Best Pressure Cooker - from Kitchen Experts

The primary objective of a pressure cooker is to reduce cooking time. There isn't much that can't be cooked in a pressure cooker, including stews, curries, beans, steamed puddings, and cheesecake.

It uses less water than other traditional cooking techniques and results in a greater retention of vitamins and minerals. The nutrients in the food are also prevented from oxidizing due to lack of exposure of air.  And on top of all, you'll spend less on energy bills as well as time.

TOP PICKS OF %YEAR%: 

• Instant Pot Duo - Best Overall Pressure Cooker

• Fast Slow Pro Multi Function Cooker - Best Electric Pressure Cooker

• EZLock Pressure Cooker - Best Stovetop Pressure Cooker

• Smart Pressure Cooker - Best Smart Pressure Cooker

• Pro 6-Quart Multi-Use Electric Pressure Cooker - Best Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker

After our recommendations, read on for more information on how we evaluate pressure cookers and what to look for when buying one.

1. Instant Pot Duo - Best Overall Pressure Cooker

TOP FEATURES:

• Type: Electric

• Pre-programmed settings: 13

• Pressure levels: High and low

• Accessories: Stainless steel steamer rack

• Sizes available: 3-, 6- and 8-qt. versions

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PROS:

• Easier, user-friendly controls

• ​​Cooks on low and high for more control

CONS:

• Natural release of pressure took a long time.

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This particular model has received approximately 155,000 Amazon reviews totaling 4.7 stars, which makes it become one of the most popular pressure cookers on Amazon. It performed well in almost all of our tests and was one of the few appliances we looked at that produced well-cooked rice.  It also passed the tests for our slow-cooked and pressure-cooked beef stews. 

There are settings on the control which are very easy to use for making soup, stew, meat, rice, poultry, beans, rice, yogurt, and other Instant Pot recipes. This model's simple design results in ease of use and during testing, confusion was prevented thanks to the explicitly labeled buttons.

Despite the lack of an LCD screen and numerous functions such as more sophisticated cookers, this model is excellent for beginners or individuals whose needs aren't focused on too many bells and whistles. The fact that this model is priced just under $100 is what we love the most about it.

2. Fast Slow Pro Multi Function Cooker  - Best Electric Pressure Cooker 

TOP FEATURES:

• Type: Electric

• Pre-programmed settings: 11

• Pressure levels: Customizable: High (12 psi) to low (1.5 )

• Accessories: Stainless steel steamer basket and stainless rack

• Sizes available: 6 qt.

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PROS:

• Provides great control over pressure and temperature levels

• Option for custom settings

CONS:

• Pressure takes more slowly than other models tested

• Lack of delay start setting

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Compared to most pressure cookers, the Fast Slow Pro is fancier and has a number of adjustable cooking settings. You can select among auto fast, auto pulse, and natural pressure release, and you can regulate the exact temperature and pressure level (from 1.5 to 12 psi). 

It even has an altitude adjustment option that lets you set the time and temperature to precisely match your boiling point by programming your current altitude. Settings are provided for a range of foods, such as vegetables, rice, soup, bone-in meat, chili, stew, and dessert.

Out of all the appliances we tested, this one created the most tender pressure-cooked stew, with properly cooked meat and vegetables and a flavorful, vibrant broth. The LCD screen and knob controls were also simple to use, which is perhaps the nicest feature considering how smart the appliance is.

3. EZLock Pressure Cooker - Best Stovetop Pressure Cooker

TOP FEATURES:

• Type: Stovetop

• Pre-programmed settings: None

• Pressure levels: Customizable:  High and low

• Accessories: Stainless steel steamer basket

• Sizes available: 6, 7.4, 8, 10,12.7 qt. versions.

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PROS:

• Clear pressure indicator

• Easy locking lid

CONS:

• Expensive

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Although they need manual adjustment and attention, stovetop pressure cookers aren't as dangerous as some might believe. The ease of use of this particular stainless steel stovetop cooker is what makes it stand out from the crowd.  The lid's universal lock system lets you close the lid at any position. Once you hear the click, you'll know it's securely set. This feature really impressed us during testing.

In the stovetop pressure cooker category, the beef stew created by the EZLock received the highest rating. Its ability to achieve 15 PSI and attain pressure in less than 11 minutes allowed it to create tender meat and vegetables. The PSI levels on this model are 8 and 15, and there are also quick-release and clean settings. There is no need to worry about opening the lid too soon because the red pressure indication during testing was easy to see and the lid locks closed when the cooker is under pressure.

4. Smart Pressure Cooker - Best Smart Pressure Cooker

TOP FEATURES:

• Type: Electric

• Pre-programmed settings: 1000+ built into the app

• Pressure levels: High and low

• Accessories: Stainless steel steaming rack, steam basket, silicon lid and extra sealing ring

• Sizes available: 6 qt.

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PROS:

• Wireless controls

• Built-in scale

• Access to instructions and recipes

CONS:

• App sometimes loses connection

• Outer lid can become very hot

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The Chef iQ Smart Pressure Cooker, like other models, includes a variety of cooking options, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, searing, steaming, sautéing, and sous vide. Even a built-in scale is included for meticulously following a recipe. With more than 1,000 presets and access to more than 600 instructional recipes and cooking tutorial videos, this model stands out from the competition and is especially appealing to aspiring home chefs. Additionally, you can use WiFi or Bluetooth on your smartphone to control the appliance.

During our test, experts praised how simple it was to follow the step-by-step instructions on the LCD screen. During our testing of beef stew, the Chef iQ achieved one of the highest pressure scores, pressurizing in only 31 minutes. It was much easier to clean and assemble than other machines; it was even a joy removing and reinstalling the silicon ring. We wouldn't mind keeping the modern matte black design exposed on our countertops.

5. Pro 6-Quart Multi-Use Electric Pressure Cooker - Best Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker

TOP FEATURES:

• Type: Electric

• Pre-programmed settings: 10

• Pressure levels: High and low

• Accessories: Stainless steel steaming rack and extra sealing ring

• Sizes available: 6 and 8 qt. versions

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PROS:

• Pressurizes quickly

• Has silicone handles for easy transport

• Easy to clean

CONS:

• It takes a long time to release pressure naturally 

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Look no further if you want an upgraded Instant Pot with sophisticated settings. The Instant Pot Pro offers ten different cooking modes, such as pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, and sous vide, to mention a few. Additionally, this device provides five programmed presets for custom recipes. High (10.2-11.6 psi) and low pressure settings are available for the pro (5.8–7.2 psi).

Any food that became stuck in the stainless steel base was easy to remove. Additionally, the pot incorporates silicone handles that make it safe and simple to take up a hot or heated pot. The Pro pressurized in just 27 minutes, giving it the second-highest score throughout testing for reaching pressure. While it didn't perform as well during the test of natural pressure release, it was able to relieve pressure by pressing the quick release button in just under 4 minutes. A plastic-covered steam valve and a push button on the machine's top enable a quick and secure pressure release.

The following questions are the most commonly asked by our readers. Read on for details. 

1. Is it worth it to buy an Instant Pot with a sous vide function?

The sous vide function of the Instant Pot can function, but it isn't very consistent, according to our testing. Still, if sous vide is something you're interested in, we advise choosing a standalone immersion circulator.

2. What food can I make in a stovetop or an instant pot pressure cooker?

Check out this page for more information for pressure-cooker recipes.

3. Which pressure cooker should I purchase?

If you're into a big pressure cooker, find one with two side handles. The pots become heavier with food, so if they have handles, it'll be easier to pick them up.  Handles that fold up take up less room in storage. The best value for your money would be to purchase a pressure cooker that includes one or two of these accessories because many recipes call for the use of extras like a steamer basket or cooking rack.

You can quickly prepare delectable meals, from braised roasts to creamy soups, with the best pressure cooker. And you'll be equipped to prepare, cook, and entertain like a pro with a quality set of knives and a walnut cutting board. Again, if we were to choose the best pressure cooker for you, it would be the Instant Pot Duo, and we already stated why we considered it our top choice among all.