Have you decided to buy a pressure cooker? Pressure cookers are a very handy appliance to have in the kitchen and if you’ve never owned one this guide may help you choose the right one. There are many things to consider when you want to buy a pressure cooker and this guide will cover the most common factors involved in buying a pressure cooker.
Aluminum versus Stainless Steel Pressure Cookers
You’ll find that the majority of pressure cookers are either constructed of aluminum or stainless steel. So which one is right for you? Aluminum pressure cookers don’t weigh much, are very affordable and provide level heating. However, even though aluminum does a great job of conducting heat, it also doesn’t hold up to regular use very well. The aluminum will begin to pit and stain over time and while it doesn’t alter the cooking ability of the cooker, if you’d prefer to avoid staining and pitting you should consider a stainless steel pressure cooker.
Stainless steel pressure cookers won’t stain and are nonporous. They’re also a bit heavier than aluminum cookers and cost more. Stainless steel is more durable than aluminum so you can expect your cooker to hold up in terms of aesthetic appeal for years to come. While aluminum conducts heat very well, stainless steel does not. Luckily, they make stainless steel pressure cookers that have a layered base for superior level heating.
What Size Pressure Cooker Do I Need?
The majority of pressure cookers available today are 4, 6, and 8 quart. 4 quart pressure cookers are ideal if you’re cooking for 1-2 people. 6 quart pressure cookers are idea for feeding 2 or more people. The majority of pressure cooker recipes today are intended for 6 quart cookers as this is a popular choice for many. 8 quart pressure cookers are ideal for larger families or if you cook larger meals at a time.
You’ll find other cookers (canners) in larger sizes ranging from 16 to 23 quarts, but these are typically used for canning or for cooking for large groups of people.
Choosing the Right Pressure Cooker Features
You’ll notice that some pressure cookers come with a variety of features while others may be slightly lacking. So what features should you look for? This depends on your personal preferences and what you want your cooker to do. However, there are several features that are worth considering as they make cooking with a pressure cooker so much simpler and easier.
- Pressure Regulators – Pressure cookers must be able to control the pressure inside the cooker. Right now you’ll find three main types of pressure regulators that all slightly differ but provide the same results. (1) Weight valve pressure regulators also known as jiggle tops; (2) Modified weighted valve pressure regulator; and (3) Spring valve pressure regulator. It doesn’t matter which regulator your cooker has so long as it operates at a maximum of 15 psi; the standard in pressure cooking.
- Cover Locking System – It’s important that your pressure cooker has a locking system to secure the cover while cooking. Otherwise pressure won’t build correctly inside the pot and won’t cook your food properly.
- Cooking Rack – If you want the ability to cook foods above the liquid inside the pot then choose one that comes with a cooling rack or basket.
- Pressure Release – Different pressure cooker recipes will call for different pressure release methods. Some may suggest that you cool the cooker at once, or allow the pressure to naturally drop. There are some pressure cookers that have a pressure release knob so that once you remove the cooker from the heat source you can use the knob to quickly release the pressure inside.
- Handles – The handles of pressure cookers vary but you’ll want to make sure the handles are comfortable for you and of course, secure. It makes lifting the cooker much easier and obviously, safer.
- Warranty – It’s always advised that you buy a pressure cooker that comes with a warranty. An extended warranty is best but any warranty is better than none at all. The most reputable brands provide a 10 year minimum warranty.
How Much Should You Spend On a Pressure Cooker?
The prices of today’s pressure cookers vary by size, model, features and function. The lower cost models work just fine but won’t provide many extra features, if any, to make pressure cooking a little easier. Others will come with lots of different features but if you don’t need them, you should choose a different cooker. You don’t want to choose a cooker based on the price but instead do your research and look at cookers within your budget but see what others have to say before you buy.
Do I Need an Electric or Stove Top Pressure Cooker?
It’s all about personal preference. Electric pressure cookers tend to be very simple to use and provide digital push-button options for cooking. They also have a built-in heating element so you simply plug it in and go. Stove top pressure cookers require a little more work and a manual heat source.
Pressure Cookers Are Ideal for Cooking Different Foods
There are lots of different foods you can cook in a pressure cooker. This includes tough cuts of meat, steamed or poached fruit, vegetables, legumes, risotto, rice, curries and even stews, among others. You will want to pay close attention to the pressure cooker recipe and use the exact measurements indicated to get the best results.
Read Top Pressure Cooker Reviews
You can learn what others have to say about some of the top rated electric pressure cookers by visiting this page. Pressure cookers provide many benefits and can be very useful to have in the kitchen – especially if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Hopefully this guide has provided more insight to help you make a more informed decision when you get ready to buy a pressure cooker.