The modern-day pressure cooker has transformed how we prepare and cook our food – the days of (slightly terrifying!) stovetop pressure cookers are far behind us, and we are now spoilt for choice with a range of electrical models that offer many different cooking functions. Pressure cooking brings many advantages to the home kitchen, helping to reduce cooking times, preserve nutrients, and lower energy costs. Modern electric pressure cookers provide the optimum one-pot cooking system, allowing us to fry, braise, or sauté ingredients before cooking them using the pressure or slow cooker settings. However, when purchasing a pressure cooker, you’ll come across a range of different functions and it can be hard to know where to start. So, here are three great options that we think are worthy of consideration.
COSORI Electric Pressure Cooker
This easy-to-use pressure cooker has a 6-quart capacity and nine programmable functions, ideal for preparing one-pot meals and delicious side dishes.
Capacity: 6 Quarts
The COSORI Electric Pressure Cooker comes packed with a range of features that you’d be hard-pressed to find on any other model in this price range. From the nice programmable cooking functions to the innovative safety functions, this budget-friendly option is an asset in any kitchen. The only downside is the longer preheating period, but once up to pressure your meal will cook to perfection in no time at all. This option would be a great choice for smaller families, but the 6-quart pot may be slightly on the small side for batch cooking or catering for a crowd.
Features:
- Multi-cooker with nine programmable functions
- Aluminum cooking pot with ceramic non-stick coating
- Safe-touch lid and steam release system
Pros:
- Digital controls and large display screen
- Low wattage to reduce energy usage
- Dishwasher-safe inner pot, lid, and accessories
Cons:
- Heavier than other brands
- Long preheating period
- Small pot capacity
Ninja OL701 Foodi 14-in-1 Pressure Cooker
This premium pressure cooker features 14 programmable functions and a generously-sized 8-quart cooking pot
Capacity: 8 Quarts
The Ninja OL701 Foodi 14-in-1 Pressure Cooker will make many of your other kitchen gadgets obsolete, fulfilling the role of rice cooker, bread maker, air fryer, steamer, yogurt maker, and, of course, pressure cooker. Although it may take up a lot of space on your kitchen counter, this prime position will be justified by the versatility and usefulness of this impressive machine. Unlike other pressure cookers that also boast an air fryer system, Ninja 14-in-1 can achieve it all without switching the lid over – simply slide the smart lid lever across when a change of cooking style is required. If you’re a keen home chef or busy mama, this innovative pressure cooker is definitely worth the higher price tag.
Features:
- 14 programmable cooking functions
- Smart thermometer for improved accuracy
- Reversible cooking rack
Pros:
- Hands-free steam release system
- Combines pressure cooking with air frying and steam crisping
- Rapid preheating time
Cons:
- Cooking pot is not suitable for stovetop or oven
- Higher wattage than our budget option
- Heavy and bulky
Instant Pot Pro Crisp 11-in-1 Pressure Cooker
The classic Instant Pot offers a sustainable solution to all your pressure-cooking needs.
Capacity: 8 Quarts
Instant Pots are leading the way in the world of multicookers, and the Instant Pot Pro Crisp 11-in-1 Pressure Cooker is the perfect multi-function appliance to save counter space in the kitchen. The Instant Pot pressure cooker setting cooks food 70% faster than traditional methods, reducing energy use and saving precious time. No more waiting for the oven to preheat or spending hours stirring a pan on the stovetop – this handy gadget will do it all with a fraction of the power. As a bonus, Instant Pot is striving to cut out unnecessary packaging and has reduced the styrofoam content in the box by 98%. The only downside to this handy pressure cooker is the extra storage space taken up by the additional lid.
Features:
- Stylish pressure cooker with 11 programmable functions
- Easy steam release switch
- Cool-touch sides and silicone handles
Pros:
- Combo pressure cooker and air fryer
- Inner pan is dishwasher-safe and suitable for stovetops
- Safety mechanism to prevent overheating
Cons:
- Lid must be swapped to use different cooking functions
- No preset recipe settings
- Bulkier to store than our premium choice
Everything we recommend
COSORI Electric Pressure Cooker
Ninja OL701 Foodi 14-in-1 Pressure Cooker
Instant Pot Pro Crisp 11-in-1 Pressure Cooker
Best Recipes Using Pressure Cookers
- Chicken Andouille Sausage Soup
- Lamb Casserole with Baby Potatoes
- Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar
- Easy Instant Pot Meatloaf
- Grilled Artichokes with Garlic Parmesan Butter
Best Pressure Cookers
Here we have three great pressure cooker options, all of which can cook a range of delicious meals with minimum effort. No matter your budget, culinary skills, or recipe requirements, there is a perfect pressure cooker to meet your needs. Investing in a pressure cooker will not only save time in the kitchen but also cut down on energy usage and replace other power-hungry gadgets. Simply throw in your favorite ingredients and let your pressure cooker work its magic while you relax in anticipation of a delicious home-cooked dinner.