This is a common question that many people have when looking at various electric multi-cookers on the market. Power cookers and pressure cookers are often used interchangeably, but they are actually different appliances that operate in different ways. In this article, we’ll look at what defines a pressure cooker versus a power cooker and how they compare in terms of features and functionality.
What is a pressure cooker?
A pressure cooker is an appliance that uses steam pressure to cook food quickly. It consists of a sealed pot with a locking lid that allows the pressure to build up inside. Under high pressure, the boiling point of water increases from 212°F to 250°F. This higher temperature cooks food much faster than conventional boiling.
Here’s how a stovetop pressure cooker works:
- Food and liquid are placed in the pressure cooker pot.
- The lid is locked into place to seal the pot.
- Heat is applied to the pot, increasing the pressure inside.
- Once high pressure is reached, the heat is lowered to maintain pressure.
- The increased pressure raises the boiling point, rapidly cooking the food.
- A pressure regulator controls the pressure level.
- Releasing the pressure stops the cooking process.
Pressure cookers allow food to cook up to 70% faster while using less energy. The pressurized environment helps infuse flavors into the food. It also tenderizes meats and cooks food more evenly. Popular foods to make in a pressure cooker include stews, chilis, risotto, beans, ribs, and more.
What is a power cooker?
A power cooker is a general term for a new breed of electric multi-cookers. Unlike traditional pressure cookers, power cookers use electricity rather than stovetop heat to operate. They have built-in heating elements and digital controls.
Some examples of popular power cooker brands include:
- Ninja Foodi
- Instant Pot
- Crock-Pot Express Crock
- Cosori Smart WiFi
- Breville Fast Slow Pro
Power cookers are designed to be more convenient and versatile than standard pressure cookers. Features may include:
- Digital controls with preset modes and cooking programs
- Delayed start and keep warm settings
- Ability to sauté and brown food
- Removable inner pot for easy cleaning
- Functions as a slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, and yogurt maker
- Air fryer lid for oil-free frying (on some models)
Many power cookers can pressure cook, but not all have true pressure cooking capability. Some use alternative technologies to speed up cooking without reaching the higher pressures of a stovetop pressure cooker.
Pressure cooking vs. power cooking
Here is how pressure cooking and power cooking compare:
| Pressure cooker | Power cooker |
|---|---|
| Uses steam pressure to cook food quickly | May use pressure, along with other methods like steam and slow cooking |
| Reaches pressures of 10-15 psi to increase temperature | Variable; some reach max pressure of 10-11.6 psi |
| Requires stovetop or other external heat source | Has built-in heating element |
| Typically controlled manually by regulating heat and pressure | Automated programs and digital controls |
| Limited to pressure cooking function | Functions as pressure cooker plus slow cooker, rice cooker, etc. |
| Fewer safety mechanisms | More safety features like auto pressure release |
While traditional stovetop pressure cookers rely solely on pressure to cook food fast, power cookers use a combination of functions – pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, and more. Power cookers aim to be more convenient and multifunctional.
Are power cookers as effective as pressure cookers?
Most power cookers can rival the cooking times of stovetop pressure cookers. However, there are some limitations to be aware of:
- Maximum pressure – Some power cookers only reach pressures of 8-10 psi compared to 10-15 psi for stovetop models. Lower pressures mean slightly longer cook times.
- Batch size – Pressure cookers often accommodate larger batches. Power cooker pots may max out at 8 quarts.
- Browning – Browning meats in a separate skillet before pressure cooking leads to better flavor. Power cookers offer the convenience of sauté functions.
- Temperature control – Stovetop models allow more control over regulating temperature. Preset programs on power cookers provide some temperature adjustment.
Many home cooks find that power cookers are fast and convenient enough for most recipes. Advanced users sometimes use both a power cooker and a traditional pressure cooker depending on the meal.
What are the benefits of a power cooker?
Here are some of the main benefits that power cookers offer over a standard pressure cooker:
- Convenience – Built-in heating and digital controls provide “set it and forget it” ease of use. Recipes can cook unattended.
- Versatility – In addition to pressure cooking, functions like slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, and air frying allow you to accomplish multiple cooking tasks with one appliance.
- Efficiency – Power cookers circulate heat more efficiently than stovetop pressure cookers, providing more even cooking.
- Size – With up to 8-quart capacity, power cookers work well for cooking for families and meal prepping.
- Safety – Today’s power cookers have 10 or more safety mechanisms compared to just 3 or 4 on stovetop pressure cookers.
- Special features – Options like delayed start, keep warm, and wi-fi control add functionality.
For many home cooks, the versatility and convenience of being able to pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, and more in one electric appliance is a major selling point of modern power cookers.
What are the downsides to power cookers?
Power cookers do have some disadvantages compared to traditional stovetop pressure cookers:
- Higher price point – Quality power cookers cost $100 to $200, while stovetop models start around $50.
- Learning curve – The variety of buttons and presets on a power cooker control panel can be confusing at first.
- Noisy operation – Electric heating elements and fans make power cookers louder than stovetop pressure cookers.
- Durability concerns – Some brands have higher reliability issues and shorter lifespans than stove-top pressure cookers.
- Limited maximum capacity – Power cooker pots typically max out at 8 quarts, while stove-top models may go up to 12 quarts.
For some cooks, these downsides may make traditional pressure cookers a better choice. But many find the convenience and versatility of power cookers worth the trade-offs.
Power pressure cooker vs. Instant Pot – What’s the difference?
Power Pressure Cooker and Instant Pot are two of the most popular brands of electric pressure cookers. Here is a look at their key differences:
| Power Pressure Cooker | Instant Pot |
|---|---|
| Comes in 3, 6, 8, 10 quart sizes | Comes in 3, 6, 8 quart sizes |
| 16 pre-set cooking functions | Up to 12 functions depending on model |
| Max pressure – 10.5 psi | Max pressure – 11.6 psi |
| 6 safety features | 10+ safety features |
| Slower preheat time | Quick preheat time |
| One year limited warranty | 1-3 year warranty depending on model |
In summary, Instant Pot pressure cookers tend to have more cooking functions, higher maximum pressure, and quicker preheating. Power Pressure Cookers come in larger 10-quart models. Both brands offer good quality and safety features at an affordable price point.
Conclusion
While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, power cookers and pressure cookers are not exactly the same thing. Traditional stovetop pressure cookers rely solely on pressurized steam to quickly cook food. Power cookers may or may not use pressure cooking; they also utilize functions like slow cooking and have built-in heating elements.
For most home cooking needs, a quality power cooker can perform as well as or better than a stovetop pressure cooker. Power cookers provide more versatility and added convenience. However, stovetop pressure cookers remain a top choice for those wanting maximum batch sizes and complete control over pressure and temperature.
Both power cookers and stovetop pressure cookers have their pros and cons. Knowing the differences allows you to select the best appliance to suit your cooking needs. With either option, you can enjoy the benefits of faster, flavorful cooking using the power of steam pressure.