Pressure Cooker: Which to Buy

The pressure cooker is the most useful and versatile of all the kitchen utensils because it allows you to prepare foods faster than otherwise require long cooking. This article will see what is the best pressure cooker on the market. We went in search of the best models with updated prices and offers.

The pressure cooker works on the relationship between temperature and pressure. The pot is closed with a suitable lid hermetically; inside it, the temperature exceeds 100°C, and consequently, the steam generated increases the internal pressure.

You cannot achieve all this by using simple classic pans. However, the dishes’ preparation times decrease considerably and preserve the foods’ protein content because there is less oxidation.

How does the pressure cooker work?

Not much water is put into the pot because of the food inside cooks in the steam and the air. There are different types of pressure cookers, and the types of lids vary from model to model. 

They can also vary in the number of liters or a classic pressure cooker or a super modern one with programs and displays. So be careful. You have to follow the instructions that accompany the different models because the lids are different.

In general, the flame must be kept high until the pan reaches the right pressure; for the remainder of the time, the flame is lowered.

Here’s what you can do with the pressure cooker:

• Steamed food can be cooked using a basket.
• To boil
• Can cook food on foil
• But also roast/braise by adding a certain amount of liquid like broth, wine, etc.

Obviously, before opening the pot, because you want to check the cooking status, or because it is finished, it is necessary to wait for the pressure inside the pot to return to normal; o wait for the necessary time by letting the pan rest or opening the fan as indicated in the instructions and taking all precautions.

Under no circumstances should you use methods other than those indicated in the instruction manual for the pot purchased. Furthermore, great care must be taken when cleaning and maintaining the gaskets and the valve. In this case, you must follow the instructions.

STEAM COOKING

Basically, steam cooking consists of a type of food preparation in which the latter practically does not come into contact with water. The thing that many people aim at using this cooking technique is the elimination of those fatty substances that are used in classic cooking, such as oil.

In general, this cooking occurs by placing the food on a permeable surface, such as the classic metal baskets or bamboo shelves, i.e., surfaces with openings; under these, at the bottom of the pot, a layer of water is inserted. Basically, thanks to the cover in the pot, a circulation of steam and air develop that cooks the food.

Why is it convenient? Cooking times

The pressure cooker has several advantages, and what is certainly important is that the cooking times are short. What does this mean? Simple, first, let’s talk about cost savings. If the food cooks first, less gas or electricity is consumed (depending on the cooking method). And saving is never nonsense with the times they run.

But not only that, but the saving is also in the cooking times because if the dishes are ready in less time, it means that you will have more time to do more. For example, how often do you come home from work and do not have time to prepare lunch as you would like?

It is then solved cooking the night before when you come home, and you are tired, and it is certainly better to rest and not get in the kitchen. Or you end up eating ready-made or similar foods. So instead, the times are optimized with the pressure cooker, and you can cook what you want.

Pressure or steamer pot?

The pressure cooker and the steamer can achieve the same objective but have different functions. In fact, the steamer is made up of a component on the bottom where the water is positioned, and then becoming steam goes to cook the foods placed on a perforated upper basket, all obviously closed with a lid.

There are different types on the market, electric or gas. But first of all, the steamer is not as versatile as the pressure cooker, which can: be used as a steamer, thanks to the special baskets; but also from a simple pot that cooks (in much shorter times than the classic pots) such as broths or soups that cannot be cooked in the steamer since the bottom, as we have said before, is perforated.

So not only is the pressure cooker also a normal pot, and it is considerably faster than any pot thanks to its hermetic seal, but the materials it is made of are even more resistant. Yes, because commercial steamers indeed have lower prices than pressure cookers, but it is also true that they are generally made of plastic.

This particular makes them more delicate, less resistant, and less durable than pressure cookers. While the latter is made of stainless steel and other resistant alloys, this is because they must guarantee the solidity of the pan and the hermetic lid during the attainment of high temperatures. In addition, the materials must be of the highest quality, just like these pressure cookers that we will find below in detail.

The Best Pressure Cooker

WMF Perfect Plus Pressure cookers

The German company WMF is an expert in producing high-quality kitchen products that are marketed all over the world. Here we will talk about a model of pressure cooker that we have tested: WMF Perfect Plus. First, let’s see all its features:

Design, materials, and accessories supplied

We will also talk about the 4.5 liters WMF Perfect Plus, but different sizes are available on the market. The preference for size is subjective. This pot’s design is innovative; the difference with the other pressure cookers that immediately catches the eye is precisely that of the handle.

Unlike the classic handle on the lid, here we find a handle and then only one ergonomic handle, the latter being the one that makes the whole pot ” manage, “but we talk about it, specifically later. The material of which this pot is made is Cromargan® 18/10 steel, so it is very resistant. It has a safety indicator for the discharge of residual steam. Its universal Transtherm® bottom is good for any stove, even for induction cookers.

Main features and functionality

We need to spend a few more words on the WMF Perfect Plus pressure cooker; this is removable, making it very convenient because you can also wash it comfortably. The handle, with its ergonomic shape, allows practically closing the lid. The cap engages and then closes the closure. Above the handle, we find the indicator, and with this, we can measure the residual pressure.

The pan is made of 18/10 stainless steel is very strong so that it can also be washed in the dishwasher (except for the handle). This pressure cooker’s materials are resistant to food acids but do not retain flavors.

Its Transtherm® base can evenly expand heat, even when placed on small heat sources. Also, there is a pressure valve on the lid; if too much pressure is accumulated, it warns with a hiss that it is necessary to lower the heat.

The WMF Perfect Plus’s capacity is 4.5, while the diameter is 22 cm, but there are other sites on the market, in liters: 2.5; 3; 4.5; 6.5; 8.5. This opportunity to choose between different sizes is excellent because, in this way, there is more choice for all families that are made up of a different number of members, allowing you to choose the product that best suits your needs.

This pressure cooker has affordable prices in all its variants, a little higher than other brands but lower than the average of WMF products. However, we are talking about quality pressure cookers, and the medium-high price is justified.

Top best pressure cookers to buy

Below is the selection of pressure cookers recommended for value for money to buy with their respective technical features and prices.

Product prices and availability are subject to change. Any price and availablility information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of any products.