Best Pressure Cooker

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Pressure cookers have become a go-to kitchen tool for busy home cooks, offering a fast and efficient way to prepare meals by cooking with steam pressure. They can reduce cooking time by up to 70%, making them ideal for anyone looking to save time in the kitchen. Whether you’re making soups, stews, rice, or even tenderizing tougher cuts of meat, pressure cookers handle it all with ease. Many models also offer extra features like slow cooking, sautéing, or even yogurt-making. When picking a pressure cooker, consider factors like size, safety features, and ease of use—think automatic pressure release and simple controls. After testing eight popular models, we’ve found the best pressure cookers for a variety of needs and budgets.

  • Instant Pot Pro

    10

    We think the Instant Pot Pro is a game-changer for home cooks who want to save time without sacrificing flavor.

    10

    We think the Instant Pot Pro is a game-changer for home cooks who want to save time without sacrificing flavor.

    Pros

    • Versatile 10-in-1 functionality
    • User-friendly interface with custom programs
    • Faster cooking and preheating times

    Cons

    • Pricier than basic models
    • Learning curve for new users
    • Takes up counter space

    The Instant Pot Pro has changed how we cook at home. Its 10-in-1 functionality means we can pressure cook, slow cook, and even bake cakes all in one appliance. We love the custom program feature, which lets us save our favorite recipes for quick access.

    In our tests, we found the Pro cooked food up to 70% faster than traditional methods. The large LCD display is easy to read, and the auto-sealing lid is a nice touch. We appreciate the upgraded steam release switch, which is quieter and less messy than older models.

    The 6-quart size is perfect for our family of four, but it might be too small for larger households. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, we think the Pro’s features and performance make it worth the investment for serious home cooks.

  • Instant Pot Duo

    9.7

    We think the Instant Pot Duo is a versatile kitchen powerhouse that’s worth buying for its time-saving features and ease of use.

    9.7

    We think the Instant Pot Duo is a versatile kitchen powerhouse that’s worth buying for its time-saving features and ease of use.

    Pros

    • Replaces multiple kitchen appliances
    • Easy to use with one-touch cooking programs
    • Quick and efficient cooking

    Cons

    • Learning curve for first-time users
    • Can be bulky to store
    • Some foods may not turn out as expected

    We’ve been using the Instant Pot Duo for a while now, and it’s become a go-to appliance in our kitchen. This 7-in-1 electric pressure cooker has really changed the game for us when it comes to weeknight meals. We love how it can whip up a tender pot roast in under an hour, something that used to take all day.

    The Duo’s 13 smart programs make cooking a breeze. We just toss in the ingredients, press a button, and let it do its thing. It’s great for making soups, beans, rice, and even yogurt. We’ve found the sauté function really handy for browning meats before pressure cooking, which adds extra flavor to our dishes.

    Cleanup is a snap with this pot. The stainless steel inner pot is dishwasher safe, and we like that it’s sturdy and doesn’t have a non-stick coating to worry about. We’ve noticed the pot is pretty quiet while cooking, which is nice. It’s been a real time-saver for us, and we think it’s a solid choice for busy families or anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine.

  • COSORI Multi-Cooker

    9.5

    We think this versatile COSORI pressure cooker is a great choice for most home cooks looking for an all-in-one appliance.

    9.5

    We think this versatile COSORI pressure cooker is a great choice for most home cooks looking for an all-in-one appliance.

    Pros

    • Lots of cooking functions
    • Easy to clean
    • Safe venting design

    Cons

    • Learning curve for beginners
    • Bulky size
    • Some foods may splatter when venting

    We recently tried out the COSORI 6-quart electric pressure cooker and were impressed by its versatility. It can pressure cook, slow cook, make rice, and even sous vide. The 9-in-1 functionality means it can replace several kitchen appliances.

    Using it was pretty straightforward. We liked the easy-to-read display with the progress bar. The anti-spin inner pot was handy for sautéing without the pot moving around. Cleanup was a breeze thanks to the dishwasher-safe parts and fingerprint-resistant exterior.

    Safety features stood out to us. The 30° angled steam release and separate seal/vent button made venting less scary. We felt the double-layer anti-scald lid added peace of mind too. While it worked great for most recipes, very liquid-heavy dishes sometimes splattered when venting quickly. Overall, we think this COSORI cooker offers good value and convenience for busy home cooks.

  • Presto 6-Quart Pressure Cooker

    9.4

    We think this Presto pressure cooker is a great choice for most home cooks looking to speed up their meal prep.

    9.4

    We think this Presto pressure cooker is a great choice for most home cooks looking to speed up their meal prep.

    Pros

    • Cooks food fast
    • Easy to use and clean
    • Works on various stovetops

    Cons

    • Can be loud when releasing pressure
    • Learning curve for new users
    • Lid can be tricky to align at first

    We’ve used this Presto pressure cooker a lot, and it’s become a go-to in our kitchen. The 6-quart size is just right for most families. It’s big enough to make a batch of soup or stew, but not so big that it’s hard to store.

    The stainless steel pot feels sturdy and well-made. We like that it works on all types of stoves, even induction. Cleanup is a breeze since we can pop it in the dishwasher. The handles stay cool, which makes it easy to move around.

    We found the pressure regulator simple to use. It keeps the pressure steady without much fuss. The lock indicator is a nice safety feature. It shows when there’s pressure inside, so we don’t open the lid by mistake. The included rack is handy for cooking multiple foods at once without mixing flavors.

  • Instant Pot Pro 8-Quart

    9.3

    We think the Instant Pot Pro 8-Quart is a top choice for home cooks who want a versatile, user-friendly multi-cooker with advanced features.

    9.3

    We think the Instant Pot Pro 8-Quart is a top choice for home cooks who want a versatile, user-friendly multi-cooker with advanced features.

    Pros

    • Replaces 10 kitchen appliances
    • Fast cooking times
    • Easy-to-use interface

    Cons

    • Takes up counter space
    • Learning curve for beginners
    • Pricier than basic models

    We tested the Instant Pot Pro 8-Quart and found it to be a powerhouse in the kitchen. Its 10-in-1 functionality lets us pressure cook, slow cook, and even bake cakes. We liked how it cooked food up to 70% faster than traditional methods.

    The Pro model has some nice upgrades. We noticed the new gentle steam release was much quieter than older versions. The inner pot has cool-touch handles, which made it easy to lift out without oven mitts. We also liked the large, clear LCD display.

    Cooking with this Instant Pot was mostly smooth sailing. We did have to refer to the manual a few times to figure out some settings. But once we got the hang of it, we were impressed by how well it handled everything from tender pot roasts to fluffy rice. For busy families or anyone who wants to simplify meal prep, we think this Instant Pot is a great pick.

  • Instant Pot Duo 8-Quart

    9.1

    We think the Instant Pot Duo 8-Quart is a great buy for busy families who want to save time and effort in the kitchen.

    9.1

    We think the Instant Pot Duo 8-Quart is a great buy for busy families who want to save time and effort in the kitchen.

    Pros

    • Replaces 7 kitchen appliances
    • Easy to use with 13 preset programs
    • Large 8-quart capacity

    Cons

    • Bulky size may not suit small kitchens
    • Learning curve for pressure cooking newbies
    • Inner pot can be heavy when full

    We’ve been using the Instant Pot Duo for a few weeks now, and it’s quickly become our go-to appliance for weeknight meals. The 8-quart size is perfect for our family of four, with plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day. We love how we can toss in frozen chicken breasts and have a tender, juicy meal ready in under an hour.

    The 13 preset programs make it super simple to cook rice, beans, and even yogurt with just a push of a button. We’ve found the sauté function to be really handy for browning meat before pressure cooking, saving us from having to use a separate pan. Clean-up is a breeze too, as the stainless steel pot and lid are dishwasher safe.

    While the Instant Pot Duo is a powerhouse, it does take up a fair bit of counter space. We had to rearrange our kitchen a bit to find a good spot for it. New users might feel a bit overwhelmed at first, but we found the included recipe book and app helpful for getting started. Despite these minor drawbacks, we think this multi-cooker is a game-changer for anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine.

  • Presto 23-Quart Canner

    9

    We think this versatile pressure canner is a great choice for home canning enthusiasts and large-batch cooks.

    9

    We think this versatile pressure canner is a great choice for home canning enthusiasts and large-batch cooks.

    Pros

    • Large 23-quart capacity
    • Works as both a pressure canner and cooker
    • Made of durable, warp-resistant aluminum

    Cons

    • Bulky size may be hard to store
    • Requires careful cleaning and maintenance
    • Learning curve for pressure canning beginners

    We’ve put the Presto 23-Quart Pressure Canner through its paces, and it’s proven to be a reliable workhorse in the kitchen. Its roomy interior lets us can big batches of veggies, meats, and fruits with ease. We like that it doubles as a pressure cooker, which comes in handy for making quick weeknight meals.

    The heavy-gauge aluminum construction feels sturdy and heats up evenly. We found the pressure dial gauge easy to read, helping us maintain the right pressure for safe canning. The stay-cool handles are a nice touch, making it comfortable to move the pot even when it’s hot.

    One thing to note is that this canner needs some TLC. We make sure to clean it carefully after each use and keep an eye on the sealing ring and other parts. While it might seem daunting at first, we got the hang of using it pretty quickly. If you’re new to pressure canning, just take your time and follow the instructions closely. We think this Presto canner is a solid investment for anyone serious about home food preservation.

  • T-fal 22Qt Pressure Canner

    8.7

    We think this T-fal pressure canner is a great buy for home cooks who want to can large batches or cook big meals quickly.

    8.7

    We think this T-fal pressure canner is a great buy for home cooks who want to can large batches or cook big meals quickly.

    Pros

    • Big 22-quart size fits lots of jars
    • Works for pressure cooking and canning
    • Durable aluminum build

    Cons

    • Takes up a lot of storage space
    • Can be heavy when full
    • Learning curve for new canners

    We tested this T-fal pressure canner and cooker and found it to be a solid choice for home canning. Its 22-quart size is perfect for big batches – we fit 7 quart jars in one go. The aluminum body heats up fast and keeps a steady temp.

    Using it as a pressure cooker was a breeze too. We made a pot roast in under an hour that would’ve taken all day in the oven. The locking lid felt very secure, and we liked having both low and high pressure settings.

    Cleaning was pretty simple, though the big size means it won’t fit in most sinks. We did wish the rubber gasket was easier to remove. For new canners, there’s a bit to learn, but the included guide helps. All in all, we think this T-fal canner is a great value for its versatility and capacity.

  • Instant Pot Duo Plus 8-Quart

    8.7

    We think the Instant Pot Duo Plus 8-Quart is a top choice for busy families who want versatile, hands-off cooking.

    8.7

    We think the Instant Pot Duo Plus 8-Quart is a top choice for busy families who want versatile, hands-off cooking.

    Pros

    • Whisper-quiet steam release
    • Large 8-quart capacity
    • User-friendly LCD display

    Cons

    • Bulky size for small kitchens
    • Learning curve for new users
    • Some recipes need adjustments

    We’ve put the Instant Pot Duo Plus 8-Quart through its paces, and it’s clear why it’s a fan favorite. The large capacity is perfect for big families or meal prep enthusiasts. We love how it can replace multiple appliances – from pressure cooker to yogurt maker.

    The quiet steam release is a game-changer. No more startling hisses or worries about waking up sleeping kids. The clear LCD display makes it easy to track cooking progress, which we found super helpful.

    While it takes up counter space, the versatility makes it worth it. We’ve made everything from tender pot roasts to fluffy rice. The app’s recipe collection gave us tons of ideas. It did take some trial and error to get used to, but once we did, meal prep became a breeze.

  • Ninja Foodi Pro 6.5 qt

    8.6

    We think the Ninja Foodi Pro 6.5 qt is a great buy for anyone who wants an all-in-one cooking powerhouse.

    8.6

    We think the Ninja Foodi Pro 6.5 qt is a great buy for anyone who wants an all-in-one cooking powerhouse.

    Pros

    • Combines pressure cooking and air frying
    • Large 6.5-quart capacity
    • 11 cooking functions

    Cons

    • Bulky and heavy
    • Steep learning curve
    • Pricey compared to single-function appliances

    We’ve been using the Ninja Foodi Pro for a few months now, and it’s quickly become our go-to kitchen appliance. The 6.5-quart pot is big enough to cook meals for our whole family. We love how it pressure cooks a tender roast, then crisps it up with the air fryer function.

    The 11 cooking modes give us lots of options. We’ve made yogurt, dehydrated fruits, and even tried sous vide cooking. The nonstick pot is easy to clean, which is a big plus after cooking messy meals.

    While it’s great for most tasks, we found it takes up a lot of counter space. It’s also heavy, so we don’t move it around much. There’s a bit of a learning curve to get the hang of all the functions, but once we did, cooking became much easier and faster.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a pressure cooker, there are several key factors to consider. We’ve put together this guide to help you find the best option for your needs.

Size

Think about how many people you’ll be cooking for regularly. Pressure cookers come in sizes ranging from 3 to 10 quarts. For most families, a 6-quart model works well.

Material

The two main options are stainless steel and aluminum. Stainless steel is more durable but pricier. Aluminum is lighter and cheaper but may not last as long.

Safety Features

Look for models with multiple safety mechanisms like locking lids and pressure release valves. These help prevent accidents and make the cooker easier to use.

Cooking Options

Some pressure cookers offer different pressure settings and cooking modes. This gives you more control and versatility in the kitchen.

Ease of Cleaning

Dishwasher-safe parts and non-stick interiors make cleanup much simpler. Check if the lid and sealing ring can be easily removed for thorough cleaning.

Additional Features

Things like a steamer basket, recipe book, or extra sealing rings can add value. Consider which extras would be most useful for your cooking style.

By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be able to choose a pressure cooker that fits your needs and budget. Remember to read reviews and compare options before making your final decision.