Believe it or not but pressure cookers were invented over 350 years ago. Even though electric pressure cookers have become popular recently, the good old stovetop pressure cooker remains one of the most affordable and reliable ways to cook a quick and healthy meal.
Stovetop pressure cookers are a good buy for several reasons:
- Versatility: Suitable for browning, sautéing, simmering and steaming so you can explore various cooking styles and experiment with different flavours and textures.
- Speed: Trapped steam increases the internal pressure to cook food up to 70% faster. Perfect for busy people who want to prepare meals quickly without compromising on taste or nutrition.
- Flavour and nutrient retention: The enclosed high-pressure environment inside a pressure cooker locks in flavours and nutrients. Steam and pressure tenderise tough cuts of meat and infuse flavours into ingredients while retaining the natural colours and textures of vegetables.
- Durability: A simple design, few moving parts and sturdy materials such as stainless steel make stovetop pressure cookers durable and long-lasting. With proper care, your pressure cooker will last many years.
- Affordability: Stovetop pressure cookers are generally more affordable than electric pressure cookers. (However, some brands and models come at premium prices)
So, how do you choose one? Here are the important features to look for:
- Size and capacity: Consider the size of your household and the amount of food you usually cook.
- Material: High-quality materials ensure durability and even heat distribution. Stainless steel is a popular choice for its durability and resistance to stains and corrosion.
- Adjustable pressure: Adjustable pressure settings are useful for varied recipes and ingredients.
- Safety features: A locking lid, pressure release valve and pressure indicator ensure that the cooker remains securely sealed during operation, and releases pressure safely when necessary.
- Ease of use: The pressure release valve and pressure indicator should be easy to operate and understand. The lid should also be easy to lock and unlock.
- Accessories: Steamer inserts, trivets and racks allow you to do more with your pressure cooker.
- Maintenance: Features such as a removable gasket and dishwasher-safe components can make cleaning a breeze. Replacement parts should be available and reasonably priced.
Here are the 10 best stovetop pressure cookers to buy in Singapore. We have chosen the majority from the 3-litre range ideal for 3-4 people but included several larger models as well.
1. Hawkins Contura Black CXT30 stovetop pressure cooker
- Capacity: 3L
- Dimensions: 356 x 178 x 216 mm
- Weight: 1.36 kg
- Material: Anodized aluminium with stainless steel lid
- Compatibility: Gas, induction, electric, ceramic, halogen
- Other feature(s): Electro-chemical anodised for non-toxic non-stick surface
Buy it now from S$66 on Lazada
2. Prestige Svachh Deluxe Alpha
- Capacity: 3L
- Dimensions: 360 x 200 x 170 mm
- Weight: 2.0 kg
- Material: 304-grade stainless steel
- Compatibility: Gas, induction
- Other feature(s): Controlled gasket release system, anti-spill lid, cool touch regulator
Buy it now from S$46 on Lazada
3. Premier Cucina Trendy Black
- Capacity: 3L
- Dimensions: 360 x 210 x 180 mm
- Weight: 1.7 kg
- Material: Anodised aluminium
- Compatibility: Gas, induction
- Other feature(s): Electro-chemical anodised for non-toxic non-stick surface
Buy it now from S$44 on Lazada
4. Tefal P25107 stovetop pressure cooker
- Capacity: 6L
- Dimensions: 460 x 292 x 267 mm
- Weight: 4.19 kg
- Material: Stainless steel
- Compatibility: Gas, induction, electric, ceramic, halogen
- Other feature(s): Secure locking mechanism, dishwasher safe body; dual pressure (10/15 psi)
Buy it now from S$255 on Lazada
5. Hawkins Ceramic Coated CMY30
- Capacity: 3L
- Dimensions: 203 x 330 x 165 mm
- Weight: 2.04 kg
- Material: Aluminium
- Compatibility: Gas
- Other feature(s): Non-toxic ceramic coating on exterior & base
Buy it now from S$60 on Lazada
6. Kuhn Rikon Duromatic 3050
- Capacity: 4.2L
- Dimensions: 285 x 290 x 262 mm
- Weight: 2.4 kg
- Material: 18/10 Stainless steel
- Compatibility: Gas, induction, others
- Other feature(s): automated lid-locking system, safety release back-up, 1-glance pressure monitoring; dishwasher safe
Buy it now from S$540 on Lazada
7. Butterfly CURVE 3L stovetop pressure cooker
- Capacity: 3L
- Dimensions: 330 x 203 x 203 mm
- Weight: 2.0 kg
- Material: Stainless steel
- Compatibility: Gas, induction
- Other feature(s): Gasket release vent (GRV) and safety plug backup; dishwasher safe
Buy it now from S$40 on Lazada
8. Prestige Svachh Hard Anodised
- Capacity: 3L
- Dimensions: 340 x 200 x 180 mm
- Weight: 1.75 kg
- Material: Anodised aluminium
- Compatibility: Gas, induction
- Other feature(s): Controlled gasket release system, anti-bulge induction base, anti-spill lid, cool touch regulator
Buy it now from S$45 on Lazada
9. Tefal P45009
- Capacity: 9L
- Dimensions: 368 x 264 x 290 mm
- Weight: 4.54 kg
- Material: 18/10 stainless steel
- Compatibility: Gas, induction, electric, ceramic, halogen
- Other feature(s): 1-hand risk-free opening & closing, auto-lock under pressure, variable steam release valve; dishwasher safe; steam basket & stand included
Buy it now from S$484 on Lazada
10. Bajaj PCX 63H stovetop pressure cooker
- Capacity: 3L
- Dimensions: 290 x 167 x 132 mm
- Weight: 1.63 kg
- Material: Anodised aluminium
- Compatibility: Gas, induction
- Other feature(s): Dishwasher safe
Buy it now from S$47 on Lazada
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