How to choose the right pressure cooker

Every person who is responsible for cooking in the house wants to speed up this process, and, ideally, to be as little as possible responsible for it. Those who have already understood what a pressure cooker is, say: the device really resembles a magic pot from a fairy tale. The rest of the offer to deal with the principle of the pressure cooker and on the basis of this to decide what equipment is better to buy for your kitchen.

What is a pressure cooker

The device looks like a saucepan with a hermetically closed lid. The name justifies itself: this kitchen utensils at times reduces cooking time products. This also affects the taste of food - it retains more nutrients, and dishes such as porridge and pilaf, on the contrary, come out more crumbly.

All this is possible thanks to the principle of operation of the device - it is hermetically closed, which contributes to an increase in internal pressure and boiling point. That is why food is prepared much faster in time.

Types of technology

Pressure cookers are divided into mechanical and electrical models. Depending on this, they have a different appearance, and cooking processes take place in different ways.

1. Mechanical model similar to the usual pot, which is placed on the stove. In modern developments, additionally there is a steam pressure indicator, a system that blocks the lid, and the ability to select the pressure level (by valve) depending on the recipe of the dish. It must be borne in mind that not every griddle can go up to one or another plate (for example, aluminum will leave stains on a glass-ceramic or induction surface).
   

2. Benefits electric pressure cooker consist in automation of the process: just select the desired type of dish from the menu and press the start key. Most of these devices belong to multi-cook devices. In addition, the electric modern pressure cooker has a number of additional functions - from delaying cooking and heating to steaming.

How to choose the right unit

The main factors that will help you choose a technique are the following aspects:

• the material of the pressure cooker itself;
• sealing ring material;
• valve construction;
• mechanism for opening and closing the device.

The materials from which the device is made, have their own characteristics.

1. Aluminum products cost less than their stainless steel counterparts. According to customer reviews, they are also more durable. However, there are also disadvantages: the dishes quickly lose their appearance and a raid forms on its walls. In addition, you need to be careful about food with high acidity - aluminum can get into the food. It is not only tasteless, but also harmful.
2. Stainless steel better retain all the useful qualities of the products, not allowing them to oxidize. Food in such dishes rarely burns from the bottom with a heat distribution layer. This steel is medical (it means that bacteria will not multiply in it). The only downside is the high cost.

How to decide on sealing ring? These parts come in silicone and rubber. It is best to choose your choice on the silicone version - it is not only more practical, but also does not absorb various odors.

Before buying, you need to pay attention to the steam went to the side, and not forward. This will help prevent burns.

In the question of how to choose a pressure cooker, it is important to pay attention to the mechanism of opening-closing. The ideal option is when the pan simply does not open until pressure drops inside. And on the immediate the amount of dishes already looking, based on the needs and quantity of cooking. Manufacturers offer models from 0.5 to 40 liters (for a family of four, a five-liter variant will suffice).

There is one important warning: the pressure cooker cannot be poured to the very top, it is necessary to leave a reserve for steam. This is very important for safe operation.

Other important features

1. It is good if various additional accessories are attached to the selected model, for example, these are steaming devices or rice nets.
2. Well, if there is a scale inside, which helps to measure the required amount of liquid.
3. In some models, a glass cover is installed - with its help you can observe what is happening inside the process (in others it is replaced by a viewing window).
4. Additional convenience provide heat-resistant handles.

Should choose the power of the device, because of this parameter depends on the speed with which water boils and steam is formed. Usually the normal power threshold is from 1 to 1.5 kW. If the value is lower, the device will work more economically, but the food in it will cook longer.

A bit about the manufacturers

Pondering what kind of pressure cooker is better to buy, a potential user pays attention to the manufacturer. The most expensive are the brands Fissler, Silit and Cristel, but they combine a unique design concept and the latest developments. More available are Alza and Silampos. But “Redmond”, “Panasonic” and “Moulinex” are the most popular options among the budget proposals (prices start at $ 60).

There are and Russian analogues similar equipment that can be purchased from 1200 rubles. For example, the “Varya” model, in which you can make porridges, soups and other dishes, has proven itself well. There is also a special valve that provides safety. In addition, many modifications of this manufacturer are made of stainless steel.

So, if you really want to save time on cooking and get the output useful and suitable for all principlesproper nutrition dish, then a versatile and modern pressure cooker appliance will take its rightful place in your kitchen.