Electric pressure cookers look alike from the outside. The difference comes when you take into consideration the cooking pot. You can have inserts made out of stainless steel, aluminum or even nonstick. The difference between nonstick and the stainless steel inserts is their ability to resist the development of hard stains due to sticking food. A nonstick insert is coated with a material which resists sticking food. You end up saving on time when it comes to washing the inserts. Before you buy a given pot, it is essential to check on the pros of the different materials which can be used before you order a given material.
Should I use a non-stick or a stainless steel pot for my electric pressure cooker?
There are two main factors you should take into consideration before you decide to buy a given pressure cooker pot. First, you need to assess your specific needs. If your main concern is to avoid stains on the pot, then you can opt for a material which will not develop hard stains. Some of the factors you should take into consideration before you buy a pressure cooker pot include the following:
1. Durability
If your main concern when buying the pressure cooker pot is durability, then going for the stainless steel insert will be the best option. When comparing stainless steel insert with nonstick, the stainless steel scores highly. Remember in the manufacture of the stainless steel pot there is no addition of coatings which can peel off with time. With prolonged use; the coating on the pressure cooker insert can peel off which will require you to replace it.
You will end up spending a lot of money in the process if you use the pressure cooker on regular basis. But, a stainless steel pressure cooker pot can last long hence saving you money. There is convenience if you can have a unit which you can use for a long period of time before you can replace the insert. To save money, you need to buy a unit which is highly durable. The best electric pressure cooker insert you can have to achieve great durability hence saving on your money is a stainless steel insert.
2. Cleaning process
The main purpose of having a nonstick insert is to prevent food from sticking. If your main concern is to prevent sticking of food on the insert as you cook, then buying a pressure cooker with a nonstick insert will be a great idea. But, you can as well avoid food sticking in a stainless steel pot if you apply enough oil when cooking food.
There are some people who would like to avoid too much oil when cooking food. If you are among those who will like to lose weight by limiting the amount of fats you consume, then you are good to have a nonstick insert which will not require the application of a lot to of oil before you can prevent the food from sticking. It is upon you to compare between saving on cost and the time taken to clean the pot if you cook food which sticks on the surfaces.
White vinegar and baking soda can do wonders for cleaning these.
I have a electric pressure cooker that the insert is worn out on the bottom. The Teflon insert is worn out and I would like to have the insert re coated so I can continue to use the pressure cooker. The pressure cooker works well except for the insert coating wearing out. The electric pressure cooker is a Russell Hobbs Can you tell me where I can have the insert re coated and the cost? .I would certainly appreciate hearing from you.