What To Look For

Foods like meat and veggies are placed in The pot with some water, then sealed and heated. As the water boils, steam collects and the resulting pressure that builds up quickly cooks food. One thing to note: Price is not a reliable indicator of quality. Product styles and safety features can also significantly vary. For instance, stovetop pressure cookers are considered to be superior to electric models by many cooks because electric pressure cookers don't allow you to modify or change a recipe once the pot is sealed.

Electric models are usually fitted with aluminum pot inserts, which may make it more difficult to brown ingredients on the stovetop before cooking. The aluminum in these kinds of models can react with acidic ingredients such as tomatoes or wine to produce off flavors. Additionally, some pressure cookers can also be used for home canning. The smaller models intended mainly for cooking won't fit many mason jars, but some models do come with a rack for canning.

Here are some things to consider before buying a pressure cooker:

• Consider size and capacity. Pressure cookers range in capacity from 2.5 quarts to more than 40 quarts. Smaller saucepan-style pressure cookers are fine for side dishes, but larger stockpots are better suited for family cooking. Pressure cookers that are 10 quarts and larger are suitable for canning. Keep in mind that pressure cookers can only be filled to two-thirds of their capacity. Anything beyond this point can clog the pressure release valve with food particles -- reducing the appliance's efficiency.

• Look for an easy-to-read pressure indicator. This lets you know when the correct cooking pressure is reached and when it's safe to open the lid after cooking. Models that simply emit a gentle spray of steam make it difficult to recognize when the optimal pressure is reached, unless you are familiar with the cooker.

• Opt for stainless steel. Stainless steel is longer-lasting than aluminum. In addition, aluminum may react with an acidic substances and produce an off flavor.

• Sleuth out safety features. Pressure cookers with locking lids, pressure indicators and release valves are less likely to explode from high pressure.

• Don't expect to cook everything in your pressure cooker. Some foods, like green veggies and fish, cook too quickly to be prepared in a pressure cooker. Instead, use your appliance for longer-cooking selections like braised meats, beans and whole grains.

• Pressure cooking can save you money. Pressure cookers tenderize tough, inexpensive cuts of meat and quickly cook low-cost foods such as beans and rice.