Are you ready to take advantage of the convenience of pressure cookers? Before you do it’s helpful to know the different types of pressure cookers to help you make a more informed decision. The main reason a person buys a pressure cooker is because it requires less time to cook your food than conventional cooking methods.
Pressure cookers do this by building up steam pressure inside. The steam then permeates the food and cooks it faster than if you were to have an open pot where the steam escapes. There are many features of the different pressure cookers available which you’ll learn here. The early models of pressure cookers are actually stove top pressure cookers.
Pressure Cookers Defined
So what exactly is a pressure cooker? It’s a specific kind of pot that uses steam from liquid to pressurize and cook food. The most common models come in stainless steel and aluminum. They come in a variety of sizes from your smaller, basic size to large pressure cookers. There are also different kinds including stove top pressure cookers and electric pressure cookers. Each come with their own pros and cons and are perfect for making tasty dishes.
A pressure cooker has an air-tight lid so the steam cannot escape, allowing it to build pressure and cook your food faster than conventional methods. This also means your pressure cooker will reach higher temperatures than what would be reached when cooking in an open pot.
Types of Pressure Cookers
The two types of pressure cookers are electric and stove top pressure cookers. Stove top cookers require heat from the stove to pressurize and cook the food. Electric pressure cookers can be used at the push of a button (or more if you use the presets) and don’t require much attention while in operation but do require an electrical outlet.
Stove top 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. Electric pressure cookers automatically heat and pressurize at the right temperatures according to the food you’re cooking. Some electric cooker models even come with a ‘warm’ setting.
Pressure Cooker Construction
The construction of your pressure cooker will make all the difference in how long it lasts. The most popular options today are aluminum and stainless steel pressure cookers. The cheaper pressure cookers are typically made of aluminum while the better quality and slightly more expensive pressure cookers are made of stainless steel. You can still find a good variety of stainless steel pressure cookers for an affordable price, regardless of your budget.
Stainless steel is better equipped to manage the high heat and pressure inside the pot. It also makes cleaning up a breeze with a no-stick surface so you can easily wipe away any residue.
This is just a basic overview of pressure cookers and will help you get an idea of what to look for when shopping for a pressure cooker. In the meantime you might consider reading the latest reviews on some of the best pressure cookers available today.
Types of Pressure Cookers Based on Generation
First Generation Pressure Cookers
The first generation is considered the ‘old’ type of pressure cooker. The very first ones introduced back in the day and still available today. A whistle sounds when the valve releases pressure and the valve is weight-modified.
The valve is the reason they are somewhat loud when pressure is released. The majority of the first generation pressure cookers provide a single pressure level meaning you cannot alter the level of pressure, unlike today’s models.
Second Generation Pressure Cookers
The pressure cookers of the second generation have spring loaded valves instead of weight-modified valves. The valves are also hidden from the eye’s view. You do have the option to choose different pressure levels.
Some of the cookers of the second generation use indicators to portray the pressure level instead of releasing steam during operation. Steam is only released when you open the lid or if left on the stove top for too long. There is also a second generation design that uses a dial for adjusting pressure levels. Pressure is vented the instant the dial is moved.
Third Generation Pressure Cookers
The third generation of pressure cookers are also known as electric pressure cookers. Instead of using the stove to regulate heat they have a built-in mechanism to control the temperature and pressure inside. A spring loaded valve is used to portray pressure levels and the majority of electric pressure cookers offer dual pressure settings.
Some feature a timer and ‘warm’ option, similar to a crock pot. Tiny valves release the steam and like with stove top pressure cookers, it’s important that you always use caution when cooking with them.
Single Purpose Pressure Cookers
A single purpose pressure cooker could be a stove top or electric pressure cooker but are designed to offer one pressure setting. You can make many pressure cooker recipes in these cookers but it might be harder to control the outcome due to the single pressure level.
For instance, several canning pressure cookers have a single purpose and don’t typically come with additional features. The latest models include pressure gauges or indicators so you know what level of pressure it’s operating at.
Multi Purpose Pressure Cookers
Multi purpose pressure cookers are designed to help you multitask. You can sear or you can steam or you can do both. They include multiple inserts and additional features such as pressure and temperature settings.
Many also give you the option to make them a slow cooker or pressure rice cooker which is important to some users. If you plan to do a lot of multitasking with your pressure cooker than a multi purpose one is the best way to go.
Read the Top Rated Pressure Cooker Reviews
To help you even further you can check out the top rated pressure cooker reviews here. Gain insight to what other users have to say and determine which one is the best pressure cooker for you.