The pressure cooker is a valuable tool in the kitchen, allowing food to be cooked in a shorter time compared to a classic pot. It enables those who lack time for cooking to prepare quick, healthy, and efficient dishes, rather than relying on pre-cooked options.
In reality, these fears are unfounded because the pressure cooker complies with safety regulations. Logically, if an ancient pot has not been used for many years, it is preferable not to risk it and buy another one.
Today, the pressure cooker is slowly regaining its popularity, and thanks to technological advancements, ultra-modern versions have also been created to ensure maximum safety and perfect, healthy cooking. Before making a purchase, consider the volume of the pot, the material it is made of, the models available on the market, the brands, and the price.
Pressure cooker: Volume
A pressure cooker must be purchased based on the volume expressed in liters. On the market, there are various sizes, ranging from a minimum of 3 qt to a maximum of 15 qt; the choice depends on the type of use and the number of family members. Evaluate these factors carefully before choosing the one that best suits your needs, or consider buying two: a small and a large one.
Handle
The handles of the pressure cooker are a factor to consider. There are three types of handles: metal, bakelite, and plastic. The best ones are the metal ones because they resist heat and last over time. If you have a dishwasher, consider a model with removable handles, as they allow for washing without the risk of damage.
In the second place, there are those made of Bakelite, a heat-resistant material that can melt if the pan is not positioned precisely in the middle of the flame; we also find plastic ones, which are the cheapest and least durable.
Material
Pressure cookers have always been made of stainless steel because this material is synonymous with reliability and strength; it is also non-toxic and supports high temperatures. On the market, you can find two types of cookware: one produced entirely from steel and the other with an aluminum base that is a good conductor of heat.
Technology
Compared to the past, the pressure cooker has evolved to make it even more efficient and safe. Let’s start with the safety valve, located on the airtight lid, which controls the escape of steam during cooking and allows for the creation of an intense pressure inside the pot.
There are traditional pans with a simple valve and more modern pans with a two-position valve, the first is suitable for more delicate foods, it has the task of expelling the water vapor to cook with less pressure, the second position is indicated for less delicate foods, it will allow cooking with higher pressure and a reduction in time.
Another component that has undergone technological improvements is the lid. Anyone who has had the opportunity to use a traditional pressure cooker will know how difficult it is to open and close the airtight lid. Today, there are models with easy-opening mechanisms that allow you to work with just one hand.
On the market, there are super-technological pressure cookers equipped with digital displays that allow for the control of temperature, pressure, various cooking programs, and automatic shut-off—naturally, the more advanced the pot, the higher its price.
Various types
Various types of pressure cookers differ in terms of closure type, cooking methods, and accessories. Let’s see them in detail.
1.) The traditional pressure cooker
Semplice a simple model suitable for the elderly and all those who are not familiar with technological equipment; saves time, effort and energy, does not require any attention during cooking, except in the first few minutes and preserves the liquids and nutrients of the food. It features a 1-pressure operating valve with manual control, allowing the lever to be turned to adjust the vertical outlet of the steam.
2.) The induction pressure cooker
In recent years, the use of new heat sources for cooking has been spreading in the kitchen, eliminating the need for flames and hot plates. It is an induction hob that works with electricity. The operation takes place using a coil, which generates a magnetic field that sets the metal molecules of the pot in motion.
The energy produced is transmitted to the pressure cooker, which allows food to be cooked. It is important that you read the information on the packaging to make sure that it is a pressure cooker suitable for the induction plate because not all of them.
3.) The electric pressure cooker
An electric pressure cooker is the result of the union between tradition and innovation. ” Tradition ” because it maintains the same type of pressure cooking, and ” innovation ” because it is electric and digital. It is a model that can be transported and used anywhere there is an electrical outlet, and it does not require gas stoves or induction plates.
This pot features digital functions that allow you to program and adjust the cooking parameters using control keys that regulate time, temperature, and power off. The electric pans feature a self-regulating safety system that maintains temperature and pressure control to prevent unpleasant issues.
