Types of Pressure Cookers

The Types of Pressure Cookers and their understanding can be very important if you are looking for the best purchase. However, we all know about the importance of the Pressure cooker and what it means within our families. It is one such kitchen appliance that is capable of cooking up a storm in a matter of minutes. 

What’s more, everyone has memories of the Pressure cooker whistling out loud, thus announcing meal time in our Paternal or Maternal homes. This was followed by the grand opening of the Pressure cooker and indulging in the various delicacies with the family. But, did you ever realize that the Pressure cooker has types too? Well, I was just as surprised as you and pleasantly too. Nevertheless, this is going to be a lot of fun, as we can now have a better understanding of the appliance and what to choose for which purposes. Before we start into the details, it is important to know that Pressure cookers are divided into Electric types and Stovetop types each. 

Here is a tiny list of some of the best types of pressure cookers and what they are each meant for:

1. The Stove Top Pressure Cooker

As the name suggests, this is a pressure cooker that can be placed on top of the cooking stove for food preparation. This is also one of the oldest varieties of Pressure cookers and has been used in our homes since time immortal. This appliance requires an external heat source to build up the pressure within the appliance, a stovetop in most cases.
However, the current trends in Stovetop Pressure cookers have been revamped to the 20th Century aesthetics. The latest in the model comprises the well-defined Valve system, a common feature among the first and the second generation Pressure cookers. This Pressure cooker type tends to release steam once the pressure of 15 si is reached. This is an indication of the fact that the cooking time has started.

Advantages of Stovetop Pressure Cookers

  • It is one of the most affordable options out there.
  • Easy to use a variety.

Disadvantages of the Stovetop Pressure Cookers

  • It is a noisier variety.
  • A burst of steam usually bursts out when the pressure builds up, thus, causing a mess around the appliance and also the stovetop.
  • Needs manual intervention and monitoring.

2. The Second Generation Pressure Cookers

These are a relatively more advanced variety and feature Spring valves for steam release. The second-generation pressure cookers are designed to be silent and release the pressures only when the pressure built-up is high enough. The user will be notified of the cooking time once the short pop-up valve has been activated due to steam build-up. The best part about these types is that it features adjustable settings. You can choose from the 10 and 15 Si options. However, these are also comparatively more expensive among the different cooker types.

Advantages of Second Generation Pressure Cookers

  • It is of silent operation.
  • Arrives with different pressure options.

Disadvantages of Second Generation Pressure Cookers

  • Requires monitoring

3. The Pressure Canners

The best part about Pressure canners is that these can be used as a pressure cooker, but not the other way around. These can feature either the First generation or the Second generation style valve. Also included is the Gauge to offer you the required reading of the temperature within.

These are larger than the Pressure cookers and offer extra space to allow for the Quart jars within along with the lid. However, due to their large sizes, these also tend to heat up and cool down rather slowly in comparison. This also makes them more suitable for gas stoves. Hence, overall, this is an expensive variety.

Advantages of Pressure Canners

  • It can be used both as a pressure can and a pressure cooker.
  • It comprises of a pressure gauge.

Advantages of Pressure Canners

  • These are relatively more expensive.
  • It cannot be used on electric cooktops.
  • Requires more time to both heat up and cool down. 

4. The Electric Pressure Cooker

These are also known as the third-generation pressure cooker. The electric pressure cooker is unique among the different cooker types as these are rather more advanced in their features. The unique aspect of this type is that it comprises a heating system from within the appliance. These are further divided into two different types:
The Single Purpose and the Multipurpose types. However, multipurpose electric pressure cookers have grown to become more popular among users in recent times. This is also because the manufacturers have combined the Pressure cooler/Air fryer features to offer you a unique kitchen appliance.

a. The Single-purpose Electric Pressure Cooker

Advantages of Single-purpose Electric Pressure Cooker

  • Are easy to use.
  • Are more energy efficient
  • Do not need any monitoring.

Disadvantages of Single-purpose Electric Pressure Cooker

  • Comprise of limited features.
  • Are available in exclusive outlets.

b. The Multipurpose Electric Pressure Cooker

Advantages of Multipurpose Electric Pressure Cooker

  • It can be used for various purposes.
  • It offers better control over the pressure, temperature, and also time.
  • It does not require manual monitoring.
  • Is more energy efficient in comparison.
  • Is easily available.

Advantages of Multipurpose Electric Pressure Cooker

  • It is quite sophisticated in its controls.

5. The Pressure cooker/Air Fryer Combo

These might sound much like multipurpose pressure cookers; however, these are quite different nevertheless. These are a great choice as they comprise the Pressure cookers’ features and the Air fryers. Hence, these offer a wide variety of cooking options. However, these are on the expensive side.

Advantages of Pressure cooker/Air Fryer Combo

  • It Works as an air fryer.
  • It also comprises the features of a Pressure cooker as well.
  • No monitoring required.

Disadvantages of Pressure cooker/Air Fryer Combo

  • It is rather expensive.

Can We Boil Milk in an Electric Kettle?: The Conclusion

So, there you have it, people. These are some facts about all types of pressure cookers. No matter how advanced we grow, we need a pressure cooker in our lives nonetheless. The versatility and ease of use of the appliance make it such a rage among users. The Pressure cooker today is more sophisticated than kitchen appliances and offers the user better control over the cooking process.

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