Pressure cooker india

Types of pressure cookers

• Classic Pressure Cooker:

  Classic pressure cookers have a sturdy build and a reputation for lasting long. They are made from stainless steel or aluminum. The body is thick, which helps in even heat distribution. It is suitable for cooking different kinds of food, like meats, beans, and grains.

• Electric Pressure Cooker:

  The electric pressure cooker, known as the EPC, has made cooking a whole lot easier and faster. EPCs are user-friendly and have an in-built timer that automatically turns off when the food is ready. They also come with different cooking modes, such as pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, and sautéing.

• Multi-Functional Pressure Cooker:

  Multi-functional pressure cookers are designed to perform multiple functions. Besides pressure cooking, they can steam, slow cook, sauté, make rice and yogurt, and sometimes even brew coffee. These cookers have different cooking modes, making them versatile kitchen appliances.

• Induction Pressure Cooker:

  Induction pressure cookers are pressure cookers that use induction cooking technology. Induction cooking uses magnetic fields to directly heat the cookware, making it energy-efficient and providing precise temperature control. These pressure cookers are compatible with induction cooktops and other heat sources, such as gas and electric stoves.

• Pressure Cooker with Safety Features:

  Due to the advancements in technology, the newer models of pressure cookers come with improved safety features. These safety features include a pressure indicator, a safety lock, and a release valve. The safety lock ensures that the lid cannot be opened when the pot is under pressure, and the release valve allows for the safe and controlled release of steam.

Design aspects of pressure cookers

The pressure cookers in India have the following design features:

• Materials: Stainless steel and aluminum are the most popular materials for pressure cookers. Aluminum cookers are lightweight and have good cooking material. However, they are prone to corrosion, which requires regular maintenance. On the contrary, the stainless steel cookers are rust-resistant and have a handle with a solid grip. The food does not react with the non-stick coating of the pressure cooker. However, they are expensive and have low conductivity.
• Shape and Size: Pressure cookers come in various sizes, ranging from 1 liter to 10 liters, to accommodate different cooking needs. The common shapes are round, oval, and square. While an oval cooker is suitable for making curries and stews, a round pressure cooker is ideal for cooking rice and pulses. A square pressure cooker is suitable for frying and steaming.
• Color: The body of the pressure cooker usually has metallic shades of silver, black, or gray. However, in the advanced pressure cookers with outer lids, the handles and lids come in multiple colors, including red, green, yellow, and purple.
• Surface Finish: The surface finish of the pressure cooker can be polished, matte, or brushed. A polished finish gives the cooker a shiny and elegant look. On the contrary, a matte finish provides a more subtle and modern appearance. A brushed finish involves brushing the stainless steel with a fine texture.
• Style and Aesthetics: Traditional pressure cookers have a classic, timeless look with a focus on functionality. They usually have curved handles, domed lids, and a polished stainless steel finish. The modern cookers have sleek lines, minimalist handles, and a combination of stainless steel and other materials, including glass touchscreens and digital displays.
• Shape of Handles: The handles of pressure cookers come in various shapes, including straight, curved, and foldable. Straight handles are easy to hold and operate. The foldable handles are suitable for pressure cookers with limited storage space.

Usage scenarios of pressure cookers

Pressure cookers are versatile tools commonly used in many scenarios, including home cooking, community kitchens, and catering businesses, etc.

• Home cooking

  Pressure cookers are commonly used in home kitchens to prepare various dishes quickly and easily. They can be used to cook beans, lentils, meats, vegetables, soups, and stews. For example, a pressure cooker can tenderize a beef stew in 30 minutes instead of an hour or more. They are also great for recipes that require long simmering times, such as curries or ragu sauces.

• Commercial kitchens

  In commercial settings like restaurants or catering businesses, pressure cookers can help chefs save time and energy costs while cooking large quantities of food. This is especially useful for items that are usually slow-cooked, such as tough cuts of meat or legumes. Moreover, pressure cookers can be used for various applications, such as making stocks, sauces, soups, and even desserts like puddings and cakes.

• Community kitchens

  Community kitchens or nonprofit organizations that provide meals to those in need often use pressure cookers because they allow mass cooking of grains, beans, stews, and veggies while retaining nutrients and flavors.

• Catering

  Pressure cookers are also popular among caterers as they enable them to prepare dishes quickly without compromising quality. Caterers can use pressure cookers to prepare main courses, side dishes, and even desserts for events.

• Food processing

  Food manufacturers use industrial pressure cookers or retort cookers to process canned foods like soups, sauces, and ready-to-eat meals. This ensures that products have long shelf lives and are safe for consumption.

How to choose a pressure cooker

• Safety Features

  Look for pressure cookers with safety features like locking lids, pressure indicators, and safety release valves. These features ensure the pressure cooker operates safely and prevents accidental releases of steam or pressure.

• Size and Capacity

  Choose a pressure cooker size that suits the cooking needs. Consider the capacity, measured in quarts or liters. A 6-quart pressure cooker is suitable for small to medium-sized families, while an 8-quart pressure cooker is better for larger families or batch cooking.

• Material and Construction

  Pressure cookers are constructed from materials like stainless steel, aluminum, or a combination of both. Stainless steel pressure cookers are durable and resistant to corrosion, while aluminum pressure cookers are lightweight and have good heat conduction. Ensure the pressure cooker has a sturdy build and, reliable handles for safety and convenience.

• Cooking Methods

  Determine the cooking methods and types of foods the pressure cooker will be used for. Pressure cookers are suitable for various cooking methods, including steaming, braising, and stews. They are great for cooking beans, lentils, meats, vegetables, and grains while retaining nutrients and reducing cooking time.

• Ease of Use and Maintenance

  Look for user-friendly pressure cookers with clear instructions and easy-to-operate controls. Consider features like removable gasket rings for easy replacement and cleaning. Choose a pressure cooker with a compatible heat source, such as induction cooktops, gas stoves, or electric burners.

• Compatibility and Heat Source

  Pressure cookers are compatible with various heat sources, including induction cooktops, gas stoves, and electric burners. Ensure the pressure cooker is suitable for the heat source used in the kitchen.

Q&A

Q1: What can be cooked in a pressure cooker?

A1: Pressure cookers are versatile kitchen appliances. They can cook various foods quickly and easily. Meat, beans, lentils, vegetables, soups, stews, grains, and desserts like puddings or cakes can be made in a pressure cooker.

Q2: Is cooking in a pressure cooker healthy?

A2: Yes, cooking in a pressure cooker is healthy. It retains nutrients in food better than some other cooking methods due to the shorter cooking time and reduced water usage.

Q3: How should one store a pressure cooker?

A3: It is best to store the pressure cooker in a dry place with its lid removed to maintain its gasket.

Q4: Which is better, a pressure cooker or a slow cooker?

A4: The former is better if one wants to cook quickly. The latter is better for those who prefer flavors to meld over a more extended period.

Q5: Can pressure cookers be used on all types of cooktops?

A5: Pressure cookers can be used on various cooktops, including gas, electric, induction, and ceramic cooktops.