Choose the Perfect Pressure Cooker

Normally a Pressure Cooker for an Indian home comes in the range of 1.5 Ltr to 10 Ltr. Selecting a perfect size depends majorly on the number of members in the family and the kind of food you want to prepare. It also depends upon the fact that the food prepared is going to be consumed by everyone or separate persons have different choices. Also, if you host a party in regular periods, you may need a larger size at hand to cook larger amounts.

So, an ideal Indian household must be having at least 3 sizes of cooker as mentioned.

The sizes 1.5, 2 & 3 Ltr are for smaller amount of food or when cooking for 2-3 people. They are the highest selling sizes in current times as families are going nuclear, and often specific dish is prepared for 1 or 2 people. Hence smaller-sized cookers are becoming popular. However, small size cookers are not suitable to cook Daal (pulses) because of the foaming affect of Daal and less usable capacity.

Then comes the larger size of 4, 5 & 6.5 ltr Pressure Cookers, out of which 5 Ltr is the most popular and natural buy for everyone. Normally, every Indian Home has one 5-liter pressure cooker of any brand, material, or model in its kitchen. It is the most ideal size for 5-7 member family, and that means almost every Indian home. You can cook ideal amount of food for everyone, and it is perfect size to cook Daal also. For a larger-sized family, 6.5 Ltr Pressure Cookers are also popular.

For even larger families, or joint families with one kitchen, or if you regularly host a party or any event, you must keep handy an 8 Ltr or 10-liter pressure cooker. It can cook enough food for 10-20 people. 

One more fact to know is that a Pressure Cooker must not be filled more than 2/3rd of its size. The remaining is essential to build pressure safely. Also right amount of water should be used.

One of the most overlooked yet important aspects of choosing a pressure cooker is the type of lid – inner lid or outer lid. The design of the lid directly impacts safety, convenience, and compatibility with different cooker sizes. Inner lid pressure cookers have the lid that fits inside the mouth of the cooker. This design creates a self-locking mechanism that adds an extra layer of safety, as the pressure inside the cooker holds the lid in place, making it nearly impossible to open until the pressure drops to a safe level. These are commonly available in smaller capacities (up to 5 litres) and are ideal for daily cooking tasks like boiling rice, making dal, or cooking vegetables.

On the other hand, outer lid pressure cookers have lids that rest outside the cooker body and usually come with a separate sealing mechanism, such as a locking handle. These models are often preferred for larger capacities as they are easier to operate, clean, and seal – especially when you're working with big quantities or thick gravies. Outer lid cookers also tend to accommodate accessories like separators or idli stands more comfortably due to the wider mouth. However, they may not offer the same pressure-locking advantage that inner lid models naturally provide.

When choosing between the two, consider your usage pattern. If you need a small, safe, and lightweight cooker for everyday meals, the inner lid variant is an excellent choice. But if you're cooking for a big family or like preparing multiple dishes at once, the outer lid variant gives you more room and flexibility. At Girdhar Das and Sons, you’ll find a variety of both lid types in different sizes and brands — giving you plenty of options to match your cooking style.