Best Overall
Chef Iq Pressure Cooker
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Everyone loves food, but not all of us enjoy the exhaustive cooking process. Enter the pressure cooker, an appliance that can easily cut down on time. Fitted with tight lids with rubber linings and a small sieve-like valve at the top, pressure cookers raise the boiling point of water inside the cooker, converting it into steam that remains trapped inside it. This results in high-pressure levels, and in turn, faster cooking. After testing the best pressure cookers on the market, we can safely say that the CHEF iQ Pressure Cooker is our favorite product on this carefully curated list. Invest in a pressure cooker and read on!
Buying Guide: Pressure Cookers
Pressure cookers have always been a hot item in the kitchen world. Many of us grew up around these appliances. In recent years, they've been gaining popularity again. One of the reasons for this may be that busy routines do not allow people to invest long hours in preparing slow-cooking, traditional dishes. Everybody turned to alternatives, and a pressure cooker is one of the most reliable solutions. It allows you to make fancy meals in a short time as well as basic food, such as rice, chicken, and vegetables, within minutes. And for people who cook just out of necessity and have no interest in cooking elaborate meals, it's a lifesaver. Pressure cookers have come a long way from their early incarnations, which were prone to accidents. Modern-day pressure cookers use top-quality materials in manufacturing, and with proper use, they guarantee complete safety.
Top Features to Consider When Buying a Pressure Cooker
Size
Pressure cookers are available in various dimensions, but you should always go for the size you need. This depends on the number of people you cook for, as well as the number of times you use it in a week. For a big family, larger-sized pots are available. For a couple, smaller pots take up less counter space. A cooker that's smaller or bigger than your needs will only result in a waste of fuel, time, and energy.
Pressure limit
As the name suggests, pressure cookers work based on high pressure in a tightly sealed area. Therefore, it's important to check the maximum pressure your cooker can reach. Most cookers require 15 psi. Pressure cookers with a lesser limit, such as 12 psi or 8 psi, take slightly more time. An adjustable psi is the top option to cook food at your own pace.
Durability
The most common materials used in the construction of pressure cookers are stainless steel and aluminum. The former is always preferred over the latter. Not only is aluminum soft and deformable, but it is also reactive, which may be harmful in some cases. A triple-ply, with aluminum sandwiched in between steel, mighy be a better option.
Warranty
Pressure cookers aren’t exactly cheap. The simplest ones are a hit on your wallet. With the increasing number of features, the cost keeps on increasing. They offer uncountable benefits, the biggest of which is time-saving. They retain more than 50% more nutrients in food than normal pots and are an investment, which is why it is important to check their warranty. The standard warranty is 12 years, but most companies only cover the pot under this. Always select a pressure cooker with a warranty for the pot and its associated parts.
Handles
Handles are one of the most important aspects of any cooking pot. The same is the case with pressure cookers. Make sure there is a top and two side handles. They’re meant to hold the overheated pot easily and grant stability and sturdiness in the hold. Foldable handles are attractive and space-efficient but not as durable. Strong handles are preferable.
Electric Pressure Cookers
Electric pressure cookers have numerous striking features, the most prominent of which is that they do not require manual cooking timing. This results in its ability to cook food with a high level of versatility. They can steam, simmer, and even sauté for you. They heat up and down automatically, and other than the initial instructional click, they don’t require any supervision. They are a little expensive, but their specifications make up for it.
Top Picks
- Best Overall: Chef Iq Pressure Cooker
- Most Popular: Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
- Premium Choice: Presto Pressure Cooker
- Most Versatile: Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker
- Best Value: T-Fal Clipso Pressure Cooker
- Classic Design: All American Pressure Cooker
Reviews
Most Popular
Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
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Premium Choice
Presto Pressure Cooker
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Most Versatile
Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker
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Best Value
T-Fal Clipso Pressure Cooker
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Classic Design
All American Pressure Cooker
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FAQs
Are stovetops preferred over electric pressure cookers?
Both of these are efficient and time-saving. They do have some differences that make one better than the other. If you’re on a low budget, a stovetop pressure cooker is the way to go. They have minimal functionalities, require lesser fuel, and without their lid, can function as a normal pot. Electric cookers are extremely expensive, but a single pot serves the functions of an entire cooking range, making it a worthwhile investment.
Why are non stick cookers not recommended?
Electric pressure cookers have nonstick pots. Even though they seem better than regular pots and easily manageable, most cookware experts advise against them. This is because, after a few times of use, they begin to wear and tear due to high pressure, releasing chemicals and toxins which may prove harmful.
Is a pressure cooker suitable for high-altitude cooking?
Yes. They’re the first choice of campers, trekkers, and even locals. At high altitudes, low atmospheric pressure causes water to boil at a lower-than-normal temperature. This leaves boiled food undercooked and tasteless. Pressure cookers raise the boiling point; so, they prove a superior choice in this regard.
Can I use a pressure cooker for canning?
Yes. Canning is the process of eliminating microorganisms in canned food under pressure to increase its shelf life. Canners are almost the same as pressure cookers. You can use it for home-based canning. A deep pot with a bigger capacity is efficient for this purpose.
What is the difference between the outer and inner lid?
Both of these have their own benefits and disadvantages. Inner lids are lightweight, more durable, safer, and have more capacity. They are better suited for curries. On the other hand, outer lids are better for dry food, as they are more functional.