The joys of cooking can fade quickly when it comes to long cooking times. We often end up sacrificing taste, that’s achieved through slow cooking, by shortening the time while making soups, roasts, or meat on the bone just to get things done faster.
The solution to this? Pressure cookers. These nifty appliances quite simply cook under pressure, releasing your stress of not having enough time to cook things properly.
Whether you are looking for an electric pressure cooker or an automatic pressure cooker, we’ve got you covered.
Below you will find 6 of the best pressure cookers reviewed in-depth, followed by our pressure cooker buying guide.
See Our Top Pressure Cooker Reviews
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Best Overall
2Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus Pressure Cooker
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Best For Higher Budgets
4Breville BPR700BSS The Fast Slow Pro
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Best For Low Budgets
6Crock-Pot Express Pressure Cooker CSC051
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Buy On AO1. Ninja Foodi OP300UK Electric Pressure Cooker
- Attractive modern design.
- TenderCrisp technology.
- Includes a rack to layer different ingredients at one time.
- 9 different functions.
One of this Ninja pressure cooker’s most attractive qualities is that it has 9 different functions for all kinds of cooking.
These include Pressure Cook, Air Fry, Slow Cook, Steam, Sear/Saute, Bake/Roast, and Grill.
The benefit of this is that it removes the need for multiple kitchen appliances, as it completes all these tasks within the one unit.
Furthermore, it includes TenderCrisp technology, a Ninja design that works by keeping juices inside the ingredients, before crisping the outsides perfectly.
The machine features a pressure lid and a crisping lid, each allowing you to cook your food to exactly your taste!
In terms of features, this model comes with both a 6-liter cooking pot and a 3.6-liter version.
It also includes a reversible rack to cook multiple ingredients at once and a crisp basket.
The front of the appliance features touch screen buttons to navigate through cooking modes, as well as temperature and time controls.
An added bonus is the “keep warm” function.
Specifications
Pros
- Suitable for 4 people.
- Works for baking.
- Food can be slow-cooked up to 12 hours in advance.
- Large 6-liter cooking pot.
Cons
- The power cable could be longer (30in)
- The large size is a little bulky.
2. Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus Pressure Cooker
- Smart digital screen.
- 48 preset options.
- Safety steam diffusing cover.
- 10 cooking options.
This large, yet simple to use Instant Pot has a high-quality stainless steel design, paired with a smart digital screen in the center.
The smart screen allows you to maneuver between 48 customizable present options for all kinds of special cooking, such as sous vide, baking, and meat on the bone.
It also has a special yogurt making function
The top of the screen displays a status bar, indicating what the machine is doing, with a timer display below.
Underneath we have the rotary dial to move between start, cancel, delay start, and keep warm.
With a 1200 W rating, this pressure cooker is at the top of the game in terms of speed, cooking 70% faster than many other models.
The process is even faster thanks to the quick cool technology, shortening the time required to release the internal pressure after cooking.
In terms of safety, this lid automatically seals removing the worry of someone knocking the lid off.
It also has a dedicated steam diffusing cover, easing the pressure release.
Lastly, the included pot is made of stainless steel with a long life span, and it’s dishwasher safe.
The package also includes a steam rack.
Specifications
Pros
- The lid automatically seals.
- 5.7-liter capacity.
- Includes a steam rack with handles.
- The large handle makes the lid easy to remove.
Cons
- It takes a while to heat up.
- May be too complex if you’re looking for a simple model.
3. Tefal Clipso Minut Easy Pressure Cooker
- Multiple built-in safety features.
- Extra lightweight design.
- Includes a steaming basket.
- Large 6-liter pot.
Firstly, this pressure cooker has several built-in safety features for peace of mind. It includes a safe opening and closing system, a gasket to release internal pressure, a safety valve, and a visual pressure indicator.
These features combined to make it an excellent choice for home-use or those who have not used a pressure cooker before.
Furthermore, the stainless steel design is fairly small for a pressure cooker, ensuring it won’t take up too much space in your kitchen.
The one-handed opening system makes the design even easier to use, unlocking, and closing with just one hand.
The stainless steel internal pot is dishwasher safe and makes 4 to 6 servings at once, which would work perfectly for a family, or even with friends over.
Plus, the package includes a convenient steaming basket that fits inside.
The result is a pressure cooker that steams, sautés, simmers, boils, bakes, and more.
Lastly, this design is generously lightweight when compared to most other pressure cookers. It weighs in at just over 2 kilograms, making lifting and moving far easier.
Specifications
Pros
- Convenient single-hand opening.
- Dishwasher-safe pot.
- Makes 4-6 servings at once.
- Plenty of different cooking methods.
Cons
- Some may prefer an electric model.
- Does not include a rack to layer ingredients.
4. Breville BPR700BSS The Fast Slow Pro
- Color-changing LCD Display.
- 1 different cooking settings.
- Smart 3-way safety system.
- Includes a “keep warm” function.
A highlight of this Breville design is the smart LCD screen on the front of the unit. It changes color to indicate what the machine is doing; where it is pressurizing, cooking, or releasing steam.
Under the screen are 3 rotary dials for “start”, “time” and “temperature” allowing you to easily adjust settings.
Furthermore, this machine includes 11 different cooking settings from beans, stock, risotto, and poultry, to desert, bone-in-meat, and even a “custom” setting.
This helps to remove the need for multiple different appliances to cook different ingredients and well-justifies the high price point.
Additionally, it also features an automatic “keep warm: function to prevent food from getting cold before you are ready to eat it.
This pressure cooker is equipped with a 3-way safety system, making it perfect for a home environment. It includes a locking lid, a manual steam release, and a safety valve.
Lastly, it features a large 6-quart capacity PTFE and PFOA-free ceramic cooking pot.
Specifications
Pros
- High-quality stainless steel.
- Automatic steam release.
- Easy adjustment dials.
- Fairly lightweight.
Cons
- High price point.
- Ceramic cooking pot rather than steel.
5. Kuhn Rikon Duromatic Inox Pressure Cooker
- Attractive silver design.
- Large 8-liter capacity.
- Spring load valve to indicate the internal pressure.
- Cooks quietly.
This high-class stainless steel pressure cooker has both a modern design and a generous capacity.
The polished stainless steel pressure cooker has an 8 liter capacity for the entire pot – perfect for entertaining multiple people.
Due to the polished 18/10 stainless steel design, the pot is designed to last.
Although there is no digital display, the model has a spring load valve, designed to rise and fall based on the internal pressure.
This helps to inform you when the machine is pressurized, and when it is safe to open plus when the food is cooked ensuring it won’t be overdone.
Furthermore, the sturdy design cooks very quietly compared to some other non-electric pressure cookers.
Safety features in this model are well-designed.
Firstly, it has a safety pin to prevent excessive pressure built up. It also has an automatic lid-lock system to prevent opening when pressurized, and the main valve gets rid of excessive pressure.
The additional safety valve works as a fail-safe while the silicon gasket automatically allows steam to escape if it rises over 34.81 PSI.
Specifications
Pros
- Several built-in safety features.
- Polished stainless steel.
- Internal measuring indicators.
- Ergonomic grip handles.
Cons
- It is not electric.
- Some may prefer a smaller unit.
6. Crock-Pot Express Pressure Cooker CSC051
- Brilliant price for an electric pressure cooker.
- Digital screen for timer display.
- 4 different cooking methods.
- Includes 8 “one-touch” programs for different ingredients.
This crock-Pot pressure cooker pairs both excellent value with both essential and additional features.
The pot Includes 4 different cooking methods: pressure cook, slow cook, steam and saute/brown, allowing you to get multiple cooking styles out of one appliance.
The front of the pot holds a digital display screen, indicating the timer.
Alongside this are the 8 one-touch programs which allow automatic settings for different ingredients such as yogurt, soup, rice/risotto, poultry, and meat/stew.
These are excellent when you are in a rush and need the machine to do all of the thinking for you. Alternatively, the machine can be set to manual mode to adjust the time and temperature yourself.
It includes a large 5.6-liter non-slip bowl which can be easily removed for cleaning. The exterior is crafted from stainless steel, giving it a classy and stylish appearance.
The top lid has an airtight lock to keep it safely sealed. Plus, a large handle on top to easily transport your cooker.
Lastly, the set also included a steaming rack and a stirring spoon.
Specifications
Pros
- Non-slip removable bowl.
- 5.6-liter capacity.
- Includes steaming rack and spoon.
- Air locking lid.
Cons
- Not as many cooking methods as some other designs.
- Slightly lower capacity than others.
Pressure Cooker Buying Guide
What Is a Pressure Cooker?
The general idea of a pressure cooker also referred to as an induction pressure cooker, is to quite literally cook food under high pressure.
This is usually done using water or another type of liquid (such as broth or sauce) to create pressure steam and usually takes place over 100 degrees celsius.
Steam pressure cookers commonly used to cook foods that would usually take a long time in the oven or on the stove (think roast chicken, homemade yogurt, or flavorful soups) in a shorter period of time.
Most pressure cookers boast being able to cook food at least 60% faster than an alternative method.
Most pressure slow cookers are circular in shape, housing a large internal cooking pot.
Type
There are two main variations between pressure cookers, both of which we have featured in our reviews. They are electric pressure cookers and stovetop pressure cookers.
Electric Pressure Cooker
Electric pressure cookers are praised for their lack of need for gas on the stove. They function through a cable that should be plugged into a socket in the wall. T
he necessary heat is generated through electricity, as opposed to gas.
Digital pressure cookers tend to have more settings and features than stovetop alternatives.
As you will have seen above, they have digital screens with several cooking options, timings, and accessories, rather than a single pot that cooks on the stove.
If you want a pressure cooker that works for extras like baking, yogurt making, and features presets for different ingredients, then an electric model would be your best bet.
Stove Top Pressure Cooker
If you are looking for a simple appliance to cook things faster (such as meats, soup, and stews) then a stovetop pressure cooker could be your perfect companion.
They work by enclosing pressure inside a pot usually made of stainless steel.
This pot sits on top of a regular stove which provides the heat, and therefore the pressure, to cook the ingredients,
You will have seen that these models are a lot simpler, and don’t include extras such as presets and digital screens.
Materials
The materials of a pressure cooker tend to depend on whether it’s electric or a stovetop version. They affect the longevity, price, and quality of the appliance too.
A stainless steel pressure cooker is one of the highest quality versions that you will find. This material is praised for its longevity, strength, and resistance to rust and breakage.
It’s also very heat resistant, a necessity for pressure cookers.
You’ll find that many features above have some form of stainless steel involved.
Others also include a ceramic internal pot rather than steel which is simply a less-expensive material (and often a little heavier), but does not determine whether or not it is good quality.
Design
While the general design of pressure cookers is the same, the modern pressure cookers, such as electronic ones, feature far more attributes than older models.
The general shape of a pressure cooker will be a basin-like pot, with a removable internal pot and a secure lid – whether the design is electronic or not.
Digital versions usually include a screen and touch buttons on the front to maneuver between modes and settings. Whereas stove-top versions can feature pressure valves on top to indicate the pressure levels inside.
Additional design features may include steaming baskets or racks, extra utensils, and replacement pots.
Size
It’s important to consider the size of a pressure cooker before you purchase one depending on the space you have available in your kitchen.
Some models can be fairly large in size, but it is also possible to find a small pressure cooker on the market.
Generally, electric pressure cookers are larger than stovetop versions due to the electronics needed, large screens, and multiple settings.
To make things easy for you, we have highlighted the size of each pressure cooker in our reviews above. You will also find that the internal capacity of most cookers ranges between 5 and 8 liters.
If you plan to cook large batches, then a higher capacity will be ideal, like the capacity of a halogen ovens.
Pressure Cooker Vs Slow Cooker
The debate between pressure cookers and slow cookers is ongoing. To break it down, there is one fundamental difference between the two.
Pressure cookers use hot steam and cook foods quickly. On the other hand, slow cookers require lower temperatures and cook food very slowly for longer periods of time.
The former are praised for their versatility in the ability to cook different types of food, from meats and poultry to desserts and steaming vegetables.
Slow cookers are well-loved amongst professionals due to the ease of using them to create rich sauces, soups, and broths that require long cooking times.
Pricing Range
You will have seen in our reviews that the price range between different models of pressure cookers is quite considerable.
We covered incredible value and quality pressure cookers for around the 70-pound mark, all the way up to models over 200 pounds.
The varying factors between models that determine the price range are:
- Materials used, whether the pot is stainless steel or ceramic.
- Whether the unit is electric or stovetop powered.
- The capacity of the pot.
- The variety of cooking methods.
- The temperature range.
- Additional features such as “keep warm” modes and safety features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thankfully using a pressure cooker is fairly easy. Follow the steps below to get you started:
- If the model is electric plug it in first. If not, you can skip this step.
- Place the ingredients with your chosen liquid inside the pot.
- Close the lid and secure it in place.
- Choose the necessary cooking program, if using an electric cooker. If using a stovetop version, place the pot on the stove and switch on the gas until the desired temperature.
- The pressure in the pot should not increase. The electric model will usually display the timer on the front, and the stovetop version should have a pressure valve.
- For stovetop versions, turn the heat down to simmer when the pressure increases.
Our Verdict
Now we have covered 6 top pressure cookers plus a buying guide for these capable appliances, you should be feeling ready, if not even more inclined, to make your purchase!
The uses for a pressure cooker are endless. You can make a speedy roast one day, and bake a delicious cake right afterward in a fraction of the time.
We’ve seen that prices, features, and even power methods of pressure cookers vary.
If you need a model to have multiple functions you can opt for an electric model. But if you’re looking for a simple cooker for speedy soup, meats and stews then a stovetop version will suffice!
