Pressure Cookers Buying Guide

A pressure cooker cooks food using steam, high temperatures and of course, pressure. Unlike the slow cooker,  the pressure cooker can easily prepare meals while sealing in all the flavour, moisture and nutrients needed to keep food tasting spectacular.  It does so by utilizing a sealed environment with an atmospheric pressure of 15 psi. At this pressure, water boils at a much higher temperature (125° C instead of 100° C), and can be used to rapidly cook foods that may otherwise take hours in an oven  or slow cooker.  

Important Features

• Size
• Pressure cookers vary in size from four litres to seven litres.
• The bigger the capacity, the higher the price.  They start at about £20 and can go as high as £90.
• Electric vs. Stovetop
• Stovetop models  often adhere to higher safety standards and are dishwasher safe.
• Electric models  have convenient timers, but are more expensive than their stovetop brethren.  
• Safety
• Choose a material that is heavy duty, durable and able to apply consistent heat to foods (like stainless steel).
• Good valves with pressure regulators help to avoid dangerous malfunctions.
• Choose a pot with heat-resistant handles and a locking lid that is easy to manoeuvre.
• Pressure
• If your cooker doesn't use 15 psi, you'll have to alter your recipes accordingly.
• New models give you a quick-release option, which eliminates the need for extra water to cool things down.
• Warranty
• This is the best way to guarantee a long lasting, quality product
• Extras
• Timers. 
• Browning functions.
• Non-stick finishes.
• A rack  or trivet. 
• A steamer basket  for vegetables.
• A heatproof soufflé dish  for desserts.
• A heat-diffuser to prevent direct contact between the heat source and the bottom of the cooker.  Especially helpful for preparing rice, pasta or beans, as it prevents sticking and burning.

Major Manufacturers

• Deni 
• Fagor 
• Nesco 
• Prestige 
• Presto 
• Tower 
• T-fal 

Related Guides

Pressure Cooker Cookbooks	Cookware	Slow Cookers	Rice Cookers	Egg Cookers

External Links

• MissVickie.com -- Everything from timing recommendations to recipes and even detailed diagrams.

International Resources

For this resource in your home country, please see:
NL: Snelkookpannen Shopgids