How to Buy the Best Pressure Cooker?

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People always want to know which is the 'BEST' pressure cooker. There is no easy answer because this is largely a matter of personal preference based on your needs, and your budget. Keep in mind that whatever brand of pressure cooker you buy, it should be expected to give you a lifetime of service, so shop wisely and invest in the future. Here's some practical information to help you make an informed decision on purchasing a new pressure cooker.
Let The Buyer Compare and BEWARE! When considering which pressure cooker to buy be sure to read the product information carefully and beware of catchy advertising slogans, or fancy marketing. Think twice about companies that charge outrageous amounts of money for "new products" which are nothing more than an ordinary pressure cookers. There are many heavily advertised "pressure cookers" that only cook at low pressure (Cooks Essential, T-Fal, Turbo Cooker, Prestige Cooker). There are pressure cookers cannot even reach the standard 15psi pressure. Pressure cookers that do not meet the accepted standard of 15psi means you will have to adjust pressure cooker recipes which are designed for 15psi.


Stainless Steel.
Buy a Stainless Steel model with a triple wall bottom (SS-aluminum core-SS, or copper), it will minimize burned foods, heats faster and retains heat longer, which translates to improved energy efficiency and a saves a little money on fuel bills over time.

Name Recognition.
Buy from a long established company and avoid the heavily marketed fads. You will need new seals every now and then, so you'll want a reliable company where you can still purchase replacements, parts and accessories in the future.

Remember - Do the research to locate several sources of replacement parts BEFORE buying.

Size Matters.
Buy a large size, remember you can only utilize 2/3 of the actual volume of the pot, or 1/2 in the case of cooking dried beans. Five quarts is the minimal useful size, even for singles and couples if you intend to get the most out of your cooker. The larger models also make it easier to fit inside the various accessories like pans, dishes, bowls, pots and such that will extend the usefulness of your investment. Any pressure cooker less than 5 quarts will not be big enough to cook a meal for you family, soups, dry beans, or large foods.

Handles Are Important.
Buy a cooker with a long handle and a shorter helped handle on the opposite side of the bottom unit. Unlike cookers with two short handles, the longer handles protectS your fingers from touching the hot pot, make it easier to carry a heavy pot and provides some leverage when locking the lid in place

The New, Modern Pressure Cookers.
If you are looking to buy a pressure cooker, today's second generation cooker models with their improved valve systems and multiple safety features the perfered choice. The old style 'jiggle-top' cookers are still being manufactured, but they do not compare to the improvements to be found in the new generation cookers. The modern pressure cooker easier to use, 100% safe and foolproof. They are quiet and come to pressure quicker than the old jiggle top models.

Canning is a Science.
If you enjoy canning a pressure canner is a useful investment. Canning requires updated, tested canning recipes, specialized equipment and accurate timing based on your altitude to safely process canned foods for home consumption.