Best Overall
Instant Pot Duo Plus 8-Quart Multi-Use Pressure Cooker
- This pressure cooker has up to 25 programmable cooking functions that are easy to use.
This pressure cooker has up to 25 programmable cooking functions that are easy to use.
- This pressure cooker is only available in a 6-quart size.
This pressure cooker is only available in a 6-quart size.
The Instant Pot Next Gen Duo Plus V4 Pressure Cooker is our pick as the best overall pressure cooker. This cooker provides nine diverse cooking functions including pressure cook, slow cook, rice, yogurt, and even a cake function that all come with step-by-step instructions.
The stainless steel cooking pot holds up to 6 quarts, making it ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests. It also includes a non-slip bottom to prevent spinning so it sits perfectly still while stirring and sautéing, and it is also oven safe up to 500°F.
The lid has an auto-seal function that causes it to seal itself shut once cooking commences. The cooker’s programming is exceptionally user friendly and shows the cooking progress thanks to an LCD screen interface.
Complete with two sealing rings, a stainless steel steam rack, and a book of recipes, this cooker allows you to safely use up to 25 customizable cooking programs with ease. The cooker is extremely safe as it comes with 11 different safety functions, including overheat protection. It also features an extremely quiet steam release and a safety alert.
Product Details: Type: Electric | Capacity: 6 quarts | Dimensions: 13.5 x 13.25 x 12.75 inches | Settings: Nine | Accessories: Two sealing rings, stainless-steel steam rack, and recipes
Best Budget
Farberware Pressure Cooker
The Farberware 8-Quart 7-in-1 Programmable Digital Pressure Cooker is the best pressure cooker for those who want to make delicious and hearty home-cooked meals without breaking the bank.
This electric cooker includes 12 pre-set cooking functions that include steaming fish and veggies, preparing oatmeal, and searing meat. With a capacity of 8 quarts, it features a high-quality locked lid system prevents the cooker from opening while active.
Even though this cooker is less expensive than some of the other models on our list, that doesn’t mean that it’s lacking in quality or features. This pressure cooker has all of the basic functions that any at-home chef will need, and it performs at the same level as some of our more expensive choices.
The stainless steel design includes an LED digital display system that tracks the cooker’s progress. We also love that the cooking pot is dishwasher safe to help make cleaning up a breeze. It includes several useful accessories like a measuring cup, two cooking utensils, a steaming tray, and a recipe book.
Overall, this is an excellent pressure cooker that will be a fantastic addition to any kitchen for a lower price point. Some users point out that the instruction manual is confusing, though in general people find the appliance easy to operate.
Product Details: Type: Electric | Capacity: 8 quarts | Dimensions: 14.88 x 13.31 x 14.25 inches | Settings: 12 | Accessories: Stainless steel steaming tray, recipe book, measuring cup, two utensils
Best Splurge
Breville Fast Slow Go Pressure Cooker
- This pressure cooker has three hands-free steam release options.
This pressure cooker has three hands-free steam release options.
- There are no included accessories.
There are no included accessories.
While the Breville Fast Slow Go Pressure Cooker has a higher price point, this pressure cooker delivers with every use and is well worth the splurge. Complete with 14 diverse cooking programs, there are plenty of options to help you cook a delicious meal.
There is a slow cooker option in addition to the pressure cooker function, and you have full control every step of the way of the cooking process. The easy-to-use control buttons are pre-programmed for specific pressure levels and cooking times, which takes any guesswork out of cooking.
The stainless steel bowl is dishwasher safe and holds up to 6 quarts (however, the yogurt function only holds 2 quarts). The digital interface is easy to use, and it’s also loaded with safety options to ensure there are no accidents.
There are three hands-free steam release settings, including a natural setting that slowly releases steam inside the pot, a pulse setting that releases steam in quick bursts to reduce food disturbance, and an automatic setting which releases pressure quickly to prevent overcooking.
The only downside we found with this pressure cooker is that it does not come with any accessories like a steam rack or cookbook, so those will have to be bought separately.
Product Details: Type: Electric | Capacity: 6 quarts | Dimensions: 12.5 x 13 x 13.5 inches | Settings: 14 settings | Accessories: None
Best Electric
Instant Pot Duo Nova 8-Quart 7-in-1, One-Touch Multi-Cooker
- This pressure cooker comes with a free syncing app that provides over 1,900 recipes.
This pressure cooker comes with a free syncing app that provides over 1,900 recipes.
- This size of pressure cooker is better suited for a large number of people as opposed to one or two.
This size of pressure cooker is better suited for a large number of people as opposed to one or two.
The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker excels at variety. The cooker includes 13 programmable cooking functions including ribs, stews, beans, and porridge. In addition to being a pressure cooker, this product is also a rice cooker, a yogurt maker, and a slow cooker.
Its 8-quart stainless steel cooking bowl can make meals for up to eight people. The bowl’s tri-ply bottom is perfect for sauteing, and the nonstick bottom is ideal for stews, soups, and rice. The lid comes with a catch handle that keeps it upright when open so you can focus on stirring or cleaning. This pressure cooker also comes with a stainless steel steam rack, so steaming is a breeze.
To add to its many perks, the cooker comes with a free syncing app that provides over 1,900 recipes for each function. With its size, this electric pressure cooker is ideal for larger batches of food, so it’s more ideal for families or entertaining a large number of guests as opposed to one or two people.
Product Details: Type: Electric | Capacity: 8 quarts | Dimensions: 14.8 x 10.4 x 13.18 inches | Settings: 13 | Accessories: Steam rack
Best Large
Ninja Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 8-Quart XL Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer
- This pressure cooker allows the food to stay crispy even when it’s steaming.
This pressure cooker allows the food to stay crispy even when it’s steaming.
- This pressure cooker doesn’t have a function for rice.
This pressure cooker doesn’t have a function for rice.
The Ninja OL601 Foodi XL 8-Quart Pressure Cooker is the best pressure cooker for someone who wants to cook for a large number of people or for someone looking to combine several culinary tools in one.
In addition to the pressure cooker function, the cooker also provides an air fryer and a steam crisper. The steam crisper technology allows the food to stay crispy while it’s steaming, which is perfect for fish or vegetables like broccoli. There are 14 different cooking functions, and the status of the cooking process is displayed on the digital screen.
The stainless steel cooking pot holds 8 quarts, and it includes a deluxe reversible rack and crisp basket. The cooking pot and 5-quart basket are both ceramic-coated, nonstick, and dishwasher safe.
The only drawback is this cooker doesn’t have a rice function, so that may be a dealbreaker for someone looking for that specific function.
Product Details: Type: Electric | Capacity: 8 quarts | Dimensions: 15.39 x 14.25 x 14.21 inches | Settings: 14 | Accessories: Cooking pot, crisper basket, reversible rack, and cookbook
Best Stovetop
Kuhn Rikon Duromatic Gourmet Model Long Handle 5L/22CM
- This stainless steel stovetop pressure cooker is large enough to cook a 4-pound roast or a 3.5-pound chicken.
This stainless steel stovetop pressure cooker is large enough to cook a 4-pound roast or a 3.5-pound chicken.
- It doesn’t have a digital interface or programmable buttons.
It doesn’t have a digital interface or programmable buttons.
The Kuhn Rikon Duromatic Gourmet Model Long Handle 5L/22CM is the best stovetop pressure cooker. Made of 18/10 stainless steel, the cooker fits on most conventional stovetops, and its 5-quart capacity is large enough to cook a 4-pound roast or a 3.5-pound chicken.
The pot’s design includes an aluminum-based bottom encapsulated in stainless steel, which allows for thorough and even heat distribution. The pot cooks its components thoroughly, and its firm-grip lid stays sealed tightly to maintain maximum pressure.
As a stovetop appliance, this pressure cooker does not have a digital interface, so it does require more attention than an electric pressure cooker. However, this is a reliable pressure cooker that performs efficiently and reliably with every use.
Price at time of publish: $189
Product Details: Type: Stovetop | Capacity: 5 quarts | Dimensions: 9.8 x 8.2 x 17.7 inches | Settings: One | Accessories: None
Best for Canning
Presto Pressure Canner and Cooker
- This stovetop cooker comes with a pop-up pressure indicator and a steam release mechanism to ensure even and safe pressure levels.
This stovetop cooker comes with a pop-up pressure indicator and a steam release mechanism to ensure even and safe pressure levels.
- This cooker’s capacity is 23 quarts, so it is rather large.
This cooker’s capacity is 23 quarts, so it is rather large.
For those who enjoy canning jellies or jams, the Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker is an excellent pressure cooker that also doubles as a canner. This aluminum-based cooker is finished with stainless steel to ensure even and thorough heat distribution.
The 23-quart cooking pot comes with a tight seal lid and pressure gauge reader to give the user some ease of mind at regulating the proper pressure for whatever they’re cooking. The cooker’s size is perfect for canning as it doubles as a boiling-water canner for jams, jellies, pickles, and more. In addition to a pop-up pressure indicator and a steam release mechanism, there is an overpressure plug that will get rid of excessive steam.
This pressure cooker is the perfect kitchen addition for a professional chef or for someone who loves making homemade jams and jellies. It also comes with a recipe book full of delicious meal ideas.
Price at time of publish: $99
Product Details: Type: Stovetop | Capacity: 23 quarts | Dimensions: 17.5 x 15.5 x 13.5 inches | Settings: One | Accessories: None