A pressure cooker allows you to make fresh, flavorful meals in roughly 70 percent less time than it takes with other cooking methods.
Pressure cookers expedite the cooking process by trapping steam, pressurizing it in a sealed chamber, and increasing boiling temperatures beyond 212 degrees Fahrenheit. So cooking time is shortened, and energy costs are reduced. Plus, you don’t have to hover over the stove!
Maybe you live life on the go, want to eat healthier, or just want a multi-use appliance that allows you to can veggies from your garden. Or perhaps you want to whip up nutritious meals like fresh yogurt, beef jerky, stews, brown rice, or even rotisserie chicken. In any case, you’ll benefit from a pressure cooker.
Whether you’re looking for a sturdy, large-capacity stovetop pressure cooker or a multi-use electric pressure cooker that will give your old crockpot and rice maker a run for its money, you’re sure to find the ideal unit here.
Table of Contents
The Best Pressure Cookers for 2024
Here is my list of the best pressure cooker options for the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K. in 2024. I’ll start with the five best choices in terms of value, convenience, design, and cost.
Click on the name to read reviews and check prices or skip ahead to read the entire list by clicking here.
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Best Pressure Cooker Reviews
Here are the complete reviews of the ten best pressure cookers in 2024. Keep reading after the reviews for a guide on what to look for when choosing a pressure cooker.
1. Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker – Best Overall Choice #1
The Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker earns the Best Overall Choice Award for its consumer-friendly price, ten-in-one versatility, and advanced safety features.
There’s a lot to admire about this Instant Pot unit. To start, it’s a ten-in-one unit that allows you to do cook, sous vide, warm, bake, steam, and more.
I also like that this Instant Pot model uses a digital control system, which allows you to choose from 28 unique presets, set timers, add up to five favorite settings, program delays, and more.
This pressure cooker was built with more than 11 safety features. These include a locking lid and an upgraded gentle steam release with a diffusing cover. This feature eliminates overheating, reduces noise, and prevents dangerous splashes.
If you’re new to pressure cooking, you’ll like having access to the Instant Pot Pro app, which provides guided recipes with step-by-step instructions.
With access to the Instant Pot app, you’ll learn to cook rice, make delicious mashed potatoes, stews, and more in 70 percent less time than you can with traditional cooking methods.
If you’re looking for an affordable, technology-packed unit that will make meal prepping faster, safer, and user-friendly, check out the Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker
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2. Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 Deluxe XL Pressure Cooker – Best Overall Choice #2
The Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 Deluxe XL Pressure Cooker takes the number two spot thanks to its low price, large serving capacity, and air frying technology.
If you’re a meal prepper or have a large family, you’ll like that this large capacity pressure cooker allows you to make up to eight quarts of food at once. That’s enough room for a seven-pound chicken!
This is a 12-in-1 pressure cooker unit, so it allows you to steam, broil, tender-crisp, bake, dehydrate, and more. One of my favorite distinguishing features is that this pressure cooker doubles as an air fryer.
If you’re new to air frying, it’s a quick, oil-free method of frying that allows you to make healthier (but equally crispy) chicken wings, homemade French fries, and more.
Standalone air fryers typically start at around $70 and rise to as much as $300. In addition to saving you money, this means that you’ll have one less appliance floating around your already-cramped kitchen!
This is a programmable unit, so you can set timers, select from presets, and toggle through settings with the simple digital control panel. If you’re new to this stuff, you’ll like that this unit comes with a collection of 45 step-by-step recipes.
Safety is always a concern when working with scalding internal pressure. That’s why this model has 14 safety features, including a natural pressure release, temperature and pressure sensors, and a pressure indicator.
If you’re looking for a large-capacity, 12-in-1 pressure cooker with an air fryer, you’ll love the Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 Deluxe XL Pressure Cooker.
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3. All American 910 Canner Pressure Cooker
The All American 910 Canner Pressure Cooker is a commercial-quality pressure cooker that earns high marks for its durable aluminum construction and massive cooking capacity.
Right out of the box, you’ll see that this model means business. It is made from durable, hand-casted aluminum, so it’s more durable than most pressure cooker machines on the market.
I like supporting American businesses, so I was happy to learn that this pressure cooker is designed and manufactured in the States.
This is a no-fluff, no-frills pressure cooker, so it doesn’t have a fancy LED screen where you can set timers or choose from presets. No, this pressure cooker is bare-bones and designed for those who have experience with pressure cooking.
So here’s what you get with this model: a heavy-duty 14.8 pound unit with a massive 10-liter cooking capacity. You also get an easy on-off cover, positive action clamping wing nuts to ensure quick (and safe) opening and closing, and a metal-to-metal seal.
Unlike cheaper units, this one provides a steam-tight seal – and there aren’t any gaskets to crack, burn, replace, or clean. So while this is a pricier model than most, it’s meant for a lifetime of use.
If you’re an experienced user that’s looking for a rugged, commercial-quality unit with a massive cooking capacity, you’ll like the All American 910 Canner Pressure Cooker.
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4. Chef IQ Multifunction Smart Pressure Cooker
The Chef IQ Multifunction Smart Pressure Cooker is another one of my favorite consumer-friendly units. It earns a solid rating for its Bluetooth compatibility, safety features, and convenient preset technology.
Pressure cooking has never been safer, thanks to Chef IQs’ design. This unit was built with several safety features, including a preprogrammed quick, pulse, and natural steam release system.
Want to set it and forget it? No problem, this one will even auto-release steam at the end of the cooking cycle.
Additional features include a built-in scale, which automatically weighs each ingredient so you can learn to cook with precision and leave your cups and measuring spoons for the birds.
I also like the convenient Chef IQ app, which allows you to communicate with the unit from your favorite mobile device. Just download the app, sync, and monitor and control your smart cooker from afar.
If you have limited cabinet space, you’ll also like that this unit measures 13” X 13”. Despite its compact footprint, this model gives you an efficient six-quart capacity.
Those new to the game will also like having access to more than 1,000 presets, which you can select from your mobile device.
If you’re looking for a compact unit that is intuitive and can be controlled from afar via your mobile device, you’ll like the Chef IQ Multifunction Smart Pressure Cooker.
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5. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
The Instant Pot Duo 7-In-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is one of the best electric pressure cooker models available thanks to its ridiculously low price and seven-in-one capability, which allows you to air fry like a convection oven.
The first thing you’ll notice is that this Instant Pot model has a sturdy stainless steel shell around the base. So, in addition to looking sleek, this one is also durable and easy to clean.
I especially like this Instant Pot unit because it allows you to broil, bake, roast, dehydrate, rotisserie, toast, and air fry.
If safety concerns you, you’ll be happy to know that this Instant Pot pressure cooking unit includes ten safety features, including a safe-locking lid and overheat protection technology.
This unit measures 14.8” X 13” X 10.5”, so it’s relatively compact and ideal for those with limited cabinet space. Despite its compact footprint, this model gives you a 7.5-liter cooking capacity, making it suitable for families and meal preppers.
Those new to electric pressure cookers will like the user-friendly design. This Instant Pot pressure cooking machine uses a digital control system, which allows you to choose from 28 unique presets, set timers, add up to five favorite settings, program delays, and more.
If you’re looking for a durable, user-friendly model with a budget-friendly price tag, check out the Instant Pot Duo 7-In-1 Electric Pressure Cooker.
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6. Crock-pot 8-qt. Express Crock XL Pressure Cooker
The Crock-pot 8-qt. Express Crock XL is another one of my favorite Instant Pot machines.
One of the first things that caught my eye is that this one has a sturdy stainless steel shell around the base, unlike other pressure cookers. So instant pot looks sleek, cleans easily, and is very durable.
There’s a lot to like about this Instant Pot electric pressure cooker. To start, it allows you to do slow cooker meals, brown, saute, steam, boil, and simmer.
To ensure safety, this unit features an easy-release steam dial. Thanks to this design, your hand stays clear of the hot steam without the fuss of having to wear oven mitts or wield cumbersome kitchen utensils.
I also like that you control this Instant Pot from a digital control panel. Here you can choose from presets, set timers and temperatures, and delay the start of cooking to fit your schedule.
This unit has an ample six-quart capacity, which is efficient for groups of seven.
This is one of the most budget-friendly Instant Pot units on the list. However, with its ample cooking capacity, safety features, and handy digital control system, the Crock-pot 8-qt. Express Crock XL Pressure Cooker remains one of the most popular pressure cooker Instant Pot units on the market.
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7. Presto 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker
If you’re looking for a rugged, commercial design and a no-frills design with a massive cooking capacity, check out the Presto 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker.
This may not be an entry-level cooker, but it comes with an entry-level price tag. This unit is made from polished aluminum, so it’s built like a tank.
If you’re an experienced pressure cooker user and need to cook for large groups, this may be the unit for you. With its 22-pound cooking capacity, you’ll be able to prep meals, prepare large batches of jellies, pickles, salsas, and more.
There’s a lot to like here. To start, this unit doubles as a canner. So as I mentioned above, it’s fantastic for gardeners, hunters, preppers, and campers.
There are very few mechanical parts on this unit. Plus, it’s made from warp-resistant top-to-bottom aluminum. So while it comes with a 12-year warranty, I don’t anticipate the need to cash in on it.
If you’re new to pressure cooking, this unit comes with a detailed, 75-page starter guide that walks you through every step of the process.
Newbies with large families have a lot to gain from the Presto 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker. That said, this model is best suited for DIYers, serious food preppers, gardeners, and those who run commercial businesses.
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8. Ninja OS101 Foodi 9-in-1 Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer
If you liked the Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 Deluxe XL Pressure Cooker, but are looking for a scaled-down, slightly less expensive Instant Pot type unit, you’ll like the Ninja OS101 Foodi 9-in-1 Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer.
This is a 9-in-1 Instant Pot, so in addition to pressure cooking, this unit also lets you slow cook pot roast, keep food warm, saute, crisp, and air fry. It can also be used as a yogurt maker!
This cooking pot has a 5-quart capacity, so it’ll hold a four-pound chicken with room to spare. I also like that this electric cooker has a compact footprint and only weighs two pounds. So it’s ideal for tight kitchens with limited cabinet space.
I also like having a digital control system. From here, you can set timers, lock in temperatures, and toggle between settings with the click of a button.
This Instant Pot unit is as easy to use as it is to clean. The cooking pot and crisp plate have a nonstick surface and are dishwasher safe.
Safety is always a concern when working with Instant Pots. That’s why this model has 14 safety features, including a natural pressure release, temperature and pressure sensors, and a pressure indicator.
If you’re looking for an intuitive multi-cooker that allows you to do slow cooker meals, air fry, and make yogurt, check out the Ninja OS101 Foodi 9-in-1 Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer.
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9. Presto 01755 16-Quart Aluminum Canner Pressure Cooker
The Presto 01755 16-Quart Aluminum Canner Pressure Cooker is the best stovetop pressure cooker on this list. This one earns a solid rating thanks to its sturdy aluminum construction, large cooking capacity, and canning and pressure cooking capabilities.
If you’re a gardener, hunter, camper, or just like having the ability to prepare large batches of food, you’ll like this stovetop pressure cooker. And the beauty of it is that this machine works on all gas, electric, and smooth-top stoves.
This unit allows you to prepare 16 quarts of food at once, so it’s ideal for those with large families.
I also like the simplicity of this machine. You get an aluminum pot, an analog pressure dial, and a pressure valve. That’s it. Simple, analog, and no electrical components to break.
To ensure safety, this steam pressure cooker comes with an air vent and cover lock, which allows pressure to build up only when the cover is closed correctly. This eliminates the risk of overheating, dangerous spills, and burns.
The Presto 01755 16-Quart Aluminum Canner Pressure Cooker is one of the most affordable units on the list, which is surprising considering its sturdy construction.
If you’re looking for a large cooking capacity and want a unit that you can use as a rice cooker, slow cooker, and even a canner, this may be one of the best pressure cookers for you.
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10. Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is a mid-priced electric cooker that earns high marks for its ample cooking capacity, intuitive design, and 11-in-1 functionality.
There’s a lot to like about this Instant Pot. To start, this unit can be used for slow cooker meals, heating, simmering, sauteing, and dehydrating. What’s more, it’s also an air fryer.
I also like that the Instant Pot is made from stainless steel, so it’s sturdy and easy to clean. This electric pressure cooker is also efficient in that it has a tri-ply bottom to promote even cooking and an anti-spin design that secures the Instant Pot for perfect sauteing.
Electric pressure cookers are also incredibly user-friendly. Use the digital control panel to set timers and temperatures and choose from presets – or you can create your own presets.
AT 14.75” X 13.5” X 15”, this unit is compact enough for tight kitchen space. However, it does have an 8-quart capacity, which is large enough for those with large families.
Newbies will like the Instant Pot Duo 7-In-1 Electric Pressure Cooker for a few reasons. It’s durable, consumer-friendly, and easy to clean. Plus, this Instant Pot allows you to do slow cooking, air fry, and even serve as a yogurt maker.
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Why should I buy a pressure cooker?
Pressure cookers are the go-to cooking device for anyone with a big appetite and a tight schedule. If you want to cook fast, pressure cookers can braise an entire chicken in less than 40 minutes.
Pressure cookers are speedy, but they’re also versatile machines that allow you to can, dehydrate, make yogurt, air fry, slow cook, and much more.
If you’re new to pressure cooking, here are a few reasons to invest.
Save time
Pressure cookers not only use less energy than traditional stoves, they dramatically reduce cooking times by as much as 70 percent. Such items as brown rice, beets, dry beans cook in minutes rather than an hour or more.
Save energy
Pressure cookers are as time-efficient as they are energy-efficient. Pressure cookers have been around since the 17th century, but they soared in popularity during the Second World War as a way of conserving energy.
A good pressure cooker can reduce energy consumption by as much as 70 percent.
Expand your menu
The beauty of modern pressure cookers is that many cook, bake, steam, make rice and yogurt, slow cook, dehydrate, and even air fry. So it’s not surprising that many consumers choose pressure cookers over crockpots and rice cookers.
Better food, better flavor
Stews, soups, dry beans, and countless other dishes just taste better when they are slow-cooked, which is essentially what you’re doing with a pressure cooker. The difference is that you’re “slow” cooking in less time.
Canned beans and veggies are convenient, but they’re loaded with sodium and preservatives. Plus, they’re not very flavorful. A pressure cooker gives you the convenience of canned food and the flavor of slow-roasted dishes.
How does a pressure cooker work?
Pressure cookers are simple but ingenious devices that expedite cooking by trapping the steam that escapes from boiling water. When pressure increases, it takes more energy for it to transform into a gas. Thus, the temp at which water boils is higher.
While water in a pan can never exceed boiling point (212 degrees Fahrenheit), water inside a pressure cooker soars to approximately 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
What can I cook in a pressure cooker?
Thanks to modern technology, you can quickly cook just about anything in electric pressure cookers. This includes stews, quinoa, rice, yogurt, whole chicken, wings, pasta, and any kind of meat.
Some machines even allow you to dehydrate so that you can make your own beef jerky, trail mix, and other sweet treats like banana and apple chips, raisins, and more.
What features to look for in a pressure cooker
There are several factors to consider when shopping for a pressure cooker. These include style, price, capacity, and features.
Stovetop or electric
If you’re struggling to choose between a stovetop pressure cooker and electric pressure cookers, you’ll find out the benefits and limitations of both styles below.
Electric pressure cookers
Electric pressure cookers are versatile, virtually foolproof, and ideal for anyone nervous about working with boiling liquids and food.
Most come with a digital control panel, allowing you to choose presets and set timers. Some units even sync with your mobile device for location-independent monitoring.
Electric pressure cookers are also incredibly versatile. Many units allow you to bake, roast, steam, rotisserie, and even prepare slow-cooking foods like brown rice dry beans in 70 percent less time. Some units even allow you to make yogurt, dehydrate, and air fry.
Stovetop pressure cookers
Stovetop pressure cookers reach higher temperatures quickly, so they are ideal for those who want speed and power. Stovetop pressure cookers are also made from sturdy aluminum and don’t have any finicky digital components.
As a result, they are much more durable than an electric pressure cooker. With proper care and maintenance, the best stovetop pressure cooker will last a lifetime.
With their premium materials and construction, stovetop pressure cookers are generally more expensive. But they also have a larger cooking capacity.
While the most common electric pressure cooker has a six to eight-quart capacity, a stovetop pressure cooker has a 10 to 23-quart capacity.
Price
Pressure cookers are pretty affordable. Standard stovetop units begin at around $140 and rise to about $300. An electric pressure cooker starts at under $100 and climbs to over $200 for premium units.
Capacity
Pressure cookers have a wide cooking capacity range. Smaller units have a six to eight-quart capacity. Stovetop pressure cookers have a 10 to 23-quart capacity.
If you are a meal prepper, gardener, camping enthusiast, or have a large family, you may benefit from a unit with a larger cooking capacity.
Features
Stovetop pressure cookers are no-frills machines. They don’t utilize digital technology, so you cannot dial in temperatures with dead accuracy, set temperatures, and they don’t automatically shut off. In short, stovetop units require more monitoring.
Since they run on a digital control panel, an electric pressure cooker does most of the work for you. So you can set timers, choose from presets, and not only cook but air fry, dehydrate, make yogurt, roast, rotisserie, and much more.
What is the best pressure cooker for you?
So what is the best pressure cooker on the market? That ultimately depends on your budget, needs, and preferences. However, if I had to select one standout unit, it’d be the Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker.
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I like that this ten-in-one unit allows you to cook, sous vide, warm, bake, steam, and more.
I also like that this electric pressure cooker uses a digital control system, which allows you to choose from 28 unique presets, set timers, add up to five favorite settings, program delays, and more.
This pressure cooker was built with more than 11 safety features. These include a locking lid and an upgraded gentle steam release with a diffusing cover. This feature eliminates overheating, reduces noise, and prevents dangerous splashes.
If you’re new to pressure cooking, you’ll like having access to the Instant Pot Pro app, which provides guided recipes with step-by-step instructions.
With access to the app, you’ll learn to cook rice, make delicious mashed potatoes, stews, and more in 70 percent less time than you can with traditional cooking methods.
If you’re looking for an affordable, technology-packed pressure cooker that will make meal prepping faster, safer, and user-friendly, check out the Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker.
Pressure cookers have never been safer and easier to use, and I hope that you found a unit that serves your needs and budget.
Until next time, happy cooking!
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