How to Choose A Pressure Cooker Suitable for Family Needs

Nowadays, many families need to use 圧力鍋, but there are still some doubts about the choice of pressure cookers. Today, this article will explain to you how to choose a pressure cooker according to your needs.

Choose the capacity of the pressure cooker:

Consider the number of family members:

For a small family of 2-3 people, a 3-4 liter pressure cooker is a more suitable choice. This capacity can easily cook 1-2 cups of rice, and a 3-liter pressure cooker is enough for a couple to cook pork ribs soup daily;

For a family of 4-5 people, a 5-6 liter pressure cooker will be more practical, so that you can cook enough staple food or dishes for the whole family at one time.

If it is a large family of more than 6 people, a large pressure cooker with a capacity of more than 7 liters is a better choice, such as cooking a large pot of chicken soup or braised pork trotters at a family gathering.

Combined with cooking habits: If you often cook food that requires a lot of space, such as a whole chicken, large pieces of meat, or like to cook and store food in batches, then you should choose a pressure cooker with a slightly larger capacity. But if you only cook large meals occasionally, usually simple daily meals, choose a moderate capacity according to the number of family members.

Material composition of pressure cookers:

• Stainless steel: Stainless steel pressure cookers are durable, corrosion-resistant, and not prone to chemical reactions with food. 304 stainless steel is a common material with good corrosion resistance and high strength, suitable for most home cooking scenarios.
• Aluminum alloy: Aluminum alloy pressure cookers are light in weight and have fast thermal conductivity, but are not corrosion-resistant and are prone to oxidation after long-term use. However, their prices are relatively low, which is a consideration for families with limited budgets.
• Material of sealing ring: The quality of the sealing gasket of the pot lid is crucial. Choose sealing gaskets that are resistant to high temperatures, aging, and have good elasticity, such as silicone gaskets. High-quality sealing gaskets can ensure good sealing in the pot, prevent air leakage, and extend the service life of the pressure cooker.

Ways to ensure pressure cookers safety:

Safety valve: A high-quality pressure cooker safety valve should be able to automatically open and exhaust when the pressure in the pot exceeds the safety limit to ensure that the pressure in the pot is not too high and dangerous. Check whether the safety valve is flexible and understand the exhaust pressure setting of the safety valve. Generally, it should be opened at 1.5-2 times the normal working pressure.

Pressure indicator: The pressure indicator allows the user to intuitively see the pressure in the pot. Some pressure cookers use pointer indicators, while others use simple indicator lights. This helps to better grasp the cooking progress and adjust the cooking time and method according to the pressure.

Pot lid locking device: The pot lid locking device can prevent the pot lid from accidentally opening when there is pressure in the pot. When purchasing, you should pay attention to the firmness and reliability of the locking device.

Pressure control method:

Manual exhaust type: This pressure cooker is equipped with a simple exhaust hole. The pressure is controlled by manually adjusting the opening and closing degree of the exhaust hole. Its advantage is intuitive operation. Users can adjust the pressure at any time according to the food being cooked and their own experience.

Automatic pressure control type: This pressure cooker is equipped with advanced pressure sensors and control systems, which can automatically adjust the pressure in the pot. This type is safer and more convenient, and can effectively avoid the risk of excessive pressure.

Pressure cooker Brand and price

Brand reputation: Choosing a pressure cooker from a well-known brand is more guaranteed in terms of quality and safety. Brand pressure cookers usually undergo strict quality inspections, and their pressure control, sealing and other technologies are more mature. In addition, the after-sales service network of well-known brands is more complete, and pressure cookers can be repaired and replaced with accessories promptly if there are problems.

Price range: The price of pressure cookers varies depending on factors such as brand, capacity, and pressure performance. Generally speaking, the price of a 3-5 liter brand pressure cooker is around $18-60, while the price of a large capacity or high-end brand may exceed $100. Families can choose the right product based on their budget and needs.

Conclusion：

Choosing the right 圧力鍋 comes down to three essentials: size (match it to your family), safety (look for trusted certifications), and features (prioritize what matters most, like speed or versatility). Whether you need quick meals, healthy cooking, or budget-friendly options, the right model can transform your kitchen.