If you spend enough time in the kitchen, you know there are few things more frustrating than cookware that promises “effortless cooking” but leaves your food half-cooked or burned at the base. That’s why I decided to finally upgrade to the Prestige 5L Pressure Pan, a model that’s been praised for combining the speed of a pressure cooker with the versatility of a frying pan.
But after a few months of actual use, did it really live up to its reputation?
What Is the Prestige 5L Pressure Pan?
The Prestige 5L Pressure Pan is a hybrid cooker that combines the depth of a small pot with the surface area of a pan. It’s made from hard-anodized aluminum or stainless steel, depending on the variant, and is designed for pressure cooking, sautéing, frying, and steaming… all in one piece of cookware.
It’s part of Prestige’s long-standing line of pressure cookware, which is known for its safety valve system, gasket release, and sturdy handles. The 5L size is intended for small to medium families, ideal for quick curries, biryanis, or even browning meat before adding pressure.
Why I Tried It
My old cooker had seen better days… the lid barely sealed, and everything cooked unevenly. I wanted something that could handle both quick weekday meals and heavy weekend cooking without juggling multiple pots. The Prestige 5L stood out because of its multi-purpose promise and its reputation for durability.
Also, let’s be honest: Indian cookware brands tend to overpromise, so I wanted to see if this one truly held up to the hype.
My Experience Using It
The first thing I noticed was the build quality, it felt solid and reassuringly heavy, with a flat base that sat well on both gas and induction stoves. The handle, while sturdy, does get a little warm after long cooking sessions, but it’s nothing unmanageable.
Cooking-wise, this pan definitely cuts down time. Lentils softened in 10 minutes flat, and chicken curries cooked evenly without that annoying layer of scorched masala at the bottom. The whistle system is loud but consistent… you know exactly when it’s working.
However, it’s not all perfect. Cleaning around the gasket and lid area is a bit fiddly, and if you’re not careful, residue builds up quickly. Also, while the “frypan” angle sounds convenient, it’s a bit bulky for everyday frying and is more suited for deep cooking than tossing quick stir-fries.
Over time, I did notice some mild staining on the base (common with hard-anodized cookware), but performance-wise, it’s held up well.
Pros
- Fast and even cooking
- Sturdy, long-lasting build
- Can handle pressure cooking, frying, and sautéing
- Works on both gas and induction stoves
- 5L size ideal for small to mid-sized families
Cons
- Lid and gasket can be tricky to clean
- Slightly heavy for daily use
- Handle gets warm with extended cooking
- Whistle can be quite loud
Where to buy and price point
You can buy it on Amazon, Flipkart, and Prestige’s website. The price differs depending on the particular pressure pot you want and the store you’re buying it from, but it generally ranges from anywhere between $50-$100.
How to Use It
- Add ingredients and water up to 2/3 capacity.
- Secure the lid and align the pressure valve.
- Cook on medium flame until you hear the desired number of whistles.
- Allow pressure to release naturally before opening.
- Clean immediately after cooling to prevent staining.
Alternatives
- Hawkins Contura Black 5L Pressure Cooker
- Butterfly Curve Stainless Steel 5L Cooker
- Pigeon by Stovekraft 5L Pressure Pan
Conclusion: Would I Recommend It?
Yes, if you cook often and value durability, the Prestige 5L Pressure Pan is one of those dependable tools that earns its place in the kitchen. It’s not the lightest or easiest to clean, but it delivers where it counts, speed, even cooking, and longevity.
It’s not a must-buy for casual cooks, but for anyone who makes hearty, saucy meals on a regular basis, it’s a solid investment that feels built to last.
Also read – NervoVive Nerve Support Supplement Review: Legit Relief or Overhyped Hype?