Stainless steel is one of the metals from which a pressure cooker can be made. And for many people, the steel cooker is always preferable over others – like, say, aluminum cookers. This is mainly because the steel pressure cooker is generally healthier. One doesn’t have to worry about the stainless steel leaching onto food, which is a critical thing. Thus one gets to eat the food prepared in this type of cooker with a piece of mind.
Also, check the buyer’s guide for Pressure Cookers, 3 Liters Pressure Cookers, 5 Liters Pressure Cookers, Prestige Pressure Cookers, Hawkins Cookers, Electric Rice Cookers, Electric kettles, Microwave ovens, OTG Ovens, Induction stoves, Electric stoves, Electric Tandoors, Electric Lunch boxes, Egg boilers, Pizza Makers, Idli Makers in India.
Top 10 Best Steel Cookers in India
Features of Steel Cooker
- In a steel cooker, the first and principal feature is its capacity. Usually, the cooker’s maker will describe its capacity in liter units. From this, you tell whether the cooker has the potential to serve your needs adequately or not.
- Further, in a steel cooker, base shape and thickness is a key feature. This gives you hints on how evenly the cooker conducts heat, and how prone it is to bulge.
- Further still, in every steel cooker, the handle grip is an important feature. You really can’t use the steel cooker without grasping its handle throughout. Thus the convenience of working with the cooker is dependent on its handle.
Types of Steel Cookers
- There are steel cookers whose bases are designed to work with induction ovens.
- Then there are steel cookers whose bases are such that they only work with gas-powered heating sources.
- There are steel cookers in which the lids protrude outwards (outer lid steel cookers).
- Then there are steel cookers in which the lids lean inwards (inner lid steel cookers).
- There are intelligent, programmable steel cookers.
- Then there are basic steel cookers, that offer no programmability.
Buying Guide for Steel Cooker
- You need to first pose to yourself the question of how many people you will be typically making food for.
- From this, you can calculate the appropriate steel cooker capacity to focus your attention on.
- In preparing your budget, you need to be guided by steel cooker price research.
- So you just check around, to see what the current steel cooker price trend is like.
- Then you create a budget for purchasing the cooker on the basis of that.
- Try to understand which steel cookers’ features really justify paying an extra price.
- Also look at the respective steel cooker brands, to understand which brands have better reputations.
- The more reputable cooker brands may be worth paying more for.
How To Use Steel Cooker?
- Using a steel pressure cooker is usually a three-step process. In the first step, you open up the cooker, to insert the foodstuff you want to prepare inside.
- Then in the second step, you set up the cooker on the heat source (normally gas heat or induction heat).
- This is also the step at which you may select a pressure setting unless the cooker selects this automatically. Then actually ignite the heat source, and allow the foodstuff to cook to the required degree.
- In the third step, you release the steam pressure (this is very key), to make the cooker opening safe.
- Like every other cooking vessel, the steel cooker calls for thorough cleaning each time it is used. Some of these cookers are dishwasher safe.
- In all cases, you have to be keen to wash both the main body and the cooker’s lid. Even the cooker’s handle requires some cleaning, as scum can build up there too.
List of Top 10 Best Steel Cookers in India-Buyers Guide
1. Hawkins (HSS3W) 3 Litre Pressure Induction Cooker
Both gas heat and induction heat are compatible. Also allows for some frying before pressure cooking.
Pros
- This cooker has good resistance to corrosion
- The bottom is designed to facilitate a very even spreading of heat
- It comes with a state-of-the-art pressure regulator
Cons
- To some, the cooker’s price tag may seem a bit hefty (especially given its 3-litre capacity)
- For some slow-cooking recipes, it may present slight challenges
2. Prestige Popular Silver (3 Liters) Stainless Steel Cookers With an Outer Lid
This is a very thoughtfully designed steel cooker. It can use either heat source variety: electric power induction or gas.
Pros
- It heats up at a remarkably good speed
- This cooker is quite comfortable to handle
- It comes with a three-layered ‘sandwich’ bottom
Cons
- Excess water may leak from its top
- For some recipes, it may be ideal to use it alongside a heat disperser
3. Butterfly Curve 5.5 Liter Capacity Stainless Steel Cookers
Comes with both a superior ergonomic design and superb aesthetic appeal. The lid protrudes outwards (under the outer lid design scheme).
Pros
- This is largely a peel-proof cooker
- The base has proper compatibility with all common induction stoves
- Its rubber gasket does not affect the food in it (it is built with food-grade rubber)
Cons
- The cooker’s plastic handles screws may seem to lose their threading slightly with time
- Claiming its warranty benefits may be a bit tedious (if the need for that comes up)
4. Pigeon By Stovekraft Inox Plus Steel (3L) Cookers
Induction and gas stove usable. Capacity is 3 litres, making it a good vessel to cook for as many as 3-4 people.
Pros
- The handle heat insulation capacity is superb
- Its thicker base enables high cooking speeds
- The price for this 3-liter steel cooker is largely manageable by most
Cons
- The lid may initially lock with some difficulty
- This cooker’s lower body curvature may appear to be an issue for some
5. Vinod 18/8 (2.5L) Steel Splendid Plus Cookers
Capacity is 2.5 liters. It is an induction-friendly steel pressure cooker.
Pros
- Its core is impact bonded
- This steel cooker’s gasket has no effect on the food inside
- The cooker is designed for optimal safety
Cons
- This cooker has a belly shape (which for some may lead to slight food scooping challenges)
- The lid is made from tempered glass (which some may take time to get used to)
6. Bergner Argent Elements Steel (3.5L) Cookers
Built using quality tri-ply steel. This steel cooker’s color is silver, with a thoroughly polished appearance.
Pros
- You can safely immerse this cooker into a dishwasher for cleaning
- It comes with three thorough levels of safety
- The cooker has an effort-saving and comfortable handle
Cons
- The cooker’s shiny body reveals scratches quite harshly
- For a 3.5 liter cooker, the price may (to some) appear a bit on the higher side
7. Stahl Triply Xpress Steel Pressure Cookers
The capacity for this steel pressure cooker stands at 3.5 liters. Its lid protrudes outwards (making it an outer lid cooker).
Pros
- This cooker’s inner (food contacting) layer is built with topmost quality surgical grade stainless steel
- It is designed for the evenest distribution of heat
- Several heat sources (heat, induction, halogen, and so on) all work for this cooker
Cons
- Its wide base occupies quite a bit of space
- This is not one the cheapest steel cookers, with respect to pricing
8. ULTRA Duracook (3L) Steel Pressure Cookers
This is a 304 food-grade stainless steel built cooker. It has a composite base (with 3 layers).
Pros
- Facilitates uniform cooking of foodstuffs, thanks to its base design
- The handle has twin screws, which make it tightly bound to the body
- This is a fully rust-free steel pressure cooker
Cons
- The edges could be better ground
- Some may find it exceedingly heavy
9. Pannikin 2/3 Liters Silver Steel Cookers Combo
Comes with a reasonably thick base (of induction heat-compatible type). Designed to maximize energy efficiency.
Pros
- Even under very intense heat, its handle remains substantially cool
- It addresses the gasket safety concern (as its gaskets are of food-grade material)
- This is a superiorly hygienic cooker combo
Cons
- Learning how to close it properly fast may require some practice
- There may be slight spillage in some cases
10. Amazon Brand Solimo 3L Induction Steel Cookers
This is an advanced design high heat efficiency cooker. Works with a wide range of heating sources (including ceramic hob, besides induction and gas).
Pros
- This cooker has a good high safety score
- For stainless steel of its (3L) capacity, the price is quite good
- This cooker has decent aesthetics, besides being convenient to use
Cons
- Some may find its top lid somewhat overly light
- Its lid mechanism may prove a bit hard to repair, should it ever have issues
Conclusion
A steel cooker can aid you in preparing your foodstuffs with ease and in a hygienic manner. Use this guide while shopping for a steel cooker, to get the best results.
FAQs
Is a steel cooker good for cooking?
Yes, because it tends to be highly hygienic with no tendency to leach onto the food.
Which steel cooker is best?
One with an ergonomic handle, thick base, and easy-to-fit lid.
What is the price of a steel cooker?
Steel cooker price is usually somewhere between 1200 and 3700 Indian rupees.