Choosing your Pressure Cooker

When you are choosing your Pressure Cooker there are a number of things to consider.  Of these things to consider, the big ones to think of are size, price, and material.  Another choice is do you want one that you use on the stove or one that is a stand alone electric device much like a slow cooker is.


First off, a pressure cooker needs to achieve 15PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) in order to function properly.  Most pressure cooker recipes you will find assume 15PSI in their time calculations.


Cheaper is not always the way to go.  Not all of the lower priced bargain appliances achieve the needed 15PSI.  Many only achieve in the neighborhood of 10PSI.  They will still work, but the recipe calculations will be off, particularly the time.  An appliance that is capable of reaching 15PSI should state that it can do so.


Material is also very important.  Heavy cast aluminum is good but will not hold up as long as stainless steel will.  Stainless steel is more expensive though.  Both are excellent material, it comes down to how much you use one.  For heavy use on a regular basis, stainless steel might be the better choice.


Size is an often misleading issue with the pressure cooker.  Pressure cookers are not supposed to be filled more than one half to two thirds their capacity.  The remaining space is to allow steam to build safely.  This means that a 6 quart pressure cooker really only has a 4 quart cooking capacity.  It is something you need to allow for when making your decision.


There are a number of websites that you can go to that will assist you in your decision.  There are also some very good places you can go to get a good deal on your cooker.  Amazon and Overstock.com are two excellent sites.


These are just some of the things to look for when you are making your choice.  Just remember to shop around and compare:D