Aluminium vs Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker

A pressure cooker is one of the most valuable and functional pieces of cookware ever made. Everything from 3-minute popcorn to elaborate curries can be made using one of these handy tools. The pressure cooker market has grown significantly over time, offering a wide range of options in terms of size, shape, colour, composition, and more. While the majority of pressure cookers still serve the same general purpose, their main distinction is in the materials they are made of.  

Pressure cookers typically come in two compositional varieties in the Indian market: stainless steel and aluminium. There are benefits and drawbacks to each of these options. However, when deciding which is best among Aluminium and Stainless pressure cookers, it really boils down to personal preferences.  So, let's compare both these pressure cookers on some fundamental criteria to determine which one would be the most appropriate for your needs. 

Weight

In comparison to steel, aluminium is a lighter and thinner metal. As a result, it may be simpler to handle and manoeuvre than a steel pressure cooker of the same size and capacity.

Durability 

Since aluminium is thin and pliable, it is more likely to distort and lose its shape over time. Cookers made of steel, on the other hand, are more durable, have more tensile strength, and last a lot longer.

Cooking time 

Aluminium is an excellent conductor of heat which means that aluminium cookers can heat up fast and build pressure in no time. Steel cookers take a little  longer to heat up because of which the overall cooking time may increase slightly. However, once the cooker is hot enough, the actual cooking itself gets done quickly. 

Maintenance 

As the name suggests, stainless steel cookers don’t stain or damage easily. These cookers are relatively easy to clean and maintain, and even after extensive usage, they still keep a nearly brand-new appearance. Aluminium cookers on the other hand  are usually more challenging to maintain over time as they react with oxygen when exposed to air and water to form an aluminium oxide coating. This coating, which has a distinctive white or dull grey tone and chemically bonds to the surface of the aluminium, makes utensils look old and worn out more quickly. Furthermore, cleaning up this coating is very difficult.

Cost 

Aluminium is an abundant and affordable metal when compared to steel. Hence, owing to the low cost of raw materials, aluminium pressure cookers are available at very reasonable prices in the market. Stainless steel cookers are almost twice the price of their aluminium counterparts and may not be the most economical option for some. 

Health Impact

Aluminium is a very reactive metal that is known to alter its chemical properties. In addition to oxidising, it also reacts with acidic and salty foods, causing aluminium ions to be released into the food. Hence, tomatoes, lime and other such ingredients used in day to day cooking poses the threat of aluminium leaching and toxicity. While newer aluminium models are designed to tackle these problems, it’s still a concern with repeated and long term use. Stainless steel cookers do not react with any type of food and therefore have no limitations in terms of usage. 

Comparison snapshot: Aluminium vs Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker

Here is a quick overview of our comparison

Now that we’ve considered all the key parameters, you should be in a better position to determine which pressure cooker among Aluminium or Stainless Steel to invest in. Overall, our analysis indicates that although both variants have their own set of pros and cons, the benefits of a stainless steel cooker far outweigh its drawbacks. The only significant difference lies in the price of these two variants. However, considering all the long term benefits of a stainless steel pressure cooker, it’s definitely worth investing in one even at a higher price point. 

If you’re looking to get your hands on some the best quality stainless steel pressure cookers online, check out our latest collection https://shopwithpraylady.com/collections/pressure-cooker