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The Best Pressure Cookers To Cook Fast and Delicious Meals
There’s nothing like a hot bowl of soup or perfectly cooked steak when you need a quick, delicious meal. But if you’re short on time, this can seem impossible. That’s where the pressure cooker comes in. A pressure cooker allows you to make a variety of meals in a fraction of the time of conventional cooking methods. You can make all your favorite dishes without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
In this post, we share our top picks for the best pressure cookers. We narrowed our list to the models with the best features, performance, and value. We also included a detailed buying guide to help you understand what to look for when making your purchase. Plus, we give you all the tips you need to get the most out of your new pressure cooker. So, let’s get cooking!
Important Features- Overheat protection
- 6-quart capacity for up to six people
Important Features- Safety plug to release excess pressure
- 3-liter size for one to two people
Important Features- Cover lock indicator displays pressure
- 6-quart capacity for up to six people
Important Features- Incudes full accessory package
- 6-liters for two to four people
Important Features- Safety valve under the handlebar
- Available in 1.5-12-liter models
Reviewing the Top Pressure Cookers of 2023
The Instant Pot Duo takes our top spot for its ease of use and multifunctional design. Featuring 7-in-1 functionality, you can easily use this pressure cooker as a slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, and food warmer. It also features an impressive 13 customizable smart programs for cooking a wide array of dishes, from ribs and soups to delicious desserts. By combining these functions into one appliance, you can effectively cut down your cooking time by up to 70 percent.
It also includes safety features like overheat protection and a locking lid, so you can use it worry-free. The 6-quart capacity is perfect for families of up to 6 people or for single users who are meal-prepping and batch-cooking. For simple clean-up, this cooker has fingerprint-resistant stainless steel sides and a dishwasher-safe lid, inner pot, and accessories. With all this instant pot has to offer, it is the ideal kitchen gadget for those who don’t have much time to cook but want to enjoy the authentic flavors of home-cooked meals.
Pros- Multifunctional, fast cooking
- Customized cooking of a variety of dishes
- Large capacity feeds up to 6 people
- Overheat and safe lid locking protection
Cons- Requires time and patience to learn how to use
The Prestige Pressure Cooker is the perfect little kitchen helper for two. Its compact size is easy to stack with standard saucepans, perfect for kitchens with limited storage space. The pressure cooker has the signature silver shine of traditional pressure cookers with a sleek, black reliable grip that makes the cooker easy to carry.
The design has two levels of safety features. First, a metallic safety plug fitted to the lid will release excess pressure if it rises beyond a safe level. The second level is a gasket release system that releases steam through a slot in case of any blockage, preventing any danger of burns or the hassle of a mess. Its 3-liter size perfectly accommodates side dishes and meals for 1-2 people. This small but mighty pressure cooker can reduce cooking time by less than half, even for frozen meats. With its value price point, polished design, and dual safety features, this is a great choice for those looking to save a ton of time in the kitchen.
Pros- Perfect size for two people
- Two safety levels
- Takes up little storage space
- Sleek, silver design
Cons- May not be large enough for some households
The Presto stainless steel pressure cooker is a 6-quart, multi-purpose pot that works as a conventional pot and performs the kitchen magic pressure cookers are famous for. With a 16-psi pressure regulator, it helps you prepare delicious meals quickly and efficiently while tenderizing economical cuts of meat. It works on smooth-top, regular, and induction cooktops.
The heavy-duty lid locks during cooking, and an inner sealing ring traps the steam inside for safe, efficient cooking. For additional safety, the pressure regulator automatically maintains the proper cooking pressure, and a cover lock indicator shows when there is pressure inside. This helps ensure that users cannot open the cover until the pressure has been safely reduced. The stainless steel design fits in with any kitchen, and the ergonomic handle makes it easy to handle, even when full of hot food. It also includes a 12-year warranty, so you can know it will last for years.
Pros- 6-quart capacity for cooking big portions
- Cover cannot open until pressure releases
- Can use as a conventional pot
- 12-year warranty
Cons- Assembly required
The Yedi Total Package Pressure Cooker offers a wealth of features that make it a great option for any kitchen. This electric pressure cooker has instant-touch cooking programs for use as a slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, egg cooker, sauté machine, and steamer, all in one appliance. Plus, this cooker provides the flexibility to manually input cooking times and set different pressure levels as desired.
In addition to these great features, it includes an expansive deluxe accessory kit comprised of a tempered glass lid (perfect for slow cooking and sautéing), two egg racks/steaming trivets, a ladle, a rice paddle, and cooking mitts. Plus, there’s an extra silicone sealing ring, stainless steel steaming basket, inner pot, and a convenient measuring cup. It also features educational materials, including a recipe book full of delicious meals for any occasion, cooking timetables, and cheat sheets to make every culinary endeavor easy. With its easy operation and volume of accessories, this kit truly has everything needed for those looking for an introduction to pressure cookers.
Pros- Instant-touch buttons for multifunctional cooking
- Can cook two dishes at once
- Manual input of times and pressure
- Includes several cooking accessories
Cons- Volume of cooking options has a learning curve
The Hawkins Classic Pressure Cooker is a great, budget-friendly addition to any kitchen. It features a mirror-polished aluminum exterior and a matte-finished interior and base. The pressure cooker’s lid seals from the inside like a jetliner door, and it features easy-to-open and close quarter-turn technology that makes operating it a breeze.
The safety valve is under the handlebar so that when the pressure cooker operates, it safely deflects steam downward. It regulates pressure automatically for faster cooking times, and the shielded valve adds another layer of protection. Its stay-cool handles make it easy to move around, even with hot contents inside. This 4-liter pressure cooker is ideal for everything from stews to meats and side dishes. With its safety features and ease of use, this affordable cooker is perfect for making nutritious one-pot meals with less time spent in the kitchen and more time around the table.
Pros- Quick cooking times
- Unique lid design
- Sturdy and long-lasting
- Stay-cool handles
Cons- Not dishwasher safe
Buying Guide: Pressure Cookers
Pressure cookers are airtight cooking devices that trap steam to build up pressure, cooking food 70% faster than traditional stovetop or oven methods. They come in a variety of designs, from simple pan-style to appliances that cook specific dishes with the touch of one button. With the wide variety of options available, finding the best pressure cooker for your cooking style and preferences can be overwhelming. This comprehensive buyer’s guide can make shopping for a pressure cooker easy.
What To Know Before Buying a Pressure Cooker
Stovetop or electric
Pressure cookers are available in stovetop and electric models. Stovetop models look similar to standard saucepans with locking lids and valves that release steam to optimize cooking time and keep the cooking process safe. They are extremely durable and cook faster with higher heat than electric pressure cookers. Electric pressure cookers are easier to use than stovetop models, as you only need to press a button to start cooking. You can also use them for other cooking methods, such as food warming.
Stovetop models cook food faster and require less storage space, so they are good for small kitchens or smaller portions. If you have ample counter space and want a multifunctional pressure cooker, it may be worth investing in an electric model to use its many features. When choosing which pressure cooker is best, consider what is most important to you.Size
Also, consider the pressure cooker’s size. The most common sizes are between 2-10 quarts, with the most popular size being 6 quarts. As a general guide, 4-quart pressure cookers are ideal for two servings or side dishes, like vegetables or rice. Six-quart cookers make 3-5 servings and are better for those who prefer to make large batches of food or prepare meals for five or more people. When choosing a pressure cooker, consider the size of your household and which size would best accommodate your meal preparation needs.
Pressure control settings
When choosing a pressure cooker, look for adjustable pressure settings to easily adjust the amount of pressure for different recipes or ingredients. The most common settings are low (8-10 PSI), medium (12-15 PSI), or high (18-20 PSI). High settings can speed up cooking times but can also lead to overcooking if used incorrectly, so make sure the model you choose has sufficient control over its settings.
Pressure release
Pressure release is essential to safely operate a pressure cooker since it provides an extra layer of security against dangerous situations due to overpressure buildup. Look for models with both automatic and manual release options to either allow excess steam to escape automatically or manually use the release valve when needed.
Safety features
Do not overlook safety features when shopping for a pressure cooker — the high pressure created by the appliance can pose potential dangers when used incorrectly. Look for models with built-in safety mechanisms that reduce risks, such as overflow valves, pressure release valves, locking lids with safety latches, and burn protection systems. Additionally, make sure that your model has an easy-to-read indicator dial or LED display so you know how much pressure is in the cooker at any given time.
Cleaning and maintenance
Cleaning and maintaining your pressure cooker regularly is essential if you want it to last longer and maintain its efficiency over time. Consider how easy it is to clean when choosing a pressure cooker. Look for dishwasher-safe parts that can save time when cleaning after use.
Accessories
When purchasing a pressure cooker, consider whether it includes any accessories such as racks or steamer baskets. Additional accessories can be helpful when cooking different types of food and often save time in the kitchen by allowing simultaneous cooking in multiple pots at once.
Warranty coverage
Before buying any particular pressure cooker, make sure it has an adequate warranty in case anything does go wrong during its lifetime. Most reputable brands offer some coverage for their products, so make sure you read through any warranty information thoroughly.
Pressure Cooker FAQs
Q: What are the best features of a pressure cooker?A: The best features of a pressure cooker include its ability to significantly reduce cooking time, preserve more nutrients, and use less energy than traditional cooking methods. Additionally, pressure cookers are versatile and can prepare a variety of dishes, including meats, grains, beans, vegetables, soups, stews, and even desserts.
Q: How long does it take food to cook in a pressure cooker?A: It typically takes about 70-90% less time to cook food in a pressure cooker than traditional methods, such as boiling or simmering on the stovetop. However, exact times vary depending on what type of dish you're making and how large it is.
Q: Is a pressure cooker worth the investment?A: Yes, a pressure cooker is definitely worth the investment as it can significantly reduce cooking times and preserve more nutrients in food than traditional methods. It also uses less energy than conventional cooking methods and frees up time spent attending to pots and pans on the stovetop.
Q: How do I use a pressure cooker safely?A:
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