If you're looking for a cooking shortcut that doesn't sacrifice quality, the pressure cooker is your answer. This old school device is experiencing something of a modern renaissance, and today's models are far safer, quieter, and more user-friendly. We tested several pressure cookers to test for all of these qualities, as well as their efficiency and ability to concentrate flavour, and found Fissler pressure cookers to be the very best. The Fissler Vitavit is our top choice, while the Fissler Vitaquick is a more economical alternative.
What are the main advantages of using a pressure cooker?
Pressure cookers offer significant benefits in terms of speed, flavour, and nutrition. They can cook dishes such as soups, stews, curries, and risottos up to 70% faster than a regular pot. This speed is achieved because the sealed chamber traps steam, allowing the pot to reach a much higher temperature than conventional cooking methods. Furthermore, by cooking under pressure, flavours are concentrated, and more moisture and nutrients are preserved, resulting in a significantly improved taste. For more information on how pressure cookers work, read the guide to pressure cookers on our blog.
How does a pressure cooker work?
Pressure cooking operates based on science, not magic: by compressing steam, food is heated at significantly higher temperatures than normal, drastically speeding up cook times.
Are pressure cookers safe?
Today's pressure cookers are exceptionally safe, featuring robust built-in safety mechanisms. The primary safety feature is a valve on the lid designed to release steam and prevent the pressure inside from becoming too intense. Many modern designs incorporate a spring-loaded valve, which releases excess steam quietly and quickly without causing a significant temperature drop inside the pot. The lid is also designed to fit extremely tightly, preventing spills or overflow, which is the danger associated with regular lidded pots.
It is essential to note that pressure cookers are designed for liquid foods, like soups and stews. It also works for steaming ingredients or cooking grains, both of which require liquid. There needs to be enough moisture inside the pot for steam to generate.
Why choose a hob pressure cooker (like Fissler) over an electric model?
We only stock tools we rate highly on function, quality, and durability, which is why traditional metal (hob) pressure cookers are favoured over electric models. Hob pressure cookers, such as the German-made Fissler models, are built to last a decade or more, and contain replaceable parts that extend their lifespan. Electric cookers do not last as long, and are made with significantly more plastic.
In terms of usability, non-electric models generally take up less space in cupboards, as they can stack with regular pots (without the lid). They are also better at browning foods, and cook faster than electric versions.
Fissler models specifically are designed to be quiet, user-friendly, and are suitable for all hobs, including induction.
What makes the Fissler Vitavit the 'Best of the Best'?
We consider the Fissler Vitavit the best pressure cooker on the market due to its advanced features and functionality.
- Traffic Light System: It includes an intuitive cooking display with a 'traffic light system' that allows you to easily check the pressure in the pot. It indicates precisely when you need to lower the temperature.
- Novogrill® Surface: This patented, ridged, grill-like surface allows for frying and searing inside the pot, which is excellent for browning meat before adding liquids.
- Versatility: The Vitavit offers four adjustable cooking levels, including a pressureless steam cooking level, for gentle or very fast cooking. It also often comes with a steamer basket attachment.
- Quality Base: It features the exclusive, energy-efficient sandwich base for optimal heat distribution, and is induction-compatible.
How does the Fissler Vitaquick differ from the Fissler Vitavit?
The Fissler Vitaquick is a classic, fuss-free pressure cooker with fewer bells and whistles than the Vitavit. It provides the same essential, excellent pressure cooking functionality as the Vitavit, but is a more pared-back version. Like the Vitavit, it is sturdy, easy to clean, and made in Germany from stainless steel.
Key features of the Vitaquick include:
- Ease of Use: It has a convenient positioning aid and a locking indicator that confirms when the lid is safely sealed.
- Quality Base: It uses the high-grade sandwich base, which guarantees even heat absorption, distribution, and retention on all types of stove, including induction hobs. It does not have a ridged grill surface.
- Design: It includes a simple pressure indicator to easily control the pressure in the pot, but not a traffic light system that provides advanced guidance.