A kitchen is incomplete without a pressure cooker. Better than the conventional cooking pots, modern-day pressure cookers have made people’s life easier.
You might remember that as a child how you ran out of the kitchen whenever the pressure cooker was on the stove. But new-fashioned pressure cookers have kicked that risk out of cooking.
You can easily get a stainless steel pressure cooker that does not create that high-pitched sound while cooking and is backed with features that prevent the build-up of high pressure and keep the lid tightly sealed until all the pressure is released.
The best stainless steel pressure cookers manufacturers in the market offer cookers that are designed to be all-purpose pressure cooking appliances. They are lightweight, hygienic, and convenient to use for preparing everyday meals.
Apart from stainless steel, there are many other materials in which you can buy a pressure cooker. You can choose from Hard Anodized, Aluminium, or Stainless Steel pressure cookers.
If you have decided to buy a pressure cooker for your kitchen, you must sort in what material you want it.
TYPES OF PRESSURE COOKERS
A pressure cooker is one of the most common cookware used in Indian homes. That’s why the market for the same is quite vast, where you can find them in three different types:
- Stainless steel pressure cooker
- Anodized pressure cooker
Each type of cooker is slightly different from the other, making it crucial for users to get one that meets their needs.
If you are finding it difficult to make a wise decision, this article will help you. Here, we will compare the cookers based on:
- Durability: More durable the cookware, the less you will need to re-buy.
- Health effect: Buying a cooker based on how it will affect your health should never be overlooked.
- Heat Conductivity: Better the heat conductivity, the faster the food will cook.
- Non-stick coating: This factor will help you cook food without worrying about it sticking to the bottom.
- Price: The pressure cooker you buy must be worth the price.
Now, let’s talk about each pressure cooker and put the spotlight on its pros and cons.
STAINLESS STEEL PRESSURE COOKER
Made from stainless steel, the pressure cookers have a shiny surface. When it comes to hygiene, going for this cookware can be your best choice. They are a little heavy as compared to their counterparts but also offer many benefits.
Pros:
Durability at its best
The stainless steel material is known for its excellent resistance to corrosion and rust. The cookers made from the said material do not discolor or fade even after going through years of heavy-duty use. They can endure tough and extreme temperatures without any wear & tear.
Stain-less
Being a high-quality material, stainless steel does not get scratched easily. The material resists stains and maintains its shiny finish throughout its working life.
Effortless cleaning
What is easier than cooking in a stainless steel pressure cooker? Cleaning it!
The stainless steel material does not harbor dirt and resists stains that make it super easy to clean.
Promote healthy cooking
The food cooked in the cooker retains its nutrition. You can get the best flavor and quality of food when you pressure cook it.
Cons:
Heavy
Stainless steel pressure cookers are heavier than other options in the market, which makes them take a little extra time to cook food.
Costly
As compared to aluminum ones, the stainless steel pressure cooker is expensive. Although counting its benefits, the cooker is worth the extra price.
ALUMINIUM PRESSURE COOKER
One of the common types of metal used for manufacturing cooking utensils. Here are its pros and cons.
Pros:
Budget-friendly
As compared to other pressure cookers in the market, you can get an aluminum one at a lesser price.
Lightweight
Aluminum is a lightweight metal, and the pressure cookers made from it carry the same property. Lightweight aluminum pressure cookers are ideal for cooking more food, and they are easier to lift.
Fast cooking
Aluminum is a good conductor of heat that allows even the cooking of food. With this pressure cooker, you can cook food quickly, along with retaining its nutritional value.
Cons:
Durability can be an issue
Aluminum wears over time and also loses its shining appearance, making it a less durable material.
Overheat may occur
Being a good conductor of heat, the aluminum pressure cooker may overheat, leading to the burning of food being cooked.
Stains quickly
The food sticks to the surface, leading to stains that are difficult to clean.
ANODIZED PRESSURE COOKER
These are the latest models of the pressure cooker which you can easily find in the market. They have become popular owing to their advanced features and excellent look.
You must have also noticed the colorful pressure cookers in the market. If you can’t resist buying them, here are some of their pros and cons that you must have in mind.
Pros:
Price
Hard anodized pressure cookers are cost-effective as compared to stainless steel ones. They make cooking faster and easier, along with maintaining the nutritional value of the food.
The added benefit of non-stick coating
The anodized pressure cookers have one distinct advantage over their counterparts, and this is the non-stick coating. The coating prevents the food from sticking to the surface.
Better heat conductivity
The pressure cooker conducts heat more effectively, resulting in even cooking of food.
No special maintenance required
They are easy to clean and maintain. This makes them serve your cooking needs better and for a longer time.
Doesn’t scratch easily
The cookers offer great resistance to scratches, thus retaining its beautiful look throughout its lifespan.
Cons:
Durability
Anodized pressure cookers don’t last as long as stainless steel ones, even with the anodized protective coating.
Stain Faster
The cookers stain faster and release unhealthy fumes, which are not good for health.
Cleaning is hard
You can’t put these cookers in the dishwasher as it will discolor or damage the protective coating. This means you have to hand wash, which is hard work.
WHICH PRESSURE COOKER SHOULD YOU BUY?
Different situations call for different types of pressure cookers. Let’s compare two of them separately to have a bigger picture.
Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel
Between these two options, this is how you can make a decision:
- Get a stainless steel pressure cooker if you want to make it last longer. But at the same time, be ready to pay the extra price.
- If you want an aluminum pressure cooker, remember that it is not as durable as stainless steel. You have to discard it once it gets damaged, stained, or eroded.
Stainless-Steel vs. Anodized pressure cooker
- Go for a stainless steel one if you want to do an effortless cleaning and are ready to pay the extra price for durability.
- Anodized ones are better if you want to take advantage of the non-stick coating.
Anodized vs. Aluminium Pressure cooker
- Aluminum pressure cookers are lightweight and are easier to lift.
- Anodized ones possess better heat conductivity and cook food more evenly and faster.
CONCLUSION
A Pressure cooker is one of the most useful utensils that every kitchen must-have. It helps you cook a variety of dishes in the least amount of time.
By knowing all the aspects mentioned above about each type of pressure cooker, you can make an informed decision and buy the best pressure cooker.
