Electric Pressure Cookers

Choosing the right electric pressure cooker for your needs

An electric pressure cooker fast-tracks slow cooking methods and enables you to produce delicious, nutritious and diverse meals in half the time. Pressure cooking works by heating up a small amount of liquid inside a closed pressure cooker. As the steam builds up and is unable to escape, the high pressure limits boiling and increases the temperature inside, which allows food to cook faster than in a traditional crock pot.

The best pressure cookers at Kitchen Warehouse are multifunctional and combine several kitchen appliances into one, including rice cooker, saute pan, steamer, slow cooker and more. Before you invest in a pressure cooker, you will need to consider these factors:

• Size. Pressure cookers come in different sizes to suit different household needs. A small 3L multi cooker is ideal for 1-2 people, while 8L pressure cookers will serve up meals for a large group of people.

• Type. The two main types of pressure cookers are stovetop and electric pressure cookers. Multi-cookers combine multiple appliances in one so that you can slow cook, make yoghurt, saute, sear, steam and more.

• Features. An electric pressure cooker comes equipped with many modern cooking functions and features that give you more flexibility and control. Be on the lookout for features such as steam release valves, locking mechanisms, LCD and LED displays, pressure indicators and adjustable pressure settings.

• Budget. How much do you want to spend on an electric pressure cooker? A simple rice cooker will be more affordable than a multicooker that combines several appliances.

Compelling reasons to buy a pressure cooker

Electric pressure cookers appeal to beginners, experienced home cooks and professional chefs alike. Check out these major reasons to add one to your cookware collection:

1. Saves time. Cook your favourite meals in less time with a pressure cooker. From fluffy rice to tender veggies, succulent chicken and just-right beans, a pressure cooker will give you perfect results fast.

2. Retains nutrients. With less water and no air exposure, pressure cooking locks in more vitamins and minerals in your food so that your meals are more nutritious.

3. Reduces energy. Pressure cookers are good for the environment and your wallet! As they cook food faster than a cooktop or oven, less energy is used and you’ll save money on your next bill.

4. No-fuss cleanup. A pressure cooker eliminates using many extra pots and pans, while the lid prevents mess and odours from escaping. Your kitchen will also stay cooler without using stovetops and ovens.

5. Creates tastier food. A sealed environment means that maximum flavour and moisture is retained in your food for a tasty meal that’s tender and juicy.

6. Makes cooking safer. Pressure cookers use intense heat that will kill most harmful microorganisms in food, significantly lowering the risk of bacteria and viruses.