Introduction
Pressure cookers were introduced to the market as a way of reducing cooking time by using steam pressure to raise the water’s boiling point. Having to cook food in a short time is everyone’s dream, especially for those with a tight schedule. In Kenya, we used to soak our cereals in water for some time to reduce the long hours of cooking. You are here because you’re looking for the best Pressure cookers in Kenya, well you have landed at the right place. In this article, we will explain more about pressure cookers and their advantages, types of pressure cookers, what you should consider when choosing a pressure cooker, and comparisons between the electric pressure cooker and traditional stove top pressure cooker.
Benefits of Pressure Cookers
First of all, let’s define what a Pressure Cooker is, this is a sealed chamber that traps steam and increases the pressure under which food cooks. Some of the advantages of using a pressure cooker are:
- Foods that are pressure-cooked are more nutritional than foods cooked for longer periods using traditional cookware. The shorter the cooking time, the less nutrients are leached out of food.
- Pressure cookers save energy by cooking faster.
- Cooking under a pressure cooker shortens the cooking time of most foods, therefore saving time.
- The kitchen is much cooler, especially during these summer days. The pressure cooker contains the heat in one place, unlike other pots.
- Pressure cookers can be used for many functions.
- They have locking systems that prevent the lid from coming off during pressurizing, making them safe to use
Types of Pressure Cookers
There are two types of pressure cookers in the market. They include:
1. Electric Pressure Cooker
An electric Pressure cooker is a kitchen appliance that uses electricity to cook food quickly. They are also known as multi-cookers or instant pots. As the name suggests they use electricity to heat food.
2. Traditional stove-top pressure cooker
These are pressure cookers that are placed on a stovetop to cook food. The traditional stovetop pressure cooker doesn’t use electricity, unlike the electric pressure cooker. They are usually classified into, Aluminum and stainless steel
Comparisons between Electric Pressure Cookers and Traditional Stove Top Pressure Cookers
The two main types of pressure cookers have their differences. Some of their differences include:
- An electric pressure cooker uses electricity to cook/ operate while a traditional stove-top pressure cooker uses a gas stove or other heat source to operate.
- Stove-top pressure cookers cook faster than electric instant pots since they reach higher heat and pressure than electric instant pots therefore convenient for those who want speed and power.
- Electric instant pots don’t require much attention like stove tops this is because they automatically set the right temperature and pressure when cooking.
- Traditional stove-top pressure cookers have a higher life expectancy than electric instant pots. Electric instant pots have electronics and heating elements that might spoil.
- Electric instant pots are easy to clean, unlike the Traditional stove top pressure cooker. This is because they have non-stick cooking pots that are dishwasher-safe and easy to clean.
- The stove-top pressure cooker comes in various sizes, unlike the electric pressure cooker. The stove top will have sizes ranging from 2 liters up to 20 liters. However, you might find a bigger size than 20 liters. Whereas an electric pressure cooker has sizes ranging from 5 liters up to 10 liters.
- Electric instant pots are programmable therefore allowing you to select the level of pressure depending on what you are cooking and how long you want the cooking to take, unlike the stovetop pressure cooker that requires manual control. With an electric pressure cooker, you set and forget about it.
- An electric pressure cooker has different cooking settings that will allow you to cook different types of food such as chicken, beans, or porridge, unlike the traditional pressure cooker.
- An electric pressure cooker is safer to use than a stovetop pressure cooker. This is because they have more built-in safety features, such as automatic pressure release and locking mechanisms.
- A stove-top pressure cooker is more affordable compared to electric instant pots.
Factors to consider when choosing a pressure cooker
When looking for the best pressure cookers, there are so many options in the market. Here are some of the factors to look for when choosing a pressure cooker:
1. Budget
The amount of money you are going to spend or willing to spend is the basic factor. This will help you focus on the ones that are within your price range. Electric instant pots tend to be more expensive than stovetop pressure cookers.
2. Durability
Durable pressure cookers are a better option. Electric instant pots tend to be less durable than stovetop pressure cookers this is because they have electronics that might spoil. With a stove-top pressure cooker one can easily replace the parts making them more durable.
3. Type of Cooker
You should consider the type you should choose between the electric instant pots and Traditional stovetop pressure cookers.
4. Size
Just like I mentioned earlier, there are different sizes and you should consider the size that is favorable for you. For instance, if you intend to cook large amounts of food for your family or commercial purposes then consider a bigger pressure cooker.
5. Preference
At the end of the day, you will choose a pressure cooker that you prefer. If you prefer an electric instant pots or a stove pressure cooker, then buy that.
Conclusion
In conclusion, buying a pressure cooker is something that should not be taken lightly as you will need one that meets your standards. The comparison between the electric and the traditional pressure cooker will make the decision clear for you.