Have you been considering buying an electric pressure cooker for a while but don’t know where to start?
With so many options on the market, it can be hard to decide which one would be the best for you.
Electric pressure cookers are so diverse and have so many uses that it can be overwhelming at times when it comes to deciding what you need and don’t need. Allow me to break down some of the best features of a few electric pressure cookers that we really like.
I don't want to read all this. Just show me the best pressure cooker
Table of Contents
What is a Pressure Cooker?
Pressure cookers can allow you to cut downtime on cooking things like rice, vegetables, fish, and so much more. They are great little appliances for someone who wants a home-cooked meal but is always pressed for time. For more info, check out our Pressure Cooker Guide for Beginners.
There are two types of pressure cookers:
Electric pressure cooker
Just plug into the wall and use it on your countertop. If you want to learn more about electric pressure cookers, continue reading, this is the guide for you :]
Stovetop pressure cooker
Resemble more of a pot, and it goes on the stovetop. It uses the heat from the burner to heat up the pressure cooker and cook the food that way.
For more info regarding this pot type, check out the best stovetop pressure cookers.
How does an electric pressure cooker work?
Electric pressure cookers are pretty easy to use. You simply plug it into an outlet in your kitchen and place it on your countertop. Once it is plugged in, it is ready to use. Most pressure cookers come with preset buttons that will set the temperature for what you are cooking.
For an example, most pressure cookers come with a rice button that will preset the temperature and time needed to perfectly cook a batch of rice. They are usually buttons for different meats and grains as well.
These types of pressure cookers are the easiest to use and allow the consumer to feel comfortable when operating it. With that being said, there are pressure cookers that have a very simple interface and allow for the consumer to set the temperature and timer themselves.
Pressure cookers use steam and high pressure to cooker foods to the ideal internal temperature at a much faster rate, allowing the consumer to spend less time in the kitchen when cooking a meal.
Electric Pressure Cooker Functions
Pressure cooking
This allows the pressure cooker to use steam to cook food at a faster pace while still reading the ideal internal temperature without overcooking the outside of the food. Obviously, all of the models reviewed below have this option.
Slow Cooking
For people who want to allow their food to slowly raise to the proper internal temperature and save all of the flavors that develop, the slow cooking option on most pressure cookers is a great option. Most of the models include this feature.
Rice Cooking
Cooking rice can be a difficult thing, but if your pressure cooker has a preset option for this, you won’t have to ever worry about undercooking or overcooking your rice again. This setting will take the guesswork out of cooking rice. Most of the models include this feature.
Baking
Some electric pressure cookers come with a baking option that allows for you to cook things like cake. Again this allows you to perfectly bake items at a quicker pace, but still have them come out perfectly. A few models that include this are the Mealthy MultiPot, Yedi Total Instant Pressure Cooker, and the Mueller UltraPot.
Sautéing
This option is usually used for vegetables or even certain meats. It can be used to get the same flavors one would get from using a pan on the stove with half effort. Models that include this setting are the Instant Pot, Mueller UltraPot, Mealthy MultiPot, and the Ninja OP401 Foodi.
Steaming
This is often used for fish, but could also be used for different meats, vegetables, and even rice when done right. Models that include this are the Ninja OP401 Foodi, Yedi Total Instant Pressure Cooker, and the Instant Pot DUO60.
Yogurt Making
Electric pressure cookers make yogurt making as easy as possible. Just simply put your ingredients in and press the preset button. The Instant Pot DUO60, Crock-Pot Multi-Use XL Express Cooker, and the Mealthy MultiPot all have this feature.
Warming
The warming option will allow you to keep your cooked food warm if you are not consuming all of it at once or if you are hosting a party. Most pressure cookers have this feature, but a few are the Mealthy MultiPot, Ninja OP401, and the Breville BPR700BSS Fast Slow Pro Multi-Function Cooker.
Sous Vide
Electric pressure cookers also allow for the consumer to sous vide food way more easily than if they were to do it on the stove in a pot and have to regulate the temperature themselves. This can be done in some models if you have the proper knowledge.
As far as I know, only the Instant Pot Max has an automatic function for Sous Vide, but for now I would suggest you to get the Instant Pot DUO instead, which is much popular and much cheaper.
Please note that the functions above are just shortcuts. If the pressure cooker doesn't have a "baking" button, you can still make a cake by set the time & pressure manually.
What to consider when buying an Electric pressure cooker?
Material
Not all electric pressure cookers are created equally. There are a variety of different materials that can be used on the inside and the outside of the pot. Even though stainless steel is more expensive than other materials if you are looking for something that will last for a long time, it is your best bet. When it comes to the materials used in the inside of your pot, make sure it is something that will be resistant to scratches over time if you are someone who tends to treat their pots when a rough hand.
Size
We all know that size matters. If you are a single individual, you might not need something very large, but if you are cooking for a family or a large event, make sure your model is big enough to hold all the food you intend on making.
Necessary functions
It is always important to consider which functions you need and which functions you don’t need. If you are an experienced cooker, you might not need all the bells and whistles of an electric pressure cooker with presettings, but if you are a beginner, you might want all the extra buttons.
Easy to clean
Some pressure cookers come with a build-in cleaning setting. This can be nice if you have a large unit. Consider how easy it would be to take your unit apart and be able to place the inside pot into the sink to clean before deciding if you want a preset that will clean the unit for you or not.
Price
Just like with everything else, you get what you pay for. With that being said, it is possible to get a nice and functional unit for a lower price. If price is important to you or you need to stick to a budget, make sure you shop around before buying. You might be surprised just what you can get out of an electric pressure for a lower price.
The Best Electric Pressure Cookers
1. Instant Pot DUO – Best Selling & Our choice
The Instant Pot DUO is a stainless electric pressure cooker that is sure to satisfy all your needs. It comes with a number of presets such as slow cook, rice, steam, and the ability to keep your food warm. It also allows you to adjust the pressure and temperature yourself if you are skilled enough to do so.
This electric pressure cooker is great for consumers of all skills when it comes to pressure cooking. If you are just a beginner starting out, there are a number of preset options that will fit your every need. If you are someone who knows their way around a pressure cooker and prefers to set things up themselves, the Instant Pot DUO60 will allow this as well.
It holds enough food to serve up to 6 people and is easy to clean as well. The stainless steel outer is fingerprint-resistant, and the stainless steel inside is durable and nonstick when used properly. Not only will this take time off of your cooking, but it will also cut down on cleaning time as well.
Pros
- It is fingerprint-resistent.
- The inside pot is easy to clean.
- It comes with a number of preset options for all consumer needs.
- It allows the consumer to adjust the pressure and temperature on their own.
- Has a 1 year warranty.
Cons
- The float valve has to be manually opened.
Available sizes & Specs
- 3 quart: 11.5 x 10.2 x 11.0 inches; 8.97 lbs.
- 6 quart: 13.0 x 12.5 x 12.5 inches; 11.84 lbs.
- 8 quart: 14.8 x 14.0 x 14.2 inches; 15.70 lbs.
2. Crock-Pot Multi-Use – Best for beginners
The Crock-Pot Multi-Use XL Express Crock is probably one of the few electric pressure cookers that comes in 4 different sizes. It can be bought in a 4 quarts, 6 quarts, or 8 quarts design. This makes it great for single individuals and people who larger families. If you are someone who often finds it hard to find an appliance small enough for one person, this unit will not let you down.
It also comes with all the bells and whistles when it comes to presets. It has a setting for different types of meats, a searing setting, a dessert setting, and so much more. It does still allow you to set the temperature and pressure manually as well if you are someone who prefers this type of thing.
With the ability to use all the presets and set your own timer, this is the best pressure cooker for beginnings. It gives you the comfort of just being able to press a button and wait for your food to cook, but if you decide you want to eventually learn how to do it manually, it allows for that as well.
Pros
- It has preset buttons.
- It allows for the consumer to adjust the temperature and pressure manually.
- It comes in 3 different sizes.
- It has a ceramic non stick coating for easy cleaning.
- It comes with a recipe book, steaming rack, and serving spoon.
Cons
- The non stick coating is not scratch resistant.
Available sizes & Specs
- 4 quarts: 13.5 x 13.5 x13.2 inches; 13.75 lbs.
- 6 quarts: 16.5 x 11.4 x 10.4 inches; 12.8 lbs.
- 8 quarts: 14.9 x 13.9 x 16 inches; 19.3 lbs.
3. Mealthy MultiPot – Best for families & Busy people
The Mealthy MutliPot allows the consumer to cook up to two different dishes at once. This makes it ideal for someone who has a large family to cook for and little time to prepare all the dishes. By being able to cook two dishes at once, you can cut your cook time in half and spend less time in the kitchen.
Not only does it allow the consumer to be able to cook two dishes at once, but it also comes with a large selection of preset options. The presets allow the consumer to take the guesswork out of manually setting up their device and just put the ingredients in and push a button instead.
This particular model also comes with an app that can be download in order to view a large selection of recipes that cook best in the Mealthy MultiPot pressure cooker. This means no more searching the internet hours on in for new meals for your picky family to eat. It really is the best pressure cooker for busy parents.
Pros
- It comes with a large amount of recipes.
- It has 14 presets.
- It can cook two dishes at once.
- It comes with silicone mitts and a steamer basket.
Cons
- It is not made out of the best materials for lasting over the years.
Available sizes & Specs
- 6 quarts: 13 x 12.5 x 12.2 inches; 16.5 lbs.
- 8 quarts: 14.8 x 14.2 x 13.3 inches; 22.6 lbs.
4. Yedi Total Instant Pressure Cooker – Best Accessories
The Yedi Total Instant Pressure Cooker is very similar to other electric pressure cookers on the market with one difference. It is better made. It might not the best made electric pressure cooker on the market, but it is one of the top-rated as being a pressure cooker than will hold up to heavy use over the years.
It has a stainless inner pot that is also nonstick. This makes it resistant to flakes like traditional ceramic pots might develop over time, and it won’t burn your food to the bottom like other stainless steel pots might.
This particular model comes with a lot of accessories as well. It comes with a tempered glass lid that will hold up longer than traditional glass lids, 2 egg racks, a ladle, a rice paddle, cooking mitts, an extra silicone ring just in case, stainless steel steaming basket, and a measuring cup. Yedi put this kit together to make even the newest pressure cooker user a pro in no time.
Pros
- It comes with a number of accessories.
- It has many presets.
- It is built to last.
- The inner basket is easy to clean.
- It is easy to use.
- It comes in a variety of colors.
Cons
- The manual adjustments are limited.
Available sizes & Specs
- 6 quarts: 12.6 x 12.2 x 13 inches; 18.41 lbs.
- 8 quarts: 20.8 x 15 x 14.6 inches; 24.7 lbs.
5. Ninja OP401 Foodi – Best With Air-Fryer
This pressure cooker is the only one that comes with a real Air fryer. So instead of buying one separately, you can use the build-in Air-fryer in order to make healthier meals for your family.
Moreover, the Ninja OP401 Foodi offers a lot when it comes to manually programming. If you are someone who switches back and forth between wanting to take the time to manually input your temperatures and pressure or just picking a preset, this is the electric pressure cooker for you.
It comes with a few presets for your basically pressure cooking needs including a steam, saute, and slow cook option. It also has the ability to adjust to any temperature you need to cook anything else you might desire. Since it doesn’t have options for a rice cooker or other things you can do in an electric pressure cooker, if you don’t have the skills to manually set up a pressure cooker, you might want an easier model.
The inner pot is also a nonstick ceramic, which makes for easy cleanup and it comes with a cookbook that has over 45 recipes. If you are new to the pressure cooker world or are just looking for something new to eat, you might be interested in that.
Pros
- It can be adjusted manually.
- It has some presets.
- It is easy to clean.
- It has Air-Fryer
Cons
- It is not the easiest to use.
- The ceramic inner pot will flake after several uses.
Available sizes & Specs
- 8 quarts: 14.2 x 16.8 x 14.1 inches; 31 lbs.
6. Tayama TMC – 60XL – Lowest Price
The Tayama TMC 60XL Multi-Function Pressure Cooker is a great electric pressure cooker for someone who wants all the bells and whistles but for a great price. It still comes with a number of preset options include the common slow cooker, rice cooker, and keep warm buttons. It even has a canning option if this is something you have been looking for.
Since it doesn’t have a lot of preset buttons, if you are looking to get the most out of this unit, you will have to learn how to use it manually. It does have buttons to adjust the temperature and pressure manually so that you can do everything you desire.
Even though it is the lowest priced electric pressure cooker on this list, it does still have a stainless steel inner pot. This means it will hold up over time and you won’t have to worry about the ceramic flaking off after a while as you might with other cheaper units.
Pros
- It has a stainless steel pot.
- It comes with preset buttons.
- It can be adjusted manually.
- It is cost-efficient.
Cons
- It can be more difficult to use.
- The stainless steel pot can be more difficult to clean.
Available sizes & Specs
- 6 qaurts: 13 x 14 x 13 inches; 13.75 lbs.
Comparison Table - Top Electric Pressure Cookers
Q & A
Which pressure cooker size is the best?
If you are a single individual, then a 4 quarts pressure cooker should be fine, but if you are cooking for a large number of people, you might want to go with the 8 quarts design.
Generally, the 6-quart version is the most common.
Which pressure cooker is the fastest?
All pressure cookers generally have the same amount of cooking time. If you are looking to be able to customize the temperature to cook faster, the Breville BPR700BSS Fast Slow Pro Multi-Function Cooker is your best option.
Is an electric pressure cooker safe?
Just like any electric cooking device, it should not be left on when not home. The device is safe to use as long as it is used as instructed in the user manual.
For example, do not touch hot surfaces and do not place your hand or face above the steam release valve when the steam comes out.
Is cooking in a pressure cooker healthy?
Cooking in a pressure cooker is healthy, and a great option for someone looking to make healthy meals but are low on time.
Is a pressure cooker worth it?
Pressure cookers are worth the money if you are someone who wants to cut down on the time they spend in the kitchen cooking each day.
Does an electric pressure cooker use a lot of electricity?
An electric pressure cooker doesn’t use any more electricity than other traditional kitchen counter appliances.
What are the disadvantages cons?
There aren’t too many disadvantages/cons to using a pressure cooker. One con might be the fact that it can be harder to cook larger items of food, such as a whole chicken or large ham. It can also be difficult to lift the pot out of the pressure cooker when it is full.
Where can I find recipes for a pressure cooker?
There are many online resources for recipes for pressure cookers. The best place, in my unbiased opinion, is my blog Corrie Cooks :]
We have a huge project of the best Instant Pot recipes you can make easily using your pressure cooker.
Some pressure cookers come with a cookbook which may be useful for the beginning.
What accessories do I (really) need?
The only thing you really need when you purchase your pressure cooker is the device, the inside pot, and the lid. Everything else is just nice to have.
You might find it easier to lift the hot and heavy pot out if you have the small mitts that come with the pot though.
Conclusion
Electric pressure cookers are very convenient to have in any home. Rather you are a busy family or just someone who wants to cut down on the time they have to spend in the kitchen cooking, an electric pressure cooker can become a solution you didn’t know you needed.
Hopefully, these reviews provided you some insight into some of the most popular electric pressure on the market at the moment. Why waste any more time trying to decide if a pressure cooker is right for you? You could be spending less time in the kitchen as soon as tomorrow.
If you have any recommendation for a pressure cooker that I didn't include above, or if you have any question regarding the list - please comment below.
I must follow those tips. Thank you, corrie cooks.
You're welcome 🙂 Happy cooking!