What is a pressure cooker and which pressure cooker is better to buy? The best pressure cooker for the kitchen: choosing the right one Which pressure cooker with the highest working pressure

FROM a cow cooker is a convenient and functional kitchen tool that can greatly reduce the cooking time of many products. The principle of their operation is quite simple. As you know, under normal conditions, the maximum temperature to which water can be heated is about 100 degrees Celsius. After that, the water boils and the temperature of the water no longer rises. Due to their tightness, pressure cookers increase the pressure inside the pan and the temperature, in accordance with the laws of physics, increases by several tens of degrees. The increased temperature in a pressure cooker makes it possible to spend much less time cooking than in a conventional saucepan. The increased pressure and high temperature of the pressure cooker steam makes it potentially dangerous to use, so the choice of such a pot must be considered carefully. You should be even more careful when using pressure cookers.

Most often, with the help of pressure cookers, meat dishes are prepared - jelly, aspic, homemade stew. High cooking temperatures not only shorten cooking time and save energy, but also help soften hard tissues and even bones. You can also cook many other dishes in pressure cookers - cereals, soups, pilaf, etc. There is a theory that due to a tightly closed lid and a short cooking time, more vitamin remains in the food, but this is hardly the case. Vitamins, as you know, do not like heat and the best way to preserve them is to eat vegetables and fruits that have undergone minimal heat treatment.

The quality of pressure cookers is determined by two main factors - the materials used and the design feature, the design is also important, because it is much more pleasant to cook in a beautiful pan.

Old Soviet mechanical pressure cookers (which many people probably still remember, and some even use) were made of aluminum. Today, manufacturers of pressure cookers also do not refuse this metal. Aluminum has sufficient strength to ensure the safety of the product, but its main advantage is low cost. Aluminum pressure cookers still have disadvantages - they quickly lose their appearance, a gray coating forms on the inner walls, when cooking foods with a high acid content, aluminum can be released into food, which is not at all useful and can change the taste of cooked dishes. Otherwise, aluminum pressure cookers are not much inferior to similar stainless steel products and are several times cheaper.

Commercially available aluminum pressure cookers are mainly made in China. In Russia, in Chelyabinsk, they are produced by the "Ural Household Products Plant" (pressure cooker "Miracle" types Chudo-40, Miracle-55, Miracle-60, Miracle-60D, Miracle-70, Miracle-80D).

The most common pressure cooker material today is stainless steel. As a rule, manufacturers mainly use traditional steel 18/10 (AISI grade 304 with a chromium content of at least 18% and nickel - 8%), although cheaper steel grades can be used to save money. Almost all manufacturers indicate 18/10, but, as practice shows, not everyone can be trusted. An important element of stainless steel pressure cookers is the presence of a bottom with a heat-distributing layer. As you know, corrosion-resistant steel does not conduct heat well and in a pressure cooker without HRS of the required thickness, food can burn. In addition, the preparation of some dishes requires preliminary frying of products, and this is very convenient to do right in the pressure cooker. And in this case, the presence of a quality bottom is very important.

When buying a pressure cooker, you should also pay attention to the material from which the sealing rings are made. They are rubber and silicone. The latter are more practical, durable and do not have any foreign smell.

The safety of its use largely depends on the design of the pressure cooker. As a rule, all modern pressure cookers are sufficiently protected from overheating, excess pressure and are not explosive. But often a pressure cooker with an ill-conceived design can cause inconveniences like minor burns. An important structural part of the pressure cooker is the steam release valve (it is used during cooking and before opening the pressure cooker). Its poor design is a source of potential risk, so when choosing a pressure cooker, you should pay attention to how the valve works and where the jet of hot steam will go (it is better if it is directed to the sides, not up - there will be less risk of burns).

An important detail is the mechanism for closing and opening the pressure cooker. Ideally, it should be simple and convenient. The most modern models allow you to do this in one or two movements. Many well-known pressure cooker companies have their own patented pressure cooker lock-unlock systems for maximum safety and ease of use.

It is good when pressure cookers have additional protection that will not allow them to be opened while the pressure remains high. Also facilitates the use of a pressure cooker, the presence of a mechanism with which you can set the cooking temperature or set the cooking mode.

General advice when choosing pressure cookers - it is better to buy pots with a margin in volume. The peculiarity of cooking in pressure cookers suggests that they cannot be completely filled with water - there must be a necessary gap for the formation of steam.

It is quite convenient when various additional accessories are attached to the pressure cooker for cooking individual dishes (for example, nets for cooking rice, baskets for steaming food, etc.). It is also welcome that the pressure cooker has an internal scale that allows you to measure the amount of liquid.

On the shelves of stores and on the Internet, you can find pressure cookers in a wide range of prices - from 1,000 to more than 10,000 rubles. Factors affecting their cost are as follows: material (aluminum is cheaper than stainless steel), volume, design complexity, brand awareness, design. The most expensive are the products of such European brands as Silit and Cristel, combining the latest engineering technologies and unique design. In the middle segment, one of the best offers in terms of price and quality are Tefal pressure cookers.

Before using a pressure cooker (and even better before buying it), it is very important to carefully read the instructions and follow them strictly in the future - this will allow you to cook really tasty dishes without the risk of burns.

Kirill Sysoev

Calloused hands do not know boredom!

Content

Anyone who has used a pressure cooker at least once appreciated its advantages over an ordinary pan. It speeds up the cooking process by 30%: potatoes are cooked for eight minutes instead of thirty, peas are ready a quarter of an hour after boiling. In the Russian market, a Russian-made stainless steel pressure cooker is represented by many manufacturers, which is why housewives often get lost and ask the question: how to choose the right inexpensive stainless steel utensils.

What is a pressure cooker

This is the name of a type of pot, the lid of which is hermetically sealed during cooking. This creates a tightness in the container and so high pressure during cooking that the boiling point of water becomes much higher than in an ordinary saucepan or slow cooker - 120 ° C, allowing you to reduce the duration of cooking. When cooking, air is unable to penetrate inside the pan from the outside, due to which the color of boiled vegetables is brighter, and they themselves are much tastier.

The lid is equipped with a locking device, so that it does not open during cooking. A working valve is also provided here, which is responsible for the release of steam after the internal pressure rises to a certain value. For added safety, the pan has at least one emergency valve that opens to release steam if the main one becomes clogged or is defective.

Kinds

It is customary to distinguish two categories of pressure cookers. The first includes mechanical models designed for installation on a gas or electric stove. They come in two options:

obsolete products, the pressure valves of which are installed on the exhaust pipe of the cover;
new generation models with closed system and spring valve.

Mechanical products are made of stainless steel or aluminum. How much a pressure cooker costs depends on its quality. An aluminum pan is cheaper: stainless steel products are more durable, less deformed, and food is cooked faster in them. The main disadvantage of aluminum cookware is that metal reacts with food under the influence of high temperature, which is dangerous for health. In addition, aluminum products leave stains on glass ceramics, and owners of induction cookers will not be able to cook food in it.

The second category of pressure cookers is electric. They work autonomously, from the electrical network. They are steel, aluminum or enameled (the latter option is rare). Using the product is simple: you need to select a program, press the desired button - and the device will turn itself off after work is completed. The product has various additional functions. For example, it is possible to delay the preparation of a dish, the ability to set the time.

How to use

Before use, the device must be cleaned of food debris. Pay special attention to the junction of the pot and the lid, where the rubber gasket is located: if there are third-party objects between them, the tightness will be broken and after boiling, the water will begin to escape through the empty space, splashing with boiling water. If this happens, immediately turn off the pan, making sure not to burn yourself.

Water must be present during cooking. The minimum amount of liquid is two glasses. Its level should not exceed 2/3 of the height of a stainless steel pressure cooker, since space is needed for the steam to function inside. To make it easier for users, manufacturers often put a special mark on the walls of the pan.

If meat or vegetables need to be pan-fried first, this must be done before being placed in the pressure cooker: during cooking, it will not be possible to open the lid and add. When the products are in the container, fill them with water, close the lid, as indicated in the instructions.

The brewing process begins when the water boils and a whistling sound is heard. After that, you need to reduce the fire and note the time. The whistling will remain, but it will become quieter. The steam must exit the pot through the valve. If this does not happen, the situation is dangerous, you must urgently turn off the stove: the pressure cooker may explode, causing serious burns. When the steam comes out, in no case should you put your hands or face under it: you can scald.

Cooking products can not be longer than indicated in the instructions. Otherwise, they will boil and turn into mashed potatoes. When the time is up, turn off the fire. As long as the pressure inside the Russian-made pot is high, the locking system will not allow the lid to be removed. If the pressure is not reduced to the end, although the lid will open, the liquid released from there will splash in all directions.

You can reduce the pressure in the following ways:

Natural reset is the longest way, it takes from 10 to 20 minutes. The bottom line is that after removing from the heat, wait until the food cools down a bit, the pressure decreases, after which the product opens easily.
Quick Release - Most pressure cookers are designed with pressure relief mechanisms on the lid. For example, it may be a special button, after lowering which it begins to decline and the lid opens, which can be determined by the cessation of the whistle. Care must be taken here, as quickly escaping steam can cause burns.
Application of cold water. The fastest and safest way for a mechanical product. Put the pan in the sink, substituting the lid under a cold stream and making sure that water does not get on the pressure control valve. After a few minutes, the lid will open without problems.

The best Russian-made stainless steel pressure cookers

You should be careful when buying a Russian-made pressure cooker: not all products that are said to have been produced in Russia are really like that. When choosing a product, you should ask the manufacturers and carefully read the instructions, which indicate all the output characteristics, including whether the product meets quality standards, whether it is made of stainless steel.

Pressure cooker Varya

The budget option are models known under the brand name Varya. Although the product is advertised as Russian, it is produced in China specifically for Russia, the Great Rivers company is responsible for the supplies. The product received good reviews, but has recently disappeared from the catalogs of Russian online stores.

Varya pressure cookers are made of aluminum, thanks to which the water heats up quickly, and the product itself is cheaper than stainless steel pots. Among the minuses - salty and sour food can corrode the protective film on the walls. They produce pots with a capacity of 4 to 10 liters, which can be determined by the name of the model: Varya-4 is designed for four liters of water, Varya-10 - for ten. Regardless of the volume, working pressure: 80 kPa, critical level - 480 kPa.

All models are characterized by the presence of a lid lock, an additional sealing ring, safety and auxiliary valves, comfortable heat-resistant handles. Each product is equipped with a steam basket for steam cooking. The most popular option is a five-liter pot:

Model name: Varya-5.
Price: 1000-1400 rubles.
Characteristics: weight - 2.4 kg.
Pros: compact, designed for a family of three to four people.
Cons: Not suitable for preparing for the holidays or a large family. The capacity may not be enough to prepare the required number of servings.

miraculous

The Chudesnitsa pressure cooker is also made in China. In Russian online stores, you can find a mention that the Ural Plant of Household Products is responsible for its production. This is not true: UZBI, although it produces pressure cookers, but under a different name - Miracle. The similarity of these names gave rise to the myth that the pressure cooker is manufactured at a Russian enterprise.

Although the Chinese-made Miracle has collected good reviews about itself: it is convenient, practical, and easy to clean. All models are made of thick aluminum with an oxidized coating that provides protection against rust, increases the strength of the pan, easy cleaning of food residues. They are not suitable for induction cookers, microwaves. There is no non-stick coating inside the cookware, there is no internal volume scale. Pressure cookers are designed for a capacity of 5 to 9 liters. The working pressure inside the dish does not depend on its capacity and is 80 kPa, the critical pressure is 480 kPa.

Especially popular is a product designed for 5 liters:

Model name: Miraculous (Helper) 5.
Price: 1700 r.
Characteristics: weight - 2.2 kg, diameter - 22 s, height: 14 cm, wall thickness - 3 mm.
Pros: compact, double locking mechanism.
Cons: capacity may not be enough if you need to cook a large number of servings.

For a family of 5-6 people, a more capacious pressure cooker is suitable. This is a model designed for 9 liters:

Model Name: Miraculous (Helper) 9.
Price: 2300 r.
Characteristics: weight -3.165 kg, diameter - 24 s, height: 30 cm, wall thickness - 3 mm.
Pros: double locking mechanism, designed for a large family.
Cons: large dimensions.

There is no data on the network about who produces the Oka SV-5050 pressure cooker. Some online stores indicate China, others - that it is Russian-made. No one indicates the name of the manufacturer, only the representative - the Votkinsk Trading House, which is sometimes passed off as the manufacturer. Oka SV-5050 is made of stainless steel, designed for 5 liters:

Model name: Oka SV-5050.
Price: 2000 r.
Characteristics: material - stainless steel, weight - 2.5 kg, working valve is activated at a pressure of 60 kPa, safety valve - from 84 kPa, plastic handles.
Pros: easy to use, compact, designed for a family of 3-4 people.
Cons: The handles are attached to the sides of the pan with aluminum rivets. Due to the incompatibility of these metals, rivets under the action of high steam can undergo intense corrosion. The pressure bar handle can crumble after a few years under the influence of high temperatures.

Comfort

In Russian online stores, Comfort pressure cookers are represented by models CA-26cm-9l and CA-28cm-11l. The first is designed for nine liters, the other - for eleven. The first pan corresponds to the following characteristics:

Model name: Comfort SA-26cm-9l.
Price: without an additional cover 3 thousand rubles, with it - 3300 rubles.
Characteristics: material - aluminum, diameter - 26 cm, working pressure 60 kPa, maximum pressure - 180 kPa.
Pros: Designed for a large family.
Cons: oxidation is possible during cooking.

good girl

Pressure cookers sold under the Umnitsa trademark are designed for 9 and 11 liters. Pots are made from both aluminum and stainless steel. For a nine-liter stainless steel product, the following indicators are characteristic:

Model name: SA-26cm-9l-K-N.
Price: 2430-3300 r.
Characteristics: material - stainless steel, diameter - 26 cm, working pressure 65 kPa, maximum pressure 150 kPa, additional glass lid, thanks to which you can use the product as an ordinary pan.
Pros: Good for a large family.
Cons: large size.

Miracle

A truly Russian-made pressure cooker is the Chudo device. It is manufactured by the Ural Plant of Household Products (Chelyabinsk). At the moment, the company produces eight models, and only two of them are made of stainless steel - Chudo-50 N and Chudo 70N. The rest of the products of the Russian factory are made of aluminum. The difference between aluminum utensils and made of stainless steel is 1000 rubles.

The following parameters are typical for a five-liter Russian-made pressure cooker:

Model name: Miracle 50.
Price: 2900 (manufacturer's price, the price in online stores is higher).
Characteristics: material - stainless steel, weight - 2.8 kg, depth - 22 cm, diameter - 21.5 cm, two additional valves (safety and emergency), cool handles.
Pros: dishwasher safe, double lid locking system.
Cons: cannot be used on induction cookers, it is possible that after buying the handles you will have to screw them on yourself.

How to choose a Russian-made stainless steel pressure cooker

Obviously, not every Russian-made stainless steel pressure cooker (according to the seller) is actually made in Russia. This also applies to popular, widely advertised brands. For this reason, before buying a Russian-made stainless steel pressure cooker, you should definitely read the instruction manual, paying attention to:

The manufacturer of the goods (check personally, not trusting the words of the consultant).
Housing material (stainless steel, aluminium).
Examine the quality certificate, the level of safety.
How detailed is the instruction about the rules of use. Each model has its own unique characteristics (lid closing method, cooking speed) that you need to know.
What is included in the package (carrying bag, steam basket).
Capacity - it is necessary to determine in advance what size pan is needed.
Rubber quality between cover and stainless steel body. A poor-quality gasket quickly collapses and leads to depressurization.
If you decide to order a stainless steel product at a discount on sale, you need to ask the consultant about the reason for the low cost: marriage is possible.

A Russian-made stainless steel pressure cooker should be bought if the store provides a guarantee for at least a year during the sale, changes the product if there is a factory defect. For example, the seal between the lid and the stainless steel body may be compromised, causing vapor and liquid to escape to the outside. This problem is not always possible to detect when buying. It is very important that in such situations the buyer clearly knows where to go for repairs.

- This is a very convenient, multifunctional kitchen appliance. It is an ordinary pan with a hermetically sealed lid. If you have already decided to purchase this miracle of human thought, you should understand:

How to choose a pressure cooker?

The convenience of a pressure cooker is that the food in it is cooked faster due to the fact that access to cold air is closed. Thus, the water boils faster and the temperature is several degrees higher due to the pressure that is created in it.

Pressure cookers are produced mainly from food-grade aluminum and stainless steel. The best steel grade for 18/10 stainless steel pots (18% chromium and 10% nickel). Most manufacturers install this particular brand, but you should not trust everyone. The main criterion for a stainless steel pressure cooker is heat distribution layer at the bottom of the pot. Stainless steel does not conduct heat well, and food in a pressure cooker with a thin layer will burn. And if you fry in this dish, then such a bottom is simply necessary.

Pay special attention pan gasket, they are rubber and silicone, the latter are more reliable and durable.

When choosing a pressure cooker, pay attention to the valve. The jet of hot air should go out to the sides, not up. Then you will avoid burns.

Another important detail is that the opening mechanism should be convenient and safe. Many large companies have their own patented quick opening and closing mechanisms. This can be done in a couple of moves. It is advisable to choose pressure cooker with protection so that it cannot be opened under pressure.

Many modern pressure cookers have cooking and brewing modes- also a handy tool that makes it easier to work with these kitchen utensils.

When choosing a pan, you must also consider stock pot volume, since, unlike ordinary pans, it cannot be poured to the brim. It is necessary to put a place for steam, this will increase the safety of work.

Availability of accessories(various nets, baskets and grills) creates additional convenience for cooking.

Convenient pots with scale for measuring filling with liquid.

Here are the main criteria for choosing a pressure cooker.

Considering them, you will choose a pressure cooker that will delight you with its work. Good company "Tefal", costing from 1,000 to 10,000 rubles. From domestic pressure cookers enjoys good popularity.

Before buying, be sure to read the instructions and strictly follow it, find out. Do not particularly trust the persuasion of managers, carefully study the technical characteristics of this miracle pan. And don't forget to tell your friends how to choose a pressure cooker!

At all stages of human existence, he invariably faced the question of cooking. With the development of society, people began to have a desire to somehow speed up this process. But there are laws of physics over which we have no control. And for a long time, housewives had no choice but to wait for the water to boil, and then stand by the stove to cook food for their family.

The emergence of pressure cookers

The situation changed only in the 17th century. Then, in 1679, the first pressure cooker was invented by the French physicist Denis Papin. The idea of accelerating the cooking process came to the scientist after he watched the work of boilers for a long time. The physicist invented a device in which increased pressure was created, increasing the boiling point of water. It was a container with a hermetically sealed lid. In it, due to the increased pressure, the cooking process was significantly accelerated.

The first pressure cooker was called the Papin Cooker. However, housewives and cooks for a long time did not dare to use this device in everyday life. Everything was explained by the fact that the first pressure cookers, which were a pan made of a thick sheet of metal with a tightly screwed lid, were not entirely safe. "Papin's brewer" was supposed to be hermetically sealed. Otherwise, high pressure tore off its cover, which at high speed could fly away in any direction. People who were near the stove were injured. Another disadvantage of the first pressure cookers was that it was not necessary to open them immediately. After the end of the cooking process, some time should have passed.

Start of mass production

Only with the advent of the 20th century pressure cookers began to actively go on sale. For example, in 1912 these devices appeared in the catalog of one of the English trading houses. At this time, "Papin's Cooker" received a different name - "Vacuum Samovar". It was described in the catalog as a technical innovation that guaranteed cooking within two hours.

Since the beginning of the last century, the pressure cooker has earned wide popularity among the peoples of Europe. Many German restaurants gladly purchased this innovation for their kitchens. The people of America also liked the pressure cooker. In the USA, they even set up its mass production and released the "chef's miracle" for free sale.

Improvement of pressure cookers

The popularity of appliances for quick cooking has increased every year. Engineering thought did not stand in one place either. As a result, convenient and safe pressure cookers are now on the consumer market. These devices have several degrees of protection and allow you to independently adjust the pressure force. In addition, the best materials are used for the manufacture of these kitchen helpers. There is even a pressure cooker whose bottom is an alloy of stainless steel and aluminum.

The convenience of modern devices is given by a variety of electronic controls. Among the numerous range of appliances, is there the best pressure cooker that you should choose? Let's consider this question in more detail.

Appliances for quick cooking on the stove

Modern manufacturers offer two types of pressure cookers. Some of them are installed on an electric or gas stove, while others are autonomous, having electric heating.

The material for the manufacture of the first type of pressure cookers is only metal. In the simplest models, they are aluminum. What is the difference between pressure cookers and regular pots? The fact that they have thick walls and a bottom. These devices are also provided with a tight-fitting lid, in which two valves are installed (working and emergency).

Valves are needed in order to release from the device. This protects the pressure cooker from rupture. There is a gasket between the pan and the lid of the device. It is necessary for sealing. For models made of aluminum, the gasket is usually made of rubber. Such pressure cookers are cheap, but have some disadvantages:

The entry of aluminum into the reaction with products. This is dangerous to health, and traces constantly remain on the walls of the device.
Durability of rubber seals. Because of this, the pressure cooker loses its tightness after a certain period of time.
Use only for electric and gas stoves.

What material should the pressure cooker be made of? Which is better? User reviews indicate that the most perfect option is a steel device. Its bottom is multi-layered, which allows the device to have good thermoregulation. It also attracts the attention of consumers that there are various functions of the pressure cooker to control the cooking process. Among them is the blocking of the lid, which prevents the depressurization of the device at high pressure. This feature greatly improves the security of the device.

A steel pressure cooker (see photo below) has a two-position valve. This part allows you to adjust the pressure inside the container, which is important when preparing a variety of dishes. Of course, for safety, this subspecies of devices is also equipped with an emergency valve.

The steel kitchen helper has heat-resistant handles and is made in a modern design. Gaskets for covers of such models also receive positive feedback from consumers. They are made of silicone and are very durable.

Some of the models made of steel have a bowl that allows you to steam food. The resulting meals are very beneficial for health. Some models have a glass lid, which customers also like.

Aluminum or steel pressure cooker - which is better? User reviews indicate the greater popularity of the second model. After all, such devices are used not only on gas and electric, but also on induction, and in addition, devices made of steel are very high quality and functional. In addition, such a pressure cooker is quite affordable. The price for it is relatively low - from a thousand rubles.

Electric pressure cookers

Quite an acceptable option for a kitchen assistant for quick cooking are stand-alone appliances with electric heating. How is this pressure cooker different from its "brothers"? The price is higher, but, according to user reviews, such devices will be an excellent choice. And this can be explained by the high functionality of the device. Models of such devices have electronic control. It allows the hostess to escape from kitchen worries. It is enough just to set the desired cooking program. At the end of the process, the device will turn itself off.

Production material

Pots of electric pressure cookers are not only made of aluminum and steel. Some models have an enamel finish. There are also stand-alone appliances with non-stick coating. According to the material, which pressure cooker is better? User reviews recommend opting for a model with a non-stick coating. In such a pan, food will not stick to the walls and bottom, and this will greatly simplify cleaning the container.

The stainless steel pressure cooker, which has a hard anodized finish, is also very popular with consumers. The advantage of such a device is its thick heat-distributing bottom. This part allows you to cook food without fat and oil.

Pot volume

It is worth paying attention to another important parameter of the device. It is the volume of the pan. It happens from 0.5 to 40 liters. If a pressure cooker is selected according to this criterion, which one is better? User reviews are advised to stay on the golden mean. For example, for a family of 4 people, a 5-6 liter pressure cooker would be the best option (the same parameters apply to stove-top appliances). In addition, it should be borne in mind that the purchased device must have some volume reserve. After all, it is impossible to completely fill the pan with water when cooking. It is important to leave a place where steam will form.

Typically, the unfilled volume is 2/3 of the capacity. There are some peculiarities in the preparation of swelling products, for example, rice. In this case, it is forbidden to fill the pan with water above the middle. All these factors are recommended to be taken into account when choosing a pressure cooker.

Power

When choosing a device, this parameter should be given special attention. After all, the rate of boiling water and the formation of steam depends on the power of the electric apparatus. Of course, in all models of pressure cookers, manufacturers measure this parameter with the dimensions of the device. But, as a rule, the most popular devices for fast cooking have a power of 1 to 1.5 kW. With lower values of this parameter, the appliance will be more economical, but cooking in it will take a longer period of time.

There are people who live at a fast pace. They are advised to pay attention to a higher power pressure cooker. What if you spend most of your time at home? Then it will be enough to purchase a device with a small power. He will cook food delicately.

Functionality

The comfort and convenience of the device during its operation should also play an important role when choosing a home assistant. Modern models have a large set of functions, such as a pasta cooker, rice cooker, cooker, etc. It is desirable that there be as many such opportunities as possible. And therefore, user reviews recommend paying attention to a universal pressure cooker. She will correctly prepare not only the above dishes, but also potatoes, meat, soups and so on.

Mothers of young children have a need for frequent cooking of cereals. They are advised to opt for a pressure cooker with a delayed start function. And in order for the porridge not to run away, it is advisable to choose a device of low power.

A pressure cooker, then its choice must be approached with special attention, because we are talking about the quality of food. In this article, we will talk about how to choose a pressure cooker and not regret your choice.

Before choosing a pressure cooker, you need to understand what it is and what it is intended for.

A pressure cooker is a pot-shaped kitchen appliance. Products are prepared in a container that is hermetically sealed. The cooking temperature of food is higher than the boiling point, and the released steam, having no outlet, creates excess pressure, which significantly reduces the cooking time.

In addition, the pressure cooker has several other advantages, namely, the avoidance of excess steam, the possibility of cooking without using fat, the absence of grease stains and splashes, and the absence of burnt food residues on the stove.
There are mechanical and pressure cookers. Both of them have a number of minuses and pluses, which you need to talk about in more detail in order to carefully understand this kitchen technique and choose the best option for you.

Mechanical pressure cooker

The material for its manufacture can be aluminum, steel, or a combination of both of these metals.

The main advantages of a mechanical aluminum pressure cooker are: affordable price, simple configuration, visually representing a simple pan with a hermetically sealed lid. Distinctive features of such a pressure cooker are thick side walls, a multi-layered bottom, it closes with a screw lid, which is equipped with a pair of pressure relief valves - main and emergency.

When choosing any pressure cooker model, it is necessary to pay special attention to the quality of the rubber (silicone) gasket, which must be free of defects and deformations, and must fit snugly.

The only disadvantage of a mechanical aluminum pressure cooker is that it does not work well with a glass-ceramic or induction hob, and also leaves stains on the glossy surface that cannot be washed off.

A mechanical pressure cooker made of steel or composite metals is more practical to operate, equipped with minimal control systems, namely an automated lid locking and unlocking system, as well as a pressure selection valve that can have two or more operating modes. The disadvantage of such a pressure cooker is its cost, which exceeds the cost of an aluminum pressure cooker by almost 2.5 times.

The high price is justified by the quality and ease of use of a steel mechanical pressure cooker or a pressure cooker made of combined metals, because such a pressure cooker will not open at will, it fixes the lid well until the pressure in the container becomes safe for opening. In addition, it is possible to adjust such a pressure cooker to the pressure necessary for preparing a particular dish.

Well, the most important advantage of almost all models of mechanical pressure cookers is the presence of a self-cleaning emergency valve in them, which will not allow scale to accumulate in the device.
Pressure cookers made of steel or composite materials work with all types of kitchen hobs.

Electric pressure cookers

Currently, there is a huge variety of models of electric pressure cookers. So, for example, there are pressure cookers designed for cooking one type ("cooker", "rice cooker", "pasta cooker", etc.). More convenient to use and store are multifunctional multicookers.

How to choose a pressure cooker from such an abundance of models? Of course, the best option for a pressure cooker is one that is capable of. Its only disadvantage is the high price.

All electric pressure cookers are fully automated, have timers and intelligent control systems, perform exactly any task assigned to it, and cook the dish just in time.