Do Electric Pressure Cookers Offer Anything More Than Ordinary Stove Tops?

The best multicooker isn’t always the most expensive one, in fact, sometimes it’s just a matter of preference as to which brand or model you like the best. I myself prefer an Instant Ultra by Silica because it’s very lightweight and easy to clean (unlike some other brands which are bulky and clumpy). The lid is also very lightweight, but some models don’t have lids at all, which can pose problems for those of us who like to put things on our plates and immediately clean them afterwards. I’ve also found that while most models have a decent sized spill region (a little bigger than your index card), I’ve found there’s enough room on the inside of the lid to accommodate a hot skillet if needed without having to clutter the rest of the top of the lid.

The next feature you should look out for in a good instant multi-cooker is an adjustable temperature control, especially when cooking for more than two people. If you can’t use your Instant Ultra at full power, then you won’t be saving any valuable time. Even if you have a power supply capable of supporting high heat levels, the difference between a regular stove top and a pressure cooker can be significant, and the added pressure used to force the boiling water through the pipes will waste a lot of that heat. Adjustable temperature makes sure that you can adjust your Instant Ultra to whatever temperature you need, so that you never overcook or under cook, which is a problem I personally have with some stoves. Other brands may have different temperature settings, but at least you’ll know what to do in the event of a mistake.

Another important feature of a quality electric pressure cooker is its warranty. A good manufacturer will stand behind their product enough to offer you a guarantee, and many even go the extra mile and offer extended warranties as well (e.g. Bosch or Cuisinart). There’s nothing worse than buying a stove top product only to find out it can’t be fixed in a few weeks, or that it requires expensive repairs. With an electric pressure cooker, the warranty should cover everything from the electrical to the mechanical components. Quality brands like Cuisinart offer warranties on almost everything, including the lids, so you’re pretty much covered no matter what happens.