Best Large Pressure Cookers: Big Meals, Bigger Taste

Pressure cookers are the core of a kitchen. Over time, various tools and utensils have been introduced, but the pressure cooker remains an everlasting and indispensable tool, evolving year by year from an ordinary pressure cooker to a modern multi-cooker. Although there are various models available with different sizes. In this blog, we are going to talk about large pressure cookers, a phenomenal category in the segment of pressure cookers offering a large capacity to prepare food in bulk for different purposes.

The scale of large pressure cookers in terms of quantity ranges from 6 quarts starting may go beyond 20 quarts in commercial grades. Pressure cookers with a capacity of 6 to 8 quarts come under the category of medium to large cookers, ideal for medium-sized families with 6 to 9 members or small parties and events. Meanwhile, those ranging from 10 to 15 quarts (including the 20 quarts and bigger sizes) come under the very large pressure cooker category, ideal for large families, large gatherings, or commercial kitchens cooking food in large batches.

When it comes to large pressure cookers, they are typically used in two sites, one in the home kitchen and another in commercial kitchens. Even though the work of the pressure cooker is the same in both places, there are still some minimal differences between commercial pressure cookers and household pressure cookers.

Difference Between Commercial And Household Pressure Cookers

S. no.FeaturesCommercial CookerHousehold Cooker
1.CapacityThe capacity ranges from 20 quarts to 100 quarts and can go beyond that.The capacity for these cookers ranges from only 6 quarts to 15 quarts.
2.Built Quality & MaterialDue to high-intensity usage, they are built tougher and more durable (with thick walls and better steel)These are also durable but have slightly lower wall thicknesses and steel quality; this is because they are not used frequently.
3.Heating & Pressure ControlThey have better and more advanced control mechanisms for precise cooking, even if you are cooking in bulk. Some level of skill is required to operate these. Some models even have automated pressure release & control to avoid accidents.These cookers have basic control mechanisms and do not require special skills to deal with them. Moreover, they have auto-cutoff (electric models) and many safety features like a lock mechanism or safety valve to avoid accidents.
4.Cooking TimeFaster due to larger size and capability to hold more pressure.Slower due to low pressure and small size.
5.PriceExpensive due to the immense size, material used, and other features it offers.Affordable than commercial pressure cookers because of their compact size.
6.DurabilityMore durable, as they are designed to withstand continuous use and high pressure.Designed and suitable for occasional use for home cooking. (can be used for preparing daily meals & dishes.)
7.Usage VenueBuilt and designed for industrial kitchens and large-scale production. Mostly used in restaurants or production factories.Developed for home cooking and preparing daily meals.
8.Ease of UseComplex to operate and requires professionalism.Easy to operate and doesn’t require any skill. Some models even come with pre-programmed settings.

Reasons To Buy A Large Pressure Cooker

large-pressure-cooker

  • Bulk Cooking – Large pressure cookers allow you to cook large batches of food, whether there is an event or gathering or you just want to prepare a meal for the family. These can handle all the tasks.
  • Time & Energy Efficient – Compared to traditional methods of cooking, pressure cookers can reduce the cooking time by around 60% to 70%. In general, most of the common dishes can be prepared within an hour, which usually takes 2 to 3 hours by old-time methods. For example, a whole chicken takes approximately 2 hours by traditional method but on the other hand, it only takes 25 to 30 minutes in a pressure cooker.
  • Better Nutrition & Flavour – Pressure cookers can preserve more nutrition, and its because of lesser cooking time. This means that food is less exposed to heat, which helps in preserving the nutritional value of food. Also, some minerals like vitamins C and B (generally found in fruits and vegetables) are soluble in water, so a tool like a large pressure cooker that uses a very low quantity of water is perfect for these.
  • Safe & Easy To Use – While talking about safety, modern pressure cookers have locking lids and safety pressure valves to avoid accidents. Apart from these, because the food is prepared in a sealed environment, it is safer in two more ways. First, there will be no risk of splish or steam from the pot. Secondly, it also reduces environmental exposure, making the food more hygienic.
  • Versatile – Some models of large pressure cookers are designed to handle multiple tasks. For example, you can steam or bake in them or you can carry on canning in them, and much more.

All these make the Large pressure cooker a versatile and kitchen-friendly tool. Helping you to complete your bulky tasks with ease.

Things To Consider Before Buying

large-pressure-cooker
  1. Safety – Always choose a model that has a locking lid with safety valves to avoid accidents. Some models may offer a gasket release system as a backup if the safety valve gets blocked.
  2. Durability – Both aluminum and stainless steel are great for the production of pressure cookers. Stainless steel models are non-reactive and durable, whereas aluminum offers better heat distribution with lighter weight. Apart from this, seek for a model that has a tri-ply or multi-layered base, as it helps in even heat distribution.
  3. Capacity & Need – First, determine the capacity that you require. Figure out how many people you need to cook for and choose the accurate size accordingly. Also, consider the kitchen space where you are going to use or store the pressure cooker.
  4. Maintenance – After buying a large pressure cooker, it is essential to maintain it. In order to achieve that, you can seek models with non-stick pots for easy cleaning. Modern pressure cookers are now available with removable and dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning.
  5. Versatility – You can even go with a model that not only offers pressure cooking but also steaming, baking, slow cooking, etc. Moreover, they can be more flexible if they are compatible with both stovetop and electric options.
  6. Energy Efficient – Look for a power-efficient large pressure cooker. They should not be power-hungry.
  7. Brand & reviews – Think about an option that comes from a reputable brand and also has good customer reviews. This will ensure the reliability and durability of these large pressure cookers.

Our Top Picks

First, some options for home use –

Now, some for commercial use –

At last, some for very large commercial use –

Conclusion

The gist of the matter is that large pressure cookers are the core of both commercial and household kitchens. Allowing you to prepare large batches of a variety of dishes including stews, soup, cakes, and much more. Generally, the scale from 6 quarts to 15 quarts is ideal for home use, on the other hand from 15 quarts to 100 quarts plus comes under the category of commercial pressure cookers.

Large pressure cookers are very versatile, allowing one to cook a different variety of dishes, also they are capable of making large batches of food, an essential factor for both commercial (restaurants or hotels) and household kitchens (for large families). Large pressure cookers are safer, more durable, and easy to maintain. Pressure cookers also help to preserve nutrition (because of the sealed environment).

Buy a large pressure cooker from a good brand while keeping in mind your needs such as capacity or purpose. Apart from this, the safety features and materials are also crucial. At last, I hope your choice is now with you, and soon will be your kitchen companion.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I fill a pressure cooker?

For liquid, it should not be filled more than 2/3 of the pressure cooker capacity.
For food that expands it should not be more than 1/2 of the pressure cooker capacity.

Why should I care about maximum capacity?

There are several reasons for that such as safety concerns, effective cooking, maintaining proper functioning for the cooker’s health, avoiding mess and overflow spills, and maintaining proper pressure control.

What size pressure cooker is best for large families?

For large families, the scale ranges from 7 quarts to 10 quarts, because of their versatility, capacity, and efficiency.
7 & 8 quarts are Ideal for families having members around 4 to 7.
9 & 10 quarts are ideal for families having members around 7 to 10. Apart from this, this capacity is preferred by families who cook extra portions for leftovers or special events.

Can I use a large pressure cooker for small meals?

Yes, you can prepare small meals in a large pressure cooker. Moreover, you can also use the pot-in-pot method to prepare small meals.

Can I cook different foods in a large pressure cooker at once?

There are various methods for this such as the pot-in-pot method, layering method, cooking different foods with the same cooking time, etc. All these can help you to deal with a variety of foods at once.

Can I use a large pressure cooker on an induction cooktop?

If the pressure cooker had a flat base with a magnetic base or induction compatibility it is possible to use a large pressure cooker on induction tops.

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