The Best Pressure Cookers
From stews, curries, and other dishes that sit on the stovetop for hours at a time, very few of the most luxurious meals can be thought of as "easy" — until now, that is. Please allow us to introduce the pressure cooker. For anyone who isn't familiar, pressure cookers are sealed pots that speed up the cooking process by using steam pressure to help cook foods more quickly. Read on for our favorite pressure cookers — electric and stovetop versions alike — that are easy to use and that turn out dreamy dishes in no time.
Instant Pot Duo Mini 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
Take out the guesswork
The Instant Pot took home kitchens by storm when it first came out. Why? Simple: its versatility and wonderfully easy settings completely transformed how at-home cooks prepared food. The Instant Pot’s presets are all clearly labeled, and you can adjust your time and the pressure level with ease. It comes with accessories like a stainless steel steam rack and a condensation collector, too. This is a pressure cooker that works around your schedule, including a delay start timer and a “keep warm” function. We love that it makes your everyday meals more convenient, but also opens up worlds of possibilities. Whether it’s laborious stews or yogurt, foods you might have thought more difficult or unattainable are now within reach.
Pros:
- Multipurpose — you can use it as a slow cooker, ricer cooker, yogurt maker, etc. (you can even bake in it)
- Easy to clean, and the lid and accessories are dishwasher-safe
Cons:
- Some may prefer more accessories, especially since this is more of a “gadget” rather than a simple stovetop pressure cooker
Imusa Stovetop Pressure Cooker
Simple and sweet
There are times you can’t beat simplicity, and Imusa’s well-made, no-frills pressure cooker really shines in that regard. It’s made of aluminum with handles that stay cool and lock into place. The aluminum heats quickly, and once your food goes in, the seal effectively traps in steam. It’s the handles that really do it for us though. They feel especially sturdy, and we like that the long handle provides extra grip. You could call this an “old-fashioned” pressure cooker, but it’s up to the task and is definitely a reliable appliance to add to your collection.
Pros:
- Ideal size that is large without feeling overly bulky
- Just the right amount of height for easy handling
- We like that one handle is long while the other side has a short “helper” handle
Cons:
- No “extra” features; this is a basic — albeit dependable — pressure cooker
Presto Stovetop Pressure Canner and Cooker
Grace under pressure
The most striking feature of Presto’s pressure cooker, right off the bat, is how large and heavy-duty it is. It’s made of warp-resistant heavy-gauge aluminum for quick and even heating. It features an easy-to-read pressure dial gauge so you can track your food. This pot is great if you’re cooking for a large crowd, but where it really excels is at canning. Its height can accommodate taller jars, and the unit comes with a canning rack. If you’re looking to explore the world of canning, this is pressure cooker is a great place to start.
Pros:
- Large size makes it ideal for canning, or it can double as an effective stockpot
- Easy to clean and simple to use
Cons:
- May not be ideal for those who are worried about space
Ninja 9-in-1 Deluxe Pressure Cooker
All that and then some
Pressure cookers are usually associated with producing tender food, from thick and savory stews to falling-off-the-bone meats. The Ninja pressure cooker certainly does that, but it can also crisp since it doubles as an air fryer. You’ll get all-in-one cooking with this gadget. You can pressure cook something like chicken to lock in the juices and then use the air fryer function to give them a golden crisp. The pot is ceramic-coated and nonstick, as well as PFTE- and PFOA-free, and it features a stainless steel finish. It comes with the necessary accessories, including a pressure lid, an additional rack, and even a cookbook with basic recipes.
Pros:
- The air crisping and air frying function truly stand out from other electric pressure cookers
- Large size makes it great for cooking big batches or for group meals
Cons:
- Some may not want so many functions (especially for those who already have an air fryer)
Zavor Stovetop Pressure Cooker
Easy and breezy
One of the potentially scary aspects of using a pressure cooker is the fact that there’s a lot of pressure built up in the pot, so you want to always be sure your lid is securely locked. Zavor’s stainless steel stovetop pressure cooker features a simple but effective locking mechanism: you simply turn the knob and the lid will clamp to the pot from any position. The pressure settings are also controlled by a simple knob that you can change, and the pressure indicator light will let you know when there’s pressure inside the pot. Overall, it has the simplicity of a classic pressure cooker but with a few more modern conveniences.
Pros:
- The locking mechanism allows you to lock it in any position — no need to worry about the precise alignment as with other pressure cookers
- Handles are roomy and comfortable to hold
Cons:
- Some may prefer more functions and presets
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I consider when buying a pressure cooker?
Pressure cookers are either electric or stovetop. The former obviously is more modern and comes with more presets and features. The latter is just as powerful as electric ones, but can also double as a normal pot to boil water, simmer sauces, etc. Consider if you like those extra features, as well as size. If you are cooking for a crowd or canning in bulk, go for a larger capacity.
How do you release the cooker’s pressure?
No matter what you’re cooking, make sure you release the cooker’s pressure before opening the lid. You can do this by turning simply off the heat and letting it sit, running the pot under cold water (not with electric pressure cookers), or some cookers allow you to use the pressure valve or simply press a button to release it.