing or simple video editing, I suggest a MacBook Air with an “M” processing chip. These are excellent computers and a joy to use. My friend still uses his 2017 MacBook to run a business in December 2024. MacBooks are built to last.
You can buy Airs that are new but an older model for an excellent price. Check websites like Walmart and Amazon. Additionally, look at the Apple website’s refurbished section. Avoid shady sellers pushing old units with Intel microprocessors, as that is old tech. The average user won’t notice much difference from a Mac with a “M” chip built a few years ago. If you are running high-demand programs, buy the best laptop you can afford.
If you need to run software only available for Windows, get a Windows computer but spend at least $500 (you may need to pay considerably more depending on the software needs).
Also, Windows computers are better for serious gamers. Remember that complex games usually require high-end systems. True gaming laptops can be very pricey, so don’t believe an advert claiming that a $500 Windows laptop is a gaming laptop.
Having a computing device has become a necessity in today’s world. I hope that this post has demystified this topic for you.
Peace
Mike
Images are from Amazon and are being used for educational purposes only.
Over the years, I have observed a phenomenon in various situations: I have dubbed it the Distance Rule. The rule is simple: the greater you can separate yourself from a person or group, the easier it is to justify or ignore harmful actions against that person or group.
The converse rule, which I call the Closeness Rule, also applies. The more one can relate to a person or group, the more difficult it is to justify harmful actions against that person or group.
There is a qualifier. These rules apply to individuals who have a moral center. Those with sociopathic tendencies will do whatever is in their best interest, as their ability to empathize with another person is absent.
Lastly, there is the phenomenon that I call Convenient Sociopathy, where it is so advantageous for an individual or organization to dehumanize an individual or group that they find a rationale to do so, often using the Distance Rule. Think of the corporation Enron, which regularly turned off electric power to parts of California, which caused harm to the most vulnerable while increasing the wealth of Enron’s shareholders.
Entire nations can use these rules, often employing propaganda to reach a goal. This tactic is always seen in war situations. During WWII, American propaganda portrayed both the Japanese and German citizens as bloodthirsty monsters, making it easier for US soldiers and the homefront to unite against them. Naturally, similar campaigns were launched against Americans in those countries.
Additionally, a systematic propaganda campaign was developed against non-Arians in Germany in the 1930s, and specific efforts by Germany, Italy, and Spain were developed to eliminate a particular minority population, the Jews.
Other groups were also targeted, from Eastern Europeans, to Romani, to gays, to those with physical, mental, and psychological issues. Creating an emotional distance between these groups and the general population allowed ordinary citizens to do the most horrific things to human beings.
It is easy to devise a method to separate one group from another. However, this process is more effective if the aggressor uses an easy-to-identify characteristic such as race, religion, economic status, education level, sexual orientation, or nationality. The aggressor’s goal is to gain power and control. That power can be expressed in privilege, wealth, or other forms of domination.
A common characteristic of serial killers is that they dehumanize their victims, using the Distance Rule to turn them into objects for gratification. This can be seen in predators who kill for sexual thrills, such as John Wayne Gacy and the BTK killer Dennis Rader.
The ability to distance from others to justify a behavior can be seen in less global ways. As a psychotherapist, I would see patients use the Distance Rule to create an emotional separation from a spouse when they enter into an affair relationship. At the same time, I would witness them using the Closeness Rule to idealize the affair partner as further justification for their actions. I have never heard a person active in an affair say something like, “My spouse is great, but I decided to cheat on them anyway.” Typically, an excuse is made focusing on their spouse’s flaws, lack of sexual response, inattentiveness, or whatever. Likewise, the AP is usually characterized in an ideal way as the one “who understands me,” the one “I can talk to,” or the one “who appreciates my sexual prowess.”
This Distance Rule is commonly seen in the corporate world and was promulgated by Jack Welch, the former CEO of General Electric. Before Mr. Welch, most large corporations’ strategies were for long-term, steady growth. Giving a workforce a sense of stability and rewarding them for their loyalty was part of that growth equation. Jack’s focus was very different. He saw a corporation as a profit-generating machine for stockholders and felt that the role of a corporation was to benefit those individuals. So be it if a job could be done less expensively in another country. A division that was not as profitable as another one should be closed and damn to the factory workers and communities that they lived in. Using that method, Jack made a lot of money for GE’s shareholders and himself.
GE survived as a corporation. However, this Distancing Rule sometimes destroys not only lives but also corporations. One example of that phenomenon is former Sunbeam CEO Albert Dunlap, known as Chainsaw Al for his business practices.
Sunbeam Corporation was a 100-year-old company that made small appliances under the Sunbeam and Oster brands. These were well-regarded US-made appliances. My mother used a Sunbeam Mixer daily from the 1950s until the 1970s, when she was gifted a Kitchenade Mixer. That original Sunbeam Mixmaster was a quality product. However, due to mismanagement, Sunbeam was less profitable than possible, so they brought in Chainsaw Al to improve the bottom line. Al fired around 50% of Sunbeam employees, closed down most of Sunbeam’s factories, and reduced their product line, destroying the lives of many. Robert Reich, then secretary of labor, noted, “There is no excuse for treating employees as if they are disposable pieces of equipment,” Chainsaw Al promoted stock options, which meant that any profit for Sunbeam shareholders would also benefit him. He was incentivized to do whatever it took to inflate Sunbeam’s stock, and that is precisely what he did, using fraudulent and illegal tactics that resulted in Sunbeam filing bankruptcy in 2001. Al left the corporate world with millions in his pockets despite paying off federal fines and penalties for his illegal practices. His fines were a small price to pay. Sunbeam was sold several times to larger entities, and Newell Brands now owns it. You can still find Sunbeam-branded products, including a crap version of the Mixmaster, which is now manufactured in China. No one aspires to have a new Mixmaster as the once legendary product has fallen far from grace.
The top 1% of income earners are those so isolated from the general population that the populace can become an object to achieve further gain rather than human beings with lives, families, and aspirations.
I know of a university student who was given an internship at Amazon. She was treated well in that temporary position, but she was appalled that workers were treated like machines. For instance, lower-level workers were written up if they ever sat down. Can you imagine?
Educated professionals can also be treated like commodities. For decades, we have been told that the secret to success was to become educated. Universities grew and prospered as US tuition reached stratospheric proportions. Students studied complex STEM disciplines like engineering and computer science with the promise of a secure and financially stable life. Currently, many of these individuals can’t find jobs or have been laid off as they try to cope with massive student debt, excessive mortgages, and rising inflation.
A particularly heinous practice in the US has been incentivizing shareholder profits in health care. Let me first say this clearly: there is no justification to murder another person. However, I can understand the anger and rage placed on corporations that enrich themselves by acting as the unnecessary middleman in an industry that is supposed to help people and not cause harm.
We have been sold a bill of goods that says our health system is the best in the world; it is not. Did you know that citizens in 48 other countries, including Costa Rica and Albania, have greater longevity than in the US? Did you know that many citizens in countries with universal health care are happy with it and can’t imagine the healthcare shenanigans that happen in the US? Did you know that medical debt is the number one reason for bankruptcy in the US? Did you know all developed countries except the US have healthcare for all? It is accepted as a benefit of an enlightened society, just like free education, fire departments, and public libraries. No one says, “I don’t want my kids to learn how to read and write because it will turn our country into a socialist state!”
Many attempts have been made to establish universal health care in the US starting in the 1800s, including efforts from Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Harry Truman. Are you aware that beyond profit interests, one reason for this not happening was racism? Efforts for universal healthcare in the US started after the Civil War, but they were shot down by politicians, mainly from the South, as universal healthcare would have to include blacks. White legislators noted, “Free assistance of any kind would breed dependence, and when that came to black infirmity (Ed note: sickness), hard labor is a better salve than white medicine.” This should not be shocking as blacks have been excluded from many social reforms. Large numbers of blacks were excluded from the 1935 Social Security Act, and structural discrimination limited black’s access to the GI Bill.
Private health insurance became a popular perk used by companies to entice workers during WWII when wages were frozen. This perk became a factor in amplifying the health insurance industry.
Somehow, PR has made us believe that healthcare isn’t a right but a privilege. To that end, 27 million US citizens are uninsured despite programs like Medicaid and the Affordable Health Care Act. This impacts all of us and our economy and is often the case due to governmental barriers at the state level.
Traditional Medicare is a government-run healthcare program that its users generally like. Its administrative costs are 10 times less than private health insurance programs like Medicare Advantage. Traditional Medicare has a near-zero denial rate for accepted procedures. Lastly, its network of hospitals and doctors is vastly more expansive than any Medicare Advantage program. Medicare Advantage subscribers often give up traditional Medicare and sign up with a private insurance company because they are promised trivial perks. Getting free stuff sounds terrific until you have a significant and expensive need and your Advantage program denies or delays approval.
Regular private health insurance also practices these tactics. A loved one of mine had a spinal fusion, and we were told that she would be in the hospital for 4-5 days due to the complexity of the procedure. After 24 hours, the insurance company was pushing for discharge, and despite my efforts, my loved one was discharged at 36 hours. My loved one wasn’t making sense, could barely stand, and was in terrific pain. We had to provide complete nursing care at home for many days. Thankfully, I’m retired and have the knowledge and family support to take on that role. How many others don’t have those resources?
Medicare Advantage programs are under government investigation for fraudulent billing practices and denial of claims. It has been proven that Medicare Advantage offers a lower quality of care while costing the government more than traditional Medicare. So why are seniors always being pushed to go with an Advantage program? Well, there is a reason that insurance companies spent over $117,000,00.00 in campaign contributions and lobbying efforts in 2024. We already have government health insurance in conventional Medicare, and it works quite well, but it doesn’t make a profit for shareholders and CEOs.
By using the Distance Rule, insurance clients become objects to be manipulated to increase profits for shareholders and employees of the company. The recent tragedy of the murder of the CEO of United Health Care brought to the forefront the level of corruption in the industry. Yes, that CEO was being investigated for insider trading. Yes, he made 10 million dollars in his last year’s salary. Yes, he illegally sold 15 million dollars of UHC stocks when he knew the stock was about to tank due to an FTC investigation. That is horrible, but nothing compared to a 32% denial of claims by UHC. That means almost one-third of requests from mammograms to life-saving surgeries were denied. Those denials were made by a computer program, not a medical expert, and that software is reported to be wrong 90% of the time! Consider the consequences and damage to our society by turning human beings into objects that can be manipulated to gain corporate profit.
You may think insurance company denials are based on preventing evil doctors from performing unnecessary procedures, but that is not true. Some of the most significant legal investigations involving health care are due to insurance companies’ fraudulent billing of Medicare/Medicaid. Additionally, many doctors have stories of insurance companies denying payment even after getting pre-approved for a procedure. When insurance companies do pay, they can delay payment for months, causing hardship for practices with large overheads . Many rural and less endowed hospitals have been forced to close because of these and other practices, leaving entire communities without health care.
Insurance companies know that only about 0.2% of denials are ever appealed. Clients may not know that they have that right to appeal or may not have the psychological energy to launch such a process during their health crisis. Recently, our family had to face an insurance denial. A loved one was diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening condition that was so complicated that it required traveling to a university hospital. A very long, complex, and potentially dangerous operation needed to be performed, and the university hospital got pre-approval for the procedure from the insurance company. The operation took over 7.5 hours and involved a team of the hospital’s top doctors, including department chairs. Yet, 6 months after the operation, we received a bill for thousands of dollars as the insurance company denied a PART of the operation. I’m a physician; how do you deny PART of a pre-approved operation for a life-threatening condition? That makes little sense. I did appeal the decision and was rejected twice by the insurance company. I eventually filed a complaint with my state’s insurance commission before the charges were reversed. If only 0.2% appeal an insurance denial, how many of those 0.2% also know you can file a complaint to a regulatory commission? Likely, not many. Bonus for the insurance company.
In our modern society, individuals are becoming more isolated from each other. People work from home, friends connect via text messages, and groups isolate themselves due to their ever-widening economic status. All of this makes it easier to apply the Distance Rule.
I live in an affluent community. I see entire families dining at expensive restaurants on weekdays. It is a place where people walk down pristine walking paths sporting designer clothes. A place where many belong to a gym because they rarely do productive physical exercise. It is a wonderful place to live, and I’m very grateful that I am fortunate to have called my town my home. However, a short drive in almost any direction can take me to a different place. A place where poverty is evident. Where grocery stores don’t exist. Where schools are places of violence. A place where poverty drives crime, addiction, and fear. I generally avoid those places, as most of my neighbors do. We don’t have to think about the plight of those human beings; they are far away, making it easy to objectify them. Objects that we can blame and then ignore. “That’s not my problem. Look at how successful I am,” we say—ignoring the opportunities that we have had. That is how things work in our society. If it doesn’t directly impact the individual, it is ignored. However, as we continue to distance ourselves from others on all levels, the result is that we will also eventually suffer.
I was raised in a working-class neighborhood but managed to attend one of the country’s best medical schools. Everyone who works hard enough can do the same, right? Wrong. I had many advantages in my favor. I lived in a stable home and never worried that we would be evicted. There was always food on the table. Both sides of my family are academically oriented. My parents strongly emphasized the importance of education. I didn’t have the advantages of some, but I had many more benefits than many. This enabled me to use my only gift, my ability to think, to my advantage. Would that be the case if I was always hungry or afraid to go to school because I could be shot? I don’t think so.
Yet, it is still easy for me to objectify others using the Distance Rule. I have to actively put myself in the shoes of others. I have conservative friends and family, and I make an effort to understand their positions. I have working-class friends whose reality differs from mine, and I try to put myself in their shoes. When I drive through a poor neighborhood, I try to comprehend those people’s obstacles. When dealing with a persecuted minority, I imagine what their life must be like on a day-to-day basis.
Recently, I have had someone I know come out as trans. She possesses the courage and resolve that few, including myself, have. However, as a minority, she will suffer from the Distance Rule. In my professional life, I have worked with trans people. They represent an extremely tiny percentage of the population. Their wish is simple; they want to have freedom to live their life and to be left alone. There is NO evidence that they want to convert others to their position or that they get off from entering a bathroom. They just don’t want to be persecuted. Yet, look at how easy it has been to use the Distance Rule to objectify them and make them into an object of hate. Why do this? If you want to control a group, find another vulnerable group they can fear and hate and then promise to protect the majority group from that imaginary threat. A method as old as time.
We live in a society where the distance between different groups grows daily. That distance may be measured in terms of physical distance, monetary distance, educational distance, belief distance, racial distance, sexual orientation distance, liberal vs conservative distance, and just about any other separation you can think of. Consider this quote from our Pledge of Allegiance, “One nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Think of the power and wisdom of that statement. When we apply the Distance Rule, we negate this promise. In the short term, it makes our lives easier. In the short term, it allows others to manipulate us and makes some richer. But what about the long term? What about our country and its promise to treat all fairly? In a country that should be the greatest on earth, such separations make the rich richer and the poor poorer. This can only lead to eventual collapse and disaster. That is common sense. Did you know that the three wealthiest individuals in the US have more money than the lowest 50 percent of the population? Three individuals have more wealth than the combined worth of 167 million humans. Their distance from that population is unfathomable.
Government and industry leaders have employed the Distance Rule to split populations so they could manipulate them and extract power and wealth from them. Why do we buy such a ridiculous concept that hurts everyone except for a few at the top?
If you accept even ten percent of the premise of this post, it is incumbent on you to move from passive acceptance of the status quo to active pursuit of a better way. You need to reject the Distance Rule and embrace the Closeness Rule. You need to look at how we are all more similar than different. At the same time, it is imperative to accept those slight differences that we do have and not buy into the manipulation of others who use minor differences as weapons to separate us.
Find common similarities between you and someone different from you. Listen to their dreams and their life struggles. You don’t have to adopt their ideas; they don’t have to convert to yours. It is OK to be different. At the same time, open your mind, as you may find that some of your beliefs may change as you understand who they are as human beings. In turn, they may do likewise. Focus on the humanity of others. Immanuel Kant developed the Categorical Imperative in the late 1700s. The Golden Rule is as old as time. We know what we need to do, but we are manipulated to do otherwise.
A talking point from this last election was, “Are you better off than you were 4 years ago?” It was a powerful point and likely won the presidency. However, it was a manipulation because the statement should have been, “Are you better off than you were 40 years ago.” For most, the answer would have been “No.” But that reason is not because of the immigrants, or blacks, or trans people, or whatever. It is because wealth has steadily moved from the poor to the rich. That is the reality that the 1% doesn’t want you to know. They effectively used the DistanceRule to deflect blame onto vulnerable groups that can’t defend themselves. Remember, we are always stronger when we work together. We are weaker when we allow others to separate us into groups, as that weakness can be exploited to all our detriment.
We have a holiday tradition at Kunaland; our appliances seem to break down, and this year was no exception.
When I moved into my home over 35 years ago, the previous owners left a fridge and a stove. After I bit, I updated both to fancy stainless steel versions and placed the original appliances in the basement. They served us well there, especially the fridge, which was constantly plugged in and used as our grocery overflow center. It stopped cooling a few months ago, and sat dormant. My initial plan was to become more conservative and live with one fridge. However, the sacrifice never got easier. With Thanksgiving on the horizon, I contacted my appliance repair man, who gave me various tips as I replaced everything from the defrost timer to a startup capacitor, all to no avail. My ancient fridge had reached its end of life.
One week before Thanksgiving, my 20-year-old dishwasher started to act up. I originally had purchased a brand with a high-reliability rating, and that appliance had only been repaired once (for a door latch) all that time. However, it was stopping mid-cycle and was not draining water. The only way I could get it to re-initialize was to go into the basement, turn off its circuit breaker for 5 minutes, and then turn it back on. This suggested that a logic board was failing, which was an expensive repair. It was time to say goodbye to that unit, too.
I had to replace two major appliances, but both had served me well. That can’t be said of other newer and more expensive appliances I have had to replace in my 30+ years of living in my home.
I replaced the original stove and refrigerator with fancy and higher-end stainless steel units from Kenmore. In less than 10 years, both had multiple repairs and quickly reached their end of life. They were replaced by a Kenmore induction stove and a Samsung French door refrigerator. The Kenmore lasted around ten years, but that was with multiple service calls. Finally, its main logic board had to be replaced, but Sears was no longer stocking that board, and the unit had to be scrapped. Worse was the Samsung fridge, which was a nightmare. I fixed the unit multiple times and also had numerous repair calls. Finally, the freezer door fell off (no, we don’t abuse our appliances), which was so costly that the repairman advised us to junk the fridge. We replaced the Kenmore Induction stove with a GE Induction stove and the Samsung fridge with a Whirlpool French door refrigerator. So far, the GE stove has been OK, but the Whirlpool has required a number of service calls. It also has a habit of freezing behind the crisper door, which it did on Thanksgiving. This warms the fridge compartment to the point of food spoiling. The only option is to remove everything from the fridge and freezer, unplug the unit, and let it defrost for 24 hours. This is happening on a refrigerator that costs well over $2000.00.
My parents bought a single-door Kenmore fridge in 1950. It was our primary fridge for over 20 years until someone gave us their old (late 50s) but larger two-door fridge. The Kenmore fridge went into the basement and continued operating until the mid-1970s when we moved and left it behind. The same applies to their old and inexpensive Crown brand stove. Neither appliance required any service during their very long lives.
Our appliance guy has encouraged us to keep our ancient washer and dryer, noting, “Most new appliances are junk. They require constant repair, and often parts are unavailable, forcing the consumer to buy a new machine.” It does seem like he is right. Appliances that were built to last for decades in the past barely make it to 10 years, and that is with constant repairs in the interim. Yet, they are more expensive and tout endless, and often unnecessary, bells and whistles.
My wife and kids love the in-door water and ice maker on our fridge, but I have been told that these additions are a major point of failure. The fancy gaskets and flaps used to lower fridge energy costs frequently malfunction (I fixed the ones on the Samsung fridge at least half a dozen times). Computer logic boards are often placed in high-stress areas, like directly above a stove’s oven, causing them to fail. Unlike mechanical parts used for generations of appliances, logic boards are unique to a small set of models. They are stocked in limited numbers, and after a short period, they become unavailable, making a fixable appliance obsolete.
Mechanical parts have also undergone a crapifacation. The newer and more energy-efficient linear compressors on LG fridges are so failure-prone that LG is now facing a class action lawsuit. Whirlpool is facing a class action lawsuit for defective wiring of their fridges. Samsung is facing a lawsuit stating that their washers corrode faster than they should. Bosch just settled a lawsuit for electronic panels on their appliances that were failing prematurely. Electrolux/Frigidaire is being sued because their washing machines are prone to mold issues, resulting in excessive service calls. LG and Kenmore are being sued for refrigerators failing early. As I researched this post, I just discovered that last year, the owners of my fridge model received a settlement for defective refrigerator evaporators freezing up, which is precisely the problem that requires me to “defrost” my frost-free fridge. Sadly, I’m past the deadline. I’m sure that there are more lawsuits out there. However, these listings make the point that major expensive appliances are failing at an abnormally high rate.
Computer-controlled appliances give us features that we likely don’t need. For instance, my stove and dishwasher can be controlled via WiFi. Has that made my life any better? No. My fridge has a panel that allows me to electronically control things like the size of my ice cubes and the fridge’s temperature. Do I need to control the ice cube size? No. Does my fancy electronic temperature display provide me any benefit that a more straightforward mechanical control didn’t? No. My old washer and dryer have simple dials. Do I yearn for a spaceship-level computerized control panel? No.
Many of these new features are sold to consumers as advancements created to improve one’s life or energy usage. However, any benefit seems relatively marginal to me, and any energy saving is offset by repair costs as well as the cost of replacing these appliances earlier. Further, the environmental, material, and energy costs of manufacturing huge appliances would negate societal benefits.
Of course, I understand that some older appliance components, like toxic refrigerants, had to change. However, manufacturers have used energy and environmental mandates as an excuse to make shoddy products that are more expensive and fail faster, punishing both the consumer and the environment. The goal seems to be planned obsolescence and shareholder profits, in my opinion.
Here are some tips from appliance repairmen that may help with future appliance purchases:
Avoid complicated fridges, especially those with indoor water/ice makers, as they consistently break. At this time, Samsung and LG refrigerators should be avoided as they malfunction more often than other brands. Some repairmen advise getting the most basic fridge possible; you can still buy simple top freezer fridges with mechanical controls. However, even these units likely use cheaper components, like Chinese-made compressors.
When I replaced our basement fridge, I went with a brand-name unit that was as basic as I could find it. This GE fridge has mechanical controls and no ice maker.
Regarding washers and dryers, there is a consensus that new top and front loaders wash clothes less effectively and break down faster than older machines. Front loaders are especially prone to mold issues. Don’t be fooled by the enormous drums on newer top loaders. Most new washers will only partially fill with water and take longer to complete a cycle. Users note that they need to wash smaller loads despite the giant size of their washer’s drums. Additionally, top loaders that use impeller plates instead of a traditional agitator are prone to overloading and going out of balance. Since they use cheap components, such actions can quickly destroy the washer’s suspension system. Several repairmen cited LG top loaders as being of higher quality than typical home washers. Most repairmen noted that the costly Speed Queen brand was significantly better in terms of cleaning ability, durability, and reliability than consumer brands. Additionally, the commercial version (not the home version) of the Maytag washer is built to a higher standard than most, but not as high as Speed Queen.
Speed Queen washers may look basic, but they are built better and clean better than newer models. Expect to pay more for these qualities.
Dishwashers also fail quicker than they used to. The one brand that was thought of more highly than the others was Bosch.
When our 20 year dishwasher died I replaced it with a Bosch purchased on a Black Friday sale.
Stoves should last a very long time, but they often fail due to logic boards placed directly above the hot oven. Would you store your computer on a hot stove? Of course not, but that is precisely what manufacturers do with their logic boards (the main computer board for the appliance). Consumer Reports polled their subscribers, and they rated GE (now owned by the Chinese corporation Hairer), LG, and Frigidaire as more reliable. While Samsung, Maytag, and Kitchenade were less reliable.
GE stoves seemed to be more reliable than some other brands based on a CR survey. Basic is better as bells and whistles tend to break down.
Brands like Kenmore, Insignia, and Criterion are typically made by various third-party companies in Asia like Haier, Daewoo, and Midea. Kenmore used to be considered good quality when its appliances were made by the US companies Whirlpool and Frigidaire, but then it shifted its manufacturing to LG and Samsung, later to Hairer, and now to Daewoo. Repairmen have noted that each change has generally resulted in less reliable products.
Chinese manufacturers like Haier, which makes appliances for US companies like Best Buy, are now introducing their own product lines into the US market. It is still being determined if these products are better quality than those units that they make for US brands. Additionally, repairmen have noted that some repair parts have been difficult to get for these products. That may improve over time.
Elite brands like GE’s Monogram, Viking, and Thermador are more complex and tend to break down more frequently per repairmen. However, owners seem to like these fancy appliances.
The best advice is to fix your old appliances when possible and, when necessary, purchase the most reliable new ones that you can afford. The more bells and whistles you have on any appliance, the more things that can break.
I enjoy being retired because I can explore obscure topics without feeling guilty that I should be doing “real work.”
In my last post, I investigated the energy efficiency of tabletop cooking appliances and was surprised by how energy-efficient pressure cookers were. Some were over eight times more energy efficient than a large crock pot I tested. That was amazing, so I thought I would research them more.
Pressure cookers have always remained popular in countries with high energy costs or limited energy resources. However, they became less common in the US market after microwave ovens and crock pots gained popularity in the 1970s. However, they have had a significant resurgence since the introduction of the Instant Pot in 2010.
In the late 1600s, Denis Papin developed a primitive pressure cooker called the Steam Digester. It was used to extract fat and break down animal bones.
The Steam Digestor-Image from Wikipedia.
In 1857, Louis Pasteur published his first paper on the role of bacteria in fermentation, heralding an understanding of the role of microorganisms in cheese production and milk spoilage. His research led to the germ theory and the role of microorganisms in disease.
By the late 1800s, manufacturers were using pressurized steam to sterilize the contents of canned foods. In 1905, the National Pressure Cooker Company (now National Presto Industries) started manufacturing large pressure canners for commercial operations. In 1917, the USDA established a canning pressure of 15 PSI as the standard. The USDA deemed pressure canning the only way to safely can low-acid foods (meats, beans, etc.). Canner retorts are the predecessors of the home pressure cooker.
Alfred Vischer introduced the first home pressure cooker, the Flex-Seal Speed Cooker, in 1938. However, the Presto pressure cooker, introduced at the 1939 New York World’s Fair, was the one that caught the attention of homemakers. The Presto was revolutionary as it utilized a simple twist on the pressure lid instead of relying on screws or clamps. The 1930s were a time when home kitchens were starting to modernize. One can only imagine the significance of the pressure cooker, a device that could cook food three to ten times faster than conventional methods. Pressure cookers became a hit, similar to the home microwave oven’s popularity when they became affordable in the 1970s. The original Presto Pressure Cookers were made of aluminum.
The Flex-Seal Speed Coooker-Image from eBay seller.
World War II ended consumer manufacturing as industries were reassigned to the war effort, but demand for pressure cookers remained high. Presto stopped manufacturing pressure cookers but continued manufacturing retort canners, deemed necessary for the homefront war effort. However, they were made of steel, as aluminum was too crucial for the war.
Companies in the US resumed production of home pressure cookers in 1945. Since there was a high demand for pressure cookers, multiple manufacturers took on the task. Some companies were more concerned with profit than safety and produced unsafe units. Stories about pressure cookers exploding are from this time.
Any kitchen tool can be dangerous, from a dull kitchen knife to a saucepan left unattended on a stove. Modern pressure cookers are kitchen tools, so they fit into this list. However, they have multiple safety features built in and are very safe if used according to common sense and the provided instructions.
My pressured story
I grew up in a household that used a pressure cooker several times a week. My mom made the most amazing soups, stews, goulash, chicken paprikash, chop suey, pot roast, swiss steak, and so much more in her Model 40 Presto aluminum pressure cooker. The cooker was built like a tank, and she also used it as a regular pot by leaving off the pressure regulator. It was the gadget of choice to make popcorn as its thick base made burning popcorn less likely.
This is exactly how I remember my mother’s Presto Model 40. Purchased some time in the 1940s and still in active service 80 years later. Image from an eBay seller.
This old-style unit operated slightly differently from more modern cookers. You waited until a stream of steam came out of the vent tube before popping on the regulator, which seemed to have a spring design as it allowed you to cook at several pressures. I’ll talk more about regulators later in this post.
My mom used that 4-quart cooker to feed a family of seven until the mid-1970s when she bought an aluminum 6-quart Presto. She continued to use both pots depending on her cooking needs. The new pot had the more familiar “jiggler” style pressure regulator. Both required very little maintenance. Every year or two, my mom would send me to our local 5 and 10 store to buy a rubber gasket, and I also recall going there once to buy a rubber pressure plug. Both purchases were inexpensive.
This Presto is very similar to the 6-quart cooker that my mom bought in the 1970s. It was functional when I inherited it, but its flakey paint made me not use it. Image from an eBay seller.
When my mom passed, my sister got the Presto model 40 and continued to use it regularly until 2017, when her operator error destroyed it. Since the Model 40 was produced in the 1940s, that pot lasted almost 80 years! I was given the 6-quart Presto but didn’t use it much. The yellow paint on its exterior was badly flaked and looked ugly. Instead, I bought a new stainless steel pressure cooker and continued the family cooking tradition.
I’m a gadget guy, so I have many kitchen appliances. I find learning how to use them enjoyable. During my adult life, I have used all sorts of pressure cookers in various situations, including when I camp. I am sold on them and know they are both speedy and efficient. However, I didn’t realize how energy-saving they were until I researched my last post.
In that post, I discovered stove-top and electric (think Instant Pot) pressure cookers were significantly more efficient than slow cookers. I always thought the Crock Pot was the small appliance energy king.
Why are pressure cookers beneficial?
They cook 3 to 10 times faster than standard cooking methods.
They are one of the most energy-efficient cooking appliances.
They retain nutrients more than many other cooking methods.
They are highly versatile and can cook anything from a hearty bean soup to a delicate cheesecake.
They can transform tough cuts of meat into tender, delectable dinners.
They can cook multiple foods at once without mixing flavors.
Dehydrated foods like dried beans can be cooked without pre-soaking.
How can they cook as fast as they do?
Pressure cookers require liquid, which they boil and turn into steam. That steam pushes out the air in the cooking vessel, at which point the pot seals and pressure builds in the pot.
Liquid water is always trying to turn into a gas. If you pour some water on your driveway, it will evaporate into a gas. You can accelerate that evaporation process by adding energy to the water in the form of heat. The water will boil, and you can see the evaporation process as steam. Water boils at sea level at 212F (100C). No matter how much energy you supply to the pot, the liquid water will never exceed 212F. It is at equilibrium with atmospheric pressure pushing it down at 15 PSI (pounds per square inch).
Water will boil at a lower temperature at high elevations where the atmospheric pressure is less than 15 PSI, and the converse is also true. If there were a way to increase the atmospheric pressure above 15 PSI, water would boil at a higher temperature. A pressure cooker can do just that.
The atmospheric pressure at sea level is 15 PSI. A standard American stove-top pressure cooker operates at two times this atmospheric pressure (15 PSI + 15 PSI = 30 PSI), allowing the water in the vessel to be heated to 250F (121C) instead of 212F (100C), and this cooks food faster.
PSI’s impact on the boiling point of water. Image from hippressurecooking.com
But why does a pressure cooker cook foods faster than an oven, which can reach 400F and beyond? Food cooked in an oven has an insulating layer of cooler air around it, slowing down the cooking process. Convection ovens use a fan to break through that insulating layer partially, so they cook faster than conventional ovens. Pressure cookers eliminate the air-insulating layer by pushing it out and replacing it with scorching steam.
Additionally, all foods are mostly water. A carrot is around 88% water, and a pot roast is around 70% water. Under normal atmospheric pressure, this internal water can only be heated to 212F at sea level (just like the water in the pot itself). However, it can reach higher temperatures under pressure, allowing food to cook faster. That additional heat breaks down connective tissue faster, which is how a tough pot roast can turn into a delectable dinner in only an hour of cooking.
I just told you that water’s boiling point depends on atmospheric pressure and that water boils at a lower temperature at higher altitudes as there is less atmospheric pressure. This reduction in boiling temperature can lengthen the time it takes to cook something in a pot, and the same is valid for using a pressure cooker at high altitudes. A US stove-top pressure cooker will increase the pressure in the cooking vessel by 15 PSI above the outside pressure. The general rule is you need to add around 5% more cooking time for every 1,000 feet above 2,000 feet elevation. If you are cooking something that requires 60 minutes of pressure cooking time at sea level, it may take 63 minutes at 3000 feet above sea level.
Secret Added Time.
It may sound impressive that a pressure cooker can cook something in less time needed by traditional methods, but that time is calculated after the appliance has reached pressure. The liquid has to boil and create steam for this to be accomplished, and depending on the volume of liquid in the pot, that may take a bit. As a loose rule of thumb, assume around ten minutes to reach pressure, at which point timing begins. If a dish says it will be done in 15 minutes, add the boiling/pressure-building time. That would be 10 min (pressure building time) + 15 min (pressure cooking time) or 25 minutes total cook time.
Quick Release vs. Natural Release.
The heat is turned off at the end of pressure cooking time, but the food continues to cook. Recipes will either tell you to let the pressure come down naturally or to release it quickly.
In a natural release, you let the pressure come down naturally. Often, this means waiting 10 minutes and then doing a quick release. Food will continue to cook in this mode, but slower. Meats, like beef, can become dry if you do a quick release, as the change in pressure will pull moisture out of them. A natural or slow release prevents this.
A quick release is most commonly done by tilting a jiggler-type regulator or moving a lever on a spring-type regulator (see your instruction book). Some old stove-top books may tell you to put the base in a pan of water or to carefully run cool water on the lid. A quick-release stops cooking and is used for many delicate foods, like fish and vegetables. Editor’s Note: NEVER place the base of an electric cooker in a pan of water, and NEVER run cool water on the lid of an electric cooker. You will destroy it if you do.
Different manufacturers use different pressure standards.
A word of caution: US stove-top cookers typically pressurize at 15 PSI, modeled after USDA requirements for sterilizing foods. Their operating temperature is 250F (121C). European stove-top cookers often pressurize to 13 PSI; their operating temperature will be 245 F (118C), not 250 F. Some Chinese stove-top pressure cookers operate at 8 PSI, yielding only 234F (112C).
Most electric pressure cookers cycle between 10-12 PSI and cook at a lower operating pressure than a standard US stove-top. This means you may need to adjust cooking time with different pressure cookers. For instance, something that would cook for 45 minutes using a standard 15 PSI stove-top pressure cooker may take up to 60 minutes using a typical electric pressure cooker.
Some manufacturers produce cookers whose operating pressures are different from model to model. The Spanish company Magefesa does that. Some pressure cookers have US and European models that pressurize at different levels. The German Fissler brand cookers use 13 PSI in Europe and are recalibrated to 15 PSI for their US versions.
A Fissler German pressure cooker. Pricey but well thought of. Image from Amazon.com
Many pressure cookers list their operating PSI (or kpa) on their product page or the cooker. If you can’t find the operating pressure of a pressure cooker, you will have no idea about proper cooking times.
Although making adjustments between machines may sound confusing, they are easy to implement. Cookbooks written for a particular appliance and the recipe books provided with the gadget will automatically give you the correct cooking time. Additionally, you will likely gain an intuitive understanding. For instance, if I use an Instant Pot recipe on a stove-top pressure cooker, I know to reduce the time a bit. However, when purchasing, I would stick with a standard 13 or 15 PSI stove-top or a 10-12 PSI electric pressure cooker (Instant Pot and many others). There is a wealth of information on these devices and tons of recipes.
A real pressure cooker danger.
Some exotic pressure cookers, like the Instagram-trending Afgan pressure cookers, may be dangerous due to contaminants. Afghan pressure cookers use reclaimed aluminum, sometimes from old car parts. Afghan pressure cookers have been known to leach lead into foods.
PSI vs. kpa.
Pressure can be measured in several different ways. For US pressure cookers, we use PSI (pounds per square inch); for the rest of the world, they use kpa (kilopascals).
15.0 PSI = 100 kpa temp 250F, cook time 23% of traditional cook time
13.0 PSI = 90 kpa temp 246F, cook time 27% of traditional cook time
11.5 PSI = 80 kpa temp 242F, cook time 32% of traditional cook time
10.0 PSI = 70 kpa temp 241F, cook time 33% of traditional cook time
8.0 PSI = 55 kpa temp 234F, cook time 40% of traditional cook time
Pot-in-pot cooking.
It is possible to put another cooking vessel inside your pressure cooker. For instance, you can put a springform pan inside to make a cake or cheesecake (made under steam). You can also buy inexpensive stacking pots that fit typical pressure cookers. Using this method, you can cook two foods simultaneously, and their flavors won’t mix.
Different types of lids.
The lid on a pressure cooker must be secure, or it will fly off when under pressure. Presto revolutionized the home cooker by using a flange/twist-on design that is still very popular today. Some manufacturers use other methods that have also been proven to work. For instance, some third-world countries produce cookers with clamp-on lids as this style is more straightforward to manufacture. The famous Indian company Hawkins makes cookers that use a tip-in and clip lid. As long as the lid is secure, all is good, no matter the design.
Can I fill a pressure cooker to the top?
No. The maximum you can fill a pressure cooker is ⅔ full, as you need room to generate steam. Some foods can only be filled ½ way (for instance, rice and beans) as they tend to expand and could block the vent tube. The instruction book supplied with your machine can provide you with more details.
Maximum filling levels for pressure cooking. Image from hippressurecooking.com
Do I always have to add liquid to my pressure cooker?
Yes, your pot must have liquid to operate under pressure. Depending on the cooking time, a cup of water will usually do. Naturally, liquid dishes like soups already have water in them.
Why does my electric cooker say “BURN” on its display?
Electric cookers are limited by their heating elements. If you don’t have enough liquid in them or the only liquid is very thick, like tomato sauce, the cooker may burn some of the food on the bottom of the pot. This can cause temperatures to rise, which is then sensed by a thermostat, and the cooker will shut down to protect itself. It is essential to read recipes as they stipulate how to put food in a pot. For instance, a recipe may say to add broth and then tomato sauce but not mix the two. The broth can turn to steam, and you won’t get a “BURN” warning.
Do I need a cooker that can operate at multiple pressures?
Some pressure cookers can operate at more than one pressure. However, the vast majority of pressure cooker recipes use high pressure. For most, having only one pressure is all that you need.
Can I use my home pressure cooker for pressure canning?
Probably not. First, you must ensure that your unit operates at 15 PSI (the USDA standard) and maintains that pressure. Sterilization is based on both temperature and time. However, there is no way that a consumer can safely calculate a pressure cooker’s internal temperature. Poorly canned foods can breed a deadly organism called Clostridium botulinum. This bacteria produces the botulism toxin (botox), one of the most deadly neurotoxins. A very tiny amount can kill you. This botox is the same substance used to give people chemical facelifts, as it paralyzes the nerves controlling facial muscles. However, that substance is medical grade and precisely diluted. The bottom line is that If you are into canning, you are best off buying a pressurized canner (retort canner) designed for the job. Canners are calibrated and designed to get up to and maintain 15 PSI.
Are pressure cookers safe? I hear that they explode.
Some pressure cookers built during the 1940 post-war times were shoddy and could rupture. Modern pressure cookers have multiple safety devices and are safe if you follow reasonable operating procedures. Can you force a pressure cooker to explode? That is unlikely unless you deliberately modified it, as was done in the Boston Marathon bombing. The worst that can happen is that one of the safety mechanisms would activate and release a blast of steam, potentially spewing boiling water and food, providing you with a mess to clean up. I have used all types of pressure cookers for over 50 years and have never had a problem. However, use common sense; don’t leave the house when operating a pressure cooker. I stay in or near the kitchen using a stove-top unit and remain within earshot when using an electric pressure cooker (which is more automatic).
Are aluminum pressure cookers safe?
The urban legend that aluminum pots cause Altzehiemer’s disease has long been debunked. However, aluminum may leave acidic foods, like tomato sauce, tasting metallic. This is not dangerous. I have never tasted this, so that this ability may be genetic. Anodized aluminum does not impart a metallic taste.
Aluminum pressure cookers are cheaper than stainless steel pots but are only manufactured as stove-top units. The American Test Kitchen advises getting a stainless steel cooker due to the metal taste issue and their concern that an aluminum pot is less durable. However, my mom’s aluminum pot was almost 80 years old before an operator error destroyed it, so I would say that they are still pretty durable.
I would choose stainless steel if you can afford it, but go for aluminum if cost is a significant issue.
A typical aluminum pressure cooker. Image from Amazon. com
Do pressure cookers have parts that I need to take care of or replace?
Despite their advanced abilities, pressure cookers are relatively simple devices. A few parts may wear out over time.
-The gasket is a silicon ring that seals the lid and pot. I remove mine and wash it separately. I then replace it or leave it loose in the pot to be placed the next time I use my pressure cooker. Never store a pot with the gasket (seal) in place and the lid locked. This will squeeze the gasket and may impact its ability to seal. If a pot can’t hold pressure or the gasket looks damaged, it should be replaced with the same type. If you have a brand-name cooker, you can find gaskets specifically for that brand. If you have a Chinese no-name cooker, you can measure the inner diameter of the gasket in centimeters and find a replacement on Amazon, Walmart.com, or eBay. Different gaskets have somewhat different builds, so try to find one similar to your original if you have a generic cooker.
Some people keep several gaskets, one for savory foods and another for desserts, as a gasket can pick up odors. I sometimes use the top rack of my dishwasher to clean a removed gasket. Some say soaking a gasket in a diluted vinegar solution can eliminate “gasket odor.” Gaskets are inexpensive, so having an extra one on hand is a good idea.
My mom would have to change the old rubber gasket on her Presto every year or two. Current silicon gaskets are advised to be changed every 2-3 years. However, I check mine to see if it looks good and works OK. If so, I continue to use it. My Mealthy electric pressure cooker is 6 years old, and I still use the same gasket.
-Another replaceable item is the float valve. When the cooker is pressurized, this valve pops up an indicator on the lid. It also seals the pressure cooker and locks the lid from opening. The part that may go bad on the valve is the little silicon ring at its base. If your cooker isn’t pressurizing or this silicon ring looks damaged, replace it.
Should I buy a Chinese or off-brand pressure cooker?
Brand-name cookers stand by their pots. Presto makes reasonably priced pressure cookers, and they still have parts for cookers that they sold 50 years ago. Kuhn Rikon, Fagor, and Fissler are long-standing, reputable European companies. Instant Pot seems to support their electric pressure cookers (at least to a degree).
However, I have used several Chinese stove-top and electric pressure cookers that seem to be well-made. If you buy an off-brand stove-top, ensure the pressure cooker reaches 15 PSI. Some sold on eBay and Amazon do not, reaching only 8 PSI.
As far as I know, most electric pressure cookers cycle between 10 and 12 PSI, so recipes used from one electric cooker to another don’t need to be adjusted. I have used my Mealthy electric pressure cooker for years, and it works as well as an Instant Pot. The Mealthy was roughly the same price as a similar Instant Pot but came with extras, impacting my decision.
Consumables, like the sealing gasket and the silicon washer for the float valve, appear fairly generic on many off-brand models (made in the same Chinese factory?). As long as you match a part correctly, they seem to work.
I have seen some generic gaskets titled “For stainless steel pressure cookers.” I can’t say if that identifier is essential or just marketing.
What size pressure cooker should I get?
Stove-top pressure cookers come in all sorts of sizes. I have seen 2-quart, 4-quart, and even 10-quart electric pressure cookers, but they are usually 3, 6, and 8-quart units. American Test Kitchen suggests getting an 8-quart cooker because “you can always cook less in an 8-quart, but you can’t cook more in a smaller cooker. However, I disagree. My sister has an 8-quart electric for her 2-person family and would always make too much food in it. She got a 3-quart electric and is much happier. I often cook for five adults and have never had a capacity problem using my 6-quart cookers. For years, my mom used a 4-quart stove-top for a family of 7. However, when she made stew, she cooked the potatoes separately, and when she could, she eventually bought a 6-quart stove-top unit.
A 6-quart pot works in most situations and is the most flexible as it can accommodate relatively large amounts of cooking but can also easily cook smaller portion sizes. Remember that a pressure cooker can only be filled 2/3rds full, and some expanding/foaming foods like rice and beans should only be filled ½ full.
First Generation Pressure Cookers.
These stove-top pressure cookers have a simple design. Air is expelled from a vent on the oven’s lid. On top of the lid’s vent tube is a regulator of a calibrated weight. When pressure builds past 15 PSI, the weight is slightly lifted, and the excess pressure is released, causing the weight to rock. The process continues, causing the weight to “jiggle” back and forth. These pressure cookers are sometimes called jigglers because of this. Once the regulator starts to jiggle, the operator turns down the heat so that jiggling is relatively gentle. Timing starts once the regulator is rocking.
Advantages:
-A straightforward mechanism that has few moving parts.
-It is evident when the unit reaches pressure and if you need to readjust the heat to achieve gentle rocking.
-These cookers tend to be less expensive than generator-two pressure cookers.
Disadvantages:
-It is possible to lose the regulator.
-These units may lose a little more liquid in the form of steam than second-generation PCs.
-Some people find the rocking, accompanied by a swish-swish sound, scary.
-Unless you change the regulator, these units can only operate at one PSI (not a big deal).
This first-generation “jiggler” pressure cooker uses a weighted regulator that rocks open once the pot’s pressure exceeds 15 PSI. The arrow is pointing to the regulator.
Second Generation Pressure Cookers.
Second-generation stove-top pressure cookers use a spring-type regulator that doesn’t jiggle. Instead, these units hiss a bit (some more than others). They usually have an indicator that says they are under pressure and may have several pressure levels.
Like Generation-One units, you start on high heat, and when the indicator shows that the pot is under pressure, you lower the heat to maintain that pressure. For some cookers, you want to see a gentle stream of steam; in others, you are given a clear visual indicator that the pot is under proper pressure. Your pot’s instruction guide will tell you what to look for.
Advantages:
-May lose less moisture than Gen-One cooker.
-Quieter than a Gen-One cooker.
-Can often achieve several different pressure levels (not very important)
Disadvantages:
-May be more expensive than a Gen-One cooker.
-Some may prefer a Gen-One cooker’s clear visual and auditory cues.
Note: My mom’s 1940s Model 40 pressure cooker likely used a spring regulator, and her first jiggler was purchased in the 1970s, so I’m not quite sure why some experts labeled jigglers as “first-generation.”
This is a second-generation stove-top unit. The arrow points to the regulator, which does not jiggle. The arrow points to the “float valve.” As the pressure builds this valve will pop up sealing the pressure cooker and locking the lid as a safety feature.The float valve has popped up in this photo, signaling that the cooker is sealed. Now, you need to wait until a steady stream of steam comes out of the regulator (see next photo).Looking carefully, you can see a stream of steam coming out of the regulator. Once this happens, lower the heat until you see a gentle but steady stream of steam. This is when you start your time.This Kuhn Rikon pressure cooker emits very little steam. Instead, you monitor the pressure indicator on the top of the lid. Once you move to the second red bar, lower the heat to maintain this pressure level. You can see that two bars have emerged.
Both Gen One and Gen Two Pressure Cookers:
Stove-top pressure cookers can last a lifetime.
They are high-quality pots that can be used as regular stockpots when needed. In this case, the cook leaves the regulator off/open on the pressure lid or uses a different lid. Some pressure cooker manufacturers sell a separate glass lid for non-pressurized cooking.
What can a stove-top pot do?
Cooks Soups/Stews/Tough meats: Yes
Has software programs for common foods: No
Set and (almost) forget operation: No
Slow cooking function: Yes (if used like a stove-top Dutch oven)
Make Rice: Yes (a favorite ability)
Make hard-boiled eggs: Yes
Make Yogurt: No
Sous Vide foods: No
Cook other grains: Yes
Make desserts like cheesecake: Yes
Can saute in the pan: Yes
Cook at 15 PSI: Yes (Many)
Can last a lifetime: Yes
Requires AC outlet: No
Third Generation Pressure Cookers.
Third-generation cookers are electric, the most obvious being the Instant Pot. However, the Instant Pot was not the first electric pressure cooker on the scene. The first electric cooker was introduced in 1991, and the Instant Pot came out in 2010.
I had a Nesco electric pressure cooker in the mid-90s that worked very well. My Nesco had typical pressure cooker functions and a slow cooker setting. The Instant Pot and its clones added a lower temperature setting to make yogurt and some simple timing programs for common foods, like stew and rice. The Instant Pot became a hit because it was featured on Amazon during a Black Friday sale. Robert Wang was wise to call the Instant Pot something different than a pressure cooker as that neutralizes Urban Legend explosion fears. People got intrigued by pressure cookers and didn’t even know it!
Advantages:
These pots offer set-it-and-forget-it capabilities. Press a few buttons, and the cooker will reach pressure for a set amount of time and then go to keep warm. In most cases, the operator is responsible for releasing pressure if indicated.
Disadvantage:
-Requires an AC outlet.
-As a small electric, the lifespan of a 3rd generation is limited.
-Many more components than a stove-top unit. Circuit boards, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, thermal fuses. The list goes on.
These pots typically cycle between 10-12 PSI, lower than a stove-top unit. Some smaller pots may have an even lower operating pressure. Only one electric pot, the Instant Pot Max, can achieve the standard 15 PSI. However, some reviewers noted that it didn’t cook any faster than typical Instant Pots, which are less expensive.
Sous Vide foods: A few machines (poor results reported).
Cook other grains: Yes
Make desserts like cheesecake: Yes
Cook at 15 PSI: Only one machine, the Instant Pot Max.
Can saute in the pan: Yes
Can last a lifetime: No
Require AC outlet: Yes
I have used this Mealthy pressure cooker for 6 years. Prior to that I used a Nesco electric pressure cooker since the 1990s. The Nesco’s regulator was damaged, making the unit inoperative. Electric pressure cookers operate differently than stove-top units. They may build to 15 PSI but then cycle between 10 and 12 PSI during cooking. This lowers their cooking temperature, so they cook a bit slower than stove-top units—image from hippressurecooking.com
Hybrid Machines
A few pressure cookers on the market combine their pressure cooking function with a convection oven (air fryer). This allows the user to cook food rapidly under pressure and then brown/crisp it. People who have these machines generally like them. However, they can be bulky and more expensive.
Several companies make hybrid pressure cookers that can also act as air fryers. This allows you to cook something and then brown it quickly. This is the original Ninja Foodi.Another view of the Foodi. The pressure lid is on the pot. You can also see the air fryer lid permanently attached to the cooker.
Conclusions/Recommendations
A pressure cooker is a fantastic and safe cooking gadget. It saves fuel, gets meals on the table 3-10 faster than conventional methods, preserves vitamins, and the food tastes great because all of the volatile aroma molecules are preserved. Meats come out juicy and tender. Vegetables have more vitamins, and rice, beans, and grains cook quickly. You can make entire meals simultaneously without blending flavors with the pot-in-pot technique. These pots will save you time and money; they use little energy while allowing you to cook cheaper cuts of meat.
The American Test Kitchen suggests buying a stainless steel cooker with a broad base for durability and quick sauteing of foods. This is good advice, but you can certainly use an aluminum cooker with excellent results. I have pressure cookers with typically sized bases and may have to brown large amounts of stew meat in two batches. I’m not working in a commercial kitchen, so super durability and saving 5 minutes of browning time are not crucial.
Stove-top pressure cookers offer the advantage of cooking at a full 15 PSI (faster cooking times). They can last a lifetime, be used as a high-quality stock pot, and be operated using many heating sources, from kitchen ranges to camping stoves. They are the perfect cooking tool in a disaster situation. A cooker from Generation One or Generation Two cooks similarly. Remember, if a cooker operates at the same PSI, it will cook the same.
However, I suggest getting an electric pressure cooker for the first-time user. Their ease of use and automatic nature make you more likely to use them. Additionally, dozens, if not hundreds, of websites and YouTube videos make it easy to get up and running.
Hybrid cookers are loved by their owners due to their additional versatility. However, that additional functionality may make an already daunting task even more difficult for a new user. Such an appliance can be purchased later if desired.
Which type of cooker do I use? The answer is “Yes.”.
I recently came across a Yale Environment Review article that stated, “Cooking accounts for 20% of consumers’ energy use.” This percentage surprised me as I thought the energy used in food preparation was nominal. It got me thinking about appliances and their energy use.
I thought my information quest would be pretty simple if I did a Google search, but I was wrong. I came across blogs, environmental websites, an electric power cooperative website, and even government-run environmental websites; they all got it wrong. I’m not trying to be grandiose, but my conclusion was correct.
If I queried, “How much energy is used by a toaster oven?” All of the sites would say something like:
“Look at the device’s back panel for the wattage used and then multiply this number by the time in hours that the appliance was in use to find the appliance’s efficiency. Let’s say the toaster oven’s label says it uses 1500 watts, and you bake something for 90 minutes (1.5 hours). The energy would be 1500 x 1.5 = 2250 watt-hours of energy.”
This formula is utterly wrong, and it shocks me that so many authoritative sites use it.
When vetting appliances for the solar-powered, all-electric kitchen in my camper van, I had to figure out how much power an appliance used to determine the size of the battery system I needed. The most significant energy draw in the van was cooking appliances that heated food, like my induction burner. I needed to know if I could practically power them with my solar/battery set-up. To do this, I used a Kill-A-Watt meter. This device plugs between the appliance’s power cord and the wall outlet. It provides a wealth of information, including the watts the appliance uses at any moment and the total amount of watts/hours used for a given period measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
I knew that an appliance’s actual wattage usage is often less than stated on its back panel, and sometimes, this difference can be substantial. I also knew many appliances don’t continuously operate at full power. Many devices that heat up use a thermostat or other sensor to control the power output. For example, my van’s induction burner is rated at 1800 watts, but it has never drawn more than 1500 watts, and at lower power levels, it only draws 600 watts intermittently.
I continued my search and found YouTube videos that measured the power used instead of calculating theoretical numbers. The most eye-opening one was from the channel “Under the Median.” They did a practical test cooking the same food in their wall oven, a toaster oven, a slow cooker, and an electric pressure cooker to see which was most energy efficient. Their results surprised them, and they surprised me, too. Naturally, their wall oven used the most energy; most electric ovens use between 3 and 5 kilowatts when the heating element is on. They were using their personal appliances, and due to a malfunction, a given appliance may have been using more power than it should. However, per their results, their toaster oven was more energy efficient than their crock pot. What! I had to investigate further.
Our toaster oven is a Ninja Foodie with a stated wattage of 1800 watts. It is relatively small compared to other toaster ovens, which should make it more efficient (it has less space to heat up). It also features a 60-second preheat, much less than my regular oven, which takes over 10 minutes to preheat. I did a one-hour test at a standard 350F (177C) and monitored the Foodie’s power usage using a Kill-A-Watt meter.
If I had used the standard (and incorrect formula), I would expect that the Foodie would use 1800 watt/hour (1800 watts x 1 hour = 1800 watt/hour). However, that was not the case. These were my results:
60-second preheat operating wattage = 1600 watts
Baking element on operating wattage = 1300 watts
The oven cycled between 1300 and 2 watts as the thermostat regulated the temperature. It used 1300 watts around 34% of the time; the rest of the time, it required only 2 watts (likely to power the electronics).
The toaster oven used only 340 watts in one hour, not 1800 watts! If I were to make a pot roast in the toaster oven at 350F for 3.5 hours, the standard calculation would be 1800 x 3.5 = 6300 watt/hour used. However, the oven would have actually used 340 watts x 3.5 hours = 1190 watt/hour. That is a very significant difference!
I was intrigued as my results with my toaster oven were similar to the “Under the Median” results. The “Under the Median” video also noted a significant difference between the energy used by a slow cooker (CrockPot) and a pressure cooker (Instant Pot). I had several of these appliances. Would my results match theirs?
Limitations of my tests.
There are dozens of electric and stovetop pressure cookers and even more slow cookers. Naturally, I couldn’t test all of them, so please take my findings as generalities. Slow cookers and pressure cookers are most cost-effective when cooking foods like a tough pot roast. My experiment was to calculate the energy differences when cooking a pot roast. I tested six devices, but with the price of beef, I wasn’t going to cook six pot roasts. Instead, I used 4 cups of room temperature water as my “pot roast” in each device.
Things that can impact the energy used by a device include:
-The size/volume of the device’s cooking chamber.
-The watts used by the heating element.
-The level of insulation of the device.
-The temperature or amount of the food being cooked.
-The device’s computer’s programming, if it has one.
-Other heat losses include opening an oven door or lifting the lid on a slow cooker.
Different gadgets cook at different times; I used the following cooking times:
Slow cookers, 8 hours on low.
Electric pressure cookers (10-12 PSI), 1 hour at high pressure.
Stove top pressure cooker (15 PSI-cooks faster), 45 minutes at high pressure.
I used two different power meters and ran several cooking devices more than once. The two meters gave similar results.
Manual slow cookers (those with only a high/low/off switch) continuously apply power to a belt-like heating element around the pot’s base. A heat-retaining ceramic crock sits in the base and is indirectly heated by the heating element. The pot is designed so that the heat added eventually equalizes with the heat lost, resulting in a simmer (190F-210F) at the low setting. The high setting incorporates a second heating element in many of these manual pots, resulting in a final high temperature of around 300F for that setting. I did my tests with these pots set on low, as that is what most would do if they were cooking a pot roast.
Other devices, including newer automatic slow cookers/multi-cookers and electric pressure cookers, use a thermostat or other sensing device to regulate whether a heating element is off or on. This should be a more energy-efficient method of temperature control.
Stovetop pressure cookers operate similarly to a manual crock pot. In this case, the cook controls the heat applied to the pot, eventually finding an equilibrium point to maintain proper pressure. I did not have the equipment to measure the power used on my stovetop (hob) as it is a 220v device, so I used a 120-volt tabletop induction burner that I could measure using my Kill-A-Watt meter. I used the burner at full power to reach pressure, then turned it down to a power level of 2.5 out of 10 to maintain pressure.
Here are my results from worst to best energy use:
These appliances are vastly more energy efficient than using an oven for simple meal preparation. We are looking at good to excellent energy efficiency.
My daughter’s college crock pot. Seven quarts? Large enough for a party or big family.
Fifth Place
Seven Quart Manual CrockPot
Stated Wattage: 270 watts
Actual Wattage Use: 204 watts (continuously on)
Final Temperature of contents: 200F (93C)
Time in operation: 8 hours
Total energy used: 1.64 kWh (1640 watts)
I’m a huge fan of this Instant Pot Dutch oven. It is a versatile and competent cooker.
Fourth Place
Six Quart Instant Pot Dutch Oven Multicooker (basically an automatic slow cooker)
Stated Wattage: 1500 watts
Actual Wattage Use: 886 watts (intermittently on)
Final Temperature of contents: 206F (97C)
Time in operation: 8 hours
Total energy used: 1.2 kWh (1200 watts)
Note: The toaster oven set at 350F for 3.5 hours would have used the same energy!
I bought this little crock pot for $9 over 40 years ago when I was a struggling, divorced resident physician. It has served me well, making me hundreds of unattended hot meals.
Third Place
Two and a Half Quart Manual CrockPot
Stated Wattage: 75 low/150 high watts
Actual Wattage Use: 69 watts on low (continuously on)
Final Temperature of contents: 190F (88C)
Time in operation: 8 hours
Total energy used: .534 kWh (534 watts)
This Kuhn-Rikon stovetop pressure cooker could last a lifetime with proper care.
Stated Wattage: 1800 watts for the induction burner
Actual Wattage Use: 1443 watts to reach pressure, 600 watts intermittently to maintain pressure.
Time in operation: 45 minutes (15 PSI, cooks faster than electric pressure cookers)
Total energy used: 0.43 kWh (430 watts)
I have used this Instant Pot clone for many years.
First Place Tie
Mealthy 6 Quart Electric Pressure Cooker
Stated Wattage: 1000 watts
Actual Wattage Use: 886 watts to reach pressure, then cycled to maintain pressure.
Time in operation: 60 minutes (10-12 PSI a bit slower than stovetop PC).
Total energy used: 0.20 kWh (200 watts)
My sister’s electric pressure cooker.
First Place Tie
Fagor 4 Quart Electric Pressure Cooker
Stated Wattage: 800 watts
Actual Wattage Use: 750 watts to reach pressure, then cycled to maintain pressure.
Time in operation: 60 minutes (10-12 PSI a bit slower than stovetop PC).
Total energy used: 0.21 kWh (210 watts), virtually the same as the Mealthy unit.
Conclusions
Using a small electric cooking appliance is energy-saving. My experiment and the one conducted on the YouTube channel “Under the Median” suggest that, in some cases, a toaster oven can be as energy-efficient as a large slow cooker when cooking something that requires a longer cooking time. That was surprising.
The Instant Pot Dutch Oven uses a thermostat to regulate its slow cooking temperature. This makes it more efficient than the 6 Quart Manual CrockPot, which uses low power continuously.
There was also significant energy savings when comparing the large CrockPot with its 2.5-quart sibling. You don’t need a slow cooker of every size, but a smaller one will save a few energy pennies if you are a small family or a group of one.
The pressure cookers were outstanding in their energy efficiency. They require a lot of power to reach pressure (about 10 minutes at high power in my experiment), but then they barely sipped power, turning on the heat in 10-second bursts to maintain pressure. Naturally, you will see the most prominent energy savings when cooking something longer. If you cook something under pressure for 1 minute, the cooker still will take 10 minutes at full power to build pressure before it starts the 1-minute countdown.
Stovetop pressure cookers may or may not use more energy than electric ones, as my experiment couldn’t use a hob and had to rely on a lower-powered 120-volt induction burner. Still, they are very efficient and generally cook faster than an electric pressure cooker.
Different foods require different cooking methods. Slow cookers and pressure cookers cook with wet heat, while toaster ovens and regular ovens use dry heat. Use the most suitable process for the food you are cooking. You can improve the efficiency of a toaster oven or regular oven by using the recipe’s regular cooking temperature and the oven’s convection fan (if available). The fan can reduce cooking time by 25%, saving you money.
Should you ever use your regular oven? Of course! Regular ovens regulate temperature better than most toaster ovens and have more capacity. Beyond Thanksgiving dinner, think about making several layers of a cake or trays of cookies at once. Additionally, think of cooking an entire meal in the oven. It takes no more energy to cook an entire meal in an oven vs. a single item. For some foods, you can turn off a regular oven up to 10 minutes before the food is done. Regular ovens are well-insulated and will retain heat for a while after they are turned off.
Ultimately, if you tailor the foods you make correctly with the most appropriate appliance, you will save the most energy. Where I live, a kWh costs $0.13, which isn’t too expensive, but pennies add up. In the UK, electricity is around 25 pence/kWh. In other countries, it is even more. I saw one Reddit post where someone in an unnamed country said that energy prices are increased sixfold during peak usage times (4 -8 PM) as most people are making dinner then. Wow!
Remember, cooking energy is 20% of your total energy bill. Anything you can do to reduce it is worth your time. I was so impressed with how energy-efficient pressure cookers are, I decided to do a deep dive into the topic. Stay tuned.
I got up a little later than usual today, around 6:30 AM. I didn’t sleep well last night, partly because a rotator cuff issues kept me awake. I completed a course of physical therapy with mild to moderate results. The next step is surgery, something that I can’t do at this time as I need to be available to help my wife; such surgery will leave me nearly non-functional for months. For now, I have to grin and bear it.
Despite my hazy state, I’m excited this morning. Why? Julie and I will head off to another sibling breakfast with the remainder of my family.
My family of origin consisted of 5 siblings. My sister Carol is fifteen years my senior, my brother Tom was twelve years my senior, my brother Dave was ten years my senior, and my sister Nancy is seven years my senior.
Tom passed away at age 33 from leukemia. I liked Tom, who was a great writer of humorous anecdotes. Just as I was reaching an age where we could have bonded, he became sick, and despite having the best care, he passed away. My brother Dave lived into his 70s but was plagued by the sequela from childhood polio and later PSP, a horrible neurological condition. I was not very close to Dave, which was unfortunate. As adults, I can’t say we had harsh words or some major point of conflict. I guess sometimes that is just the way it is.
So, how does all of this relate to sibling breakfasts? I am a person of relationships. As I have said in previous posts, I don’t need a lot of connections, but I heavily invest in those that I value; some of those important relationships are my siblings and surrogate siblings. I’ll be seeing them in two hours.
My biological siblings share my OCD tendencies. Both Nancy and Carol are very invested in the interest of the day. Currently, Nancy is locked into making fancy Bundt cakes, and Carol is focused on simplifying clutter. I talk to them almost every day and visit them when possible. I can wholly relate to their obsessiveness. I’m currently comparing the dynamic range of smaller camera sensors vs. larger ones. Completely unimportant for most, utterly fascinating for me- until I move on to my next obscure interest.
My surrogate siblings are my brother-in-law Mike and my sister-in-law Kathy. I have known both since my early teens and hold them close to my heart. Mike regularly sends me links to various articles that he believes will interest me, and Kathy often says kind words when I post something. Add my wife, Julie, to this crew, and the party is complete.
We have been getting together on roughly a monthly schedule for many years. We meet at a restaurant and “catch up.” In reality, we know what is happening in each other lives via phone calls, visits, and Facebook. However, we still cherish these face-to-face group times.
We are all getting older, and none of us wants to regret not trying to be together. I can’t tell you how fortunate I feel to have these people in my life. They are all inspirational to me. I value all of them, and I am certain that this feeling is reciprocated.
I write a lot about relationships in my posts because I understand that they are fundamental in pursuing life’s satisfaction. In this regard, the definer is quality, not quantity. The only investments I have had to make to have these wonderful people in my life are my time and consideration. They pick me up when I’m down, celebrate my achievements, and most importantly, value me just for who I am. I am so fortunate. Let the breakfast begin!
Our last breakfast encounter.A prior breakfast with the full complement of participants.
