[BEST] Pressure Cooker Buying Guide

If you’ve decided it’s time to buy a pressure cooker, you’re going to be looking through a variety of brands and models. Most importantly, an ideal way to choose the best pressure cooker is selecting one that meets your needs and preferences. The features, functions, ease of use. Certainly, all of these things will help you make a final decision.

The following overview of pressure cookers should help you better prepare for what you should look for when you’re ready to buy.

Also Read: Best Electric Pressure Cooker Buying Guide

Difference Between Electric And Stove Top Pressure Cooker

Does Pressure Cooker Size Matter?

There are many factors to consider before you buy a pressure cooker. Including the size of the cooker. Always ensure to choose the right size so that your food is cooked properly.

In order to have a better idea about the correct pressure cooker size for you, consider these sizing guidelines:

It is very important to keep in mind that pressure cookers can only be filled two-thirds of the way for most foods.

No matter how large it may be. For foods that foam or froth while being cooked you will fill it only halfway.

Which Type Of Pressure Cooker Is Best For You?

Electric & Stove Top Pressure Cookers

The two types of pressure cookers are electric and stove top pressure cookers. It’s all about personal preference which one you want to opt for.

Electric pressure cookers are very simple to use and offer digital push-button options for cooking. They also have a feature of built-in heating so you just plug it in and go.

Stove top pressure cookers need your attention because you need to watch for the cooker to reach the correct pressure so that you can lower the heat. If you are busy and don’t have time to stay in the kitchen, you should consider an electric pressure cooker.

Stove top pressure cookers have a major advantage over the electric pressure cooker models. They reach higher pressure and as a result, they cook slightly faster.

On the other hand, Stovetop cookers require more attention because the temperature needs to be just right and certain ingredients require a certain amount of time. No more, no less.

Outer Lid Or Inner Lid Pressure Cooker?

If you plan to purchase a stove top pressure cooker for the first time, do check out the lid type you prefer.  i.e. Outer lid pressure cooker or Inner lid pressure cooker.

In the outer lid pressure cooker, the top portion of the lid remains outside the vessel while in inner lid pressure cooker, top portion of the lid fits inside the cooker.

According to users’ experience and reviews, inner lid pressure cookers are easy to use and safer as they have the provision of extra lock-in feature.

Also Read: Best Electric Pressure Cooker Buying Guide

Difference Between Electric And Stove Top Pressure Cooker

What About The Material And Surface Finish?

You’ll find that the pressure cookers are constructed of aluminum, stainless steel or hard anodized metals. So which one is right for you?

Here’s all three elaborated for your better understanding.

Hard-Anodized Pressure Cookers

❄ Excellent in hardness and durability.

❄ Lightweight.

❄ Excellent in heat conductivity.

❄ Non-Reactive material. Doesn’t react with acidic food.

❄ Withstands rust, scratches. Very resistant to damage.

❄ Good aesthetic looks and long-lasting durability.

❄ Not dishwasher safe.

❄ Metal scrubbers must be avoided to wash the cooker.

❄ Expensive.

Stainless Steel Pressure Cookers

❄ Harder than Aluminium and better durability.

❄ Heavier than Aluminium and hard-anodized cookers.

❄ Low heat conductivity.

❄ Non-Reactive material. Doesn’t react with acidic food.

❄ Withstands rust and scratches a lot longer than aluminum.

❄ Very attractive and modernly designed.

❄ Dishwasher safe.

❄ Metal scrubbers can be used to wash the cooker. Expensive.

Aluminium Pressure Cookers

❄ Less durable.

❄ Lightweight.

❄ Excellent in heat conductivity.

❄ Reactive material. Reacts with acidic food.

❄ Begins to pit and stain over the period of time.

❄ Less aesthetic appeal for the years to come.

❄ Dishwasher safe.

❄ Metal scrubbers can be used to wash the cooker.

❄ Pocket friendly.

Don’t Forget Safety Features

Never miss on the pressure cooker’s safety features. Though modern pressure cookers are designed with safety in mind; it would be wiser to verify if the cooker you buy has notable safety mechanisms.

For instance, it should hiss if the pressure cooker develops overpressure. The cooker must release excess steam smoothly. In case pressure continues to rise rapidly, air should be pushed out safely.

As simple as it sounds, this is a mechanism that identifies the market’s best pressure cooker. If the cooker you choose is loaded with safety features, don’t think twice investing in it.

Have You Checked The Warranty?

It is unlikely that a pressure cooker won’t last a long while however you cannot be too cautious when it comes to making sure your appliances are covered.

When buying a pressure cooker, you should consider the quality of the company alongside the product.

Parts such as gaskets are not covered in warranties so buying from a company that offers cooker replacement parts as well as accessories could prove to come in handy.

What Is Your Budget For a Pressure Cooker?

The cooker’s price must fall in line with your budget, size, model, features, and functions you want with the cooker.

Even if you’re on a budget you can afford to buy the best pressure cooker. There are a variety of pressure cooker models and the prices vary accordingly. Those with more features are likely to cost more but the quality is what you want to aim for.

Major benefits of cooking with a Pressure cooker

1. Less Cooking Time Helps Preserve Nutrients

The longer you cook food the more nutrients you’re likely to lose. The pressure cooker cooks food incredibly faster. And, due to the fast cooking time, your foods retain their nutrients and flavor.

Food prepared in pressure cookers is not only healthy and but also tastes delicious because the vital nutrients are retained in a smart manner.

Compared to traditional cooking, food gets prepared within a short period of time, and thereby the flavor, color, and major ingredients do not get destroyed.

2. Will Save Energy

By cooking with the help of this wonderful kitchen appliance, you will be able to save lots of your valuable energy because the cooking time using a pressure cooker is much less compared to traditional cooking.

3. Enjoy a Safe Cooking Experience

The technology used in these pressure cookers will enable you to cook delicious food in a safe and efficient manner. The safety valve of this cooking appliance will prevent any sort of accident in a smart way.

These are some of the major reasons due to which pressure cookers have gained huge popularity among the people who love to cook delicious food safely within a short duration.

Final Words

On the whole, there are several different types of pressure cookers in the market! As potential buyers, you should do plenty of homework and research on the kind of pressure cooker that would suffice your requirements.

Make sure the pressure cooker you pick is of the right size, budget, quality, and brand. Each of these qualities will determine the net worth of your investment and how great your cooking experience can turn into.

Also Read: Best Electric Pressure Cooker Buying Guide

Difference Between Electric And Stove Top Pressure Cooker