How to choose a pressure cooker? Review of the best pressure cooker models

The first pressure cooker was invented several centuries ago. This unit allows you to cook food much faster, which saves a lot of time. The choice of a pressure cooker should be approached deliberately, focusing on a number of criteria.

What is a pressure cooker? Purpose, functions, principle of operation

The pressure cooker is an apparatus with a hermetically sealed lid. After boiling the contents, steam forms, creating pressure inside the unit. As a result, the temperature exceeds the boiling point, and food is cooked almost 2 times faster.

The pressure in the device reaches 1 bar and the temperature rises to about 121 ° C. At the beginning of cooking, the valve on the unit cover is usually open. When heated, it closes under pressure. When the pressure rises even more, it pushes the valve, opening it. This is necessary to release excess steam. Due to the presence of a valve, an optimal pressure of 0.7-1 bar is maintained inside the device. This indicator is called absolute.

The tightness inside the pressure cooker provides a minimum amount of oxygen, therefore, the oxidation process is excluded. This factor ensures maximum preservation of the taste, color and benefits of the products.

When using a pressure cooker, it is important to observe safety precautions. Cooking in such a device means high temperature and hot steam, therefore, neglect of the operating rules of the unit can lead to serious burns.

Types of Pressure Cookers

All pressure cookers can be divided into two large groups: mechanical and electrical. Units of the first type are a kind of pots with a sealed lid. They can be used for both gas and electric stoves. Such devices differ from ordinary pans not only with a special lid, but also with thick walls and bottom.

The modern option is electric pressure cookers, that is, powered by an electric network. Outwardly, such appliances resemble multicookers and can be a combination of these two representatives of household appliances.

Most devices are made of metal, ceramic units are less common. The pressure cooker can be made of stainless steel or aluminum. The first option is more expensive and weighs more, but stronger and does not emit harmful substances during cooking. Devices made of aluminum attract light weight and low cost, but they do not last long and are harmful to health.

General rules for choosing a pressure cooker

When deciding to buy a pressure cooker, carefully consider the following factors that influence your final choice:

• Volume. This parameter must be oriented to the number of people in the family. Most appliances have a volume of 5 liters, which is enough for a family of 3-4 people. It is important to consider that the pressure cooker should be filled no more than 2/3 of its volume.
• Power. For most models of this technique, this parameter is 1-1.5 kW. When choosing the power of the unit, it is important to correlate it with its volume.
• Valve. This is one of the most important parts of the device, as it is necessary for the release of steam. It is important to pay attention in which direction the steam will escape when the lid is opened. It should be directed to the sides, otherwise the risk of burns is high.
• Display and menu.
• Material. The best option is a stainless steel pressure cooker. When buying a steel pressure cooker, you need to pay attention to the brand of metal. The best option is 18/10 without impurities.
• Bowl coating. It can be ceramic or teflon. The first option is attractive because of its high resistance to mechanical damage, but with time it can lose its non-stick properties.

• Non-stick coating. It is necessary to improve the quality of cooking.
• Gasket material for sealing. It can be made of rubber or silicone. The first option is less expensive, but also has a shorter service life. Over time, the rubber gasket will let air through. Silicone gaskets are more reliable and durable.
• Existence of a viewing window or a glass cover. This addition is very convenient, as it allows you to control the cooking process.
• Delayed start. This option means that you can pre-lay the necessary products and set the time to turn on the device. This option is convenient when there is no time to cook breakfast or dinner. By the time of morning awakening or coming home from work, everything will be ready.
• Cooking modes. The required number depends on personal preferences. It is enough to one consumers that in a pressure cooker it was possible to cook soups, porridges, meat and side dishes. Others need an extended selection of modes: yogurt, popcorn, pastries.
• The presence of a bowl for steaming. This supplement is especially attractive for those who advocate a healthy diet or users who are forced to follow a therapeutic diet. It is important to pay attention to the quality of the steaming bowl - usually a basket or a special plate. To purchase such a device separately is problematic, because it must be in the kit and of good quality (strength is important).
• Chef. This option allows you to set the cooking parameters yourself.
• Protection. This parameter is important for instrument safety. The pressure cooker should not open until the pressure inside has been reduced.
• Heat resistant handles. This point is especially important for large-volume units. It is inconvenient to transfer them, so you can get burned.

Which pressure cooker to choose? The best models

Purchasing a pressure cooker will take cooking to a new level. It is worth looking at the best models that effectively combine technical parameters, functionality and price.

Redmond RMC-PM380

This model is a combination of a pressure cooker and a slow cooker. The power of the device is 1000 watts, and the volume is 6 liters.

The unit body is made of steel with plastic inserts. The appliance bowl has a non-stick ceramic coating.

The pressure cooker has an LED display and a touch control panel. You can select the cooking mode or heating, set the time, pressure and temperature. There is a delayed start function.

One of the most important advantages of this model is the Master Chef Light option. The device has 14 built-in programs, but the user can independently change the time or temperature of cooking without interrupting his process.

Pressure cooker safety is ensured by valves (shut-off and steam release), a temperature fuse and an overpressure sensor. Handles of the unit are heat-insulating.

Moulinex CE 503132

This appliance is a multicooker. The volume of the bowl is 5 liters, the power of the unit is 1000 watts.

The case is made of plastic. There is a heat-insulating handle. The thicket is removable, has a ceramic coating (4 layers).

The pressure cooker has 33 automatic modes. 25 modes can be set manually. There is a Multishef function that allows you to independently set the temperature (40-160 ° C) and cooking time (up to 4 hours).

The device provides for the possibility of heating food, maintaining temperature. There is a delayed start function.

The advantage of this model is the ability to select the texture of the dish. There are 6 degrees from soft to hard.

Philips HD2178

This multicooker pressure cooker is designed for a volume of 6 liters. The power of the unit is 1000 watts.

The case is made of metal in combination with plastic. The bowl has a teflon non-stick coating. The cover is completely removable.

The pressure cooker has 8 automatic cooking modes, for the multicooker there are 6 separate modes. You can also set the temperature and time yourself. There is a delayed start up to 24 hours and a countdown function.

Touch control panel. There is a separate menu for a pressure cooker and multicooker. The appliance is locked during cooking.

One of the advantages of this model is the presence of an energy-saving mode. Another plus is the indication of the cooking process. The device will indicate the stage of heating, creating pressure, working under pressure and heating the dish.

Safety is ensured by locking the lid during operation under pressure. Pressure is relieved automatically. There is an additional option for protection against children.

Scarlett SL-1529

This model combines the functions of a double boiler and a slow cooker. The appliance bowl has a Teflon non-stick coating and is designed for 5 liters. The power of the unit is 900 watts.

The pressure cooker has 10 automatic cooking modes and the “Own recipe” program, where you can set the temperature and time yourself. The device provides temperature maintenance (up to 140 ° C) and heating. There is a delayed start function, calculated up to 24 hours.

The body of the device is made of metal in combination with plastic. There is an electronic control panel and an LED display showing the cooking time.

Vitesse VS-570

This multicooker pressure cooker is designed for 4 liters. The power of the device is 800 watts. The case is made of metal in combination with plastic. The bowl is removable and non-stick. The cover and valve are removable.

This model provides for 7 automatic programs. There is a delayed start up to 24 hours. The pressure cooker has electronic controls and an LED display. There is an indication of on and off, time and cooking mode. The model attracts with its minimalism, which makes it easy to understand its management.

Watch a video on the benefits of a pressure cooker and a test comparison of two popular models in the same price range: Philips HD2178 and Moulinex CE 701132

Pressure cookers have been in demand for decades. With the advent of electronic devices, the capabilities of this technique have expanded significantly, making it a welcome device in the kitchen. When choosing a pressure cooker, it is important to consider the material of the unit, the number of its functions and the degree of safety.