A Guide to Purchasing a Pressure Cooker
How should you buy a pressure cooker?
Purchasing a good quality pressure cooker requires both time and money—but you'll reap the benefits in the forms of both good health as well as savings. In the recent times, pressure cookers have undergone quite a few notable changes, which deserve consideration when you go to buy this handy kitchen apparatus. We have compiled some useful tips after going through thousands of pressure cooker reviews on the Internet so that you can select the right one for your needs.
FAQ
What is a pressure cooker?
Pressure cooker is a sealed pot that generates steam heat to cook food quickly. By heating water to produce hot steam, the cooker raises the temperature inside the pot to 266 °F/130 °C, much higher than the maximum heat possible in a pan. As a result of its higher temperature, a pressure cooker cooks food more quickly whilst preserving its natural content.
Types of Pressure Cookers
What are the different types of pressure cooker?
First Generation: This is a traditional type of pressure cooker that releases pressure by using a weight bearing valve and usually has a single pressure mode. A loud whistle is also produced by the valve that regulates the pressure within the apparatus when it releases pressure.
Second Generation: Also known as "latest generation pressure cookers," they use spring-loaded valves that are hidden. Additionally, they offer a proprietary mechanism that lets users select among multiple pressure levels. Its design also relies on a dial that can be moved around to adjust the pressure.
Third Generation: Also known as "Electric Cookers," these are constructed of stainless steel and aluminum to promote even heating. They are equipped with an electric source in the base that regulates pressure and temperature. Electric cookers also utilize a spring-loaded valve that allows for two pressure settings, as well as a timer option and the ability to keep food warm. There are also features like a gasket release system, weight release valve, metallic safety valve, and a double locking mechanism that prevents users from removing the lid until it is safe to do so.
What reviewers say
What are the advantages of using a pressure cooker?
Here are some of the advantages of using a pressure cooker:
- Faster Cooking: By trapping more steam and energy inside, the pressure cooker can cook food about 30% faster than conventional methods.
- Saves Energy: Heat is used more efficiently in pressure cookers than it is in regular pans. Thus, using a pressure cooker can save up to 75% off normal energy consumption, compared to some methods of cooking.
- Retains Nutrients: Foods that are cooked in pressure cookers retain more vitamins and minerals and lock in more of the goodness, resulting in healthier meals than those cooked in conventional pots and pans.
- Durable: Built with solid stainless steel or aluminum, pressure cookers can last for many years. Only the rubber sealing ring may need to be replaced at some point in the future, otherwise, the pots are almost indestructible.
Important Features
What should you consider when buying a pressure cooker?
The market is flooded with many types of pressure cookers. But with this guide, you will be able to zero in on one without getting confused.
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Check the types of pressure cookers: Choose between an electric, gas, or induction-top pressure cookers, based on the type of oven that you have and your preferences.
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Check the material: Opt for a stainless steel pressure cooker instead of an aluminum pressure cooker. Stainless steel is more reliable, strong, and durable.
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Look at the speed of cooking: Consider buying a gas stovetop pressure cooker if you are particular about the speed of cooking. Gas appliances are faster than their electric counterparts.
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Ensure convenience: Choose an electric pressure cooker if you want to automate most of your cooking. Unlike gas stovetop cookers, you don't have to monitor an electric cooker throughout the entire cooking time.
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Go for a cooker with a secondary valve: Opt for a pressure cooker with a secondary valve, in order to ease the release of pressure quickly when in a hurry.
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Check the size of the cooker: Decide on the size of the cooker based on the size of your family. While a 4-6 liter size is ideal for a small family, 8-10 liters will be sufficient for larger families.
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Look at advanced features: Opt for a pressure cooker that has a host of additional useful features. The modern pressure cookers come with safety features such as a locking lid, a lid vent, auto-shut off, and many others, so that you can enjoy cooking without any hassles.
