The Ultimate Pressure Cooker Buying Guide: Matching Your Kitchen Requirements

Pressure cookers have slowly become a must-have for every household. They are easy to use, versatile, convenient, and allow you to prepare delicious dishes quickly and efficiently. With the variety that’s available in the market, it can be tricky to choose the most suitable pressure cooker that matches your cooking needs perfectly.

In this post, we are going to discuss

why should you buy a pressure cooker, 

how to choose a pressure cooker, 

Why Choose a Prestige Pressure Cooker.

Why Should You Buy A Pressure Cooker?

A pressure cooker is essential for quick, efficient, and healthy cooking. 

But before that, do you know how pressure cookers work?

Pressure cookers trap steam, increase pressure, and raise the boiling point of water, significantly reducing cooking time. This is why cooking is faster in a pressure cooker compared to open pots.

Quality Matters

Do you know why build quality matters? 

A high-quality cooker ensures safety, longevity, and consistent performance. All you need to do is make sure the lid is tightly closed before putting it on the gas stove. Now that you know this, if you’re wondering about choosing the best pressure cooker that is reliable, look for a brand that values safety, durability, and efficiency.

Assessing Your Cooking Needs

Before selecting the pressure cooker brand for your family, you need to consider a few factors.

1) What material would you prefer your pressure cooker to be made of?

There is a large variety to choose from based on your personal preferences, and each material carries its own set of advantages.

2) And finally, what is the budget you have allocated to buy your pressure cooker?

Accordingly, you can choose cooker prices that fit your desired budget.

How to choose a pressure cooker?

Choosing the right pressure cooker can be overwhelming with so many options available. In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the essential factors you need to know before making a decision. From key features to practical tips, this detailed breakdown will help you pick the perfect cooker for your kitchen needs.

Understanding Pressure Cooker Types

There are many types of pressure cookers and they usually come in a wide variety of sizes, are made of various materials such as tri-ply stainless steel,  stainless steel, aluminium, and hard anodized etc. They are also available in an affordable range of cooker prices.

Here are some of the pressure cookers based on the lid types you need to know:

Pressure Cookers with Inner Lid: In this type of pressure cooker, the lid can be secured by placing it inside the cooking vessel, where the rim is curved over the lid.

1. Pressure Cookers with Inner Lid: In this type of pressure cooker, the lid can be secured by placing it inside the cooking vessel, where the rim is curved over the lid.

2. Pressure Cookers with Outer Lid: In this type of pressure cooker, the lid can be secured by placing it over the cooking vessel, covering the rim completely, and also Outer lid pressure cooker is more convenient for separator cooking

3. Pressure Cookers with Clip-On: In this type of pressure cooker, the lid needs to be clipped on the top of the cooking vessel, usually with attachments on either side.

4. Pressure Cookers with Flip-On: Similar to Clip-On pressure cookers, the lid can be flipped open and closed.

Capacity Matters

Prestige pressure cookers come in a wide range of sizes. When choosing the best pressure cooker for your home, you should consider the quantity of food that needs to be prepared regularly. Bigger families would find it more convenient to invest in larger pressure cookers. Families with fewer members would prefer choosing a smaller pressure cooker size.

These pressure cookers are available in the following size ranges: 

Material and Durability

Pressure cookers are made of different materials. You can choose between: 

1. Tri-ply Stainless Steel Pressure Cookers: Constructed with three layers for superior heat conductivity and retention. This material ensures even cooking, is more durable than aluminium, and is long-lasting. It's also stain-proof and odour-proof, making it perfect for everyday use.
2. Stainless Steel Pressure Cookers: Known for their rust resistance and strength, these pressure cookers are durable, stain-proof, and odour-proof. They heat evenly and maintain their polished look over time, making them a reliable and long-lasting option for daily cooking.
3. Hard Anodised Pressure Cookers: Featuring a non-reactive, durable surface, these hard anodised cookers are scratch-resistant and lightweight. They offer excellent heat distribution and are more durable than aluminium, ensuring longevity and efficient cooking.
4. Aluminium Pressure Cookers: Lightweight and budget-friendly, these aluminium cookers heat up quickly, reducing cooking time. While not as long-lasting as stainless steel, they are easy to handle and perfect for fast, everyday meals.

Each offers its own set of advantages and uses.

Safety Features

Pressure cookers should offer two types of complete safety: 

1. Safe to use in cooking: Prestige pressure cookers do not emit any harmful chemicals into the food. They are all made of high-grade and high-quality materials that are built to last.
2. Safe to use in your kitchen: Prestige ensures that each of their pressure cookers comes with added safety features that make cooking convenient. Some of these are:
   1. Pressure indicator: To monitor pressure levels inside the pressure cooker, ensuring your safety is never compromised.
   2. Gasket release system: The gasket bulges out and releases the pressure through a slit constructed into the side of the lid when there is excess pressure build-up inside the pressure cooker.
   3. Weight valve: This helps release the pressure above 1kg/cm2 which makes cooking safe.
   4. Metallic safety plug: An added safety feature that is top-fitted to the lid to help release excess pressure, especially when it goes beyond safety levels. 

Ease of Use and Cleaning

As one of the best pressure cooker brands, Prestige is committed to ensuring that it constantly brings unique innovations into the market that solve common kitchen problems. One of these solutions is preventing messy spillovers that usually occur when using a pressure cooker.  Prestige has created a unique deep lid design that catches the starchy liquid and helps keep your kitchen surfaces clean while cooking.

Budget Considerations

When choosing the best pressure cooker for your needs, it's important to keep in mind the budget you have on hand. Prestige ensures that you can choose between different ranges of affordable pressure cooker prices that are also available in different materials. Keep a look out for special offers and combos that can help you save more money.

Brand Reputation and Reviews

Before purchasing a pressure cooker, it's best to read the reviews online about the model type and its features, to ensure you are getting a quality product that meets your cooking needs. 

Versatility in Cooking

Cooking with a pressure cooker allows you to prepare a versatile range of dishes from the comfort of your kitchen. Pressure cookers also help you hasten the process of preparation when you make your favorite recipes. This includes steaming, boiling, cooking, simmering, and so much more!

Warranty and Customer Support

Check for lucrative warranties on pressure cookers, before choosing to buy them. In case of replacements, damages and repairs, they should have a customer support team who you can reach out to. 

Prestige is one of the best pressure cooker brands in India. Here are some reasons why you should choose a Prestige pressure cooker:

1. Large range and variety: Prestige offers the largest range of pressure cookers. They come in a variety of materials such as stainless-steel pressure cookers, aluminium pressure cookers, hard anodised, tri-ply stainless steel and so much more!
2.  Affordable and value for money: Looking for cooker prices? Prestige has a range available for every budget size. And suitable for every household.
3. Durability and warranty: Prestige pressure cookers are made with the finest materials and are highly durable which will last you a very long time. They also come with attractive warranty plans. 
4. Customer support: Prestige also offers one of the best customer support services. They are available on call, and you can also visit their service centres located all over India.
5. Trust and innovation: TTK Prestige is one of the oldest and most trusted pressure cooker brands of India. Known for their constant innovations and introducing new and unique designs in the market, TTK Prestige makes cooking easy for everyone. 

Cooking with a pressure cooker is both safe and comparatively healthy. It is a must-have for every Indian household to help you prepare ingredients and your favourite recipes quickly and efficiently. Thanks to TTK Prestige, you will be spoiled for choice from its vast range of induction pressure cookers, stainless steel pressure cookers, aluminium pressure cookers and so much more!

1. What should I look for when buying a pressure cooker?

A. When buying a pressure cooker, consider capacity, material (stainless steel, aluminum, or hard-anodized), safety features, and stove compatibility. TTK Prestige cookers offer advanced safety features like pressure indicators and gasket release systems, ensuring safety, durability, and convenience.

2. How many litres pressure cooker should I buy?

A. Depending on your family size and meal portions, you can buy your next pressure cooker by taking the liters in consideration: 

1. 1-3L: Singles/small meals
2. 3-5L: Small families (3-4 members)
3. 5-7.5L: Medium families (4-6 members)
4. 7.5L+: Large families/bulk cooking

3. What is the best pressure cooker to buy for home use?

A. For durability, choose TTK Prestige Stainless Steel Cookers. For scratch resistance and fast cooking, Hard-Anodized Cookers are ideal. If affordability is a priority, go for Aluminum Cookers. Prestige offers diverse options to match your cooking style.

4. How to check the quality of a pressure cooker?

A. Look for high-grade stainless steel or hard-anodized material, ISI certification, multiple safety features like a gasket release system, and warranty. TTK Prestige pressure cookers meet these standards, ensuring safety, efficiency, and durability.

5. How do I determine the right size pressure cooker for my family?

A. Match the cooker size to your household:

1. 1-2 people: 1.5L
2. 3-4 people: 3L
3. 5-6 people: 5L

TTK Prestige offers various capacities to cater to different cooking needs.

6. Are pressure cookers safe to use?

A. Yes! Modern pressure cookers have safety features like a precision weight valve, gasket release system, and metallic safety plug. TTK Prestige cookers include these mechanisms, ensuring controlled pressure release and safe cooking every time.

7. Can I use my pressure cooker on an induction stove?

A. Yes, TTK Prestige offers Induction Base Pressure Cookers that work on both induction and gas stoves. Models like Svachh and Tri-Ply Stainless Steel ensure even heat distribution for efficient cooking.

8. Which type of pressure cooker is best for health?

A. Stainless steel and hard-anodized cookers are the best as they don’t react with food. TTK Prestige Stainless Steel and Hard-Anodized Pressure Cookers are toxin-free and retain nutrients, making them a healthier choice.

9. Which is better, an electric or manual pressure cooker?

A. Manual pressure cookers (like TTK Prestige models) are durable, energy-free, and work on gas/induction. Electric cookers offer automation but need electricity. If you prefer traditional, reliable cooking, go for a TTK Prestige Manual Cooker.

10. Is Pressure Cooking good for health?

A. Pressure cookers are one of the most popular methods of cooking a variety of delicious dishes. It also helps you hasten the amount of time it takes to prepare ingredients for certain types of recipes. Because it requires hot steam from the liquid to cook the ingredients placed inside, cooking with a pressure cooker may need little to no oil. Making it a comparatively healthier alternative to other traditional forms.

11. How does a pressure cooker work? 

A. Just like the name suggests, pressure cookers use pressure as a method to cook ingredients placed inside the cooker. All you have to do is follow these simple steps: 

1. Place your washed/rinsed ingredients (such as vegetables, rice, pulses, etc) into the pressure cooker. 
2. Add a sufficient amount of liquid inside the cooker. The liquid (water, soup base, stock, etc) should be sufficient enough to submerge the ingredients. 
3. Place or lock the lid tightly on top, ensuring it's tight enough so the built-up steam does not escape from the sides. 
4. Place it on the gas or induction stove top and wait for it to heat. Once heated sufficiently, the pressure from inside the cooker will escape from the lid using a safety whistle or vent.
5. More quantities using raw ingredients will need more time (or more whistles) to cook. 

12. Why is cooking faster in a pressure cooker?

A. Here are some reasons why:  

1. All you have to do is wait for the water or liquid inside the pressure cooker to boil and create hot steam.
2. This generates enough pressure to cook raw and tough ingredients of varying sizes inside the cooker thoroughly.
3. Using pressure cookers can reduce the preparation time of certain ingredients almost by half. This hastens the cooking process of certain dishes.
4. Prestige pressure cookers can also be used as one-vessel meals to prepare complete dishes that are ready to be served. 

13. How to choose a pressure cooker?

A. When choosing the best pressure cooker for your home, here are some factors to consider: 

1. Quantity of food to be prepared: If you are looking to make larger quantities of food, for more family members, consider a bigger pressure cooker size to save time. 
2. Stove type: You can select between induction pressure cookers, regular prestige pressure cookers, or even prestige pressure cookers that are compatible with both. 
3. Convenient features: Prestige pressure cookers come with an innovatively designed deep lid that collects or prevents messy spills while cooking. Look for the Prestige Svachh range of pressure cookers to make cleaning your kitchen a hassle-free process.