Indian pressure cooker: which size to buy, and what to check before you buy
An Indian pressure cooker is the whistle-type pot that Indian kitchens use for dal, rice, chickpeas and meat curries. For one or two people a 2 or 3 litre pressure cooker is enough; for a family of four or for batch cooking, buy 5 litres. In Polish the pot is called "szybkowar", and the two Indian brands you will see most are Hawkins and Prestige.
Which size: 2, 3 or 5 litres
The size on the box is the total volume of the pot, but you can fill it only part of the way. As a rule, fill it no more than two-thirds, and only half with dal, beans or rice, because they foam.
| Size | Good for | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 2 litres | 1 person, a student room | One portion of dal or rice |
| 3 litres | 2 to 3 people | Daily dal and rice for a couple |
| 5 litres | 4 to 5 people | Family meals, chickpeas, meat curry |
| 6 litres and more | Large families, cooking for the week | Big batches, biryani bases |
Many couples in Poland end up with two pots: a 3 litre for dal on weekdays and a 5 litre for chana or rajma at the weekend. If you can buy only one, a 3 litre pot is the most flexible for a small household, and a 5 litre one if you cook in bulk.
Gas or induction
Check your hob before you buy. Many new flats in Polish cities have induction or ceramic hobs, not gas.
- A plain aluminium pressure cooker works on gas, but not on induction.
- An induction-base cooker has a steel plate under the pot and works on both. The box says "gas and induction" ("gaz i indukcja").
- Stainless steel and hard-anodised models are heavier and usually list induction too.
The Prestige Alpha Svachh is an example of a cooker for gas and induction, and there is a hard-anodised 5 litre Prestige for larger households.
Inner lid or outer lid
Indian pressure cookers close in one of two ways:
- Inner lid: the oval lid goes inside the pot and presses up against the rim. The classic Hawkins design works like this. It seals well, but you need a moment to learn the movement.
- Outer lid: the lid sits on top and turns to lock, like most Prestige models. It is easier for beginners.
Both work. Choose the one you grew up with, because you will use it without thinking.
Spare parts: buy a gasket with the cooker
The rubber ring in the lid (gasket, in Polish "uszczelka") wears out and is the part people most often need to replace. Gaskets are made for a brand and a size range, so note both. Little India sells spare gaskets, for example a Prestige gasket for 2 to 3 litre cookers, and parts for Hawkins on the Hawkins brand page. A spare gasket in the drawer saves a lot of trouble.
How many whistles: a starting guide
Times depend on the cooker, the hob and how old the lentils are, so read the manual and use these as a start. Count the whistles on medium heat, then let the pressure drop by itself before you open the lid.
| Food | Water | Whistles (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Rice | 1 cup rice, 1.5 to 2 cups water | 2 |
| Toor or masoor dal | 1 cup dal, 3 cups water | 3 to 4 |
| Moong dal | 1 cup dal, 3 cups water | 2 to 3 |
| Chickpeas or rajma, soaked overnight | Cover by 3 cm | 5 to 6 |
| Chicken curry on the bone | Little water, the sauce is enough | 2 to 3 |
Safety basics: never force the lid open, keep the vent clear, and do not cook with less than the minimum water in the manual. Our guide to lentils and dal has more on the types of dal.
Where to buy a pressure cooker in Poland
Little India sells Indian pressure cookers, steamers and pots in the pressure cookers category, with models from Prestige and Hawkins. Little India has shops in Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław and Gdańsk and ships online across Poland. Read our guide to the Indian shop in Poland for the addresses.
FAQ
What is a pressure cooker called in Polish?
"Szybkowar". A search for "szybkowar Hawkins" or "szybkowar Prestige" finds the Indian models.
Which pressure cooker size do I need, 3 litre or 5 litre?
A 3 litre pressure cooker suits two or three people. A 5 litre one suits a family of four or five, or anyone who cooks chickpeas and beans in bulk.
Will an Indian pressure cooker work on my induction hob?
Only if the box or the base says "induction". Stainless steel alone does not guarantee it. A plain aluminium cooker works on gas only.
How do I know which gasket to buy?
Check the brand and the litre size of your cooker. Gaskets are sold for a brand and a size range, for example "Prestige 2 to 3 litre".