Pressure Cooker Buying Guide

There are a range of pressure cooker models available today which boast of modern, user friendly techniques.

HOW IT WORKS

Water boils at 100°C under normal conditions so water cannot get any hotter than that.

However, if you put water under pressure by sealing the lid of your cooker so that no steam can escape into the air, you increase the pressure on the water. Thus the water boils at a higher temperature, and that you can make your cooking temperature higher than normal.

PRESSURE COOKER MATERIALS

There are various body types available: aluminium, stainless steel and hard anodized aluminium.

Aluminium Body

: The white metal's higher conductivity allows for faster cooking with minimal chances of food burning.

Stainless Steel Body

More hygienic cooking, as the metal surface is more resistant to pits and scratches than the softer alumunium. Fine for acidic foods - with alumunium, there is the concern that the acid might lead to the metal leaching into the food. The harder material reduces chances of accidental bursting from pressure build-up as well. Again, because it stands up better to scouring and is not affected by acid in foodstuff; it is easier to clean.

Futura from Hawkins is one pressure cooker which comes in stainless steel.

COMPARE PRESSURE COOKER PRICE AND FEATURES

PRESSURE COOKER BRANDS

Sona

Vinod

Rajesh

Bush

National

PRESSURE COOKER REVIEWS

Mouthshut

Hard Anodised Alumunium body

Most experts recommend this variety. A layer of alumunium oxide is deposited over the alumunium sheet though electrolysis thus making it:

Five times harder than normal alumunium, reducing the risk of ruptures and accidents.

As good a heat conductor as is alumunium, saving cooking time over materials like stainless steel.
Easier to clean than standard alumunium
Resistant to leaching, provided that acidic food is not left to stand in it for long - ideally remove shortly after cooking.

Futura from Hawkins is one pressure cooker which comes in hard anodised body.

PRESSURE COOKER BENEFITS

Faster cooking times, since the temperature the your cooker is higher than in normal cooking.
More nutrients remain in the food because the cooking time is shorter, and fewer healthy vitamins and minerals are boiled away with the water.
Energy by needing less cooking time

PRESSURE COOKER FEATURES

Dishwasher Safe

If you have a dishwasher then you should check whether the cooker is dishwasher safe or not. This would ensure that you can clean the pressure cooker in a dishwasher.

PRESSURE COOKER SAFETY FEATURES

Modern pressure cookers have following features to make it safe

Sturdy construction.
Better seals.
Release valves that prevent over pressurization.
Redundant safety measures, so that if one valve fails, the others will still work.
Pressure cookers can’t be opened until steam is released.
Easy ways to monitor internal pressure.
Auto cleanser that immediately melts any substance that clogs the heat vent hole, removing all fears of the cooker bursting from excessive pressure build-up.
A metallic safety plug(MST) is fitted into the cooker body - if the inside temperature crosses a certain limit, the alloy in the plug melts and lets the steam vent.
Gasket relief system(GRS) comprising a pintail and silicon rubber gasket. If the inside temperatures crosses limits, the pintail moves out, giving vent to the steam.
Whistles blow to let you know the needed pressure reached

PRESSURE COOKER BUYING TIPS

New Model: If you are buying a pressure cooker , make sure it is not an older design as they may lack some safety features.

Standard Safety Marks: Look for a pressure cooker with an ISI mark.

Right Size:When buying a pressure cooker, keep the size of your family in mind - a 5-litre cooker will suffice for a family of four.

Good Construction: It doesn’t help to save time if your food ends up scorched because of hot spots in the metal of your pressure cooker. Invest in a good cooker with a heavy 3-ply base to ensure even cooking.

Solid Handles: When you’re dealing with a very hot pressure cooker, good, solid handles are a must. Look for one long handle with a shorter helper handle on the other side of the pot. Make sure that the handles feel solid and are firmly attached.