One of the most commonly used appliances in a kitchen is a pressure cooker. From your flavourful Biryani to a typical South Indian meal, it would be predominantly used in your kitchen all day long.
The major reason why a pressure cooker is opted for is because of its minimal time consumption. It helps in getting your rice cooked in a relatively short span of time and also requires nothing but minimal effort from your end.
Before you dive right in to buy this significant appliance for your kitchen, do the necessary back work to understand the major prospects that you must look into while buying a pressure cooker.
In this article, you will find a detailed explanation of how you can buy the best pressure cooker for your kitchen, so that your experience can be enhanced to a whole new level.
Here are some of the major aspects to pay attention to when buying this high priority appliance.
Table of Contents
1. Type of Pressure Cooker
The foremost thing to consider is the type of pressure cooker that you want to buy. Fundamentally, pressure cookers come in two different models – Stove top pressure cookers and Electric cookers.
2. Material
When it comes to stove top pressure cookers, there are three major variations, each of which is designed with its own set of pros and cons. These three models of pressure cookers are – Stainless steel pressure cookers, aluminium pressure cookers, and hard anodized pressure cookers.
Stainless Steel Pressure Cookers – These cookers are made out of stainless steel material, which offers a decent level of durability. However, they offer poor heat conductivity which might increase the duration required for cooking.
They are very much resistant to corrosion and stains, which reduces the maintenance required. You needn’t have to go through the trouble of scrubbing the stains from its surface after cooking.
Another bright side of this model of the cooker is that they do not pose any threat to the health as the material does not react with food.
These cookers can be slightly expensive and would not be apt for you if you are on a tight budget.
Aluminium Pressure Cookers – The best part about aluminium pressure cookers is that they are very much affordable. Also, they stand out in the fact that they offer excellent heat conductivity, thereby making it easier to cook your food.
The major downsides about these cookers are their lack of durability and their tendency to rust. They also catch up on stains very easily, thereby demanding a lot of maintenance.
Also, the aluminium metal on the surface of the cookers has a tendency to react with the food particles. This, in the long run, tends to pose risks to the health.
Hard Anodized Pressure Cookers – Hard anodized pressure cookers undergo a process called anodising. This process helps in making the metal durable and resistant to corrosion.
These cookers specially go through this process so as to enhance the quality of its functionality and improve various parameters of the appliance.
These cookers offer an outstanding level of heat conductivity which eases your cooking process to a great extent. They are also very durable and also remain stain and rust-free for a long duration.
However, these cookers can be on the expensive side. It must be noted that despite the high price, these are of high quality and are worth the money you invest in it.
3. Capacity
Another essential factor to consider is the capacity of the pressure cooker that you are about to buy. There is no ideal capacity level that can be suggested. This is because it is subjected to change based on the requirements and frequency of use in each family.
When you have to decide on the capacity of the cooker, consider the number of members in your family and your frequency of usage.
Generally, if the head-count of your family is about 3 or 4, then you might require a pressure cooker with a capacity of about 3 to 5 litres.
4. Compatibility
It is very important for you to consider the compatibility of the pressure cooker that you are about to buy. Especially, if you are someone who uses an induction stove at home, this is a very essential factor to consider.
Ensure that the pressure cooker that you opt for has an induction bottom so that it can be cooked in your induction stove as well.
5. Brand
It is better to opt for reputed brands when you buy a pressure cooker or any appliance for that matter.
Some of the brands that are quite popular for pressure cookers are –
- Hawkins
- Preethi
- Butterfly
- Prestige
6. Warranty
Warranty is a non-negotiable factor, no matter what you buy and pressure cookers are no exception. When you buy a pressure cooker, ensure that is a warranty time period that lasts atleast for a period of 5 years.
CONCLUSION
When you buy a pressure cooker for your home, remember to take your time to consider all of these prospects so that you can get the best pressure cooker. Keep in mind the number of options that are available for you and go for the one that best suits your needs and requirements.
Enjoy a good experience with the best pressure cooker and also have the luxury of enjoying a great meal with minimal work. Undoubtedly, pressure cookers are a blessing in disguise.
