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Kitchen Cookware :
Pressure Cookers
Buying a pressure cooker can be a daunting task, as there are so many different types available for sale. If you are in the market for a pressure cooker, we hope the following article will be helpful to your finding just what you need.
Should I buy an aluminum or a stainless steel pressure cooker?
Well, the aluminum pressure cooker is less expensive than the stainless steel and lighter, so easier to handle. Aluminum is also a great conductor of heat, providing excellent cooking performance.
Stainless steel pressure cookers are more expensive and heavier than their aluminum counterparts. They will however last a very long time, as the stainless steel will not break down. By itself, stainless steel is a poor conductor of heat, so an aluminum disc is encapsulated - welded between the layers of stainless steel - on the base of the pressure cooker, therefore making it a great conductor of heat. Stainless steel is also has an attractive long lasting finish.
Cost is usually the main reason for purchasing an aluminum pressure cooker and the long lasting attractive finish is the main reasons for choosing the stainless steel pressure cooker.
What size pressure cooker do I need?
Most pressure cooker sizes are sold by their total liquid capacity, even though their actual usable capacity is actually one half to two thirds of their liquid capacity depending upon the food being cooked.
4 QUART:
The 4 quart pressure cooker is a good size for singles or couples, or for making one course meals such as potatoes or vegetables. Whole meal recipes for one or two persons can usually be accommodated in a 4-quart pressure cooker.
6 QUART:
The 6 quart pressure cooker is the most popular size for many families with two or more persons.
8 QUART:
The 8 quart pressure cooker is the most popular for larger families. It can also be used for pressure canning in pint or half-pint jars.
Large size pressure cooker/canners (17- and 22-quart models, for example) are also available and are mostly used for pressure canning meats, vegetables, and low-acid foods in pint and quart jars. For pressure cooking, they are usually suitable only if you are cooking for a very large group.
What is the best brand of pressure cooker for your needs?
Over the course of time, many different companies have manufactured pressure cookers. Because the pressure cooker you purchase today should be expected to provide many years of service, it is important to select a brand that will allow you to get the most from your investment. Therefore, these guidelines should be considered when making your selection.
Choose a recognizable brand from a company that has been in business for a number of years. To keep your pressure cooker operating properly and safely for many years, you will have to periodically replace a few parts from time to time. Parts however, are not interchangeable from one brand to another, so don't select a particular model simply because it is less expensive. Select a brand that has been listed or approved by an independent testing organization. This will ensure that your pressure cooker meets or exceeds certain quality and performance standards that have been independently verified. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is probably the testing organization familiar to most Americans.
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