A pressure cooker is a perfect appliance for the kitchen when you want to cook fast as it doesn’t let the steam escape. Working women find it a perfect tool for saving time. Besides this benefit, the food is cooked using less use of gas and water. In this article, we will see some of the best pressure cookers that you can buy.
Table of Contents
What is The Recommended Way of Using Any Pressure Cooker?
Here are the steps you need to follow before using a pressure cooker:
- Carefully go through the manual. Most people skip it because of which they face issues at later stages.
- Before you start cooking in it, make sure that the gasket and lid are clean and all are in their perfect place to ensure the proper functioning. Check if you have placed the lid perfectly otherwise the pressure will be released from the sides and food won’t be cooked soon.
- Once you find that the gasket has become inflexible, replace it immediately for safety and functionality as well.
- Never fill the pressure cooker more than 3/4th of its capacity. In the case of food that produces froth such as lentils, it is better to avoid filling more than half of its capacity.
- Avoid overcooking with a pressure cooker by initially putting it on high temperature and then reducing the temperature after it reaches maximum.
- After cooking, once all the pressure is released, open the lid in a direction opposite to your face to avoid steam hitting you directly.
Best Pressure Cookers in India
1. Stovekraft All In 1 Super Cooker
This is a multi-utility black color pressure cooker from Stovecraft Pvt limited of the Pegion brand. It is a super cooker that has a shape and appearance like that of a traditional handi. The shape efficiently retains the nutritional value and flavors of food that is cooked in it. All safety standards have been adhered to in the product which involves the weight valve, safety plug made of metal at the top of the lid for releasing excess pressure, and central gasket.
Features:
- 3-liter capacity
- 3 layered lid- with strainer, and server besides pressure cooking lid.
- Strainer lid: It helps in easily separating the water from the boiled veggies or other food.
- Pressure cooking lid: It makes the appliance just like a conventional pressure cooker.
- Serving lid: This transforms the appliance to an elegant serving bowl with a lid that can be kept on the dining table.
- Made up of hard-anodized material.
- The appliance has an even distribution of heat because of a uniform 4mm thickness.
- A short handle for conveniently lifting it and using as support while cooking too.
Rating: 4.5/5
2. Prestige Clip on Pressure Cooker
This is a mini black pressure cooker made up of hard-anodized aluminum. It is a multi-utility appliance with maximum safety features that can be used for sauteing, steaming, frying, boiling besides just pressure cooking. It is easy to clean using a sponge and some liquid detergent. You need to make sure that the vent tube is cleaned before and after using it.
Features:
- 3-liter capacity with 18 cm diameter of Universal Lid.
- 5-year warranty on the product.
- Its handle is resistant to heat.
- The lid is made up of toughened glass.
- It has a food-grade silicone grommet instead of the gasket release system, which is efficient in releasing extra pressure.
- It has a modular design. So, in any of the utensils of its range, the same lid can be conveniently used.
Rating: 4.3/5
3. Hawkins Pressure Cooker
This is a conventional stainless steel(food grade) silver color pressure cooker with a good quality base. You can perfectly pressure cook delicious food with it owing to its uniform heating. It also ensures that no nutrients are lost in the process.
Features:
- 5 Liters capacity.
- Induction friendly base and compatible with gas also.
- 5-year warranty on the product.
- Its flat base diameter is 158 mm, with a thickness of 5.81 mm.
- It comes with a UL certified mark which is accepted standard worldwide, for safety.
Rating: 4/5
4. Prestige Deluxe Alpha Pressure Cooker
This is a contemporary styled, superior quality stainless steel pressure cooker of silver color. It has an outer lid and a euro clad base. This distributes the heat evenly for perfect steaming or stewing the food. It adheres to the safety features through various features including the pressure indicator.
Features:
- 5.5 Litres capacity.
- Induction as well as gas cooktop friendly appliance.
- The precision weight valve in the appliance is the initial level of safety for pressure release beyond 1 kg/cm2.
- The second level of safety is the controlled gasket release system which releases the steam when there is a blockage in the vent tube.
- There is a safety plug made of metal in the pressure cooker lid for releasing excess pressure once it exceeds the safety limits.
Rating: 3.8/5
5. Prestige Deluxe Plus Pressure Cooker
This is a hard-anodized aluminum pressure cooker of black color with an outer lid. It is equipped with safety features and is nonstick in nature that helps in cooking delicious food easily. The nutrition of the food is not lost when cooked in a pressure cooker.
Features:
- 3 Litres capacity.
- Pressure indicator: It is in the lid and falls only when the pressure inside reduces, signaling safety to open the cooker.
- 4.25 mm thick base.
- 5-year warranty on the product.
- Safety features: Precision weight valve and controlled gasket release system.
- Durable handles with double screws.
Rating: 3.9/5
6. Hawkins Contura Pressure Cooker
This pressure cooker is made up of hard-anodized aluminum which has a classy appearance and is of great utility. It adheres to all safety standards and is energy efficient too. You can cook fast and preserve the nutrition value of your food with it at the same time.
Features:
- 3 Litres capacity.
- The base has a flat diameter of 130 mm and a thickness of 3.25 mm.
- The lid is made of stainless steel.
- 5 years manufacturer’s warranty.
Rating: 4/5
7. Pigeon Handi Pressure Cooker by Stovekraft
This handi shaped black color pressure cooker is made up of Titanium hard-anodized material which is a smarter way of cooking food and locking in all nutrients. It is convenient and safe to use because of a new level of safety in the form of a pressure indicator.
Features:
- 3 Litres capacity
- Outer lid type made of stainless steel.
- Induction base
- Safety indicators such as controlled gasket release system, safety plug, and pressure indicators.
- 5-year warranty on the product.
Rating: 4/5
8. Prestige Svachh Nakshatra Plus Pressure Handi
This is a black color handi shaped pressure cooker with an inner lid. It has a durable design with safety features. You can enjoy mess-free cooking with it, that makes it a convenient appliance for the kitchen
Features:
- 3 Liter capacity.
- The base has a thickness of 3 mm.
- 5-year warranty on products.
Rating: 4/5
Pressure Cooker Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Pressure Cooker?
Before purchasing a pressure cooker, there are certain factors that you need to focus, to make it a worthy investment. These factors are enlisted below:
1. Size:
The number of family members you have will determine the perfect size of the pressure cooker you need. If you are getting a smaller cooker for a large family, you will have to cook many times that are not only a waste of fuel but also a waste of your time. Similarly, if you get a larger cooker for a smaller family, that will waste fuel because more heat is needed for cooking in it.
For bachelors or 1-2 member families, 2 lt capacity is good. Similarly, with 2-3 family members, a 3-liter cooker will do. In this way, with the increase in the number of members, it is better to opt for one with a higher capacity,i.e above 5 lt.
2. Warranty:
Opt for a brand that provides you a good warranty and extended warranty facility too.
3. Compatible with a Dishwasher:
If you are using a dishwasher to clean your utensils, always check if the pressure cooker is safe to use with it. Generally, the pressure cookers made of hard-anodized material are not compatible with the dishwasher.
4. Durability:
Since a pressure cooker is a long term investment, it is important to see if it is durable enough to last long, so that you won’t have to buy a new one any time sooner. Those with materials that are of hard anodized, resistant to corrosion are generally better to buy.
5. Lid Type:
i. Inner lid:
In this case, it goes inside the pressure cooker. It is generally found in small capacity models.
ii. Outer lid:
It is found in large-capacity models and has an additional mechanism for locking, to maintain the pressure inside.
6. Induction Friendly:
This ensures that you can use the appliance with an induction cooktop also, It is useful especially when the LPG gas is suddenly over in your home. Standard pressure cookers can’t be used on the induction cooktop. So it is important to check this factor to ensure versatility.
7. Non-Reactive Material:
Indian cuisine generally has some acidic content so it is important to use a material that is non-reactive and food safe too. Stainless steel and anodized pressure cookers are better options compared to aluminum, as they are safe for health.
Following our safety instructions of using a pressure cooker, review of different brands/models and buying guide, you can easily get value for money deal while purchasing the appliance, which will last for many years.
What are The Various Pressure Release Mechanisms in Pressure Cookers?
1. Natural Release:
This type is better for foods that release forth, foods in liquid form, or while cooking large meat pieces. It can easily overcook food and the pressure gradually comes out automatically.
2. Quick Release:
Foods such as soft veggies, seafood, among others that need less cooking time require this model because in this case, the cooking time is short. After cooking, you can release the steam instantly by pressing and pulling the valve meant for steam release.
3. Cold Water Release:
When you want to cook something very fast on a stove top pressure cooker, this is the way to do it. After cooking, keep it underwater so that water runs on its lids and sides but avoid placing the value directly underwater.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans: Generally, all pressure cookers adhere to safety principles. But the inner lid cookers are better regarding efficiency with respect to those with an outer lid.
Ans: Aluminum has some reactive characteristics with acidic food ingredients like tamarind, tomato, and lemon. If you are sure of not cooking anything acidic, then it is fine to use it, otherwise, you should not. Hence it is better to avoid aluminum and opt for stainless steel or hard anodized pressure cookers.
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