Pressure Cookers

Pressure Cookers

Pressure cookers are a convenient kitchen appliance designed to reduce the time spent cooking and standing in front of the stove. Perfect for browning, boiling, steaming, poaching, braising, stewing and roasting food, the versatility of a pressure cooker is unmatched by any other cooking appliance. Here at Kitchenware, we stock only the best pressure cookers in Australia, including the Philips multi cooker, Ninja pressure cooker and pressure cookers from Brabantia, Scanpan and more. 

What are the benefits of a Pressure Cooker?

A high-pressure cooker or pressure pot is a kitchen appliance that uses high-pressure steam to cook food quickly. It consists of a cooker pot, lid, and valve system that traps steam inside and increases the temperature beyond the boiling point. This results in faster cooking times, more tender meats, and better retention of nutrients.

Different Types of Pressure Cookers

When it comes to choosing a pressure cooker, there are a few options to consider. We’ve listed the most common pressure cooker types below; 

Stovetop pressure cookers

One of the most popular types of pressure cookers is the stove-top pressure cooker. This pressure cooker uses heat from your stove to build up pressure and cook food quickly. These can be made from aluminium or stainless steel and come in various sizes. Induction pressure cooker options are also available for those with induction stovetops.

Electric Pressure Cookers 

Electric pressure cookers do not require a stove or cooktop as these pressure cookers have an electric heating element that controls temperature and pressure. Electric pressure cookers have gained popularity in recent years due to their convenience and ease of use.

Slow-cooker/pressure cookers 

For those who want even more versatility, look for a pressure cooker with both slow cooker and pressure cooker capabilities. This allows you to switch between functions depending on what you're cooking without having multiple appliances taking up space.

Pressure Canners

A pressure canner is a specialised device used for safely preserving food in jars. It operates similarly to a pressure cooker but is specifically designed for canning purposes, allowing you to process and store low-acid foods at high temperatures and pressures.

What to Look for in a Pressure Cooker

When looking for a pressure cooker, you want to make sure that it fits your specific needs. Here are some factors to consider:

Size: Pressure cookers come in different sizes, so it's important to choose one that suits the size of your family or household. A mini pressure cooker with 4L - 6L capacity is usually enough for a small family, while larger families may need an 8L - 10L pressure cooker.

Material and Quality: A stainless steel pressure cooker tends to be more durable and reliable than an aluminium one or those with significant plastic elements, making the steel pressure cooker popular amongst home chefs. Also, check the quality of the lid, handles and safety features such as automatic locking systems.

Pressure Settings: Different foods require different levels of pressure-cooking times. Look for models with multiple settings so you can adjust based on what you want to cook.

Ease of Use and Cleaning: Ensure the model has simple controls and easy-to-read displays. Also, look for dishwasher-safe components which make cleaning up easier.

Accessories: Some pressure cookers include additional accessories like steam baskets or racks and trivets

Benefits of a Pressure Cooker

Pressure cookers have gained popularity due to their ability to cook food quickly and efficiently. 

• Time-Saving: Pressure cookers cook food faster, saving time in the kitchen.
• Energy Efficient: They use less energy compared to conventional cooking methods.
• Retains Nutrients: Shorter cooking times help preserve the nutritional value of the food.
• Enhanced Flavour: High-pressure cooking intensifies flavours and tenderises meats.
• Versatility: Pressure cookers can handle various cooking tasks such as steaming, poaching, stewing and roasting. 

Slow cooker vs pressure cooker

Both the slow cooker and pressure cooker can help you create delicious meals while freeing up your time, but they work in very different ways. A slow cooker is designed to cook food at low temperatures over an extended period of time. This technique can break down tough cuts of meat and infuse your dishes with rich flavours. While this method requires minimal effort on your part, it's not ideal if you need to cook dinner quickly. On the other hand, a pressure cooker uses heat and pressure to rapidly cook foods like stews and soups. It's perfect if you're short on time or want tender meats without waiting hours for them to braise. 

Pressure cooker brands we trust and love

• Instant Pot: An all-in-one cooker that combines the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yoghurt maker, and more, the Instant Pot multi-cooker is perfect for any home. 
• Philips: Boasting multiple functions in one appliance, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and more, the Philips multi-cooker feature intuitive controls and a range of pre-set cooking programs to simplify meal preparation.

• Ninja: Pressure cook, air fry, slow cook, steam, and much more with the compact and efficient Ninja pressure cooker, perfect for making quick and delicious dishes with ease. 

• Brabantia: The Brabantia pressure cooker features pre-set programs for making flavourful dishes with a button press. Designed with a built-in power motor for faster cooking, this pressure cooker saves you time while retaining nutrients in your food. 

• Woll: The innovative Woll pressure cooker cuts cooking time in half while reducing energy consumption by 70%. Complete with a patented locking mechanism for airtight sealing and a pressure release valve for constant pressure equalisation, enjoy cooking delicious meals with peace of mind. 

• Fagor: The energy-saving Fagor pressure cooker cooks 5 times faster, ensuring delicious results quickly without losing nutrients. With 3 pressure settings and 5 secure safety systems, it offers precise control and ensures safe cooking, providing a versatile and safe cooking solution. 

Additional cookware and accessories to complement your pressure cooker 

• Frying pans 
• Stockpots
• Casserole dishes
• Dutch ovens
• Cookware sets
• Air fryers
• Food processors

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Are pressure cookers safe to use?

When used correctly and following the provided instructions, pressure cookers are safe to use. They are equipped with safety features such as pressure release valves and locking mechanisms to prevent accidents. It is essential to familiarise yourself with the user manual and adhere to recommended safety practices.

2. Can I use slow cooker recipes in the pressure cooker?

Yes, you can adapt slow cooker recipes for the pressure cooker by decreasing the cooking time and adjusting the liquid content. It's recommended to consult conversion guidelines or specific recipes for proper instructions.