Hawkins Contura Black 5 Litre Pressure Cooker, Hard Anodised Cooker, Handi Cooker, Black (CB50)

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If you’ve decided that an electric pressure cooker is right for you, here are some things to think about when choosing between models: Size

If you're short on space, you could also consider a microwave pressure cooker. These are usually made of silicone, so are easy to clean after cooking, whether you pop it in your dishwasher or wash it by hand. Most are made from stainless steel or aluminium, and can double up as a sturdy saucepan. They don’t have multiple functions for different foods like electric models do, but some come with accessories such as steaming baskets. Leaky lid' protection - Found on the Instant Pot Duo 60, if the cooker doesn't reach the correct temperature or pressure in the expected time, it will automatically switch to a low temperature setting to avoid burning your food. Electric pressure cookers come with extra safety features beyond those seen on stove-top models. In addition, they take the guesswork out of pressure cooking by monitoring and adjusting the pressure and temperature automatically.Whether you buy an electric or stove-top pressure cooker, you'll need to take care of the rubber sealing ring (gasket) that sits inside the lid. This helps to form an airtight seal so pressure can build up. If it's damaged, your pressure cooker won't work properly. INDUCTION SUITABLE - Unlike the aluminium versions, our stainless steel pressure cooker is suitable for ALL hob types, including induction. A sauté function will let you brown meat inside the pressure cooker with the lid off, saving you the time of transferring food between pan and pressure cooker, and the hassle of extra washing-up, but maximising taste and flavour. Delayed-start / keep-warm setting

When you think of pressure cookers, you probably remember the traditional pots that screeched and rattled on the hob. But the next-generation designs we're seeing today should see pressure cookers take their place as an essential and time-saving buy for the modern kitchen. Microwave - these have the health benefits of pressure cookers, as well as the speedy cooking times. CHOICE OF SIZE - Available in 4 litre capacity, great for couples or individual servings, or the larger 6 litre capacity, which is the perfect size for families, providing up to 8-10 servings.Automatic pressure release - Electric pressure cookers, like the Tefal CY851840, with this feature release the steam at the end of cooking for you, meaning you don't have to put your hands anywhere near the hot steam. Some electric pressure cookers only have one pressure setting, whereas others have two (for high and low pressure) or even more (the Sage Fast Slow Pro has eight). The low-pressure option makes cooking more energy-efficient, as the cooker can switch to this setting once the food has cooked. It’s also useful for cooking more delicate foods such as leafy vegetables, pasta, eggs and fish. Automatic pressure release Much like a slow cooker, a pressure cooker can save you money by taking cheap ingredients and transforming them into tasty meals. Unlike a slow cooker, though, you won’t have to cook for hours to inject flavour and tenderness into tougher cuts of meat and dried beans and pulses, so you can save on your grocery bills without having to wait ages for your food to be ready. LET US TAKE THE PRESSURE OUT OF COOKING - The best pressure cooker should be built to last - which is why we offer a lifetime guarantee.

Learn more about the art of pressure cooking and find mealtime inspiration by browsing BBC Good Food's pressure cooker recipes .A larger capacity will add to the price, but will mean you can batch cook and freeze portions, but go for the smallest option that works for your household if you're looking to save money. Versatility ACCESSORIES - The 4L pressure cooker does not contain any accessories. The 6L pressure cooker comes with a practical steamer, divider, and trivet. A two-valve mechanism gives you more choice for releasing pressure, either naturally by leaving it to cool, or speeding things up by sitting the pan in cold water or running some over the top. If you want maximum flexibility, look for a pressure cooker that is also a multicooker, such as the Instant Pot. These appliances can double up as steamers, slow cookers, rice cookers, or even have dedicated settings for porridge and yoghurt. Some, like the Ninja, can even grill, roast or bake. Multiple pressure settings Some hob pressure cookers have handles on either side, making them easier to carry, as they can be heavy when filled with food. Others have folding or removable handles, making storage easier.