Inner-lid pressure cooker or outer-lid pressure cooker? There remains an ongoing debate on which one is the best. While both the pressure cookers offer potential benefits, choosing the right one is no less than an ambiguity.
Here is a pressure cooker buying guide that helps you choose one that is just right for you. In this article, we will discuss the features, advantages, and disadvantages of each type and also other differentiating factors.
The quick and easy comparison of the inner-lid and outer-lid pressure cookers saves your time on research. Additionally, it will also give you complete knowledge and understanding on analysing the best one for you.
Let us get started with the discussion. Before that, let us try to understand about each type of pressure cooker in detail.
Table of Contents
What is an Inner-Lid Pressure Cooker?
Let us try to learn about the inner-lid pressure cooker. As the name says, this pressure cooker models have the top of the lid placed towards the inside of the cooker. We will take deep dive into the topic and discuss its characteristic features.
1. Design
Let us start our comprehensive analysis with the design. The construction of these models is in such a way that the top lid of the cooker tends to be smaller than the cooker size. It comes with an inner lock further making it easy to place on the cooker and lock it.
The inner-lid pressure cookers have a unique design which is the primary distinguishing factor from the outer-lid models. This aspect is new and quite familiar too. Initially, one may find it a little difficult while closing the lid of these pressure cookers. However, with some practice, people get used to it and will find it easier to tackle.
2. Features
Let us come to the specialized features of an inner-lid pressure cooker. Since the lid comes with an inside lock design, it seals the cooker perfectly. Moreover, it allows in building perfect pressure inside without letting it escape from the sides. In addition, it does not require any special sealing components to lock the pressure cooker. The design itself facilitates proper sealing as the pressure inside the cooker holds the lid firmly in place.
The inner-lid pressure cooker is comparatively lightweight than the outer-lid model. The smaller size of the lid helps in reducing the overall weight of the product. Because of this, you can look for a high-capacity pressure cooker in this model without worrying about the weight.
3. Cleaning
Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for any appliance. Coming to the cleaning aspect of the inner-lid pressure cookers, these models require daily cleaning. Because of the inner-lid design, these models tend to get dirty. Every time you open the lid, it dips directly on the inside and needs a thorough cleaning. This situation is more prevalent when you have large quantities of food inside the cooker, filled almost up to the brim. Hence, these cookers require frequent cleaning than the outer-lid cookers.
4. Looks
Inner-lid pressure cookers are not underrated when it comes to looks and appearance. They are improvising their looks and design every now and then, becoming more popular than ever. They can add to your beautiful collection of kitchen appliances.
The inner-lid pressure cookers are available in a wide variety of colours, designs, and shapes. Their attractive shapes like the handi, cute, and kadai models are definitely the unique ones. Furthermore, they offer ease of handling and locking and make cooking an interesting activity for many.
5. Price Range
The inner-lid pressure cookers are a little expensive in comparison with the outer-lid models. This is because they are new, have a unique design, and also offer versatility. Hence, they tend to be costlier.
While it may seem like a costly affair to you, spending extra bucks on this is definitely worth it. You can free yourself from various problems that tend to occur with the outer-lid models. Moreover, these types of cookers are more safer than their counterparts too.
Pros And Cons of Inner Lid Pressure Cooker1
The inner-lid pressure cookers have certain benefits and limitations. Let us try to learn what they are:
Advantages
- The inner-lid pressure cookers are available in attractive designs and a wide range of colours to choose from.
- These models are safer to use.
- They come in different shapes and sizes that are ideal for a specific type of cooking.
- These models do not require any extra peripheral for seal.
Disadvantages
- Initially, one may face a little difficulty when operating the cooker.
- In case of excess pressure inside the cooker, you may find difficulty in opening the lid.
- These models are very expensive than the outer-lid cookers.
What is an Outer-Lid Pressure Cooker?
Let us talk about the outer-lid pressure cooker. As the name says, these pressure cooker models have the top of the lid placed towards the outside of the cooker. These are the oldest model of pressure cookers available in the market for a very long time. Let me take you through these cookers and discuss their characteristic features.
1. Design
Most of us are familiar with how an outer-lid pressure cooker looks. We all have one at our homes, and these do not need any special introduction. We can recall its design and need not stress ourselves more on this part.
Contrary to the inner-lid models, they have the lid placed outside and hence have an external seal. They have a rubber sealing element, also called a gasket, that helps to seal the lid tightly to the cooker. This restricts the unwanted release of pressure from the sides of the cooker.
2. Features
The significant advantage of purchasing an outer-lid pressure cooker is that it is very easy to use. You will not find any difficulty in understanding the operation. You can even upgrade to a high-capacity pressure cooker in this model without worrying about operating.
Unlike an inner-lid pressure cooker, the lids in these models are easier to open and close. Moreover, they do not get stuck. They are very reliable, too. Hence, you can always prefer other variants or sizes in this model rather than going for a new type altogether.
3. Cleaning
When it comes to cleaning, outer-lid pressure cookers are easier to clean than the inner-lid models. They do not require cleaning on a daily basis. This is the upside of having an outer-lid model at home.
These models have very few chances of getting dirty, including the lid. This is because the outside portion and the lid hardly get in contact with the food. Hence, the chances are very rare and do not require cleaning frequently.
4. Looks
Coming to the appearance and looks, the outer-lid models have a very simple look. Although the inner-lid models are popular and trending in the market for their chic designs, the outer-lid pressure cookers have their separate fan base, too. Their longer life span makes them the most sought-after cookers.
Newer models are available in the market with attractive designs, colours, coatings, and durable materials. You can choose from them if you prefer looks. However, you cannot find different shapes in them. They come in a regular shape, and this is the only option you have in them.
5. Price Range
The outer-lid pressure cookers are very cost-effective when compared to the inner-lid models. If you have a budget constraint, these are the best option. There are no premium-priced models in these pressure cookers because of their simpler design and traditional look. The price may vary depending on the capacity and the materials. Apart from these parameters, there are no other factors that seem to indicate higher pricing.
The older or previous versions in the outer-lid pressure cookers are available at a much cheaper price. The newer models are available in a variety of attractive colours, designs, and shiny coatings. These can be a little costly than the earlier models. However, they are still cost-effective than the inner-lid models, and you will be paying less than them.
Pros And Cons of Outer Lid Pressure Cooker
The outer-lid pressure cookers also have a set of merits and demerits to them. Let us try to understand what they are:
Advantages
- The outer-lid pressure cooker models are very easy to clean and maintain.
- They are the most sought-after appliances for their traditional look.
- They are available in sizes that one can choose easily and comfortably from them.
- They are suitable for gas stoves of all sizes.
Disadvantages
- The outer-lid pressure cookers are comparatively less safe than their counterparts.
- They are available in limited shapes and sizes.
- They require an extra sealing component to seal or lock the lid of the cooker.
Inner-Lid Vs. Outer-Lid Pressure Cooker: Which One Is Best?
A pressure cooker is one of those kitchen appliances that all of us use on a daily basis. Moreover, it is so durable that it does not need a replacement for some years. Hence, one has to be very wise in choosing the right type of pressure cooker suitable for your cooking needs.
Till now, we discussed about each type, its features, and advantages and disadvantages. To make the choice easier for you, here is a competitive analysis of both types. Below is a list of the characteristic differences between the inner-lid and outer-lid pressure cookers.
| Parameters | Inner-Lid Pressure Cooker | Outer-Lid Pressure Cooker |
| Appearance | The inner-lid pressure cooker models have the top of the lid placed towards the inside of the cooker. | The outer-lid pressure cooker models have the top of the lid placed towards the outside of the cooker. |
| Usability | One may find closing the lid a little difficult in these pressure cookers. | They are easy to use, and one can hardly have any difficulty in understanding the operation. |
| Seal | They do not require any extra peripheral to seal or lock the lid of the cooker. | They require an extra sealing component to seal or lock the lid of the cooker.
|
| Volume | Because of their inner-lid design, these models tend to have lesser volume than the outer-lid cooker option. | The outer-lid models have comparatively more volume than the inner-lid cookers. |
| Cooking Ability | Because of the less volume, you can only cook smaller amounts of food in these pressure cooker models. | You can cook a large amount of food at one shot in the outer-lid pressure cookers. |
| Blocking Pressure | The inner-lid design helps in blocking more pressure inside the cooker. | Outer-lid pressure cookers block less pressure inside when compared to the inner-lid models. |
| Safety | The inner-lid pressure cooker models are safer to use.
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The outer-lid pressure cookers are comparatively less safe than their counterparts. |
| Explosion | In case of a pressure cooker explosion, the lid will remain intact to the cooker and does not fly off because of the outer-lid design. | In case of a pressure cooker explosion, the lid will not remain intact to the cooker but flies off because of the outer-lid design. |
| Extra Lock | The inner-lid pressure cookers come with an extra lock inside the lid. | The outer-lid pressure cookers do not come with any extra lock feature. |
| Cleaning | The inner-lid pressure cookers are relatively less easy to clean. | The inner-lid pressure cookers are very easy to clean and maintain. |
| Frequency Of Cleaning | These cookers require frequent cleaning (daily basis) than the outer-lid cookers.
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They do not require cleaning on a daily basis. |
| Attractive Designs & Colours | The inner-lid pressure cookers are available in a wide variety of colours, and designs. | Newer models of outer-lid pressure cookers are available in attractive designs, colours, and coatings. |
| Shapes | The inner-lid pressure cookers are available in a handi, cute, and kadai shapes. | The outer-lid models come in a regular shape, and this is the only option available in them.
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| Sizes | They are available in various sizes depending on your cooking requirements. | These are available in limited sizes only. |
| Price | The inner-lid pressure cookers are a little expensive in comparison with the outer-lid models. | The outer-lid pressure cookers are very cost-effective when compared to the inner-lid models. |
| Weight | The inner-lid pressure cookers are comparatively lightweight than the outer-lid models. | The outer-lid pressure cookers are heavier than the inner-lid models. |
| Direct Vessel Cooking | Inner-lid pressure cookers are not ideal for direct vessel cooking. | The outer-lid pressure cookers facilitate direct vessel cooking. |
Conclusion
You can use both inner and outer-lid pressure cookers for different purposes. If you want to buy the right product, you need to aware of your cooking needs. If you are a large family, then the outer-lid models with a higher capacity are the best option for you. If you have a small family or staying alone, go for an inner-lid one.
I hope this pressure cooker guide cleared the air for you in choosing the perfect option. I am sure the comprehensive analysis presented in this article brought you out of the confusion. What are you waiting for! Make a wise decision by investing in the right product.
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