If you love cooking and know how to prepare a basic meal, then you must be well aware of the importance of having versatile and good stainless steel pressure pots. Apart from cooking the food properly, they are also very fast and easy to use.
All you need to do is put all the ingredients inside the stainless steel pressure cooker; after a little while, the food will be ready to eat.
While many people feel timid about using pressure cookers, the truth of the matter is that modern stainless steel pressure cookers are virtually fool-proof and incredibly safe.
You need not worry about the gasket quality and the pressure release – the designs being utilized today have many valve safety systems to keep you safe while enjoying the benefits of a delicious and fast cooked meal.
Pressure cookers are also very versatile and can do the jobs of other utensils such as saucepan, steamer, Dutch oven, etc. Basically, they act as a multipurpose pressure cooker with stainless steel inner pot.
In addition to being faster and healthier, pressure cooking contains all the cooking mess inside the main container, thereby leaving behind no sauce or oil splatter on your stove-top.
You will see that the market is filled with numerous brands that claim to offer the best stainless steel pressure cookers, but it is very difficult to choose the best for your house. This is why a little guidance about the best stainless steel pressure cookers in today’s market has become very important.
If you are planning to buy a stainless steel pressure cooker, then you have come to the right page. We have listed our top-rated stainless steel pressure cookers.
You need to check it out because it will not only help make your decision easier but will also assist you in picking the most suitable stainless steel pressure cooker for your kitchen. But, let us go through some other benefits of stainless steel pressure cookers first.
Here is Our Selection of the Best Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker Appliances
* Presto Pressure Cooker 01341 4-Quarts Stainless Steel
Presto is one of the most well-known companies in the field of stovetop pressure cookers. The company offers you models that are easy to understand and use while being reliable. Cookware by this company is one of the best choices, especially for novice cooks.
Additionally, all the products offered by Presto have reasonable prices and are not as expensive as other quality pressure cookers. Whether you are living alone or in a small group, this pressure cooker will prepare a delicious and healthy meal in a small amount of time.
This 4-quart stainless steel pressure cooker by Presto also comes in the 6qt stainless steel pressure cooker and 8-quart variant. Made completely out of stainless steel, this pressure cooker is fitted with a very thick handle for a better grip.
It also has a special rack so that you can cook more than one food item without the flavors mixing. The Bimetal-clad base makes for quick and even heat distribution. The small stainless steel pressure cooker is capable of tenderizing meat cuts and can quickly cook items like vegetables, fish, meat, and chicken.
This pressure cooker is fitted with a secure cover lock that indicates when the pressure is building inside the cooker and will not allow you to open it until it is completely safe to do so. The lid locks down to trap the moisture and does not allow steam to escape, thereby preventing accidental burns.
You will also see an overpressure plug that releases excess steam and automatically maintains the appropriate pressure levels for cooking.
One other important feature of this pressure cooker is the safety factor. This appliance can easily be used on regular or smooth-top stoves as well as induction. It is fitted with a helper device and the cooker is dishwasher-safe when unplugged and the sealing ring and overpressure plugs are removed. The shiny stainless steel body looks beautiful and classy.
This pressure cooker is well-made. The stainless steel construction will allow it to last for a long time. If you ever need the gasket replaced, you can easily do so too.
If you cook small meals a lot, then this 4-quart pressure cooker is the best option for you. This cooker will consume much less energy while occupying far less space and being cheaper as well. You will also receive a detailed instruction booklet, a recipe booklet and special safety tips with purchase.
Features
- Product dimensions: 18.81 x 9.88 x 9.88 in
- Weight: 6.65 lbs
- Material Type: Stainless Steel
- Size: 4 Quart
Pros
- You can save about 70% energy while cooking
- You will receive special safety tips, recipe booklet and instruction booklet upon the purchase of this cooker
- Compared to other cookers in the same size, this Presto cooker costs a lot less
- Thanks to its small size, you can store and carry this cooker easily
Cons
- Some reviews state that the device did not work as assumed and offered underwhelming services
- Several reviewers faced issues like the handle screws being missing and also questioned the durability of the product
* NuWave 31201 Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker
The NuWave pressure cooker promises a good cooking experience that is fast yet capable of providing a delicious meal every single time. It is fitted with a list of amazing features. It is also fitted with an Induction-ready base that makes heat distribution much more even and cooking even better.
The body and the interior of the cooker are made of polished steel, 18/10 to be precise, thereby making it capable of withstanding temperatures up to 580°F with ease.
This pressure cooker by NuWave is a versatile one as it can be used on electric burners, gas stoves, and induction cooktops. If you are looking for quick and healthy meals, then you will be glad to know that this pressure cooker does not need a lot of oil and is capable of cooking you a very healthy and delicious meal in a matter of minutes without any hassle.
The cooker does not burn food or cause uneven cooking. From rice to full-fledged meals, you can prepare anything in a fraction of the time. This pressure cooker’s specialty is that it keeps the flavor locked in without spending a lot of time.
With the help of the fast heating capabilities of this pressure cooker, your food will be ready at least three times faster than conventional cooking methods.
This pressure cooker is fitted with three safety features that will protect your face and hands and give you peace of mind while you cook your food. Additionally, it is advised that you turn the heat down once you see the steam coming out. This will prevent food from scorching at the bottom of the cooker.
This pressure cooker is perfect for items that take a long time to cook like heavy meat, etc. It promises to give you a lasting experience, mostly thanks to its heat-withstanding body.
Even the base of this cooker has been thickened, thereby giving you better heat distribution and durability. Additionally, the 6-quart size means that you have enough capacity to handle large family meals in one go. Hence, this cooker is an efficient cooking appliance.
Features
- Product dimensions: 18 x 16 x 10 in
- Weight: 9.5 lbs
- Material Type: Stainless Steel
- Size: 5 Quart
Pros
- The simple design allows you to use and clean it easily
- The heavy-duty locking handles are aided by a silicone gasket, thereby protecting your face and hands; excess pressure is let off by a simple steam release valve
- The safety indicator will let you know when the pressure is maxed out and should be released
- This pressure cooker can cook in two different temperatures/pressure settings
Cons
- This cooker is not programmable and everything has to be done manually
- This cooker cannot be left unattended
- You might require some time to learn how to use it properly
- This pressure cooker is quite dangerous if unused in an incorrect manner
* T-fal P45009 Clipso Stainless Steel 12-PSI Pressure Cooker Cookware
T-fal, the makers of this pressure cooker, is a very famous name in this business. The company is responsible for creating several well-known cooking products used today and is known all over the world for its stainless steel electric cooker appliances, pressure cookers, and many such products.
This pressure cooker by T-fal offers an innovative lid design that makes using it far easier than traditional models. It is priced very fairly and offers good value for your money.
Its ergonomically-friendly lid allows you to open and close the cooker top with ease, unlike traditional cookers that require the lid and handle of the cooker to be aligned for you to close or open the appliance. There are a lot of different safety features that distinguish T-fal’s pressure cooker from others. Once it is pressurized, the lid is designed to remain shut safely.
When the cooking procedure is finally done and the steam has dissipated, the lid will open up after you push the red button on the lid. This variable steam release valve allows you to safely release pressure and steam fast and safely. The valve can also be seen on the lid. The riveted and sturdy handles assure that this cooker can be carried safely.
Since there is no variable PSI on this 8 quart stainless steel pressure cooker, it will not accommodate canning. The cooking time is managed by adjusting the temperature of the stove. While this might be a disadvantage for some people, a lot of others reportedly found this simple operation to be very user-friendly.
You can still cook your traditional recipes on this model because even though the model has been improved, the cooking method remains the same. Also, it can be used on all cooktops, including induction.
Food prepared on this cooker is done at least 70% times faster than any other conventional pressure cookers. Even the most inexpensive meat tastes flavorful after being cooked in this pressure cooker. The stainless steel base ensures that the food is cooked evenly throughout. The cleanup is simple as well and it can be washed safely in a dishwasher.
Features
- Product dimensions: 14.5 x 10.4 x 11.4 in
- Weight: 10 lbs
- Material Type: Stainless Steel
- Size: 8 Quart
Pros
- This pressure cooker is safe to use on any type of cooktop, including induction tops
- The pressure cooker will not open when under pressure, thereby increasing safety
- One-handed closing and opening feature makes using this appliance much easier
- Encapsulated heat distribution disc in the base helps avoid hot spots inside the sealed cooker
Cons
- This unit is quite small for its price
- The stainless steel construction of this pressure cooker makes it a bit on the heavy side when filled with food
* Presto 1755 16-Quart Aluminum Pressure Cooker
As said above, Presto is a famous brand in the pressure cooker market, with some top-selling units in the segment. The 1755 aluminum pressure cooker is one of the smaller sized cookers that the company sells.
This well-built pressure cooker is light enough to perform on ceramic and glass ranges, as well as gas stoves and electric coil. It offers more than adequate capacity for most home canning needs.
It should be remembered that it is not a 16 quart stainless steel pressure cooker; the kettle is made up of heavy gauge and warp-resistant aluminum, which is one of the best metals in the world for even and fast heating. With this property, you will have efficient and quick results for medium-sized batches.
The pressure cooker is fitted with a canning rack that lifts the jars up from the bottom, thereby allowing the hot water to circulate and flow freely. Alternatively, this pressure cooker can also double as a steamer tray or used as a water bath canner to nutritiously and safely prepare food.
The stainless steel body has a rubber sealing ring, which is responsible for sealing the cover and the kettle, thereby keeping the steam safely inside.
Inside the kettle, the lid cover then gets locked with the locking bracket to prevent the lid from opening up accidentally under pressure. Also, the edges of the lid and the kettle have meshing lugs, which can be opened or closed with a small twist.
The pressure cooker has a dial pressure gauge that sits on top of the lid.
This gauge monitors the pressure readings and is maintained by the heat setting on the stove. The vent pope acts as a primary relief pressure valve and will release the pressure once it exceeds 15 pounds.
The cover or air vent lock serves as a visual indicator and vents the steam from the canner when the kettle is under pressure. It also engages with the locking bracket inside the kettle for safety.
According to the company, the rubber gasket needs to be replaced once every three or four years depending on usage, as the rubber will eventually dry out and erode. At the same time, you should also replace the overpressure plug as the rubber gasket can dry out as well. Also, if the overpressure is forced out from excess pressure, it will need to be replaced.
Features
- Product dimensions: 14.81 x 14.81 x 11.94 in
- Weight: 10.5 lbs
- Material Type: Aluminum
- Size: 16 Quart
Pros
- This cooker deserves top marks for being reliable, having a solid construction and for easy performance
- The cooker is fitted with several safety features
- The gasket can last easily for over three years and does an excellent job of retaining pressure
- The cooker can be used on any type of stovetop, including ceramic and glass
Cons
- The spare parts of this pressure cooker are very expensive, so you have to be careful
- Several reviews state that parts of the pressure cooker broke off after a few months of use
* All American 21-1/2-Quart Pressure Cooker Canner
This kitchen appliance is a cooker and a canner, all fitted into one device. The capacity of this cooker is 21.5-qt, thereby making it capable of holding 7-qt jars and 19-pint jars with ease.
It is made out of aluminum which makes this cooker very durable and heavy, apart from making it look quite attractive as well. The metal sealing system does not have any gasket so that you will not have to ever worry about replacing the gasket.
This pressure cooker features a geared steam gauge and an automatic overpressure release so that excess steam does not shoot the lid off. The settings are between 5 and 15 psi.
The pressure regulator valve is included and has three settings on it. This cooker is mostly recommended because it is capable of reaching a very high temperature which kills more bacteria. This makes it a very safe way to preserve food (in the case of canning) or cook food items as well.
The thick aluminum wall is capable of maintaining a steady pressure, even on its highest settings. It builds pressure slowly by constantly venting off excess pressure. Additionally, you also do not have to stand and keep a watch over the process. But the pressure cooker/canner also takes a bit longer to cool down since the walls are thicker.
While this pressure cooker might not have all the technological advancements of newer generation cookers or canners, its low maintenance, build quality and performance make it an excellent choice for any type of kitchen, be it personal or professional. This pressure cooker cleans up easily after use by just letting the steam escape and then wiping it with a clean cloth.
This large stainless steel pressure cooker is a very good tool as it enables you to combine the two processes of pressure cooking (with very little oil) and canning to preserve and eat the best and healthiest food, all with optimum storage of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that your body sorely needs.
Features
- Product dimensions: 16 x 15 x 17 in
- Weight: 20 lbs
- Material Type: Aluminum
- Size: 21.5 Quart
Pros
- The cooker is heavy duty and very sturdy, so even if you use it a lot, you will have consistent results
- Since the cooker is made of aluminum, the food gets heated very evenly
- There is no need for a gasket since the metal seal screws and clamps securely into place
This is the best pressure cooker to handle large amounts of food
Cons
- This pressure cooker is very heavy, hence it is not recommended for glass or ceramic stoves
- The thick material used in the cooker does not allow it to heat up or cool down fast
Advantages of Stainless Steel Pressure Cookers
Kitchens are now in steel revolution mode with most kitchen utensils transforming towards steel. The primary reason is that stainless steel is prized for its durability and strength so that these utensils tend to last for a longer time. Also, the finish of a stainless steel cooker remains more attractive. Some other well-known advantages and benefits of steel pressure cookers include:
Healthy cooking: The steam is kept inside the container of the pressure cooker for the entire cooking duration. This means you do not have to add extra water to boil the food. The moisture that is usually released from food contains important nutrients. This is the reason why cooking with a pressure cooker is considered the healthiest.
Easy to clean: In normal cases, stainless steel is resistant to smudges and scuff marks, thereby making it easy to clean. It does not absorb dirt. If you are cooking using a stainless steel pressure cooker, you can rest assured that the spills will not stick and cleaning will be as easy as it can be. You can use your cooker for many years to come without losing its sleek and shiny look.
Time and energy saving: Cooking food in a stainless steel pressure cooker will save a lot of energy and time as they are more efficient when compared to traditional cook pots. These pressure cookers can conduct heat efficiently and retain it for a longer duration of time. As a result, you will be able to achieve suitable results quickly, thereby saving you more time in your cooking.
Uniform heat distribution: Stainless steel pressure cookers have a uniform heat distribution system that makes your cooking even. Your food will definitely cook more evenly because of the properties of stainless steel, like heat retention for longer durations of time.
Tastier food: The steam that builds inside the pressure cooker is the main reason why the food prepared is much tastier as compared to conventional pots and pans. This is because the moisture that contains the actual flavor of the food does not leak out, thanks to the lid of the pressure cooker. Hence, the food prepared in a stainless steel pressure cooker is more delicious.
Scratch resistant: The high-quality material used to make this type of pressure cooker does not get scratched easily when cooking or washing. Hence, a stainless steel pressure cooker retains its perfect aesthetic look. Also, stainless steel does not stain and remains clean throughout its lifespan.
Additionally, stainless steel is non-reactive in nature and does not react to acidic ingredients in the food.
Guarantees longevity: Unlike other types of pressure cookers like aluminum, stainless steel pressure cookers are rust-proof. Additionally, the pressure cooker does not fade or discolor, thereby increasing its lifespan. Pressure cookers can endure hot and tough conditions in the kitchen and can outlast other materials by many years.
Non-porous nature: Stainless steel pressure cookers will not harbor bacteria and germs as compared to other materials.
This means that you do not have to spend much effort in washing and storing them since a little bit of wiping and disinfectant is all that is required. A stainless steel pressure cooker can also be used on different cooking surfaces like charcoal, electric, and ceramic among others.
How to Choose the Best
When it comes to stainless steel pressure cookers, and all cookware for that matter, heavy-gauge and high-quality steel are important criteria to look for. No matter how great the components or the features are, it would mean nothing without quality materials.
But we can consider ourselves lucky because the metal makeup of the cookware you want to purchase is labeled on the box or at the bottom of the cookware itself. You should always know what materials are used to manufacture the products you are about to buy, especially for cooking.
Here is a buying guide for stainless steel pressure cookers:
Three-ply bottom and stainless steel
You need to choose a pressure cooker that is made of the best durable stainless steel. Not all stainless steel is the same. Look for the label or bottom stamp to indicate “18/10 Stainless Steel”, which is a composition of 10% nickel and 18% chromium. These signs indicate the makeup of the metal. Nickel and chromium added together have a lot of advantages like:
- Shine: Nickel works to increase the protective layer that chromium forms and also adds shine and gleam.
- Corrosion and stain resistance: Stainless steel must include at least 10.5% chromium to be considered stainless. The more chromium, the more the durability.
Quick release and accurate pressure indicator
Normally, a pressure cooker is capable of reaching 15psi, which is the accepted standard for most pressure cooker recipes. But this point is often overlooked.
Make sure the model that you select is capable of reaching this level. Additionally, you need to look for an accurate indicator that will indicate when this level has been reached (colored marker, pop-up indicator, etc.).
You also need to search for a stainless steel pressure cooker with a quick release option built into the pressure regulator.
Modern pressure cookers are built with this mechanism to lower the pressure inside the main container quickly without losing heat. With the pressure equalized quickly, this option will allow you to add other ingredients and then allow cooking to resume by switching back to pressure cooking.
Safety features
Modern stainless steel pressure cookers are fitted with many safety features that pressure cookers of the past did not possess. If overpressure takes place, modern pressure cookers can vent the excess steam from a valve stem, which you will be able to hear.
If the pressure continues to rise, the sealing gasket on a modern pressure cooker will be pushed out through a specially designed aperture in the lid, thereby venting the pressure safely.
Size of the pressure cooker
Should you purchase a 4-quart pressure cooker or a 6-quart one? The answer totally depends on your needs. You need to take into consideration the number of portions you often prepare, your budget, your storage space, etc.
A 6-quart pressure cooker is the minimum capacity that you should go for and the 7-quart or 8-quart if you can afford it. It should always be remembered that a pressure cooker can only be filled two-thirds full for most food products and only half-full for food that froths or foams while cooking.
Accessories and warranty
While a good stainless steel pressure cooker will last for many decades, a smart consumer will consider the quality of the company and its pledge to stand behind its products. Replacement parts like gaskets will mostly not be covered and it is recommended that you choose a brand that will also replace cooker parts and other accessories.
Avoid non-stick
It is highly recommended that you avoid pressure cookers which are non-stick for more than one reason. The first and foremost is a simple fact that a non-stick surface will not last. Then there is the issue of health surrounding non-stick coatings.
The safety issue of non-stick coating in any cookware is debatable, but we recommend that you avoid non-stick cookware whenever possible.
Handles
When the stainless steel pressure cooker is filled with liquids and foods, it might become very heavy. It can also become very hot. Hence it is important that you choose a model that has large and sturdy handles. There should be one handle on each side of the pressure cooker to make sure that it can be moved safely and easily.
Some of the best-selling pressure cookers have ergonomic handles that are large enough to keep the hands safely away from the unit itself.
Compatible cook tops
Most stainless steel pressure cookers can be used on all types of cook tops. But it is very important that you confirm this before buying a pressure cooker. Although most can be used on induction, smooth-top, and regular ranges, some are limited to just one or two types of cooktops.
Where to buy?
Most department or retail stores feature a large selection of cookware and will always have a few models that you can choose from. But it is suggested that you shop online. Shopping for a stainless steel pressure cooker online is much better because you can read about it via review from real customers and all the things they were satisfied or unhappy with.
Additionally, shopping online for cookware can earn you major discounts, thereby allowing you to purchase an expensive cooker for a comparatively lower price.
Safety Measures While Using Pressure Cookers Made of Stainless Steel
Here are some tips on how to make cooking with a stainless steel pressure cooker safer and more successful:
Check your equipment before cooking
Always be sure to check the rubber gasket (the rubber ring that lines the lid of your cooker) to make sure that it has not cracked or dried out.
Some manufacturers recommend replacing the gasket on a yearly basis, depending on how often you use your pressure cooker. You might want to order an extra in case the one that you were using gets ripped off. Also, make sure that you check whether there is dried food left on the rim of the pot; if yes, remove it since it can break the seal.
Don’t overfill the cooker
For most food, do not fill the stainless steel pressure cooker more than two-thirds full, to avoid the possibility of food blocking the vents. Food items like grains and beans should only fill about half the cooker since they have the tendency to swell as they cook.
Use enough liquid
A stainless steel pressure cooker needs liquid to create the steam that cooks the food. A good recipe will take this into account, but if you are creating your own, you will need at least half a cup of water or any other liquid. If the steam does not seem to be building with this amount, release the steam, open the cooker and add a little more liquid until you reach the pressure you were looking for.
Take care while cooking frothy food
Frothing can block the pressure release vents and steam valves. Some food items that can froth include cranberries, applesauce, oatmeal, split peas, rhubarb, pasta, etc. If you indeed plan on cooking with these, follow a trustworthy recipe and make sure the quantity in the container is well below the recommended maximum fill line.
Release the pressure in a safe and secured way
You can release the pressure in three different ways – by just removing the cooker from heat and letting it sit until the pressure drops naturally, running cold water off the lid of the closed pan, or using the container’s steam release valve to expel the steam.
Make sure you protect your hands with pot holders or handles as you are handling the cooker. If you are using the quick release method, you need to remember to move your face, hands, and body away from the steam vent. When you open the cooker after the steam has been released, hot steam will still escape from the cooker.
Make sure that as soon as you open the pan, you tilt the cooker away from you and hold it over the pan so that the hot condensation does not drip on you.
Clean the cooker properly
Once you are done cooking, make sure that you remove the gasket and wash it separately, along with the pot and the lid. Make sure that you clean the valve with a wooden toothpick and check if it is moving freely and not stuck. Remember to store the stainless steel pressure cooker with the lid upside down on the pot, rather than locked in place.
Bottom Line
The above are some of the top-rated pressure cookers made of stainless steel and available on the market today. We hope that with this comprehensive guide, you will be able to decide which pressure cooker fits your cooking needs the best.
There are many benefits of having a stainless steel cooker. From not burning food to retaining heat better than other cookers, stainless steel cookers improve cooking efficiency while saving energy.
These cookers can withstand a lot of pressure and are incredibly durable. Also, since they do not corrode or scratch, they will look classy for many years to come.
If high quality and durability are things you are looking for, have a look at the stainless steel pressure cooker review above and rest assured that you are saving both time and money.
