Pressure cookers can be handy in the kitchen because they quickly reduce the time for making slow cook dishes.
As long as you know how to use it correctly, the number of recipes you can make is almost endless. From meats, stews, soups, or stocks, you can basically use them daily if you want to!
But if you’re thinking of upgrading your stove, you can’t help but wonder:
Do pressure cookers work on induction?
To help ease your mind, this article discusses the difference between an induction and a regular pressure cooker. As a bonus, we’ll also explore several brands to help you find the best induction pressure cooker for your kitchen.
What is a pressure cooker?
A pressure cooker is a sealed cooking pot that uses pressure to cook food faster.
To use, you’ll need to fill the pot with water along with your food. Once the water boils, the sealed cooker traps the steam inside and increases the internal pressure. This then raises the temperature of the food until chemical reactions take place. That’s why tenderizing meats and softening vegetables is faster than cooking in a regular pot.
Modern pressure cookers are safer to use compared to older versions. So you won’t have to worry about any exploding incidents because most will have safety features in place.
But if you’re still wary, you can always refer to the manufacturer’s manual to ensure you’re using your pot safely.
What is the difference between induction and non-induction pressure cooker?
Now that you’re familiar with what a pressure cooker is, you might be wondering:
What is the meaning of an induction pressure cooker?
An induction pressure cooker has the same parts and functions as a non-induction one; the only difference is its magnetic base.
Since induction stovetops use electromagnetic energy to cook your food, you’ll also need magnetic cookware for it to function. An induction base pressure cooker allows the copper coils in your stove to produce magnetic fields to heat your food.
Although induction pressure cookers aren’t as popular as non-induction ones, certain brands have various styles and sizes available – allowing you a wide array of options to choose from.
Can induction base pressure cooker be used on a gas stove?
Using an induction pressure cooker on a gas stove is completely safe. But if you want to ensure, you can always check the manufacturer’s manual of your pot.
If you’re using two types of stovetops, having an induction base pressure cooker can be convenient since it allows you to use it on both stoves. Plus, good-quality induction pressure cookers have optimized heat-conducting bases; they can cook your food evenly and efficiently compared to a traditional one.
Can we use aluminum pressure cooker on induction stove?
If you already have a pressure cooker at home, it would be a waste to throw it away, so:
Can we use normal pressure cooker on induction stove?
An aluminum pressure cooker on induction cooktop won’t be functional because it’s not magnetic since an induction-compatible base must consist of ferromagnetic materials, like iron.
Aside from aluminum, cookware with copper, glass, and ceramic bases won’t also work unless they come with a magnetic base.
If you’re unsure whether your pressure cooker is compatible with an induction stove, you can stick a fridge magnet on the bottom. If the magnet sticks, it means your pressure cooker has a magnetic base. But if it doesn’t, it means it won’t be functional.
How to use normal pressure cooker on induction stove
But before you get rid of your trusty pressure cooker, there’s still a way to use it.
So how to make a pressure cooker for induction?
The trick is to use an induction interface disk. It’s a circular disk usually made from magnetic stainless steel that functions similarly to magnetic bases of induction-compatible cookware.
To use, you just need to position the interface disk on your stovetop’s burner before placing your pressure cooker on top. Just make sure the size of your disk matches the burner and pressure cooker so it works properly. Also, remember to only cook on low to medium heat so you won’t risk frying your induction cooktop.
Which pressure cooker is best for induction?
If using an induction interface disk every time you cook isn’t ideal, you can always invest in an induction-compatible pressure cooker.
Depending on the brand and size you choose, an induction pressure cooker’s price is fairly similar to a regular one. So to help you choose the best one, here are a few popular options:
1. Prestige PRDA3 Pressure Cooker
This 3-liter Prestige Pressure Cooker for induction stove has a sleek stainless steel body and Alpha 3-layer induction-compatible base.
It also contains 3 safety features, including a precision weight valve, a controlled gasket release system, and a metallic safety plug to keep it secure for cooking. If that’s not enough, it also has a pressure indicator to let you know when the lid is safe to open.
Users like how it’s convenient to use and clean, and its size is enough for cooking meals for a small family.
Some find it difficult to close the lid, but one user advised placing it halfway and applying pressure on the black dot before locking it in place.
The valve also tends to detach from the lid even though it’s only been used for a year. Its plastic handles also turn hot and give off a strong odor that lingers after cooking.
2. T-fal Ultimate Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker
The T-fal Ultimate Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker is a best seller. It has a capacity of 6.3 quarts (5.9 liters), a multi-layer induction-compatible base, and a secure locking lid. It also stands out from its previous versions because it allows you to cook between 10 and 15 PSI (pounds per square inch).
So far, it’s mostly getting rave reviews because it’s easy to use and clean. It’s also dishwasher safe, so it covers convenience. It has a long lifespan because it can hold up after 2 years of use. But if your pressure cooker’s gasket needs to be replaced, you can easily find one online.
While most would agree that they enjoy using this pressure cooker, some experienced a few malfunctions. For instance, one user’s pressure cooker had difficulty creating a seal after just a few months of use. While a few noticed how the handles weren’t sturdy enough because they started getting loose after a while. But all in all, most would still prefer this T-fal pressure cooker over any brand.
3. Hawkins Contura Black Hard Anodized Pressure Cooker
This 3-liter Hawkins Contura Black Pressure Cooker is a unique contender on this list because of its striking black hard anodized body. Because of its material, it also absorbs heat efficiently, allowing you to cook faster.
It’s also not a bad addition to your kitchen because its compact shape looks pleasing to the eye. Its curved body and rounded sides also make it easier to stir food.
Most users find its design ingenious since its lid fits inside the pot instead of sitting on top. So the pressure inside the cooker helps create a tighter seal.
But it also has its downsides, where the smaller opening makes it more challenging to take out your food. Its gasket eventually loses its elasticity, making steam leak from the rim. While a few also notice how the bolts on its handles loosen over time.
4. Presto 01362 Pressure Cooker
The Presto 01362 Pressure Cooker has a glossy stainless steel body with a capacity of 6 quarts (5.7 liters).
Like other pressure cookers, it also has a tri-clad base compatible with gas and induction stovetops. Although its lid has a minimal design, it has a cover lock indicator to let you know when there’s pressure inside the cooker and prevents it from opening until it’s safe to do so.
Users like how it’s reliable to use and quick to cook their food. It’s also dishwasher safe, but remember to reserve its sealing ring and overpressure plug for handwashing.
Be aware that you’d have to assemble the unit if you choose to buy it online. Users also feel like the quality of its materials doesn’t justify its price. The screws on its handles tend to loosen, so you’d have to tighten them often. While a couple of users had the rubber piece on the lid pop off, causing a huge mess of steam and liquid.
5. Pigeon 5-Quart Pressure Cooker
The Pigeon 5-Quart Pressure Cooker has a metallic stainless steel body and a thick multi-layer base that combines steel, aluminum, and iron. Since it looks similar to its aluminum counterpart, make sure you choose the stainless steel unit before you checkout. (If you choose aluminum, it won’t work on induction.)
Most users agree that it’s a good value for its price and works well for daily use. But some users find its handle to feel loose, and the bottom of the pot tends to discolor after a few uses.
Some also find it difficult to close and open the lid. If only the unit had a manual, it would have made it easier to use.
Is there an induction cookware set with pressure cooker?
Not many induction cookware sets come with a pressure cooker, but you can get 3 Pigeon pressure cookers in one. It includes the 2, 3, and 5-quart stainless steel units, which would be convenient if you pressure cook various recipes daily. Otherwise, getting this set would be impractical, and you’d be better off getting your pressure cooker separately.
But if you have the budget, Karaca has an impressive 9-piece stainless steel collection. It includes three types of stockpots, a casserole, a pressure cooker, a teapot, and three coffee pots with a stand. All the cookware is induction-compatible and dishwasher-safe, making it the ultimate addition to your kitchen.
The bottom line
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just beginning to learn the ropes, a pressure cooker can be handy to have in your kitchen. Although it takes a few times to master, the number of recipes you can make can be endless once you do.
But if you’re switching to an induction stove, you don’t necessarily have to get an induction stove pressure cooker because you can still make it work with an induction interface disk.
But if swapping to an induction-compatible pressure cooker feels more convenient, you can also pick a brand from our list. Just make sure to get one that’s made with high-quality and sturdy materials to make it worthwhile for daily use!
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