Pressure cookers are not new to our kitchens. They have been around for quite some time, cutting the silence in our homes with their loud whistles and buzzing sounds. Pressure Cookers are definitely annoying, but they make for valuable additions to our kitchens. These cookers speed up the cooking process and save time and energy. They are quite versatile and support different cooking styles like steaming, boiling, one-pot meals etc. If you are looking for the best pressure cooker, then this article is must read.
If you want an upgrade to your existing pressure cooker or wish to add one to your kitchen, this article is a must-read. We have put together some insightful information like types of pressure cookers, buying tips, and a list of the 10 smart and best pressure cooker brands in India with reviews and ratings.
Different Types of Pressure Cookers:
Understanding the two types of pressure cookers will help you choose the best one for your cooking needs.
Pressure cookers are classified into two major types – Stovetop and Electric, depending on their power source.
- Stovetop Pressure Cookers: They are meant for use on the gas stove and have sturdy bodies to handle high heat and pressure. However, they need manual attention which includes, adjusting the temperature level throughout the cooking, keeping a watch on leakages or burns and counting the number of whistles. On the bright side, Stovetop cookers are cheaper and have a shorter cooking time.
- Electric Pressure Cookers: These cookers use electricity to generate heat and pressure to cook the ingredients inside. They offer a wide range of pre-built menus like steaming, boiling, slow cooking etc. which need just one touch operation. Electric cookers automatically turn off the heating process once the food gets cooked, thanks to their intelligent systems. On the flip side, they are expensive and have long cooking times.
How To Choose The Best Pressure Cooker In India?
Most of you might think, “What’s so complicated about buying a pressure cooker?”! Well, we have seen and even heard (their shrieking whistles) since the time we were born, so buying them should be pretty straightforward. Here is where most of us go wrong. Pressure cookers come in a wide range of capacities, models and functions, which may not suit everyone.
Thankfully, this section will simplify the complexities by explaining some important things to consider before buying a pressure cooker.
- Size of the Pressure Cooker:
Before buying a pressure cooker, analyse the volume of cooking you do on a regular basis. Cooker sizes are measured in litres, and the start size is 1 Liter, which is ideal for cooking baby food or a small meal. 3 Liter – 5 Litre cookers suit small to medium-sized families for cooking rice, dal, vegetables etc. Bigger families require 5 Liter-7.5 Litre cookers for making large meals quickly and easily.
- Material of Cooker:
Pressure cookers come in 3 different materials Hard Anodized, Stainless Steel and Aluminium, which come with their set of pros and cons.
1. Hard Anodized Pressure Cookers: Hard Anodized is an excellent conductor of heat, cooks food faster and is quite lightweight. It is easy to clean, stain-free and corrosion-resistant. The nutrient retention is better and the non-reactive material can handle even acidic ingredients. However, hard anodized pressure cookers are expensive and are prone to scratches with metal scrubbers.
2. Stainless Steel Pressure Cookers: Stainless Steel is a durable material that lasts long and is easy to maintain. It is also a non-reactive metal and doesn’t react to acidic ingredients. You can use metal scrubs without worrying about scratches. On the flip side, stainless steel is not a good heat conductor and takes a while to heat up. SS pressure cookers are heavier than hard-anodized cookers and the price falls in the expensive range.
3. Aluminium Pressure Cooker: Aluminium is a lightweight material and is a good heat conductor, which means it heats up quickly. Aluminium cookers are inexpensive and affordable to a majority of people. However, the metal is not very healthy as it is prone to stains, corrosion and reactions to acidic ingredients. The durability is not very good and the metal loses its sheen with regular usage.
- Type of Lid:
You can choose from two types of pressure cooker models based on the lid type – Inner Lid and Outer Lid. Inner lids are usually seen in small-sized cookers and go inside the pressure cooker. The rubber or silicon gasket prevents steam from escaping and keeps the lid intact. Outer lids are mostly seen in bigger cookers and are placed outside the pressure cooker vessel. They too have a gasket to seal the lid for better safety.
- Induction Bottom:
If you use an induction stove, then go for pressure cookers with an induction bottom. Always check the package or description to see labels like “With Induction Bottom” or “Induction Stovetop Compatible”.
- Dishwasher Safe:
If you have a dishwasher at home, then see if the cooker is dishwasher safe. By nature, Hard Anodized cookers are not meant for cleaning in a dishwasher. You can go for stainless steel or aluminium which works well with these appliances.
- Other Aspects:
Here are some other aspects to consider before buying a pressure cooker:
- Always look for a pressure cooker that has two large side handles, which allow you to carry the weight easily.
- You can also check if the cooker has added accessories like an idly stand, cooking rack, steamer basket etc. to make it a multi-purpose cooking appliance.
- It’s always a wise idea to go for branded pressure cookers which use better quality materials and offer warranty and after-sales service. Local brands may be economical, but they certainly can’t compete with branded cookers in durability and quality.
Most Used and Best Pressure Cooker Brands in India 2024:
Here is a roundup of the 10 smart and best pressure cookers from top pressure cooker brands in India.
1. Prestige Deluxe Alpha Svachh Stainless Steel Outer Lid Pressure Cooker 1.5L with Glass Lid (With Deep Lid For Spillage Control):
Here is a best-selling small pressure cooker from Prestige with a 1.5 L Capacity. The cooker is ideal for making small meals for one person or even for cooking baby food. It works on both gas and induction, making it a versatile appliance. The cooker is quite durable as it is built with high-quality stainless steel. It has a unique deep lid that prevents starch leakages and a specially designed lid for using the cooker as a serving dish. The safety features like a cool-touch whistle, metallic safety plug and pressure indicator make it a worthy investment.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Prestige
- Capacity: 1.5 L
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Colour: Steel
- Warranty: 10 Years
Pros:
- Excellent build-quality.
- Leak-proof design.
- Contains all safety features.
- Versatile – can be used as a serving dish too.
- Ideal for making one-pot meals and curries.
- Electric stove compatible.
- The alpha base for even heat distribution.
Cons:
- The lid gets really tight and is difficult to open after the cooking process.
Ratings: 4.3/5
2. Hawkins Contura Hard Anodised Aluminium Pressure Cooker, 3 Litres, Black:
The Hawkins Contura makes for a great addition to your kitchen with its stylish looks and impressive performance. The 3L hard anodised pressure cooker comes with an inner lid for better safety. The black body heats up quickly to cook your meals faster and save you more time and gas. It has a flat base for cooking and a curved body for even stirring, two features you will appreciate while making curries and one-pot meals. The body does not corrode and stays looking new for many years.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Hawkins
- Capacity: 3L
- Material: Hard Anodized Aluminium
- Colour: Black
- Warranty: 5 Years
Pros:
- Stylish and elegant design.
- Multi-purpose pressure cooker.
- Heats up quickly.
- Rounded edges for easy stirring.
- Non-reactive material.
- Safety lid that won’t open until the pressure goes down.
- Sturdy Pivot for secure locking.
- Automatic safety valve.
Cons:
- Works only on a gas stove; not compatible with induction stoves.
Ratings: 4.4/5
3. Butterfly Cordial Non-Induction Base Aluminium Pressure Cooker with Outer Lid, 5 Litres, Silver:
The Butter Cordial is the best Aluminium gas stove with a 5-litre capacity, ideal for small to medium families. The cooker is aesthetically designed to match the modern looks of your kitchen. The ergonomic design allows for better handling while the premium material prevents altering of taste or colour of your food. The pressure cooker is suitable for LPG only. It works well for cooking rice, curries and all your favourite meals quickly and efficiently.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Butterfly
- Capacity: 5 L
- Material: Aluminium
- Colour: Silver
- Warranty: 2 Years
Pros:
- Elegant design with a sturdy body.
- Easy to hold the handle with a cooling rubber material.
- Virgin grade aluminium for better hygiene and long life.
- Excellent safety features.
- Reasonable pricing (best pressure cooker in the 1000 Rs. Range).
- Thick base for even cooking.
Cons:
- Works only on a gas stove; not compatible with induction stoves.
Ratings: 3.9/5
See More: Latest Rice Cookers In India
4. Hawkins Futura 6 Litre Pressure Cooker, Hard Anodised Pressure Cooker, Induction Cooker, Pan Cooker, Black (IFP60):
If you looking for a stylish pressure cooker that elevates the glamour of your kitchen, check out this one! The Hawkins Future collection is renowned for its ultra-glam looks, an aspect that is often neglected in cooker designs. The best hard anodized pressure cooker comes with a good 6 L capacity to handle medium to large-volume cooking. You can use it for light frying and pressure cooking with a 46% faster output than microwaves.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Hawkins
- Capacity: 6 L
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Colour: Black
- Warranty: 5 Years
Pros:
- Scores high in the looks department.
- Works on LPG and induction stoves.
- Thick base for even cooking and prevention of burns.
- Faster cooking.
- Fingertip steam release.
- Sturdy body.
- Works for light frying and pressure cooking.
Cons:
- Very heavy
- Cleaning is not easy due to weight issues.
- Doesn’t whistle like other cookers and requires a timer to track the cooking time.
Ratings: 4.1/5
5. Prestige Svachh Nakshatra Plus Hard Anodised Aluminium Inner Lid 5 Litre Pressure Handi, Black:
Here is a 2-in-1 appliance that works like a pressure cooker and a handi to whip up delicious meals in minutes. The Prestige Svacch Nakshatra Plus combines the traditional pressure handi feature with the modern safety aspects to give you a great cooking experience. It is built with hard anodized material that lasts long with good maintenance. The unique lid design prevents starch spills on your stove while the study handles and anti-bulge base ensure superior safety.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Prestige
- Capacity: 5 L
- Material: Hard Anodized Aluminium
- Colour: Black
- Warranty: 5 Years
Pros:
- Deep lid design that is easy to use.
- Minimal starch spills while cooking rice or dal.
- Wide base for 15% faster cooking.
- Compatible with LPG and Induction stoves.
- The anti-bulge base for better safety.
- Sturdy handles for easy handling.
Cons:
- Complaints of coating wearing off within a few months.
Ratings: 4.2/5
6. Pigeon by Stovekraft All in One Ceramic Super Outer Lid Cooker, 5 Litres:
Here is a multi-purpose pressure cooker from Pigeon which makes all your favourite meals in a jiffy. The cooker comes with three lids – a pressure lid, a serving lid and a strainer lid. It works like a serving dish, a pressure cooker and a strainer jar, making it a must-have appliance in your kitchen. The pot thickness is 4mm and the material is highly durable to ensure better safety and efficiency.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Pigeon
- Capacity: 5 L
- Material: Aluminium and Stainless steel
- Colour: Black
- Warranty: 5 Years
Pros:
- Multi-utility pressure cooker.
- Comes with three lids for three purposes.
- Works well for cooking biryanis, curries and even boiling veggies.
- Durable material.
- Sleek and elegant design.
- Two side handles with a cool grip for better handling.
- Compatible with both stovetop and induction cooktop.
Cons:
- The pressure cooker lid is a little complicated to open and close.
Ratings: 4.1/5
See More: Best Microwave Ovens
7. Prestige Svachh Clip-on 5 Litre Hard Anodised Outer Lid Aluminium Pressure Cooker, Black:
The Prestige Clip-on cooker is multi-utility equipment in your kitchen which serves all your cooking needs. You can use the cooker for multiple cooking styles like sauteing, steaming, frying, boiling and general pressure cooking. It is compatible with stovetops and induction cooktops and is made with highly durable material. The unique clip-on lid catches all the spills to keep your cooker and stove looking cleaner than ever before.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Prestige
- Capacity: 5 L
- Material: Aluminium
- Colour: Black
- Warranty: 5 Years
Pros:
- Fulfils multiple cooking needs.
- The lid can be used for other appliances in the same range.
- The Clip-on can be placed at any angle and locked.
- Works as a ‘cook and serve’ vessel.
- Durable material.
- Spillages are minimal.
- Easy to clean and use.
Cons:
- The body is not scratch-resistant.
- Pricey in the 5L segment.
Ratings: 4.1/5
8. UCOOK CIBO X1 Plus Aluminium Induction Pressure Cooker with Silicone Handles:
UCOOK may not be a renowned pressure cooker brand, but it certainly won the hearts of its customers. This particular model is made with virgin aluminium for better safety and durability. It is the best 5L inner lid pressure cooker within the 2K range. Some of its best features include the two screwless silicon handles for better grip, induction compatible base, automatic pressure release etc. Try this if you are ok with a less-reputed brand!
Product Specifications:
- Brand: UCOOK
- Capacity: 5 L
- Material: Aluminium
- Colour: Silver
- Warranty: 6 Years
Pros:
- Affordable pricing.
- Durable material.
- Easy to use design.
- Screwless handles which are easy to maintain.
- Automatic pressure release system.
- Induction stove compatible.
Cons:
- A brand is not known to many. Spares can be difficult to find.
Ratings: 4.3/5
9. Crock-Pot Express Electric Pressure Cooker 12-in-1 Programmable Multi-Cooker Stainless Steel Slow Cooker Steamer and Sauté 5.6 Litre Color Silver:
The Crockpot expresses electric cooker makes you forget all the previous ones you have in your kitchen. The best electric cooker comes with a good 5.6L capacity and offers 8 different programs to suit all your cooking needs. It works amazingly for both instant and slow cooking, based on the dish you have in your mind. Use it for cooking, sauteing, steaming, browning and one-pot meals that you will love making over and again.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Crockpot
- Capacity: 5.6 L
- Material: Stainless steel
- Colour: Silver
- Warranty: 2 Years
Pros:
- Easy-to-use programs.
- 8 pre-set menus for different cooking styles.
- Works well for making curries and rice items.
- Delay timer and keep warm functions offer better flexibility.
- Big and clear digital display.
- Reasonably priced.
- Cooks up to 70% faster than traditional methods.
Cons:
- Takes time to understand and use the appliance.
Ratings: 4.3/5
See More: Top Air Fryers In India
10. Geek Robocook Zeta 5 litre Electric Pressure Cooker with NS Pot, Black:
If you are looking for an all-in-one pressure cooker that minimizes your time in the kitchen, look at this appliance. The cooker comes with programmable intelligent cooking which manages heat and temperature to improve the taste of your dish. The 7 safety valves ensure the highest safety standards while the original Geek accessories offer greater flexibility of usage. The cooker comes with 13 pre-set menus and provides access to thousands of recipes with the Geek Robocook app.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Geek
- Capacity: 5 L
- Material: Stainless steel
- Colour: Silver
- Warranty: 2 Years
Pros:
- Offers 13 pre-set menus.
- Works well for Indian cooking styles.
- Accessories like an egg rack, steamer basket, steamer rack etc. are included.
- The inner casket is removable and easy to clean.
- Automatic temperature and heat control.
- 7 Safety guards.
- Reasonably priced for the features.
Cons:
- After-sales service can be an issue.
Ratings: 4.2/5
Those are the 10 latest and best pressure cooker brands in India which offer a wide range of features to enhance your cooking experience. Online shopping sites like Amazon offer great deals and discounts on these appliances. Keep an eye out for the low-price alerts and enjoy bringing home a fantastic cooker that nourishes your body and soul!
DISCLAIMER:
The ratings and reviews are based on the user ratings and comments on Amazon.in, based on individual user experiences. Stylesatlife takes no responsibility for determining the actual ratings based purely on the product’s quality or performance.
Tips To Cook Safely with Pressure Cookers:
There is a fair percentage of the population who shudder at the word “Pressure Cooker” because they are prone to accidents. Previous-gen pressure cookers had low safety standards and were susceptible to bursting and cracking. Although these problems are minimal with new-gen cookers, following safety standards while handling them is very important.
Here are some of the important tips to follow while using pressure cookers:
- Always check for the health of your gasket. If you find cracks or damage, replace it immediately.
- Never overload your pressure cooker. Fill only up to 2/3 of the cooker capacity and only ½ of the capacity for ingredients like rice, beans etc. that swell up.
- Make sure that the water quantity is enough for the ingredients. Low or excess water can lead to burnt food or leakages while cooking.
- Never use the pressure cooker for deep frying as the hot oil can damage the bottom of the pan.
- Do not try to open the lid when the pressure is on. Always release the pressure slowly and safely before you attempt to open the lid. A best practice is to wait for the cooker to cool down and release pressure automatically.
- Clean the cooker properly and make sure that the vents have no blocked food particles.
- Place the whistle correctly and use the right whistle that suits the steam vent of your cooker.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
1. Can Electric Cookers perform deep frying also?
No. Electric cookers can handle low-oil cooking like sauteing and not deep frying. The hot oil can damage the inner vessel, melt rubber or plastic parts (if any), and even cause accidents. You must use a dedicated fryer to try deep fries.
2. Why does my Pressure Cooker leak water?
If the cooker has a damaged gasket or if the whistle is not suitable, then water can escape from the side vents. Always check if the gasket is properly fitted to seal the lid tightly. Keep an eye on the cooker and check if it is taking too long to build the pressure.
3. Are Electric Cookers healthy?
Yes. Electric cookers are safe and healthy as long as the ingredients you put inside them are healthy. These cookers minimize the usage of oil and cooking time, thus retaining better nutrients. You can safely use these cookers for most of your meals – from dals to desserts.
