π« Pressure Cookers
Three whistles and the dal is done.
Aluminium and stainless-steel cookers from the two names that built the category, plus hard-anodised and triply models for induction cooktops. From a 2-litre single-portion pot to the 7.5-litre family cooker.
Prestige Deluxe Alpha Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker
5.5 L
Outer-lid steel cooker for gas and induction.
Hawkins Contura Hard Anodised Pressure Cooker
3.5 L
Curved body for easy stirring, hard-anodised finish.
Prestige Svachh Deluxe Alpha Pressure Cooker
3 L
Spillage-control lid keeps the cooktop clean.
Pigeon Special Aluminium Pressure Cooker
5 L
Everyday outer-lid cooker at a starter price.
π How to choose
Pressure Cookers: the buying guide
A family of four does well with a 5 litre cooker for dal and rice and a 3 litre for small jobs. Look for the ISI mark and a gasket-release safety system. Aluminium heats fastest and is the cheapest; stainless steel and hard-anodised do not react with tamarind or tomato and last far longer. "Induction base" models have a bonded steel plate. Check that spare gaskets and safety valves are easy to buy; both need replacing every year or two.