Types Of Pressure Cooker: Three Types You Must Know

Pressure Cookers have been used for many years and still remain a popular cooking appliance in the kitchen.

There are different types of pressure cookers available on the market to choose from.

The reason for this popularity is because cooking with a pressure cooker is faster,

which reduces the cooking time by up to 70%.

The cooking process basically involves putting some liquid and the ingredients into the specially designed pot to cook,

which is sealed tight for pressure to build up.

As the years go by, pressure cooker manufacturers have improved the technologies and features of pressure cookers.

This has led to different types of pressure cookers which offer more safety, security, and functionality.

In this article, we will discuss the differences between the three-generation types of pressure cookers.

As well as we will discuss single-featured or multi-featured pressure cookers, and compare the pros, cons, features, value, etc.

What is a pressure cooker?

As briefly explained above, it’s a kitchen appliance that relies on building up significant pressure within an airtight container to cook your food.

The difference between a slow cooker and a pressure cooker is that the pressure cooker prevents the moisture from getting out…

Whereas slow cookers often are not airtight.

This increases the pressure, which increases the heat, but with the extra moisture contained in it,

you don’t get dried-out food when you’re done like you would at higher temperatures within an oven.

1. First Generation – Traditional, or “Old Style”

This is the oldest type of pressure cooker which had only basic features and they were limited in terms of functionality and safety.

Pressure cooking is based on a weight-modified valve that releases pressure to the pot.

The pressure cooker only has a single pressure level which is hard to control the levels.

Due to the valve, this type of pressure cooker is very noisy and sounds like a whistle.

2. Second Generation – Updated Traditional

It’s an improved type of pressure cooker with newer features and improved safety than the old pressure cookers.

The spring valve replaces the weight-bearing valves…

This means these pressure cookers are quieter and admittedly less obnoxious to use.

Second-generation pressure cookers also use indicators to determine the pressure levels inside the pot.

They do not release steam unless the lid is open.

3. Third Generation – Electric Pressure Cookers

These types of pressure cookers come with advanced features and use electricity as the source of energy, whereas the first two generations rely on stovetop-powered cooking.

You can refer to them as the third generation.

Electric pressure cookers have become popular with different brands offering top-notch technology.

Just like the second generation, they use a spring-loaded valve to handle the pressure.

Electric pressure cookers also have microchips inside that are pre-programmed for different settings creating easy steps to cook the meals.

This renders these a pretty completely hands-off cooking experience.

As most of these come with loads of automated features, these electric pressure cookers eliminate the need for supervision of the appliance.

It’s easy to use and sets the settings for cooking.

Some of the good features you’ll find with these appliances include,

• Timer settings
• Dual pressure settings
• Keep warm features

and Auto-pressure release when cooking is complete, and more.

Also, Check my other post where I have discussed some, pressure cooker pros and cons.

Make sure to check that article as well because the pressure cookers of our generation come with fancy features and safety measures.

So it’s good if we know its Pros and Cons.

Wrap Up

Different brands manufacture electric cookers with multi-functions offering pressure cooking, slow cooking, saute, steamer, and more.

It is right to say they are convenient and easy to use, especially when many brands also offer a substantial variety of accessories that can replace many other kitchen appliances.