Practical, versatile, and extremely easy to use, the pressure cooker is a handy tool to shorten cooking times and cook anything healthy and fast.
If you are considering buying one but do not know which one to choose, you will find all the elements to find the model that best suits you in this guide. We discover how it works and what factors to consider when choosing the best pressure cooker.
Table of Contents
How does the pressure cooker work, and what are the main benefits?
What distinguishes the pressure cooker is the speed of cooking. Strong pressure is created inside the pot thanks to the hermetic lid provided with a safety valve. Increasing pressure also increases the temperature (which can reach 210-250°F in the shortest time), and the steam generated cooks foods incredibly fast.
The safety valve enters into action when the vapor exceeds a certain threshold, causing it to escape, otherwise avoiding the explosion.
Technology has made things simpler if they could be complicated to use simultaneously, especially because of the lid, which would require both hands to be handled. Digital has also landed in this field, and the more advanced models feature state-of-the-art features to further the lives of those who use them.
This type of cooking is quick and uniform: it distributes heat equally, avoids food being attached to the bottom of the pot, or is cooked on one side.
The pressure cooker is ideal for preparing healthy and genuine dishes, even for those who make a low-calorie diet and get chef results without fatigue and need special skills.
How to choose a pressure cooker: Typologies and Features
Many options are available on the market, and choosing is not always easy. Here are some key factors to consider when purchasing the best pressure cooker:
- Capacity: How many are you in the family? How much do you have to cook? Make sure you buy a fairly large model for your needs. There are pressure cookers with a capacity ranging from 2.5 to 12 liters on the market.
- Materials: Stainless steel is the most used material because it is more durable in the long run. There are also cheaper steel models, which risk rusting and must be replaced over time. It’s worth investing a lot more once and buying a quality product.
- Cover: The hermetic cover must be easy to remove. You better opt for a recent model that can handle the lid with one hand.
- Extra Features: The most advanced models offer highly technological features. For example, some have a practical digital display through which you can customize the cooking according to the type of food. Others offer a set of preset programs for different cooking needs.
When and why choose a pressure cooker
A pressure cooker is a handy tool in the kitchen. In addition to bringing a qualitative increase in the cooking of food, it offers several advantages that make purchasing indispensable:
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- Heat distribution for homogenous cooking.
- Time optimization thanks to faster cooking.
- Steam cooking is perfect, even for low-calorie food regimes.
- Reduced energy consumption due to reduced times.
- Easy preparation is also suitable for those who are not cookie wizards.
- Healthy and genuine cooking of any food: meat, fish, vegetables, legumes, and cereals.
Buying a pressure cooker is worth considering if you do not have much time available but no longer desire to have salad or pudding.
Duration and Maintenance
For maintenance, it does not change much compared to traditional pots. However, stainless steel makes it possible to use a normal dishwashing detergent, hot water, and possibly a steel squeegee to remove residual residues on the bottom.
An important note is always checking that the valves are not clogged to prevent the pot from becoming damaged or unusable. If they are clogged, clean them thoroughly or, if necessary, quickly replace the pot.
The pressure cookers for efficiency and convenience
Which is the best brand? To guarantee a quality purchase and meet your expectations, here is the selection of the ten best pressure cookers we have chosen for brands, performance, and value for money to give you the confidence to make a safer and lasting choice.
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté...
- QUICK ONE-TOUCH COOKING: 13 customizable Smart Programs for pressure cooking ribs, soups,...
- COOK FAST OR SLOW: Pressure cook delicious one-pot meals up to 70% faster than traditional...
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté...
- QUICK ONE-TOUCH COOKING: 13 customizable Smart Programs for pressure cooking ribs, soups,...
- COOK FAST OR SLOW: Pressure cook delicious one-pot meals up to 70% faster than traditional...
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté...
- QUICK ONE-TOUCH COOKING: 13 customizable Smart Programs for pressure cooking ribs, soups,...
- COOK FAST OR SLOW: Pressure cook delicious one-pot meals up to 70% faster than traditional...
- 9-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté...
- STAINLESS STEEL GREY : Matches with any kitchen décor and looks beautiful on your...
- EASY-TO-USE WITH WHISPER QUIET STEAM RELEASE: The only multi-cooker with the quietest...
- Included Components: Cookware;Pressure Cookers;pressure-cookers
- Included Components: Cookware;Pressure Cookers;pressure-cookers
- Chicken, fish, meat, and vegetables cook to perfection fast; Helps tenderize economical...
- Pressure regulator maintains the proper cooking pressure automatically; Complete 64-page...
- Ideal for use on regular, smooth-top and induction ranges; Our stainless steel pressure...
- 9-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté...
- IMPROVED STRESS-FREE VENTING: Intuitive and simple, our improved easy-release steam switch...
- REALTIME FEEDBACK: The easy-to-read display includes a full cooking progress bar lets you...
- THE CHEF iQ APP: Connect your Smart Cooker to the CHEF iQ App via WiFi and Bluetooth....
- BUILT-IN SCALE: Use the precise built-in scale to easily measure ingredients and cook by...
- AUTO PRESSURE RELEASE: Automatically releases steam at the end of pressure cooking for...
- 9 IN 1 MULTI PRESSURE COOKER: Work as pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer,...
- 14 PRESETS SATISFY ALL YOUR COOKING NEED: This versatile pressure cooker has 14...
- PROFESSIONAL SAFETY FEATURES: Equipped with 10 safety features to guarantee easier and...
- COOKING CAPACITY: With a 7-quart capacity and 3.3 mm thickness, this pressure cooker...
- STYLISH AND RELIABLE: Constructed from durable aluminum with a natural interior finish and...
- CONVENIENT AND SAFE: Equipped with a pressure regulator that maintains proper cooking...
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