Have you ever heard of a kitchen without chapatti tawa, cooking vessel or a pressure cooker? No, you must never have heard about it. These are a few essentials for any kitchen, especially in India. We have already discussed the best chapatti tawa and cooking vessels. In this post, we shall consider writing about the best pressure cooker in India. Also, we shall provide you with a few best products available in India.
Which Pressure Cooker to Buy? – Factors to Consider
Are you wondering which pressure cooker to buy? Or what factors are to be considered to decide the best pressure cooker? Here we are!! As we do it for all the products, let us know some important factors to buy a small/mini pressure cooker in India. Following are the considerations:
Size
There are different sizes of the pressure cooker. It is measured in litres. The sizes commonly opted for are – 1.5-litres, 3-litres or 5-litres.
For an extraordinarily big family, one might need a bigger pressure cooker. The 1.5 litres cooker is suitable for a family of 2-3 members. However, a 5-litres cooker can suffice a family of 4-6 members.
Material
The pressure cookers are available in different materials like aluminium, stainless steel, hard-anodized aluminium, etc.
You need to select the best for yourself. Keep in mind! If possible you can avoid a non-stick cooker since it is not good for health.
Safety Features
The pressure cooker if not handled properly may cause it to be exploded. The vent tube of the cooker shall be kept clean and also there shall not be any blockage. The cookers nowadays come with several safety features to avoid raising the temperature above a safe level.
Few of the features are gasket release system, precision weight valve, metallic safety plug, pressure indication, etc.
Lid
The pressure cooker comes with both an inner lid and the outer lid. The locking of the cookers with inner lid is slightly difficult than the outer lid.
The outer lid pressure cooker makes the cooking with separators easy. However, for direct cooking, the inner lid pressure cookers are a better option.
Compatibility
The people these days not only use traditional gas stoves but are moving towards the use of induction top. People for hostels or guest houses prefer an induction top over a gas stove.
Thus, one needs to find a pressure cooker compatible with an induction top or a gas stove as per the requirement of one’s kitchen.
Now that you know what are the considerations to buy the best pressure cooker in India, let us give you the list of best products you can go for.
Best Stainless Steel / Aluminium/ Ceramic Pressure Cookers in India
By now we have already understood how to decide which is the best pressure cooker for our kitchen. However, we are making the decision task more easy by providing you with details of a few shortlisted cookers in India. The list goes as follows:
This pressure cooker is one of the best-suited cookers for big families. It can also be used as a cooking vessel in addition to a pressure cooker. The capacity of the cooker is of 5 litres. The material of the cooker is premium quality virgin aluminium which ensures even heat distribution and fast cooking of the food. This cooker features a gasket release system with a metallic safety plug and precision weighted valve. This safety is at the forefront of the cooker.
The cooker has a sturdy build which makes it easy to handle, durable and maintainable. The ergonomic design of the cooker makes it a great choice for storage. The cooker is based on German technology and has a heavy base. It is a great choice for slow-cooking. It is an outer- lid pressure cooker.
It comes with a free 2 litre pressure pan which lets you cook a small quantity of food in a smaller pan. You need not use the huge cooker every time you want to cook something in small quantity. The lid can be used alternatively for each of them. The cooker comes with a 2 years’ manufacturer warranty.
<strong>Pros and Cons of SJEWARE Pressure Cooker</strong>
Pros
- The closed unit cooking ensures that there is less use of fuel.
- It comes with a strong and durable handle which is heat resistant and has a firm grip.
- It is very economical.
Cons
- It is slightly heavy in weight.
Prestige Deluxe – Best Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker in India
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The prestige cooker has a capacity of 6.5 litres. It can easily serve big families. The cooker is made of good quality stainless steel. The design and look of the cooker indeed adds to interiors of the kitchen. The Alpha base of cooker is steel aluminium steel sandwich. It is energy saving and ensures faster cooking. Also, the heat spreads uniformly in the cooking vessel.
The best part of the cooker is, it is compatible with both gas stove and induction top. It is an outer lid pressure cooker. The stainless steel bottom ensures fast heating. It has a 3-level safety – precision weight valve, controlled gasket release system and a metallic safety plug.
The double screw handles make it sturdy and durable. The indication of pressure level helps you in determining right time to open the cooker lid. The pressure level indicates the built-up pressure and the zero pressure of the cooker. It has a company warranty of 10 years.
<strong>Pros and Cons of Prestige Deluxe</strong>
Pros
- It has an Alpha base which is energy saving and allows fast cooking.
- It comes with visual indication of pressure level.
Cons
- It does not come with a separator (to be optionally purchased).
This Pigeon stovekraft can be one of the best cooking vessel for cuisines like dum-biryani or for cooking any kind of rice, boiling pasta, etc. The best part of this appliance is that it comes with three lids which serve three different purposes making it of multi-purpose use. Also, the unique handi shape of the cooker allows it to retain the nutritional value of the food. It is made of highly durable food-grade virgin aluminium.
This cooker has a hard-anodized base with a non-stick coating which makes it easy to clean, scratch-resistant and durable over a longer life span. The best part of this cooker is it is compatible with both gas stoves and induction top. The 4mm thick body of the vessel ensures even heat distribution and helps slow cooking which brings out flavors.
Again, this cooker comes with 3-level safety features – precision weight valve, central gasket release system and a metallic safety plug. The short handles make it convenient to use. The product comes with 5 years’ warranty.
<strong>Pros and Cons of Pigeon Stovekraft</strong>
Pros
- The cooker comes with 3 lids – straining, serving and pressure cooking lids.
- It is dishwasher safe.
Cons
- Slightly difficult to get accustomed to opening/closing of the lid.
This is a best mini pressure cooker. It has a capacity of 1.5 litres. The color is black. It is made of hard anodized body inside and out. The stainless steel lid makes it easy to clean and durable. The black color enables it to absorb heat faster thus making it energy-efficient. This pressure cooker due to its small size is easy to stir and clean.
The cooker has an inner lid. The lid is pressure-locked like a modern jetliner door when there is pressure inside the cooker. The cooker cannot be opened unless the pressure has fallen to a safe level. The fixed sturdy pivot gives tremendous support to the plastic handles making them last longer.
There is automatic safety valve which is so positioned that if it operates he steam and food gets deflected safely downwards. The inside fitting of the lid protects gasket from juices and food. Also, the gasket does not get rubbed or scrapped every time you open or close it. It is definitely a best choice of a small pressure cooker for baby food.
<strong>Pros and Cons of Hawkins Contura</strong>
Pros
- The cooker cannot be opened until the pressure has fallen to a safe level.
- It has perfect sealing through better design – “Play”.
Cons
- Not suitable for large families.
- It is not compatible with an induction top.
Prestige Apple Plus – Small Pressure Cooker (1.5 Litres) in India
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The aesthetics of this Prestige Apple pressure cooker are heart-taking when placed on your dining table. The capacity of this cooker is 2 litres. The unique anti-bulge induction base makes it suitable for both gas stove and induction top. This cooker has a hard anodised body and an elegant stainless steel lid which makes it durable and long lasting.
This red-colored cooker comes with an inner lid. The handles of the cooker are durable and fixed with self-locating pivot for easy fitting and maintenance. This cooker also comes with two-level safety – net weight valve which releases pressure above 1 kg/cm2, metallic safety plug top-fitted on the lid to release excess pressure.
This small pressure cooker helps in serving small families. If you are staying in hostel or office apartments this is the best option to have. The small size helps in cooking the food faster and the food absorbs all the nutrients well. If you desire a small cooker for cooking small quantity this is the best option to go with.
<strong>Pros and Cons of Prestige Apple Plus</strong>
Pros
- It is compatible with both gas and induction.
- It has amazing aesthetics.
Cons
- Not suitable for large families.
This Hawkins stainless steel cooker is anti-corrosion resistant and withstands various acids in the food as it is made from 18/8 non-magnetic, superior stainless steel. The cooker has a sandwich bottom which provides extra thickness to the base of cooker. This helps in slow and nutritional cooking. The flat base of the cooker also spreads the heat quickly and evenly.
The best part of this cooker is that it is compatible with both gas stoves and induction top. The flat base does not bulge over the period of usage. It also helps in light and deep-frying before pressure cooking the food. The capacity of this cooker is 5 litres.
The cooker comes with pressure lock like modern jetliner door which does not let the lid open unless the pressure comes down to a safe level. It has a fixed sturdy pivot which avoids undue pressure on handles of the cooker. It is safe due to superior pressure regulation, automatic safe valve and a longer lasting gasket.
<strong>Pros and Cons of Hawkins Cooker</strong>
Pros
- The base of cooker stays flat, it does not bulge or separate.
- The bottom of the cooker is extra thick and is a heat-diffusing sandwich bottom.
This Prestige Popular pressure cooker is made of high-quality virgin aluminium which ensures zero contamination. The handles are comfortable enough for easy grip. It has an aluminium base which is thick. This ensures that there are no hot spots and the food does not burn. The slight concave base ensures shape is retained for longer time.
The cooker has a capacity of 3 litres. The cooker is light in weight and long-lasting. It has an outer lid which enables both separator cooking and direct cooking. The handles ensure a good grip and are comfortable.
The cooker has the safety features like precision weight valve, gasket release system and metallic safety plug. The 3 litres capacity is suitable for 3-4 members. However, like in any other cooker you have to very much ensure that vent tube is clean and clear of any blockage.
<strong>Pros and Cons of Prestige Popular</strong>
Pros
- It has a sturdy and durable built.
- It is very economical.
Cons
- Not compatible with the induction cooktop.
This list shall help you select the best pressure cooker for your kitchen. Be it the capacity and the look you will find the best options in this list.
Different Types of Pressure Cooker
What are the Different Types of Pressure Cooker?
The pressure cookers like any other appliances evolved over time. The different types of pressure cooker can be classified as follows:
First Generation Pressure Cooker
These are the oldest pressure cookers which work by the technique of weight-bearing valve. The shaky valve regulates the temperature inside the vessel. These models have a single pressure mode.
The moving top and noise shall be quite risky. No wonder, these old days’ cooker cooked really tasty food.
Second Generation Pressure Cooker
These are a little developed version of the traditional cookers. They are spring-loaded cookers. The spring easily helps to adjust (increase or decrease) the pressure of the cooker. These cookers don’t release steam if they are sealed tightly.
Third Generation Pressure Cooker
These are the latest technology-based pressure cookers in the market. These are the electric cookers and can set the pressure routinely inside the cooker. These come with very advanced technology. The programmed microchips can monitor a number of data inside the cooker while cooking the food.
These modern cookers come with multiple pressure settings and pressure release safety systems. Thus, these cookers are completely safe. The sturdy stainless steel aluminium core construction helps to promote even heating. They are also easy to clean and maintain. These cookers are not at all wobbling and not noisy too.
Pressure Cooker Working
How Does a Pressure Cooker Work?
The pressure cooker releases the air from the vessel and traps the steam produced from the boiling liquids inside. This process raises internal pressures and permits high cooking temperatures.
This, along with high thermal heat transfer from the steam cook food more quickly cooking the food in half and a quarter the time that it takes for conventional boiling. Once the food is well cooked the steam is released from the pressure cooker so that vessel can be safely opened. Almost, any food that can be cooked in steam or water-based liquids can be cooked in a pressure cooker.
Conclusion on Best Small/ Mini/ Large Pressure Cooker in India
Now that you have got the list of best pressure cookers in India with 1.5 / 3/ 5 litres capacity, it shall be quite easy for you to choose one suitable for your family. Hope, we have provided all the necessary details required by you. You can also check other kitchen appliances like air fryers, sandwich makers and so on.
For any suggestions and improvements write to us in the comment section below.
