How to buy the right pressure cooker
Whether it’s your first time to buy pressure cookers or you’re planning
to upgrade on a new model, it can be a daunting task to choose between
several makes and brands of pressure cookers. To help make your decision
easier, here are several things you should keep in mind.
MATERIAL – Pressure cookers are made with aluminum, stainless
steel or a combination of both. Aluminum pressure cookers are affordable
and lightweight, while stainless steel pressure cookers are more
expensive and heavier compared to their aluminum counterparts.
Stainless steel and aluminum cookers also differ in heating
performances and durability. Since aluminum has excellent heat
conduction, they provide uniform heating, while stainless steel cookers
are not good conductors of heat. In addition, aluminum cookers have a
tendency to stain and pit with heavy use, while stainless steel can
withstand heat for years.
If you’re on a budget, aluminum pressure cookers can be an economical
solution. If you have money to spare, look for a pressure cooker that
has a combination of both stainless steel and aluminum materials. Some
brands offer cookers with aluminum bonded at the base, but the rest are
made of stainless steel.
SIZE – Once you’ve decided on the material, it’s time to
choose which size to buy. Pressure cookers come in various sizes with 4,
6 and 8 quart liquid capacities as the most popular. 4-quart cookers are
recommended for couples and singles, 6-quart cookers are ideal for small
families and 8-quart cookers are best for larger families. Larger sizes
(16, 18 and 23 quart capacities) are also available, but are recommended
for canning and for serving very large groups of people.
FEATURES – Now that you’ve broken down your choices, you now
need to determine which features of pressure cookers you’ll need and
which ones you can do without.
1. Pressure regulator – This is an indicator and controller of
the pressure inside your cooker. All pressure cookers have a type of
pressure regulator, but they may vary in style. Most pressure cooker
recipes call for a pressure of 15 psi (pounds per square inch), so make
sure to check whether the cooker can handle a maximum operating pressure
of 15 psi. There are three types of pressure regulators:
- Jiggle-top or weighted valve pressure regulator – This type of
pressure regulator is commonly known as a jiggle top because it
begins to rock when the cooking time begins. It is located on top of
a vent pipe. Once you hear the pressure regulator “jiggling,” you
can now reduce the temperature to maintain pressure while cooking.
The weighted valve pressure regulator releases steam automatically
to maintain 15 psi.
- Modified weighted valve pressure regulator – Unlike the
jiggle-top, this type of pressure regulator is attached to the
cooker itself. It releases steam from time to time in short bursts
to maintain 15 psi. Once you see steam escape from the regulator,
cooking time begins.
- Spring valve pressure regulator – This type of pressure
regulator includes an inch-high pop-up valve that indicates the
pressure level inside the cooker. Compared to the first two pressure
regulators, cookers with the spring valve are usually more
expensive.
2. Cover Lock/Interlock – Never buy a pressure cooker without
a cover locking feature. Since steam from the pressure cooker can burn
you, a cover lock makes sure that pressure won’t build up until you
cover the cooker properly. It also prevents you from opening the cover
until pressure is safely reduced.
3. Emergency Pressure Relief – In rare instances when you need to
open the cooker, such as a blocked vent pipe disrupts your cooking, a
type of emergency pressure relief feature can help you solve your
problem safely.
4. Pressure cooker rack (or basket) – Buy a pressure cooker that
comes with a rack or basket, which would allow you to cook foods above
the liquid. This is particularly important because most recipes have
ingredients that call for different cooking times. Foods that are
already cooked can be placed on the basket/rack to avoid overcooking. It
also serves as a steamer for veggies and as a place to store ingredients
with flavors that you prefer not to mix with the entire dish.
5. Pressure release – Recipes instruct you to either release
pressure immediately or naturally, which depends largely on the foods
being cooked. As such, it is always best to follow recipe directions.
When you are instructed to release pressure immediately, you can either
use the “cold water release” method or the “quick pressure release knob”
found on some pressure cookers. Cold water release, as its name
suggests, requires you to remove the cooker from heat and place it under
cold running water to release pressure quickly. The quick pressure
release, however, requires you to turn the knob built into the pressure
cooker when releasing steam.
When you are asked to release pressure naturally, you just remove the
cooker from heat and allow pressure to drop naturally. Read more about
the ways to release pressure.
6. Handles – Most 4-quart pressure cookers only have one handle
in the middle, but you can choose models with ergonomically designed
handles for better handling. 6-quart pressure cookers and other larger
sizes often have handles on both sides for easier lifting.
7. Manual – When you browse through the pressure cooker recipes
here, you’ll notice that it advises to check your manual for specific
instructions. This is important because while pressure cookers work the
same way, there are certain operating instructions that would only apply
to a specific brand. You should also check if the manual or instruction
booklet comes with basic recipes for pressure cooking to help you master
your new cooking equipment.
8. Brand – The brand usually dictate the price, durability and
availability of an extended warranty. Generally, manufacturers of
pressure cookers who have been in the industry for years can provide
extended warranties for up to 10 years. Since these manufacturers vouch
for their product through warranties, you can expect durable cooking
equipments that can withstand heavy use. However, the prices of trusted
brands are usually higher-priced than other brands in the market. In
addition, prices may also vary depending on the features of each model
and brand.
As long as you have these things in mind when buying pressure cookers
and you choose a trusted retailer with your equipments, you’ll find it
easier to choose the perfect pressure cooker for your cooking needs.
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