Saturday 14 February 2015

Top Tips on How to Choose the Best Pressure Cooker for Your Needs

Pressure Cooker, top tips on how to choose the best pressure cooker for your needs, such as aluminium or stainless steel, size, programmable timer, safety features
Pressure Cooker
Advantages of Modern Day Pressure Cookers

Gone are the days when pressure cookers were considered dangerous.  The old pressure cookers used to jump around, rattling and hissing, and producing heaps of steam.

Modern day pressure cookers are designed with safety in mind with spring-loaded valves to help regulate the pressure and airtight seals to retain the steam.  The way modern day pressure cookers are designed means that they are quieter, won’t jump around and there are no worries about the lid coming off accidentally and causing a mess in your kitchen.

Pressure cookers are great for modern day families who don’t have a lot of time for cooking.  Delicious foods can be cooked in much less time than using traditional cooking methods while still keeping in the flavours and nutrition.

For example, stews can be ready in just 15 minutes, while vegetables and soups can be cooked in just a few minutes and a whole chicken can be cooked in just 20 minutes.  In fact pressure cookers can reduce overall cooking time by up to 70%.


Here's some useful tips on the best features to look for in a pressure cooker and some considerations for you to bear in mind when choosing a pressure cooker to help you decide on what type of pressure cooker would be best for you and your family's needs:


Should I choose an Aluminium or a Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker?

Pressure cookers are usually made of aluminium or stainless steel.  Stainless steel pressure cookers are normally more expensive but are more durable being scratch proof and warp resistant.  They are also less likely to react to acidy foods than aluminium ones.

However, aluminium pressure cookers conduct heat better than stainless steel ones and are relatively less expensive.

Some stainless steel pressure cookers are made with an aluminium base to ensure good heat conduction, so you can have the best of both with this combination!


What Size Pressure Cooker should I choose?

Pressure cookers are available in a variety of sizes to choose from depending on the size of your family and your needs:

·          3-4 quarts would be adequate for a smaller household.
·          6 quarts would suit a medium sized household.
·          8 or 10 quarts would be best for a larger family.
·          Larger heavy duty pressure cookers up to 23 quarts are also available if you prefer to cook in large batches, for example to keep some food for another day or for entertaining guests.


Do I need a Programmable timer on a Pressure Cooker?

Some pressure cookers come with programmable timers that allow you to delay the cooking time for up to 8 hours or more.  This allows you to prepare the food in the morning before going to work and have it cooked and ready for you when you come home.  Some pressure cookers also have a keep warm function so that when the food is fully cooked, the pressure cooker will turn off the temperature and keep the food in warming mode.


What Safety Features should I look for on a Pressure Cooker?

Safety features that can be found on modern day pressure cookers include:

·         Air vent/cover lock
·         Double or triple safety pressure valves
·         Strong lock lid
·         Pressure indicators
·         Automatic pressure release settings
·         Self-locking lid
·         Anti-overheating protection
·         Stay cool handles.


*Prices/discounts/shipping indicated correct at time of writing/publishing and may be subject to change anytime.  E&OE.




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