Best Pressure Cooker – Pigeon 3 Ltr Cooker with Outer Lid
Top Pick
- Capacity (Liters) – 3
- Material – Aluminum
- Base Type – Induction
- Warranty – 5 years
One of the most popular pressure cookers with thousands of positive customer reviews and feedback, the Pigeon Favourite pressure cooker is truly our favorite and the best pressure cooker in the market.
The best feature of this model is that it is a both gas stove and induction cooktop compatible. It is also dishwasher safe.
Made from high-quality aluminum, this pressure cooker is ISI certified. With its ergonomic, user-friendly handle, it is easy to use this pressure cooker.
The precision weight valve and the excellent gasket release system make this model very easy and safe to use.
Check out the features of this Pigeon pressure cooker in a quick video.
Pros
- Nitrile gasket conforming to food-grade standards
- Features a metallic safety plug
- Ensures fast and even cooking
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
- Some users reported water dripping.
The 3 l capacity of this Pigeon pressure cooker makes it excellent for daily use by a small family of 3 to 4. The sealed unit cooking ensures uniform cooking and makes for fuel-efficient cookware.
Priced at a very attractive number, the Pigeon Favourite pressure cooker is an excellent choice for any Indian household kitchen.
Our expert reviewed articles are fact based, unbiased, and rigorously researched to help you make right buying decisions.
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Pressure cookers have been an integral part of the Indian kitchens for many years. It is one of the most common and reliable appliances in your kitchen, provided you have selected a good-quality model.
With so many choices available in the market today, it can get overwhelming in deciding which model to purchase.
If you are looking for a good quality pressure cooker, you’ve come to the right place. After looking at hundreds of models, we have shortlisted the top ten pressure cookers for you, ranging in capacities, materials, and features.
Read on to know more!
Top Pressure Cookers Compared
Here’s a comparison between Top Pressure Cookers:
| Product Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pigeon By Stovekraft Favourite |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Pigeon by Stovekraft Favourite Non-Induction |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Hawkins – B30 Pressure Cooker |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Prestige Popular Pressure Cooker |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Hawkins Contura Pressure Cooker |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Hawkins – H56 Hevibase |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Mealthy MultiPot 9-in-1 Pressure Cooker |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Prestige Svachh Deluxe Alpha |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Prestige Deluxe Plus Pressure Handis |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Butterfly Cordial Aluminium Pressure Cooker |
| Check Today's Price |
Reviews of Top Pressure Cookers
Pigeon by Stovekraft Favourite Non-Induction
Best Budget Pick
Key Specifications
- Capacity (Liters) – 3
- Material – Virgin aluminum
- Handle Material – Bakelite
- Warranty – 5 years
Our best budget pick for a pressure cooker is the Pigeon Favourite Non-Induction pressure cooker. Priced economically, the model is made of the highest grade virgin aluminum conforming to the IS 21:1992 standards.
The ergonomic and user-friendly handle makes it easier to use the pressure cooker.
The pressure cooker uses a nitrile gasket that conforms to food-grade standards for ensuring safety. Other features include a gasket release system, a precision weight valve, and a metallic safety plug.
Check out the features of this Pigeon Favourite pressure cooker in a quick video.
Pros
- Excellent ratings for locking feature
- Comes with four levels of safety
- Dishwasher safe
- Ideal for 2 to 3 member family
Cons
- The insulated handle reportedly gets warm during use
The compact yet spacious design of the Pigeon Favourite pressure cooker is excellent for daily use. It can efficiently service a small-sized family of 2 to 3 people.
Hawkins – B30 Pressure Cooker
Best in Premium
Best Premium
Key Specifications
- Capacity (Liters) – 5
- Material – Stainless Steel
- Base thickness – 5.81 mm
- Base Flat Diameter – 158 mm
With its 5 l capacity, the Hawkins B30 takes the cake as the best premium pressure cooker. The excellent design of the model ensures that the base stays flat and does not bugle or separate.
The pressure cooker also provides uniform heating and is versatile in applications.
This pressure cooker featuring a thick base can be used for pressure cooking as well as light or deep frying. Easy to clean, the Hawkins B30 is extremely hygienic.
Pros
- Corrosion-resistant design
- Pressure-locked safety lid
- Long-lasting gasket
- Made of superior surgical grade non-magnetic stainless steel
Cons
- Some users felt it is overpriced
This Hawkins pressure cooker is ideal for a bigger family of 5 to 7 people. The best feature is that it is both a gas stove and induction cooktop compatible and versatile in usage so that you can use it for cooking a wide range of dishes.
Prestige Deluxe Plus Pressure Handis
Best Pressure Cooker for Induction Cooktop
Key Specifications
- Capacity (Liters) – 3.3
- Material – Hard Anodized
- Base Material – Stainless Steel
- Warranty – 5 years
With induction cooking on the rise, this Prestige Deluxe Plus pressure cooker is a must-have for efficient induction cooktop cooking. The rigid anodized design of the pressure cooker makes it durable and reliable.
The base of the pressure cooker Duo+ HA is a machine-pressed perforated plate for uniform heat distribution and ensuring there are no heat spots.
The model also features a sturdy handle with a flame guard for extra grip and comfort while using the pressure cooker.
Pros
- Handi shape for comfort in cooking Indian dishes
- Safe and time-saving cooking
- The controlled gasket release system
- Visual pressure level indicator
Cons
- Some users reported leaks from the safety valve
The Prestige Deluxe Plus pressure cooker can work with multiple heat sources and is aesthetically appealing, making it a great addition to any modern Indian kitchen.
The unique handi-like design makes it easy to stir and cook several dishes, and its 3 l capacity will service a family of 2 to 3 people efficiently!
Butterfly Cordial Aluminium Pressure Cooker
Best 5 l Pressure Cooker
Key Specifications
- Capacity (Liters) – 5
- Material – Aluminum
- Warranty – 5 years
If you are a part of a bigger family of 5 to 7 people, the Butterfly Cordial pressure cooker is the best model in the market for you.
With its 5 l capacity and virgin aluminum construction, you can now cook greater quantities of food quickly and easily.
The model features aesthetically designed handles that stay cool when the pressure cooker is in use. The locking mechanism of the handles ensures uni-directional rotation.
The model also features a food-grade rubber that is specially formulated for longer life.
Pros
- Scratch and stain-resistant durable design
- Thick, machine pressed, concave bottom
- The safe gasket release system
- Features aesthetically designed, easy-grip handles
Cons
- Cannot be used with induction cooktops
The Butterfly Cordial pressure cooker is easy to use and clean. The high capacity is ideal for uniformly cooking greater quantities of food with ease.
Many safety levels and durable design make this a great investment for long term use.
Prestige Popular Pressure Cooker
- Capacity (Liters) – 2
- Material – Aluminum
- Base thickness – 3 mm
- Warranty – 5 years
The Prestige Popular pressure cooker features a thick and machine pressed base, which has a slightly concave design to ensure that the shape is retained longer.
The lightweight design is possible owing to the aluminum construction, which is long-lasting.
The outer lid design of the pressure cooker makes it ideal for separator cooking or direct vessel cooking.
Check out some other features of the Prestige Popular pressure cooker in a quick video.
Pros
- Features a 3-level safety mechanism
- Precision weight valve of brass with steel coating
- Metallic safety plug included
- Durable handles
Cons
- Some users faced issues with the lid
Prestige is a reliable company when it comes to kitchen appliances. The Popular pressure cooker is no exception. We highly recommend it for bachelors or a small family of 2 who need an affordable non-induction pressure cooker!
Hawkins Contura Pressure Cooker
- Capacity (Liters) – 1.5
- Material – Anodized Aluminum
- Operating Pressure – 1 kg/cm2
- Warranty – 5 years
One of the best small capacity pressure cookers in the market, this Hawkins Contura pressure cooker features a hard-anodized body with a stainless steel lid.
The black body design ensures that the heat is absorbed quicker, and therefore the food can be cooked faster.
The knob lock system is excellent for ensuring safety during use. The use of anodized aluminum and stainless steel provides a durable, long-lasting pressure cooker that does not corrode.
Additionally, the curved body design makes it easy to stir the food.
Pros
- Features new, improved pressure regulator
- Excellent pressure locked safety lid
- Additional safety valve under the lid handle
- Non-toxic, non-staining materials used
Cons
- Some users reported water leakage
This UL-certified pressure cooker works best on a gas stove, and with its long-lasting gasket and sturdy, stay-cool handles, the model is excellent for use by all.
The small capacity of the cooker makes it ideal for cooking smaller quantities in an energy-efficient manner and is the best choice for bachelors!
Hawkins – H56 Hevibase
- Capacity (Liters) – 5
- Material – Anodized Aluminum
- Base thickness – 6.35 mm
- Flat Base Diameter – 163.5 mm
This Hawkins H56 pressure cooker is an excellent choice for a family of 5 to 7 people with its 5 l capacity.
The model features a double thickness base that stays flat and works toward spreading heat more evenly for uniform and quicker cooking.
The design of the H56 pressure cooker is suitable for induction cooktops as well as gas stoves. The hard anodized base helps in better absorption of the heat.
Made of virgin aluminum, the exterior of this pressure cooker features a mirror-polished finish.
Pros
- Improved pressure regulator
- Inside-fitting safety lid used
- Fuel-saving cooking possible
- Works with induction, gas, halogen, electric, and ceramic
Cons
- Some users reported blackening of the bottom after use
The excellent design of the Hawkins H56 induction pressure cooker makes it a good fit for daily use by a family of 5 to 7 people.
You can now cook greater quantities of food in one go while efficiently saving fuel and time needed to do so.
Mealthy MultiPot 9-in-1 Pressure Cooker
Best Electric Pressure Cooker
Key Specifications
- Capacity (Liters) – 3
- Material – Stainless Steel
- Operating Voltage – 220V/50 Hz
- Warranty – 5 years
The Mealthy Multipot is the best electric pressure cooker available with over a thousand positive reviews and excellent customer feedback.
With its intelligent design, the cooking time is reduced to almost half while also ensuring safe and healthy meals by using components made of stainless steel.
The pressure cooker offers 14 easy-touch cooking programs that can be set as per preference to cook different kinds of meals.
There are also advanced features like a delay start function, real-time cooking progress indicator, and enabling cooking two dishes at once that make the Mealthy Multipot and excellent electric pressure cooker.
Pros
- Comes with many free accessories
- A mobile app featuring hundreds of supported recipes
- 9-in-1 cooking functions available
- Easy touch control panel
Cons
- Product life could be longer
The LCD panel with intuitive icons makes it easy to operate the Mealthy Multipot electric cooker.
With a 3 l capacity and support for hundreds of Indian recipes, this electric pressure cooker is an excellent purchase for a small family that can cook up a feast in this smart pressure cooker!
Prestige Svachh Deluxe Alpha
Key Specifications
- Capacity (Liters) – 3
- Material – Stainless Steel
- Operating Pressure – 1 kg/cm2
- Warranty – 10 years
Standing out amongst the aluminum models, the Prestige Svachh Deluxe is the customer’s favorite and our top choice if you want a sturdy and durable stainless steel pressure cooker.
The unique deep lid and alpha base designs are robust and reliable, ensuring a long life for the pressure cooker.
The base of the model is euroclad for compatibility with induction cooktops. The broad bottom of the pressure cooker ensures a more uniform distribution of heat, and it also includes a pressure indicator for added safety.
Pros
- Include a 3-level safety mechanism
- Visual pressure level indicator
- Energy-saving, quick heating and cooking possible
- Ensures even heat distribution
Cons
- Some users faced issues with the handle
The versatile design of the Prestige Svachh Deluxe pressure cooker makes it a kitchen appliance with maximum utility.
Made of strong, durable stainless steel, the pressure cooker is suitable for daily use by a family of 2 to 3 people.
Buying Guide for Pressure Cookers
Some of the parameters that you should consider when purchasing a pressure cooker are detailed below.
Capacity
The capacity of the pressure cooker is the first and foremost characteristic that should be given importance.
A bachelor can make do with a pressure cooker of size 2 l or less, whereas a family of 2 to 4 people can use a model with a 3 to 5 l capacity.
Families of 4 or more people should consider pressure cookers with 5 l or higher capacity models.
Material
The pressure cookers in the market today are made of aluminum, stainless steel, or hard-anodized bodies. The hard anodized models are the best choice as they are lightweight and good conductors of heat.
They are slightly more expensive than other variants. Stainless steel pressure cookers can be slightly heavy but are durable, whereas aluminum cookers are extremely lightweight but might not be as durable as stainless steel.
Base Type
There are induction base and non-induction base pressure cookers available. If you have an induction cooktop, it is essential that you pick a model that has a base compatible with induction cooking.
These models can also be operated on stovetops in some cases. Pick the model according to your usage requirements and heat source.
Material Quality
As Indian food is high in salt and acidic content, it is essential to pick a material that is non-reactive to these substances to ensure safe and healthy food.
The best options in this regard are the hard anodized and the stainless steel models. Although aluminum pressure cookers are safe, they may not last as long as the other two.
Lastly, safety features, price, brand, dishwasher compatibility, lid type, shape, etc. are some secondary parameters that you can focus on to filter your search further and narrow down upon a few models that work best for you.
Best Pressure Cooker Brands in India
The most popular brands of the pressure cooker in India happen to be the local ones like Pigeon, Prestige, Butterfly, Hawkins, and Havells.
The market is completely dominated by these local players that provide a comprehensive product range so that you can find pressure cookers of different capacities, compatibilities, materials, and prices for your needs.
If you look close enough, you will find the best fit for your needs in this company’s pressure cooker offerings.
The electric cooker options form a different segment altogether and can be purchased from Preethi, Mealthy, Panasonic, and other local/international brands.
The price of pressure cookers is similar for all brands, and you will not find any significant cost savings by choosing one brand over the other!
FAQs
The most common models in the market use a whistle. When the maximum pressure is reached, the whistle will release the steam, letting you know the pressure levels. After this, the temperature can be regulated to manage the cooking and pressure levels.
The most common reason for pressure cookers exploding is faulty parts. As there is a high-pressure buildup and steam inside the appliance, even one defective part can cause the lid to open or the pressure cooker itself to blast, which can cause serious injuries. Always check the components are of the best quality to prevent such accidents.
On average, with the natural release method, a hot pressure cooker takes 10 to 15 minutes to cool down and depressurize. Alternatively, you can also use the cold water release method wherein you place the pressure cooker under a stream of cold water to cool it down rapidly. Some models also feature a unique valve for depressurization.
It is inadvisable to use plastic inside a pressure cooker as there are extremely high steam and temperature inside the pressure cooker that can lead to the plastic melting. This is a health hazard, and it can be a fire hazard as well.
Pressure cooking requires a precise amount of water for the best results. Too much water can take away all the flavor from the food, whereas if the amount of water in the pressure cooker is very less, it can lead to the food at the bottom burning. The high temperature at the bottom without adequate water to generate steam can lead to burning.
Summary
In this article, we have reviewed the best pressure cookers available in the Indian market. We have tried to include a wide range of products spanning different capacities, prices, and functionalities.
There is also a quick buying guide to help you prioritize the parameters that you should look at while purchasing pressure cookers to end up with the best model for your needs. Happy shopping!