Pressure cooking is based on steam power. As the pot heats up, steam is formed from the liquid, and the food reaches far higher temperatures than is obtainable with other forms of cooking. This means cooking time is much faster.
The process also forces liquid into the food, so it makes even tough meat become way more tender. Anyone who enjoys cooking or has a fondness for cuisine will have encountered various pressure cookers and perhaps a pressure pan or two too.
These two vastly similar devices excel at different things, and we’ve got a complete comparison between a pressure pan vs. pressure cooker coming up so that you know whether you need one or both in your kitchen.
Pressure Pan Vs. Pressure Cooker Comparison
| Pressure Pan | Pressure Cooker | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Shaped Like Deep Pot/Elongated Saucepan With Flat Base | Tall Deep Pot With Flat Base |
| Performance | Reaches Max Pressure Faster Than Pressure Cooker | 50% Faster Than Non-Steam With Higher Performance On Certain Pots, Slightly Slower Than Equally Sized Pressure Pan |
| Capacity | 3-Quart, 3.5-Quart, 4-Quart Liquid Capacity | 4-Quart, 6-Quart, 8-Quart Liquid Capacities & Larger |
| Best Uses | Pressure Cooking, Frying, Deep Frying, Sauteing, Warming | Pressure Cooking-Slow-Cooking In Short Period | Sauces | Relishes | Tenderizing Chewy Meat | All-Purpose Cooking Versatility |
| Advantages | Designed For Stovetop Use, Reaches Max Temperature Quickly, Effective For Browning Meat | Massive Variety Available, Supreme Versatility, Freestanding & Hob-Based Cookers Available, Lids Fit Pressure Pans In Same Size And From Same Manufacturer |
| Considerations | Very Noisy | Browning & Searing More Challenging In Pressure Cooker As Opposed To Pressure Pan Depending On Cut, No Electric Pressure Pan Available For Those Who Need Ease Of Use |
| Affordability | On Par With Similar Sized Pressure Cookers | On-Par With Equally Sized Pressure Pans |
| Availability | Online Availability, Limited Availability In Brick And Mortar Stores | Endless Variety To Pick From Online And In-Store |
Pressure Pan Vs. Pressure Cooker
Pressure pan vs. pressure cooker; both work on the same principles. These two types of pots both use high-pressure steam for cooking food faster than would otherwise be possible. Both types of cookers have their supporters. So which is best for you?
Pressure Pan
A pressure pan, otherwise known as a deep pressure pan, offers the functionality of a pressure cooker but with a distinctive design that’s better suited to searing and browning meat.
With excellent versatility and outstanding performance, many cooks can’t go without a good pressure pan. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this unique form of cookware so special.
Shape
A pressure cooker is shaped like a deep pot and is best imagined as a large, extended depth saucepan. A pressure pan is shallower, shaped like a deep frying pan.
Just like a pressure cooker, the bottom is absolutely flat, but the shallower design makes it a faster, more efficient design when cooking limited quantities of food.
Performance
One of the best parts of owning a pressure pan is that it reaches maximum pressure far faster than a pressure cooker. Depending on the volume of food being cooked, this can also mean faster cooking.
However, under maximum capacity, food cooks for the same period of time in both a pressure pan and pressure cooker. The pressure pan just pressurizes faster.
Capacity
The most common pressure pan sizes are 3-quart, 3.5-quart, and 4-quart liquid capacity. One doesn’t generally find a larger size due to the core design mechanics necessary for the cooker to be a pressure pan.
Bests Uses
A pressure pan functions as a pressure cooking, frying pan, deep fry pan, and saute pan. It can, of course, also warm food rapidly.
Advantages
A pressure pan is designed to be used on the hob. It reaches maximum temperature very quickly, and because of the flat round frying pan shape, it is very efficient at browning meat.
This type of pressure cooker can actually be faster than a conventional pressure cooker depending on the volume filled and ingredients used.
Considerations
Most pressure pans are extremely noisy so keep this in mind if noise levels are a factor in your kitchen or household.
Affordability
Expect to pay roughly the same price for a pressure pan as a pressure cooker. You’ll typically find pressure pans a few dollars cheaper due to supplying a lower capacity, but the median price for pressure cookers and pressure pans is the same.
Availability
While readily available online, you won’t find pressure pans stocked in as many stores as pressure cookers. There isn’t a massive demand for pressure pans like there is for pressure cookers.
Pressure Cooker
A reliable pressure cooker should be a part of every kitchen. There’s simply no comparing to its performance nor the flavor that’s unlocked when it is used properly. Let’s take a closer look at the defining features of a pressure cooker and how they stack up against those of a pressure pan.
Shape
Pressure cookers are shaped like tall, deep pots and have a flat base. The cooking surface isn’t highly polished, nor does it feature a matte design that requires seasoning. Therefore, one has to ensure that there’s always a source of oil, fat, or liquid so that the food doesn’t get stuck.
Performance
Most pressure cookers boast engineering that makes them capable of cooking food 50% faster than using a regular non-steam pot or pan.
The best pressure cookers will reach maximum pressure very quickly but still won’t be able to compare to rapid pressure that’s built up within the limited volume of a quality pressure pan.
Capacity
The most common pressure cooker sizes are 4-quart, 6-quart, and 8-quart liquid capacities, although larger ones are available from specialist retailers and online.
Best Uses
Pressure cookers are ideal for performing what would normally be a slow-cooked cooking process much quicker and therefore in a much shorter period of time. They’re ideal for slow-cooking sauces, relishes, and other reduced vegetables like chilis.
A pressure cooker is perfect for cooking chewy meat tender. Just about anything that can be cooked in a conventional pot can be cooked in a pressure cooker just faster.
Advantages
A pressure cooker is more versatile than a pressure pan. You can cook in many different styles, and you have a more extensive choice of models.
Some pressure cookers are designed to be used on the hob, but many people opt for an electric model – a freestanding, self-contained cooking unit that does not require an outside heat source.
You’ll most often find that lids from equally sized pressure cookers from the same brand as each other are interchangeable. For example, a standard 4-quart Prestige pressure cooker’s lid will lock and seal perfectly on a 4-quart Prestige pressure pan.
Considerations
Even though browning and searing in a pressure cooker are possible, the tall sides mean that cooks may struggle to roast off larger cuts of meat. If you find yourself roasting meat in your pressure cooker often, you may find better use from a pressure pan instead.
Those shopping for a pressure cooker should always consider what they’ll be cooking and how much time they have to devote to the process of pressure cooking itself. Individuals with little experience and a lack of free time should consider buying an electric pressure cooker instead.
Affordability
Pressure cookers and pressure pans are roughly the same prices. One ends up paying a few dollars more for a pressure cooker due to the larger size and capacity, but the negligible difference in price isn’t enough to make it a factor in deciding which unit is needed.
Availability
There is an endless variety of pressure cookers to pick from, unlike the severely limited selection of pressure pans.
From freestanding electric cookers to everything from ultra-cheap filmy stovetop models to high-end units with timers, multi-ply design, and several advanced safety features, there’s no comparison to the range of pressure cookers on sale.
What Is The Difference Between A Pressure Cooker And A Pressure Pan?
The main difference between a pressure cooker and a pressure pan is that a pressure cooker is deeper and offers a greater variety of potential features with unparalleled versatility, whereas a pressure pan features a shallower base that allows for faster pressure cooking while excelling at searing and browning and supplying a limited selection of possible extra functions.
Which Is Best Between Pressure Pan Vs. Pressure Cooker?
Picking the best option between a pressure pan vs. pressure cooking depends on your cooking habits. If you find yourself needing to fry as well as pressure cook, a pressure pan may be best.
Similarly, anyone who sears off meat frequently but does not cook high-moisture meals like stews may prefer the pan-based design as well. However, the tried-and-tested pressure cooker is a crucial component at the core of most kitchens.
If you don’t have one, it’s a purchase that everyone should consider.
