Pressure Cooker Fryer

There is a notion developed in the minds of people taking the pressure cooker’s usage.

Though many brand promises multipurpose use of their pressure cooker, the case varies with the model and type. There are a very few models which support deep frying in the cooker with loads of restrictions or strict instructions to be followed before cooking, for example: the quantity of oil which could be used.

Before jumping into conclusions, it is very important to understand the concept of both pressure cooker and a deep fryer. Let’s understand the concept…..

What is a Pressure Cooker?

Most of us understand that cooking is a process supported by flame wherein there are high chances of losing the nutrients available in the food.

With the passage of time, a new method of cooking was developed by steam and pressure which assured restoring natural flavor of the food along with the nutrients/vitamins.

It is an air tight metal pot with a lid to cook food with steam at high temperature thus saving on the cooking time as well.

What is a Deep fryer?

As the name signifies, it is a kitchen appliance used for deep frying. Deep frying involves hot oil in quantity for deep frying. They are used for making the food crispy.

Limitations of a Pressure Cooker:

Gasket: The gasket in any pressure cooker acts as the lifeline of a cooker. Where a gasket can perform well at 200 degrees will melt down at 400 degrees heat of boiling oil.

Oil quantity: Any pressure cooker manufacturer restricts the usage of even a little extra amount of oil above ¼ cup.

Pressure frying: Only a genuine pressure fryer can perform well as a deep fryer. Example: Fagor and Magefesa are the only two companies which come up with pressure frying technology.

Pressure frying technology: Pressure cooker fryer alone have an additional safety feature consisting of a heavy duty metal bar that locks itself over the top of the lid in case of any accident, thus preventing bursting and bombing. They also have the feature of cooking at a lower pressure than the pressure cooker.

Limitations of a Pressure Cooker Fryer:

Oil quantity: Though you get the liberty of deep frying, you should not neglect the bars applicable at the usage of oil quantity. Never alter the oil quantity.

Price range: Pressure cooker fryer are more expensive than the pressure cooker and if cannot afford them but still wish to use pressure cooker to prepare your favorite recipes then be sure of using a very little oil quantity.

Safeguards:

Read the instruction manual specially the warning section before using your pressure cooker as a fryer.
Secure the lid tightly
Be sure that the gasket is in place
Never alter the oil quantity

There is a difference in the pressure cooker for home user and that for commercial purpose, so never compare the feature of both as you would end up in a disaster.

The commercial pressure cooker for restaurants comes with a total different making. If you still wish to continue with frying in your pressure cooker then make sure either Fagor or Megafesa have made it to your counter as your security guard.

Fagor made several types and models but only one that can count as pressure fryer which is Fagor Pressure Magic, because this pressure cooker contain a large metal bar across the top of the cooker's lid. A locking bar is needed to lock the dangerous of over pressure.

while for Magefesa, which voted number one by Cooks Illustrated, also produces The Super Cooker with a bell shape and safety locking lid.

Just to keep remember: "You can't use your pressure cooker as a pressurized deep fryer". If you're thinking to fry in a pressure cooker, do read your manual first. Unless you have purchased a real pressure cooker fryer, you can't put any amount of oil above 1/4 cup in normal pressure cooker.