Anyone who makes homemade meals would, no doubt, appreciate getting their hands on the best pressure cooker on the market. This will not only make things easier in the kitchen, but will also help you cook your meals faster.
One thing that we love about a multifunctional pressure cooker is that it may be used to cook a broad spectrum of meals from mashed potatoes to noodles to tough cuts of meats.
These appliances have come in handy for all of us as a way of achieving consistently delicious meals fast and with minimal effort.
Let’s learn about pressure cookers and then, take a look at some of the best cheap pressure cooker options on the market.
All About the Pressure Cooker
Pressure cookers look just like the regular cooking pots but come with several modifications. There are plenty of types of pressure cookers and in this section, we’ll go through the different things you should look at before choosing a pressure cooker.
Types of Pressure Cookers
There is a wide range of pressure cookers and users can rate them according to their models, the variety of settings offered, how easy it is to clean, the clarity of the manual, their ability to evenly brown meat and cook rice, and the speed at which they come up to pressure and rate at which they release the pressure either manually or naturally.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the different categories of pressure cookers.
1. Electric Pressure Cookers
These appliances use electricity to prepare food and make pressure cooking so much easier. Users can easily adjust the heat settings depending on what’s being cooked.
If you own an electric pressure cooker Malaysia, you can easily switch to keep a warm setting once the food is ready to make sure that it doesn’t get cold.
2. Single-purpose Pressure Cookers
These appliances are designed to handle a single pressure setting hence making them easy to operate. However, this doesn’t mean that they can only cook one meal. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Single-purpose pressure cookers can cook any meal.
A single purpose pressure cooker offers the user a dedicated type of pressure without extra settings.
3. Multi-purpose Pressure Cookers
A multipurpose cooker comes with programmable modes that allow the user to prepare various meals in different ways. The features that each of these cookers come with vary from one brand to another.
Most multi-purpose pressure cookers may be used as slow cookers, rice cookers, steamers, warmers, etc.
Pressure Cooker Functions
There are so many things that you can do with a pressure cooker. Just because it’s called a pressure cooker doesn’t mean that you should limit yourself to pressure cooking your food in it. Here are the various functions that are available on pressure cookers:
1. Pressure Cooking
This process of cooking uses a very simple technique of pressurized air in a sealed container. The air-tight lids seal the cooking pot well. The pressure builds up and evenly surrounds the food causing it to cook faster.
Pressure cooking is ideal for preparing meals that take a long time to cook.
2. Slow Cooking
If you like, you can also use the slow cook function. One thing that you’ll love is how it allows you to set the cooking time and then it’ll automatically switch itself off once it’s done. The best part is that the pot will be in the “keep warm” mode after the food is done cooking.
When using the slow cook feature, you can adjust the heat and cook time by pressing the +/- buttons. Also, ensure that you grab the glass lid instead of the regular lid when you use the pressure cooker as a slow cooker.
3. Rice Cooking
Rice cooks in the pressure cooker in just a manner of minutes. Generally, the cooker adjusts the cooking time depending on the amount of rice you are cooking.
Keep in mind that the rice cooking feature works best for white or parboiled rice. If you’re making brown rice, you should use the manual function. This will allow you to adjust the cooking time.
4. Baking
Believe it or not, you can use a pressure cooker to bake cakes. Because you don’t cook the cake under pressure, it should take about the same time it takes to bake in a standard oven.
Be sure to preheat the pressure cooker before you use it for baking. You should also monitor the internal temperature closely so that the cake isn’t undercooked or burnt.
5. Sautéing
Do you need to thicken sauce or anything without using a pan on the stovetop? Then this is your go-to appliance.
Simply press the sauté function and then adjust the temperature to either “normal”, “more” or “less.” A full browning session should take about half an hour.
6. Steaming
When you have a recipe that calls for steaming fresh vegetables evenly, use the multifunction cooker. Set only a few minutes to avoid overcooking.
Make sure that you use a steamer basket whenever you use the steamer function. If you don’t, the veggies will make direct contact with the sides of the cooker and burn. Also, don’t forget to add about one cup of water to the cooker.
7. Yogurt Making
It’s time to start making homemade yogurt in the comfort of your home. Believe it or not, all you need to do is ensure that you get the best pressure cooker. Pressure cooker yoghurt ends up very smooth and tastier than the kind you buy at the store!
8. Warming
To reheat leftover food in a pressure cooker, you’ll need to add a little fat or water. Alternatively, you could use heat-safe containers or cover the food in aluminum foil.
Don’t forget to adjust the warm time up or down accordingly before pressing the steam button.
9. Sous Vide
These are French words that directly translate to “under vacuum.”
This refers to the process of sealing food in an air-tight plastic bag and putting it in a pressure cooker containing temperature-controlled water. The food is left to cook in the water bath over a long period.
The sous vide function is your best bet if you intend to cook
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Pressure Cooker
What do you look for in a pressure pot? A lot of people know why they need a pressure cooker in their home but they barely know what to look out for. Some of the most important aspects that you should look out for include:
1. Material
Pressure cookers are made using different materials ranging from stainless steel to aluminum. These affect their performance and durability.
Aluminum tends to stain, tends to warp over time, and is generally less expensive than stainless steel. On the brighter side, aluminum is a very good conductor. Stainless steel doesn’t stain, is more durable, but is also more expensive.
2. Size / Capacity Needed
Unlike other stovetop pots, you shouldn’t fill your pressure cooker to maximum capacity. You should leave some space at the top for pressure to build up. If you put too much food in the cooker it could block the valve and this would be a safety hazard.
The best pressure cooker is one that’s big enough to hold food for the number of people for whom you most often cook while allowing space for pressure build-up.
3. Price
A good pressure cooker will cost you roughly $50-$200 depending on the brand, size, construction material, and additional accessories that it comes with.
Instead of going for the cheapest option, do your research first to find one that suits all your needs.
4. Warranty
Most pressure cookers in the market are well-built with many of them lasting for about a decade. Some brands come with a lifetime warranty but these often tend to be more expensive. Keep in mind that as long as you handle your cooker well, it should serve you for several years.
A warranty is usually applicable from the date of purchase and proof of purchase will be needed before any defects in materials and workmanship can be repaired or replaced.
5. Functionality – Ease of Use
When buying a pressure cooker, go for one that offers multiple functionality options that make the most sense for the kinds of meals that you cook. Modern technology like touchscreens makes the cookers easy to use. Well-labeled buttons also make it easy for users to customize their cooking modes.
It would also be great if the cooker could do more than just pressure cook. Find one that can air fry, steam, bake, slow cook, make yogurt, and roast.
6. Other Additional Features
Other extras that are worth keeping an eye out for include:
- A recipe book
- A cooking rack
- Ergonomic handles and knobs
Benefits of a Pressure Cooker
Compared to other methods used to cook, you must admit that pressure cooking tops the list. Its efficiency and effectiveness are out of this world. Some of the main benefits are:
1. Easy to Use
Modern pressure cookers are so easy to use and this goes a long way in taking the risk out of pressure cooking.
Their labeling is so detailed and users don’t need to keep googling stuff on how to use the different functions. The user manual will simplify things even further for you.
2. Versatility
Pressure cookers are just as versatile as any advanced kitchen appliance.
This safe and modern cooking solution can cook almost all meals – literally. It’s possible for users to use a single multi-purpose cooker to prepare their meals using different techniques. The versatility makes it a great addition especially if you don’t have lots of storage space for other appliances.
3. Saves on Electricity and Gas
At the end of the day, we are all looking to make some energy savings in the kitchen so that we can reduce the size of our monthly bill.
Since pressure cookers require less cooking time, less electricity or gas is used. Overall, pressure cooking reduces energy usage by up to 70%.
4. Locks in More Nutrients and Flavor
Other cooking methods often cause flavor, nutrients, and other water-soluble vitamins to leave the food. On the other hand, pressure cookers ensure that the nutritional value of the food remains intact. This is mainly because the food cooks quickly, deeply, and evenly.
5. Makes Meals in an Instant
When meal preparation is done using a pressure cooker, the food gets ready in less than half the time it would if cooked using other methods.
We all have those days when we get home exhausted and need to prepare dinner in the shortest time possible. Pressure cookers come in handy if you’re looking to get your meals on the table faster.
6. Cheap in the Long-Run
A pressure cooker doesn’t just save you time and energy in the kitchen. It also prevents you from digging deeper into your pocket to pay for repairs or get a replacement thanks to its durability.
A pressure cooker saves you money in so many ways and this is what makes them a cheap long-term solution. This train of thought is what inspired our list of the top picks when it comes to choosing a cheap pressure cooker for quick meals.
If you don’t have a multipurpose pressure pot it’s about time you got one at a bargain.
Top 5 Cheap Pressure Cookers
Now that you are – hopefully – sold on the benefits of using a pressure cooker, we’ll review 5 of our top picks and tell you everything you need to know about these appliances. This way you’ll be able to choose the best electric pressure cooker for your kitchen.
1. Birkeshire 6L Digital Multi Pressure Cooker & Slow Cooker
The Birkeshire 6L Digital Multi Pressure Cooker & Slow Cooker is truly designed for easy cleaning and maintenance and easy usage. It comes with temperature and pressure controls as well as time adjustment features. The cooking capabilities of this appliance are seemingly endless and the results are pleasantly reliable and quick.
We appreciate the built-in safety features that go a long way in reducing the risk of pressure-cooking mishaps. Birkeshire is a trusted name in cookware thanks to its powerful appliances. This particular model is no different.
What sets this 6L digital multipurpose cooker apart is how it operates so silently you wouldn’t even know that it’s working. Cleanup is easy and it also doesn’t take up lots of space on the counter. What more could you ask for?
2. SAMU GIKEN 6.0L Electric Pressure Cooker
Are you looking to save up on time, money, and energy with a cooker that does it all? If yes, then the SAMU GIKEN 6.0L Electric Pressure Cooker is exactly what you’re looking for. This programmable appliance is a combination of multiple functions such as pressure cooking, steaming, sautéing, and slow cooking.
This device also comes with a manual recipe function that you can easily customize if you like. It’s so easy to just throw all your ingredients together in the pot, put the lid back in place, push a button, and your food will be ready in no time!
For added convenience, the SAMU GIKEN 6.0L electric pressure cooker comes with a warming function so your food won’t get cold after it’s done cooking. We promise you’ll fall in love with the pressure cooker the first time you use it.
3. Panaletrik Electric Pressure Cooker 6L
The Panaletrik Electric Pressure Cooker 6L is a very handy countertop appliance. This isn’t like your traditional grandma’s pressure cooker. You’ll love how there are so many functions and you can cook just about anything with the push of a button. So many users out there are seemingly impressed by how it works.
This third item on our list is durable and offers great value for your money. The pressure is perfect for making slow-to-cook foods like beans without having to soak them beforehand. This electric pressure cooker is also easy to clean and it doesn’t stain.
With the Panaletrik Electric Pressure Cooker 6L, you can make yogurt, sterilize your baby’s utensils, make delicious stews and soups that taste like they were left to simmer all night.
4. Russell Taylors 6L Electric Pressure Cooker
If you don’t know how to use a pressure cooker, it can be a safety hazard. Thanks to its ease of use and all its safety features, it’s safe to describe this model as foolproof. The seals are sturdy and the pressure valves are also marked clearly and easy to set.
Expect that the Russell Taylors 6L Electric Pressure Cooker will provide you with many years of use. The cooker comes with lots of extras like different rubber seals and a steaming basket.
How this cooker takes control of cooking is quite spectacular. What makes it useful for most users is that once they set it up and close the lid they no longer need to keep going in the kitchen. The appliance builds up pressure, cooks, releases the pressure, and keeps the food warm until you’re ready to serve.
5. Midea 5.0L Pressure Cooker With Dual Inner Pot
The material used in the construction of the Midea Pressure Cooker (5.0L) with Dual Inner Pot is very durable. The pressure release valve works great and is also very easy to clean up in the unlikely event that it gets dirty.
Users don’t need to attend a workshop to learn how to operate this pressure cooker with a dual inner pot. It might be a little pricey but it’s worth every penny thanks to its user-friendly design and amazing features. If a cooker is doing something or has a feature that the competition doesn’t, then it’s worth spending money on it.
Conclusion
What makes the best pressure cooker Malaysia offers stand out from the rest? The best pressure cooker will cut your conventional cooking time by more than half. All these items that made it to our list will do that and are also a great choice for novice cooks. But which one tops the list?
If you’re looking for a cooker that comes with the best easy to use and clean function while providing extensive safety mechanisms, then we recommend that you get the Midea 5.0L Pressure Cooker with Dual Inner Pot. You never have to worry about the pressure pot opening accidentally while the cooker is pressurized.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a cooker with customizable presets that help you to easily prepare everything from cakes to pasta, then the Russell Taylors 6L Electric Pressure Cooker is your go-to cooker. Trust this must-have kitchen appliance to always get the job done whenever you need it to.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which pressure cooker size is the best?
Does size matter when it comes to pressure cookers? Absolutely yes!
Standard pressure cookers come in very versatile shapes and sizes. The size of the pressure pot that you get is highly dependent on the number of mouths that you have to feed. If you live alone, a 4L pressure cooker would do just fine. On the other hand, if you have a large family you should consider getting an 8L pressure cooker or bigger.
Lastly, ensure that you match the size of your pressure cooker to the type of cooking that you’re most likely to use it for.
2. Is cooking in a pressure cooker healthy?
If someone offered you a solution to get dinner on the table fast, you’ll most definitely grab the offer. But are the meals prepared this way healthy? No doubt!
Cooking in a multipurpose cooker generally requires less water so more vitamins and minerals are retained in meals prepared this way. Additionally, the food isn’t exposed to air so it doesn’t get oxidized. In a nutshell, these appliances definitely support your healthy cooking efforts.
3. Does an electric pressure cooker use a lot of electricity?
Electric pressure cookers offer fast cooking times and this automatically translates to reduced energy usage.
The overall power consumption is significantly less than that of a standard electric oven. Most electric ovens use around 2,000 watts on medium heat. If they run for about 3hrs, that totals to 6kWh of energy. Using electric pressure pots instead cuts the power consumption down to about 2kWh.