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The Best Pressure Cooker of 2024
Everyone loves food, but not all of us enjoy the exhaustive cooking process. Enter the pressure cooker, an appliance that can easily cut down on time. Fitted with tight lids with rubber linings and a small sieve-like valve at the top, pressure cookers raise the boiling point of water inside the cooker, converting it into steam that remains trapped inside it. This results in high-pressure levels, and in turn, faster cooking. After testing the best pressure cookers on the market, we can safely say that the CHEF iQ Pressure Cooker is our favorite product on this carefully curated list. Invest in a pressure cooker and read on!
Our Top Picks For Pressure Cookers
View all ContentsThe Best Pressure Cookers
Best Overall
The CHEF iQ Pressure Cooker takes cooking to a whole new advanced level. Once you connect to the CHEF iQ App via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, you can access over 600 cooking recipes and culinary how-to videos, control and monitor your Smart Cooker remotely, and utilize the Cooking Calculator for precise cooking parameters tailored to every ingredient.
The built-in scale of the pressure cooker can also revolutionize your cooking experience. It easily measures ingredients by weight, eliminating the need for measuring cups and simplifying both prep and cleanup. With four integrated smart sensors, the pressure cooker ensures that ingredients will be accurately measured, and the “smark cooker” will even inform you of the exact amount of liquid needed for perfect results.
Guided Cooking recipes take your culinary journey to the next level. Follow step-by-step video instructions provided in the app, and effortlessly send precise cooking parameters to your Smart Cooker for each step. With this pressure cooker, you can say goodbye to manual time and temperature settings and let the app handle it for you! How high-tech is that? The app adds five new recipes every week, keeping your cooking repertoire fresh and exciting. Clearly, this pressure cooker tops the list as our best overall pressure cooker.
Pros
- Easy-to-use app
- Auto-pressure release for increased safety
- Tons of cooking presets
Cons
- Little pricey
Most Popular
The Instant Pot Duo Pressure Cooker is probably the most popular option and for all the right reasons. It’s a multi-cooker with seven different cooking options, including pressure cook, slow cook, yogurt maker, and steamer. All of the cooking is based on a single touch. The size of the pressure cooker is small, with a capacity of 3 quarts. Constructed from food-grade stainless steel, this pressure cooker is durable and safe. It also includes ten built-in safety features. The base handle is on the machine to hold the lid, which has a safety lock mechanism, also making it dishwasher safe. The base is tri-ply, and when paired with the steam rack, you get a deeply steamed or cooked meal without any compromises.
Pros
- Fingerprint resistant finish
- 70% faster yet thorough cooking
- Easy to clean
- Guided recipes on the free mobile app
Cons
- Not suitable for canning
Premium Choice
The Presto Aluminum Pressure Cooker has simple yet effective features. It is basically an old-school cooker with a big size, which has an 8-quart capacity. This allows it to be used as a home canner. It can cook something as effortless as soup and stews, in addition to the standard pressure-cooked food, such as beef.
It has a heavy-duty lid with an inner gasket to secure the sealing while cooking. Although there is a basic pop-up steam releasing mechanism, an overpressure plug is also present to avoid any risks. Tri-clad base with aluminum sandwiched between stainless steel makes sure the heat is evenly distributed. One special feature is the presence of a rack that allows you to cook several dishes at a time without any intermingling of spices or flavors.
Pros
- Includes booklet with over 65 recipes
- Compatible with all stove ranges
- Economical
- Comes with a 12-year warranty
Cons
- Screws on handles come loose
Most Versatile
Weighing only a few pounds, the Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker has a five-quart capacity which means it can fit a family-sized meal with ease. Although this product is popular as a pressure cooker, it serves as an all-in-one cooking range. With nine versatile functions, such as pressure cook, broil, bake, and air frying, it’s all you need to get through the week.
Like all pressure cookers, it first locks up the moisture and nutrients in your meal and then uses Tender CRISP technology, which gives your food an air-fried, crisp finish. Along with reducing cooking time by up to 70%, it is also capable of pressure-cooking frozen meat and vegetables. It may take up a large space on your counter as well as your pocket, but it is worth every single penny.
Pros
- Pot and crisp plate are dishwasher-safe
- Includes a user manual and recipe book
- Certified safety features
- Ceramic pot is nonstick
Cons
- Coating may chip
Best Value
If you’re looking for a new cooking appliance, the T-Fal Clipso Pressure Cooker is an easy option, and is one of the most popular products of its kind. It has a stainless-steel construction that is PTFE, PFOA, and cadmium-free. With a large capacity, it proves extremely helpful during holidays and other events when cooking food in large quantities.
It has an innovative and secure one-hand open and closing system, making safety the highest on the priority list. A controlled steam releasing valve also adds to this, saving you from all of the risks of overpressure. It has an encapsulated base that efficiently and evenly distributes the heat through the food for quicker and more thorough cooking. Also, this makes it suitable for all types of stoves.
Pros
- Side handles offer better grip
- Most parts are dishwasher-safe
- Relatively noiseless for a cooker
- Comes with a steamer and stand
Cons
- Warranty for pots only, not other parts
Classic Design
Pressure cookers and canners work on the same principle of trapping steam. While a cooker serves the purpose of quicker cooking, a canner ensures long-term storage of various foods by getting rid of microorganisms. This All American 1930 Pressure Cooker is made from aluminum with a large capacity to fit several jars at once.
The company uses an exclusive metal-to-metal sealing method to establish the maximum possible pressure levels inside. Thus, the product also eliminates the need for a gasket, allowing easier management of the product. The pressure controls are simple to comprehend with the addition of a steam gauge, precision regulator, and an overpressure plug. It is suitable for electric, gas, and flat-top stoves. In addition to speeding up cooking, this pressure cooker is excellent for food preservation.
Pros
- Safe to put in dishwashers
- Phenolic top-handle guarantees durability
- Comes with two wire racks
- Adjustable pressure limiting valve
Cons
- Little pricey
Buying Guide: Pressure Cookers
Pressure cookers have always been a hot item in the kitchen world. Many of us grew up around these appliances. In recent years, they’ve been gaining popularity again. One of the reasons for this may be that busy routines do not allow people to invest long hours in preparing slow-cooking, traditional dishes. Everybody turned to alternatives, and a pressure cooker is one of the most reliable solutions. It allows you to make fancy meals in a short time as well as basic food, such as rice, chicken, and vegetables, within minutes. And for people who cook just out of necessity and have no interest in cooking elaborate meals, it’s a lifesaver. Pressure cookers have come a long way from their early incarnations, which were prone to accidents. Modern-day pressure cookers use top-quality materials in manufacturing, and with proper use, they guarantee complete safety.
Top Features to Consider When Buying a Pressure Cooker
Size
Pressure cookers are available in various dimensions, but you should always go for the size you need. This depends on the number of people you cook for, as well as the number of times you use it in a week. For a big family, larger-sized pots are available. For a couple, smaller pots take up less counter space. A cooker that’s smaller or bigger than your needs will only result in a waste of fuel, time, and energy.
Pressure limit
As the name suggests, pressure cookers work based on high pressure in a tightly sealed area. Therefore, it’s important to check the maximum pressure your cooker can reach. Most cookers require 15 psi. Pressure cookers with a lesser limit, such as 12 psi or 8 psi, take slightly more time. An adjustable psi is the top option to cook food at your own pace.
Durability
The most common materials used in the construction of pressure cookers are stainless steel and aluminum. The former is always preferred over the latter. Not only is aluminum soft and deformable, but it is also reactive, which may be harmful in some cases. A triple-ply, with aluminum sandwiched in between steel, mighy be a better option.
Warranty
Pressure cookers aren’t exactly cheap. The simplest ones are a hit on your wallet. With the increasing number of features, the cost keeps on increasing. They offer uncountable benefits, the biggest of which is time-saving. They retain more than 50% more nutrients in food than normal pots and are an investment, which is why it is important to check their warranty. The standard warranty is 12 years, but most companies only cover the pot under this. Always select a pressure cooker with a warranty for the pot and its associated parts.
Handles
Handles are one of the most important aspects of any cooking pot. The same is the case with pressure cookers. Make sure there is a top and two side handles. They’re meant to hold the overheated pot easily and grant stability and sturdiness in the hold. Foldable handles are attractive and space-efficient but not as durable. Strong handles are preferable.
Electric Pressure Cookers
Electric pressure cookers have numerous striking features, the most prominent of which is that they do not require manual cooking timing. This results in its ability to cook food with a high level of versatility. They can steam, simmer, and even sauté for you. They heat up and down automatically, and other than the initial instructional click, they don’t require any supervision. They are a little expensive, but their specifications make up for it.
People Also Asked
Are stovetops preferred over electric pressure cookers?
Both of these are efficient and time-saving. They do have some differences that make one better than the other. If you’re on a low budget, a stovetop pressure cooker is the way to go. They have minimal functionalities, require lesser fuel, and without their lid, can function as a normal pot. Electric cookers are extremely expensive, but a single pot serves the functions of an entire cooking range, making it a worthwhile investment.
Why are non stick cookers not recommended?
Electric pressure cookers have nonstick pots. Even though they seem better than regular pots and easily manageable, most cookware experts advise against them. This is because, after a few times of use, they begin to wear and tear due to high pressure, releasing chemicals and toxins which may prove harmful.
Is a pressure cooker suitable for high-altitude cooking?
Yes. They’re the first choice of campers, trekkers, and even locals. At high altitudes, low atmospheric pressure causes water to boil at a lower-than-normal temperature. This leaves boiled food undercooked and tasteless. Pressure cookers raise the boiling point; so, they prove a superior choice in this regard.
Can I use a pressure cooker for canning?
Yes. Canning is the process of eliminating microorganisms in canned food under pressure to increase its shelf life. Canners are almost the same as pressure cookers. You can use it for home-based canning. A deep pot with a bigger capacity is efficient for this purpose.
What is the difference between the outer and inner lid?
Both of these have their own benefits and disadvantages. Inner lids are lightweight, more durable, safer, and have more capacity. They are better suited for curries. On the other hand, outer lids are better for dry food, as they are more functional.
