In this article we will talk about pressure cookers - cookware that was invented in late XVII century in France. Since then, much has changed in its appearance, but the principle of operation has remained unchanged.

A pressure cooker is a heat-resistant metal pan with a sealed lid, designed for use on a stove.

The difference between a pressure cooker and any other pan is that the food in it is cooked under pressure, at a temperature of approximately 121°C (when we cook in the usual way, Maximum temperature in a saucepan or frying pan reaches only 100 °C).

Increased pressure and temperature inside are achieved thanks to the tightly pressed lid of the dish. Such conditions created inside the pan significantly reduce the cooking time for porridge, meat, vegetable, fish and other dishes.

Main advantages of a pressure cooker:

• Food cooks in it 3-4 times faster compared to in the usual way preparations;
• Due to the fact that the products are steamed, the dish retains its O most of the vitamins;
• Products do not lose their original color, since at all stages of cooking there is no contact of food with oxygen;
• When using this cookware, energy costs are reduced.

Stainless steel pressure cooker

Pressure cookers for gas and electric kitchen stoves Traditionally made from aluminum and stainless steel. Stainless steel pans in this case are significantly more expensive, but also performance characteristics This type of cookware is much better.

Stainless steel is durable, resistant to mechanical damage, corrosion, and bacteria do not spread on its smooth surface.

Stainless steel cookware can withstand temperatures up to 1300°C (for comparison, the melting point of aluminum is several times lower). At the same time, when heated, stainless steel does not emit substances harmful to health.

Prepared food can be stored; V aluminum cookware the food acquires an off-flavor the very next day.

Thus, if you decide to buy a pressure cooker, opt for stainless steel models.

Induction pressure cooker

High-quality pressure cookers for induction and any other stoves are made of stainless steel.

The cookware on the surface of the induction hob is heated by magnetic field(and not a heating element, as on other electric stoves). In order for a stainless steel pressure cooker to absorb the electromagnetic energy of an induction cooker as much as possible, the bottom of such a pan is made thicker.

Between two layers of stainless steel, in the bottom of pressure cookers, manufacturers install metal with high thermal conductivity and good magnetic properties: for example, copper or aluminum. Cookware with such a “layered” bottom heats up on an induction hob in a matter of seconds.

If you are buying, ask the seller what material this pan is made of. And be sure to inquire about the presence of a special metal layer in the bottom of the dish.

Remember that the diameter of the bottom of the pan must exactly match the size of the burner on hob Your induction cooker.

Pressure cooker for glass ceramic hob

There are a number of requirements for cookware for glass-ceramic stoves; Be guided by them when buying a pressure cooker.

1. Pressure cooker for glass ceramic hob should have a flat bottom, without concave or convex places. Otherwise, the process of heat transfer from the stove to the pan will be disrupted. This is fraught with the fact that the surface of the slab will soon become unusable.
2. To prevent the surface of the stove from overheating, the diameter of the bottom of the pressure cooker must exactly match the diameter of the burner on which you are going to cook, or be smaller.
3. For glass ceramic hobs, it is not recommended to use a pressure cooker with an aluminum or copper bottom. If inserts of these metals are present in the bottom of the pan, a layer of stainless steel should cover the outside of them.
4. When choosing a pressure cooker for a glass-ceramic stove, give preference to models with a thick bottom to avoid its deformation when heated.

Pressure cooker functions

A pressure cooker is not just “another” pot in the kitchen; she will replace you O Most of the items are heat-resistant and will be used by you for preparing many dishes.

Here is a list of what you can cook in a pressure cooker:

• Omelettes
• Main courses (stew, roast, rice with seafood, meat or chicken; pilaf, bigus, etc.)
• Stews (dishes in their own juices or with gravy)
• Baked goods and desserts (casserole, sponge cake, milk soufflé)
• Steamed dishes (including semi-finished products)
• Drinks (compotes, juices)

After reading the instructions, during the cooking process you will be able to control the valve located on the lid of the pressure cooker and regulate the pressure in it, releasing steam.

Popular manufacturers: Fissler and Silampos

Remember that food in a pressure cooker is cooked under high pressure and at high temperatures. Therefore, you need to handle this pan with extreme caution.

For the same reasons, you should carefully choose a pressure cooker in the store, giving preference famous brands. For example, Fissler (Germany) or Silampos (Portugal).

The pans of the indicated manufacturing factories are made of stainless steel and have high quality execution. They are suitable for all types of cookers, including induction cookers. The fittings are made of expensive plastic; it is harmless to health and does not heat up during cooking.

In the assortment of both companies you will find a pressure cooker of the required volume (from 2.5 to 12 liters).

Comes with branded pressure cookers detailed instructions instruction manual, quality certificate and warranty certificate. To avoid counterfeiting, check the availability of the specified documents and make a purchase in a specialized store.

A pressure cooker is increasingly becoming an attribute of modern kitchens - a device that can quickly prepare many dishes. The prototype of this device was created back in the 17th century by Denis Papin, who worked on steam boilers. They work on a similar principle modern devices. The bottom line is that food is prepared in virtually sealed container. As a result, after the water boils, steam appears, which creates overpressure in a container. As a result, the temperature rises above boiling and cooking occurs much faster. Cooking time is reduced by up to 40%. In addition, due to the minimal volume of oxygen in the container, oxidation of products does not occur, which preserves them beneficial features. Therefore, it is important for every housewife to purchase this device. But how to choose a pressure cooker so that it is as useful as possible? Let's try to figure it out.

Types of pressure cookers

Note that there are two main types of these devices:

• Installed on a gas or electric stove;
• Autonomous, electrically heated.

The first ones are made only of metal. And the most simple models made from aluminum. They are distinguished from ordinary pans by a thick bottom and walls, as well as a tightly attached lid.

The bottom can also be multi-layered. Two valves are installed in the lid: one is working, and the second is emergency. They serve to release excess pressure from the device so that it does not rupture. If for some reason the working valve does not work, then the emergency valve comes into effect.

There is a gasket between the lid and the pan for sealing. For aluminum models it is usually rubber. This pressure cooker is cheap, but has some disadvantages:

• Firstly, aluminum is capable of reacting with products, which not only leaves marks on the walls, but is also unsafe for health.
• Secondly, rubber gaskets are short-lived and begin to leak pressure over time.
• Thirdly, such a pressure cooker is only suitable for gas or electric stoves. It may leave stains on glass ceramics and induction cookers oh it doesn't work at all.

Steel pressure cookers of the first type are more advanced. Their bottom is thermally accumulating multilayer. In addition, such models already have the most simple functions management. They have a lid lock that prevents opening if there is pressure in the device. This significantly increases the safety of the device.

In addition, the valve of such pressure cookers is two-position, which allows you to regulate the pressure inside for cooking. various types products. Naturally, this subtype of devices also has an emergency valve.

The handles of such devices are heat-resistant, and the design is quite modern. The lid gasket on most steel models is made of silicone, which significantly increases its durability.

Some steel models They have an option such as a steaming bowl, which can be useful.

In addition, some models come with a glass lid. The advantage of such pressure cookers is that they can be used both on gas stoves and on induction and glass-ceramic stoves. In general, those who want a fairly high-quality and functional device at a low price can choose a steel pressure cooker.

Electric pressure cookers: features of choice

If you decide to choose an electric pressure cooker, then you need to take into account such a factor as price. After all, such a device will cost more than its counterparts. However, its functionality is significantly higher. Such a device has electronic control, so the housewife does not need to stand at the stove. You can simply set an automatic cooking program and the device will turn itself off after cooking is complete.

Electrical appliances also differ in the material of the pan. Like stovetop pressure cookers, they can be made of aluminum, steel or enameled. The latter are rare. In addition, you should choose a model that has a non-stick coating. In such pans, food will not burn on the bottom and walls, and cleaning will be much easier.

An important criterion when choosing a device is volume. There are devices with a volume from half a liter to 40 liters. Of course, it is necessary to choose the “golden mean”.

A pressure cooker should provide for your family. But in this case, you need to take into account that the pan of the device should not be filled completely. The maximum is two thirds. After all, space is needed for steam to form. If you are preparing rice or other swelling foods, it is forbidden to fill more than half of the pan. These factors need to be considered before choosing a pressure cooker.

It is worth noting that for the average family a 5-6-liter device will be sufficient. These criteria are also important for those models that are intended for the stove.

Of course, such a factor as the power of the electrical apparatus also plays a certain role. Naturally, manufacturers calculate power in proportion to size. But it is necessary to remember that the more powerful the device, the faster the water boils in it and steam is formed. On average, conventional pressure cookers consume between 1 and 1.5 kW. Less power affects the efficiency of the device.

Not least important is the functionality of the device. After all, there are separate cookers, rice cookers, pasta cookers, etc. But it is preferable to choose a multifunctional appliance, such as a universal pressure cooker. She “knows how” to properly prepare all of the above dishes, and, in addition, meat, soup, potatoes, etc. Of course, such devices are somewhat more expensive, but they fully cover the cost of their purchase.

Many manufacturers complete their products with additional accessories - a steam plate, which allows you to cook under pressure with steam. With its help, you can prepare healthy and at the same time dietary dishes absolutely without fat and oil. Also, some models have a viewing window. It allows you to control the cooking process visually. For some housewives this is important, so they should turn their attention to such models.

Naturally, the manufacturer is also an important factor in the choice. Preference should be given to reputable brands. Before buying a device, it would be wise to familiarize yourself with the model line of each, and choose the option that most fully satisfies your needs, and also has an optimal cost.

As you can see, choosing such a seemingly simple device as a pressure cooker is not so easy. After all, there are a lot of nuances that need to be taken into account. But if you think through everything well and take into account your own wishes with the recommendations of specialists, then you can purchase a universal and very useful device for the kitchen, capable of pleasing any, even the most demanding housewife.

pressure cooker, then its choice should be approached with special attention, after all we're talking about about the quality of food. In this article we will talk about how to choose a pressure cooker and not regret your choice.

Before choosing a pressure cooker, you need to understand what it is and what it is intended for.

A pressure cooker is a kitchen appliance shaped like a pan. Products are prepared in a container that is hermetically sealed. The cooking temperature of food is higher than the boiling point, and the released steam, having no outlet, creates excess pressure, which significantly reduces the cooking time.

In addition, a pressure cooker has several more advantages, namely, the avoidance of excess steam, the ability to cook dishes without using fat, the absence greasy stains and splashes, no remains of burnt food on the stove.
There are mechanical and pressure cookers. Both have a number of pros and cons, which need to be discussed in more detail in order to thoroughly understand this kitchen appliances and choose the best option for you.

Mechanical pressure cooker

The material for its manufacture can be aluminum, steel, or a combination of both of these metals.

The main advantages of a mechanical aluminum pressure cooker are: affordable price, a simple configuration that visually represents a simple saucepan with a hermetically sealed lid. Distinctive features This type of pressure cooker has thick side walls, a multi-layer bottom, and is closed with a screw-on lid, which is equipped with a pair of pressure release valves - the main one and the emergency one.

When choosing any pressure cooker model, you need to pay special attention to the quality of the rubber (silicone) gasket, which must be free of defects and deformations, and must fit tightly.

The only disadvantage of a mechanical aluminum pressure cooker is that it does not work well with a glass-ceramic or induction hob, and also leaves stains on the glossy surface that cannot be washed off.

A mechanical pressure cooker made of steel or combined metals is more practical to operate and is equipped with minimal control systems, namely, automated system lid locking and unlocking, as well as a pressure selection valve, which can have two or more operating modes. The disadvantage of such a pressure cooker is its cost, which is almost 2.5 times higher than the cost of an aluminum pressure cooker.

The high price is justified by the quality and ease of use of a steel mechanical pressure cooker or a pressure cooker made of combined metals, because such a pressure cooker will not open at will; it secures the lid well until the pressure in the container becomes safe for opening. In addition, it is possible to set such a pressure cooker to the pressure required for preparing a specific dish.

Well, the most important advantage of almost all models of mechanical pressure cookers is the presence of a self-cleaning emergency valve, which will not allow scale to accumulate in the device.
Pressure cookers made from steel or composite materials work with all types of kitchen hobs.

Electric pressure cookers

Currently, there is a huge variety of models of electric pressure cookers. For example, there are pressure cookers designed for one type of cooking (cooker, rice cooker, pasta cooker, etc.). Multifunctional multicookers are more convenient to use and store.

How to choose a pressure cooker from such an abundance of models? Certainly, the best option pressure cooker is the one that is capable of . Its only disadvantage is the high price.

All electric pressure cookers are fully automatic, have timers and intelligent systems management, carry out exactly any task assigned to her, prepare the dish exactly on time.

A pressure cooker is a very practical and convenient invention that can significantly reduce cooking time.
The pressure cooker is a saucepan with thickened walls, a multi-layer bottom and a hermetically sealed lid equipped with valves (working and emergency).
The lid is separated by a rubber or silicone gasket. The latter is of much better quality and wears out more slowly.

Operating principle of a pressure cooker quite simple. Due to sealing and increasing pressure, the boiling point of water inside the container increases, due to which food is cooked at a higher temperature and, as a result, faster than in a saucepan.
Let's look at what you need to pay attention to first when choosing a pressure cooker.

Kinds

Pressure cookers are divided into mechanical and electrically heated. The former are most often made of aluminum and steel.

Mechanical pressure cookers

Aluminum mechanical ones are cheaper than other models, which is quite consistent with the quality.

The main disadvantages of pressure cookers with an aluminum body are:
Unsafe for health and influence on the taste of prepared dishes because aluminum reacts with prepared foods. Less significant effect of such chemical reactions is the formation of a gray coating on the walls of the dishes.
The gaskets in such pressure cookers are rubber, as mentioned above.
Suitable only for gas and electric stoves.

Steel pressure cookers are more expensive. But the quality, safety and ease of use are worth it.
A special lid locking mechanism prevents depressurization of the container at high pressure.
The multi-layer bottom allows for better heat distribution.
A two-position valve allows you to change the pressure inside the container, which is important for preparing some dishes.
Can be used on any hob, including induction and glass-ceramic.
Many models are equipped with a special bowl to allow steaming.

Electric pressure cookers

Naturally, they cost more than mechanical ones. But it is much more convenient and functional. Not for cooking stove required.
Electronic control and cooking programs free the owner from constantly being at the stove and allow him to calmly do his other things. You just need to indicate which program the dish will be prepared according to.
Like mechanical pressure cookers, electric pressure cookers come in aluminum and steel. You can rarely find an enamel pressure cooker in stores.
It is more practical to choose an electric pressure cooker with a non-stick coating. It may be a little more expensive, but there will be no problems with cleaning.

Volume

The characteristic is important, but it’s difficult to make a mistake here. There is only one principle - what more family, those larger capacity there must be dishes. The range is very wide: from half a liter to 40 liters. For the average family, a 5-6 liter pressure cooker is just right.
Something else is important. Never fill the pressure cooker to the brim. At most - two thirds. There should be room for steam. If the ingredients include swelling foods, such as rice, then more than half the volume should remain free.

Power

The larger this value, the faster everything is prepared. It is also clear that the larger the pressure cooker, the correspondingly more power. Typically, these devices consume from one to one and a half kilowatts.

Finally, we should mention functionality. If you only need a pressure cooker to cook porridge or rice or cook pasta, then it will be cheaper to purchase a cooker, rice cooker, or pasta cooker. But I wouldn’t recommend limiting yourself that way. It would be better to buy a universal, multifunctional pressure cooker.

People no longer want to spend a lot of time preparing food - they are looking for more quick way cooking your favorite dishes. Life is fleeting, and it flows through our fingers while we earn money and spend short hours of leisure - and when cooking takes up the lion's share of time, there is only free time in the day to lie down and relax. Technology adapts to our needs and pressure cookers were invented to reduce the time we spend on cooking.

In fact, people have long been looking for a way to cook food faster, but everything rested on the elementary law of physics: the boiling point of water cannot exceed its capabilities, 100 ° C - and that’s it. In order for the food to cook faster, this temperature needs to be somehow increased, but the maximum that can be achieved is to increase the heat and speed up the approach of the boiling point of water, and then all that remains is to obey the standard course of things: the meat is cooked for an hour, the beets for an hour and a half, the potatoes for about 20 minutes. And at this time you have to be in the kitchen and make sure that water does not flood the stove. Multicookers do a great job of solving the second problem by giving you more freedom while cooking, but they can't force food to cook faster than the boiling point allows.

And yet, it would be strange if a person did not come up with something to increase his comfort - imagine, this was first done back in the 17th century. The first to bypass physics was the quick-witted Frenchman Denis Papin, who quickly found application for new discoveries in the field of influence atmospheric pressure to the boiling point. And the influence is most direct - the higher the pressure, the higher the boiling point becomes. All that remained to be done was to create a sealed vessel in which pressure would rise during heating.

A pressure cooker is a modern and fast tool for cooking healthy food. Extreme pressure and heat Reduce normal cooking time by up to 70% while saving approximately 50% of energy. Gentle treatment of ingredients retains most of the vitamins, minerals and nutrients, making food healthy and tasty. A practical tool: Pressure cookers are ideal for cooking almost all types of food - from vegetables, meat and fish to grains, bean porridges, soups, and stews. Even preparing a special dietary or baby food won't be difficult. The pressure cooker also impresses with its ease of use and safety. Simply put, this is an indispensable all-rounder in your kitchen.

How fast is it?

The difference in cooking time is truly impressive - dishes cook 3-5 times faster than in a pan over a fire. If chicken cooks in a pan for about 40-45 minutes, then a pressure cooker will cook it in about 15 minutes. You can cook the toughest beef, which can take several hours to cook, in less than an hour, and the vegetables will be ready while you drink your morning coffee .

Another reason to love the pressure cooker

For some reason, one of the most common concerns about a pressure cooker is its effect on the quantity useful substances, which she supposedly destroys with quick cooking. These concerns are even offensive for a pressure cooker, because it preserves vitamins many times better than conventional cooking, which oxidizes food due to oxygen and literally “boils” vitamins through prolonged heat treatment. The pressure cooker is sealed, so the chances of oxygen getting into it are zero, and the food retains many useful substances. In addition, the taste of the food does not fade as much as when cooking in a pan.

What can she do?

Food in a pressure cooker can be stewed, boiled and even steamed. You can trust the pressure cooker to cook everything that you are used to cooking in the oven, steamer or pan - and it will handle it brilliantly. Cook light soups in it in just a few minutes, stew meat and poultry, desserts, fish and seafood, steam vegetables - in short, it is ready to take on almost all the dishes that form the basis of your diet. The only things she doesn’t like are those that foam during cooking, splash and clog her working valve - apple and lingonberry compotes, rhubarb, cereal porridges, pasta.

Choosing a pressure cooker

First of all, we pay attention to the material. Pressure cookers are typically made from either stainless steel or aluminum, and sometimes a combination of these metals. In general, it is not recommended to purchase food equipment made of aluminum; this material quickly loses its attractive appearance due to a gray coating. In addition, it is impossible to cook foods with high acidity in them, since in this case aluminum is released into the food, which has a bad effect on the taste and healthiness of the dishes.

All self-respecting manufacturers produce pressure cookers made of stainless steel or similar alloys. This material does not oxidize food, preserves its natural taste regardless of the acidity level, and also heats the bottom of the pressure cooker evenly, so that food does not burn.

Pressure cookers are either electric or mechanical. Electric ones work like multicookers from the mains, while mechanical ones need to be placed on the stove like a regular pan. Electric pressure cooker It’s more comfortable to use, the entire process of heat treatment of food takes place without your participation: press the “start” button and for a while you can throw out of your head the thoughts that you are cooking something, and go on a visit or to the store without a twinge of conscience. You can also delay the start time of preparing the dish - put the vegetables in the morning, come home at lunch - and there will be hot food waiting for you there vegetable dish. Convenient, of course. But mechanical pressure cookers take less space and are less likely to break.

Review of the best European pressure cookers

To minimize the likelihood of breakdown, you need to choose the right pressure cooker. We will look at the best pressure cookers from reliable, world-famous companies, which are widely used in Europe both in professional and home kitchens.

WMF

German company WMF has been famous for its high-quality stainless steel, and a series of collections of mechanical pressure cookers are 100% created from this material. Thanks to the special TransTherm bottom, the pressure cooker is suitable for all types of hobs: gas, electric, induction and glass ceramic hobs. The internal coating of the pressure cooker is made from WMF’s own development - the high-tech material Cromargan®. In addition, the pressure cooker has energy-saving properties. Also, there are no comments on the design of the collections, this is WMF: smooth steel, shining glossy surface, all models are ergonomic, the details are impeccable.

WMF Perfect Pro

The Perfect Pro series of pressure cookers from WMF never ceases to amaze with its dynamic design and strikingly laconic black handle. Modern production technologies convince with ease and practicality of use. The multifunctional fireproof “All-In-One” handle is equipped with a special regulator, with the help of which you independently select the necessary program for cooking. Also in pressure cookers high level safety thanks to the fire-resistant handle and a well-thought-out hot steam release system - without making gross mistakes in operation, you will never get burned. The handle is completely removable and can be washed under running water, and the container itself and the lid are suitable for washing in dishwasher. Among the functions of this collection, it is worth noting a special measuring scale located on inner surface pressure cookers It is convenient when you need to measure exact amount liquids.

Popular WMF Perfect Pro pressure cookers

WMF Perfect Plus

The Perfect Plus series of pressure cookers from WMF is a great combination modern technologies And current design. The operating process is extremely simple. The red rings on the hob indicator indicate two levels of readiness. All technology is placed in the handle, where you can easily select the desired program and cooking time. Special reliable system release of excess steam - will ensure safe opening of the lid, protecting you from burns. The applied measuring scale on internal covering serves for more precise filling and dosing of the pan. Easy to clean, the handle is completely removable and washable under running water, and the container itself and the lid can be washed in the dishwasher

Popular pressure cookers WMF Perfect Plus

WMF Perfect

A timeless classic that has been part of WMF's wide range for many years. The Perfect series is an excellent combination of modern technology and classic design, proven over many years of presence on the market. Here it is harmoniously intertwined classic design and high technology German brand. All functions are defined in the knob, where you can select the desired cooking mode. Pressure cookers also have a high level of safety thanks to a fire-resistant handle and a well-thought-out system for releasing hot steam - without making gross mistakes in operation, you will never get burned. Among the functions of this collection, it is worth noting a special measuring scale located on the inner surface of the pressure cooker. It is convenient when you need to measure an exact amount of liquid. Easy to clean, the handle is completely removable and washable under running water, and the container itself and the lid can be washed in the dishwasher

Popular WMF Perfect pressure cookers

WMF Perfect Ultra

All the functionality of the WMF Perfect Ultra pressure cookers is built into the handle of the removable lid. The timer built into the handle monitors the duration of cooking and notifies you with a signal about the end of the process. The multifunctional “All-In-One” handle is equipped with a special regulator, with the help of which you independently select the necessary program for cooking. The multifunctional fireproof “All-In-One” handle is equipped with a special regulator, with the help of which you independently select the necessary program for cooking. Special automatic system release of excess steam - absolutely reliable and safe. A measuring scale printed on the inner coating allows for more precise filling and dosing of the pan. Easy to clean, the handle is completely removable and washable under running water, and the container itself and the lid can be washed in the dishwasher

Popular WMF Perfect Ultra pressure cookers

Silit

Functionality. The German company Silit uses a steel base and a special material for the manufacture of pressure cookers: Silargan. This is a heavy but durable and practically “indestructible” alloy, resistant to most mechanical damage. All functions of the pressure cooker can be adjusted on one side on a convenient panel. The pressure cooker also contains a removable handle, easy to store and clean; has several cooking modes (depending on the model) and is suitable for all types of hobs.

Design. As with WMF, no comments on appearance products: modern, neat, ergonomic. There are several colors of pressure cookers available, so it’s easy to choose one that suits your kitchen.

Pressure cookers are a new generation of eco-style equipment that will take its place on every modern kitchen. If you do decide to get this useful device, you will significantly save time and make your diet more healthy.