A kitchen assistant is a pressure cooker. Which is better, reviews, models, features, advice on choosing

At all stages of the existence of man, the question of preparing food invariably arose before him. With the development of society, people began to desire to accelerate this process in some way. But there are laws of physics, over which we are not powerful. And for a long time the housewives had no choice but to wait until the boiling water, and then stand by the stove to cook food for their family.

Appearance of pressure cookers

The situation changed only in the 17th century. Then, in 1679, the French physicist Denis Papen invented the first pressure cooker. The idea of accelerating the process of cooking came to the scientist after he had long observed the operation of steam engines and boilers. The physicist invented a device in which an increased pressure was created to increase the boiling point of water. It was a dish with a hermetically sealed lid. In it, thanks to increased pressure, the process of cooking was greatly accelerated.

The first pressure cooker was called "Varenka Papena". However, housewives and cooks for a long time did not dare to use this device in everyday life. Everything was explained by the fact that the first pressure cookers, which were a pan made of a thick sheet of metal with a tightly screwed lid, were not entirely safe. "Papin's varnish" should have been hermetically sealed. Otherwise, high pressure would tear off its lid, which at high speed could fly away in any direction. People near the stove were injured. Another disadvantage of the first pressure cookers was that it was not necessary to open them immediately. After the cooking process was over, some time had to pass.

The beginning of mass production

Only with the arrival of the 20 th century, pressure cookers began to actively go on sale. For example, in 1912 these devices appeared in the catalog of one of the trading English houses. At this time, "Varilka Papena" was given another name - "Vacuum samovar". In the catalog it was described as a technical innovation, guaranteeing cooking for two hours.

It was from the beginning of the last century that the pressure cooker deserved wide popularity among the peoples of Europe. This innovation is pleased to acquire on their kitchens many German restaurants. I liked the pressure cooker and the inhabitants of America. In the US, even set up its serial production and released a "cook's miracle" in free sale.

Perfection of pressure cookers

The popularity of appliances for fast cooking increased with every passing year. Engineering did not stand in one place. As a result, today convenient and safe pressure cookers are presented in the consumer market. These devices have several degrees of protection and allow you to independently adjust the pressure. In addition, the best materials are used to make these kitchen helpers. There is even a pressure cooker made of stainless steel, the bottom of which is an alloy of stainless steel and aluminum.

The convenience of modern devices attached to a variety of elements of electronic control. Is there a best pressure cooker among the numerous assortment of appliances, on which it would be worth to stop your choice? Let's consider this issue in more detail.

Devices for quick cooking on the stove

Modern manufacturers offer two types of pressure cookers. Some of them are installed on an electric or gas stove, while others are autonomous, with electric heating.

The material for making the first type of pressure cooker is only metal. In the simplest models, it is aluminum. What is the difference between pressure cookers and ordinary saucepans? The fact that they have thick walls and a bottom. Provided in these devices and tightly closed lid, which has two valves (working and emergency).

Valves are needed in order to release excess pressure from the device . This protects the pressure cooker from bursting. Between the pan and the cover of the device is a gasket. It is necessary for sealing. In aluminum models, the gasket is usually made of rubber. These pressure cookers are cheap, but have some disadvantages:

1. The entry of aluminum into the reaction with the products. This is dangerous for health, and there are always traces on the walls of the device.
2. Short life of rubber gaskets. Because of this, the pressure cooker loses its tightness after a certain period of time.
3. Use only for electric and gas cookers.

What kind of material should a pressure cooker be made of? Which is better? User reviews indicate that the most perfect option is a steel device. Its bottom is multilayered, which allows the device to have good thermoregulation. It attracts the attention of consumers and the fact that there are various functions of the pressure cooker to control the cooking process. Among them - locking the cover, which prevents the depressurization of the device at high pressure. This function significantly increases the security of the device.

The steel pressure cooker (see photo below) has a two-position valve. This part allows you to adjust the pressure inside the container, which is important when preparing a variety of dishes. Of course, for safety this sub-type of devices is also equipped with an emergency valve.

The steel kitchen assistant has heat-resistant handles and is executed in a modern design. Positive feedback from consumers is obtained and the lining of covers of such models. They are made of silicone and very durable.

Some of the models made of steel, have a bowl that allows you to cook food for a couple. The dishes are very healthy. Some models have a glass cover, which is also liked by customers.

Aluminum or steel pressure cooker - which is better? Customer feedback indicates the greater popularity of the second model. After all, such instruments are used not only on gas and electric, but also on induction and glass-ceramic plates. In addition, the devices made of steel are very high-quality and functional. In addition, it is quite an affordable purchase is a pressure cooker. The price for it is relatively low - from a thousand rubles.

Electric Pressure Cookers

A completely acceptable option for a kitchen assistant for fast cooking is autonomous appliances that have electric heating. What is different from their "brethren" such a pressure cooker? The price is higher, but, according to users, such devices will be an excellent choice. And it can be explained by the high functionality of the device. In the models of such devices there is electronic control. It allows the hostess to escape from the kitchen worries. It is enough just to put out the necessary program of cooking. At the end of the process, the device will shut itself down.

Material of manufacture

The pots of electric pressure cookers are made not only of aluminum and steel. Some models use an enamel surface. There are also stand-alone appliances with non-stick coating. By the material of the pot, what is the best electric pressure cooker? Feedback from users is recommended to choose a non-stick model. In such a pan, the food will not stick to the walls and the bottom, and this will greatly simplify the cleaning of the container.

A great popularity among consumers also has a pressure cooker made of stainless steel, which has a hard anodized coating. The advantage of such a device is its thick heat-distributing bottom. Such a detail allows you to prepare food without fat and oil.

Volume of pot

It is worth paying attention to one more important parameter of the device. It is the volume of the pan. It can be from 0.5 to 40 liters. If by this criterion a pressure cooker is selected, which is better? Feedback from users is advised to stop at the golden mean. For example, for a family consisting of 4 people, the best option will be a pressure cooker for 5-6 liters (the same parameters apply to apparatus operating on slabs). In addition, it should be borne in mind that the purchased device should have some margin of volume. After all, pour completely into the pan with cooking. It is important to leave a place where steam will form.

Usually an empty volume is 2/3 of the capacity. Its features exist in the preparation of swelling products, for example, rice. In this case it is forbidden to pour the pan with water above the middle. All these factors are recommended to be taken into account when choosing a pressure cooker.

Power

When choosing a device, this parameter should be given special attention. After all, the power of the electrical apparatus determines the rate of boiling of water and the formation of steam. Of course, in all models of pressure cookers, manufacturers commensurate this parameter with the dimensions of the device. But, as a rule, the most popular devices for fast cooking have power from 1 to 1.5 kW. At lower values of this parameter the device will be more economical, but the preparation of food in it will take a longer time.

There are people who live in a fast rhythm. They are advised to pay attention to the pressure cooker more power. And if you spend most of your time at home? Then it will be enough to buy a device with a small capacity. He will cook food delicately.

Functionality

The comfort and convenience of the device during its operation should also play an important role in choosing a home assistant. In modern models there is a large set of functions, such as macaroni, rice cooker, cook, etc. It is desirable that there are as many opportunities as possible. And therefore, user reviews recommend paying attention to the universal pressure cooker. She will correctly prepare not only the above dishes, but also potatoes, meat, soups and so on.

The mothers of young children have a need for frequent preparation of cereals. They are advised to choose a pressure cooker that has a delayed start function. And in order for the cat not to run away, it is advisable to choose a small-capacity apparatus.

User reviews indicate that you can prepare yogurt in a pressure cooker. Fans of this product should choose the device that has a minimum temperature of 40 degrees.

There are also special baking conditions in some pressure cookers. It is desirable that such a function has adjustable time.

A pleasant bonus for the purchase will be additional accessories, which many companies complete their models. Here you can include a steam plate that allows you to prepare tasty and healthy dishes, as well as a grid for rice.
For some housewives, visual control of cooking is important. For this purpose in some pressure cookers is provided a viewing window.

Select a manufacturer

An important factor in choosing a home assistant is the popularity of the company that issued it. Of course, in the first place it is worth paying attention to those devices that are manufactured by the most famous firms.

Today, many manufacturers offer us a convenient and safe pressure cooker. However, the best devices are those manufactured by the companies "Mulinex" and "Panasonic", "Redmond" and "Brand." The cost of devices of these brands ranges from $ 60 to $ 500.

For those who do not have the opportunity to purchase an expensive device, sellers offer pressure cookers made in Russia. Such devices will cost the buyer only 1200-1400 rubles. Corresponds to the price and quality of such pressure cookers. They are made of aluminum, using a rubber gasket to seal the cover.

Pressure cookers "Panasonic"

According to consumers, the most popular model of this brand is the Panasonic SR-TMH18. Her market in home appliances began to offer one of the first. That is why today many consumers have already appreciated the capabilities of the device. This pressure cooker (see photo below) is rather unpretentious.

Despite a small set of functions, the manufacturer has equipped it with all possible cooking options. The drawbacks of this model are its fragility and instability. However, this problem can easily be solved with a special dish and a spoon.

If you describe all the models of the pressure cookers of the Panasonic line, you can definitely say about their main advantage - a low price. Attractive for some categories of buyers and ease of use. Among the shortcomings can be called a small power range (490-850 W), as well as the fragility of structures.

Pressure cookers "Redmond"

Redmond produces its own quick-cooking apparatus at a higher level. And the brand has many options for choice. For example, a pressure cooker "Redmond" model RMC-M4502. It is a universal device. It is equipped with sixteen different functions, thanks to which the pressure cooker "Redmond" is able to serve its masters also as a multivark, yogurt, steamer, bread maker, etc.

However, many users note that such an abundance of functions makes operation of the device more difficult. It takes time to understand the incomprehensible instructions and learn how to handle the device.

Of course, the company "Redmond" offers its customers and many other options that have a variety of prices and capacities.

Pressure cookers "Muleinex"

The most popular model for consumers is Moulinex CE 4000. This is a universal device that simultaneously performs the functions of a pressure cooker and multivark. This model has a small number of built-in programs. That's why the multi-cooker "Mulinex" does not allow you to prepare complex dishes. However, the device is a wonderful choice for those who are used to the rapid rhythm of life. After all, the main advantage of this model is the minimum time required for cooking.

The range of the Molinex branded pressure cookers covers devices with a capacity of 400-1200 watts with a pan volume of 2.75-6 liters. Of the disadvantages, buyers call a small number of modes.

Kitchen assistant "Varya"

Russian pressure cookers can also be considered as a purchase option. They are somewhat cheaper than their imported counterparts, which is especially attractive for housewives.

Pressure cooker "Varya" is used for cooking porridges, soups, chillies and many other dishes that require longing. In the models of this line there is an automatic shutdown, which is very convenient in operation. The material for making pots is not only aluminum. The most modern models use stainless steel. Excellent feedback from users about the safety of pressure cookers "Varya", which provides a special valve.