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Pressure cookers bring versatility to your meal prepping experience. Capable of producing a wide range of different dishes, these handy gadgets have become a staple of many homes. The question is, with so many options out there, which model do you choose? Our list will help you make the right decision.
How We Compared Pressure Cookers
To find the right pressure cookers, we considered multiple factors, including:
- Capacity
- Performance
- Ease of Use
- Cooking Modes
- Maintenance/Durability
Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.
Pressure Cooker Reviews
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 (Editor’s Choice)
Promising consistent results with a range of healthy cooking modes, this convenient pressure cooker is ideal for the whole family. The useful model automatically adjusts the temperature, time, and heat as it works to complete meals up to 70% faster than other methods. Moreover, the 5.7-litre capacity means there’s room for up to 5 portions.
The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 pressure cooker is a customisable cooking utensil which remembers how you like to cook. There are 13 one-touch smart programs to choose from. You can experiment with stews, broths, slow cooking, pressure cooking, and a keep-warm function. The ‘set it and forget it’ functionality means you can focus on preparing other ingredients while your device works.
To keep you safe from steam, this model comes with a quick-release button and a range of safety features. The cool-touch handle also means it’s easy to check your meals and clean out the pot.
Pros:
- 13 one-touch cooking modes
- Convenient set-it-and-forget-it functionality
- Cooks up to 70% faster than other methods
- Safety features included (like quick steam release)
- 5.7-litre capacity for up to 5 portions
Cons:
- Some cooking modes might be less reliable than others
- The pot could take a long time to preheat
Ninja Foodi 6L (Luxury Choice)
This multifunctional pressure cooker and air fryer can create a wide selection of meals, from fries to pork chops. The TenderCrisp technology means you only need to press one button to give the outside of your food the perfect crunch. Plus, with more functionality in one device, you can avoid using several appliances.
The Ninja Foodi 6L is designed for rapid one-pot meals. It holds up to 6 litres of food in the cooking pot or 3.6 litres in the cook and crisp basket, so there’s plenty of interior space. With this model, you’ll be able to prepare delicious meals up to 70% faster and switch between the pressure and crisping lid in seconds. Thanks to its nine cooking modes, you can explore everything from pasta bakes to soups.
The convenient device comes with a clear digital display, where you can quickly find the cooking function for your needs. This model looks great too, with a sleek black finish, ideal for a range of kitchen spaces.
Pros:
- Pressure cooking and crisping technology
- 6-litre cooking pot and 3.6-litre cook and crisp basket
- Faster than most conventional food prep methods
- Nine cooking modes
- Attractive modern design
Cons:
- The product may be too bulky for some kitchen counters
- It could be difficult to clean with the crisping lid
Hawkins Stainless Steel (Best Value)
If you’re looking for a simple way to upgrade your cooking habits, this could be the product for you. With a large capacity of 5 litres, this pot will hold enough food for 5-7 people at a time. The whole device is also made with food-grade stainless steel for peace of mind. Plus, an extra-thick sandwich bottom ensures stability as you cook.
The Hawkins Stainless Steel pressure cooker is a traditional way to cook amazing meals faster. This model could be ideal if you want to skip the headaches of dealing with multiple cooking modes. The high-quality material heats evenly with no hot spots. The pressure-locked lid also has a safety function to prevent it from being opened before releasing the steam.
There’s a convenient stay-cool safety handle for extra protection when cooking at high temperatures. The wide-opening lid also makes this device easier to clean.
Pros:
- Safe for light and deep-frying functions
- Extra-thick stainless steel materials
- Ideal for up to 7 portions (5-litre capacity)
- Stay-cool handle with steam-release trigger
- Works on gas and induction hobs
Cons:
- Some cooking modes may not be as reliable as others
- The steam may leak out of the product at times
Tefal Secure 5 Neo (Best for All Hobs)
Multifunctional and easy to use, this is a great cooking product. This reliable pot comes with two cooking programs to choose from, depending on your ingredients. The auto-lock system also means the lid of the device will always stay firmly closed and ensures you can cook a range of foods much faster.
The Tefal Secure 5 Neo pressure cooker is ideal if you want a simpler way to produce a selection of recipes at home without any digital screens. This item is designed for long-term durability and stability with stainless steel components. Plus, it’s safe to use on a range of hobs, including gas and induction.
This cooker is convenient and reliable for all kinds of cooking requirements. It also has an ergonomic handle which stays cool to the touch, so you can easily lift your pot away from the heat.
Pros:
- Two cooking programs for different meals
- Auto-lock system for peace of mind
- Ergonomic stay-cool handles
- Stainless steel components for durability
- Suitable for all hob types
Cons:
- The manual might be difficult to follow for some users
- Releasing steam from the pot could be difficult
Ninja Foodi MAX SmartLid (Best for Versatility)
If you have limited space in your kitchen for gadgets and appliances, this option could be ideal. You can reduce the number of different devices in your kitchen with a single model for pressure cooking, air frying, and steaming. With a 7.5-litre capacity, you can also rest assured there’s plenty of room for family-sized portions.
The Ninja Foodi Max SmartLid is one of the most versatile products on the market. Not only does it pressure cook up to 70% faster than other methods, but it also offers a range of other options. There are fourteen cooking functions, including four innovative combi-steam solutions. There’s even a 2-tier rack for preparing multiple ingredients.
The smart-lid slider allows users to toggle between different heating modes in seconds. With a clear digital screen, you can also customise time settings. Moreover, there are various dishwasher-safe and removable parts for easy cleaning.
Pros:
- Easy SmartLid slider for changing modes
- 7.5-litre capacity for up to 6 portions
- Non-stick cooking pot, 2-tier rack and cook/crisp basket included
- Combi steam and air fryer modes
- Dishwasher-safe components
Cons:
- The manual might be difficult to follow
- This device may be too large for some users
Hawkins Contura (Best Aluminium)
This resilient pressure cooker is built for durability and, therefore, an excellent choice for all kinds of households. The strong anodised body helps the pot to absorb heat faster for better energy efficiency. Additionally, the coating doesn’t react negatively to foods, so it looks good for longer. With a stainless steel lid, the whole kit is great for long-term reliability.
The Hawkins Contura Pressure Cooker is a unique product with a special curved body. The structure helps to keep food easy to stir and stops ingredients from sticking to the anodised surface. The pressure-locked safety lid also prevents you from opening the pot until the steam has been released, so you can stay safe.
With features like an automatic safety valve for peace of mind, and a fixed sturdy pivot, this device is easy and reliable to use. There is even a set of resilient, stay-cool handles to help lift and transport your food.
Pros:
- Unique curved design for even cooking
- Sturdy stay-cool handles with innovative steam release
- Fixed pivot and automatic safety valve
- Reliable materials up to 2.2 times stronger than steel
- Large capacity of 5 litres
Cons:
- The handle might feel a little wobbly at times
- The lid may seem a little thinner than expected
Tefal All-in-One (Best for Durability)
This versatile pressure cooker comes with 25 one-touch programs. With minimal effort, you can steam, brown, and sauté a collection of different ingredients. There’s even a handy 24-hour delay timer, so you can set your food to start cooking whenever you choose.
The Tefal All-in-One helps would-be chefs create dishes faster than most standard cooking methods. You can set your own temperature and time thanks to a DIY chef mode. Inspiration is provided within a 30-recipe booklet included with your pot. A one-button steam release also lets pressure out safely to keep your hands protected against burns.
With a robust 6-litre capacity, you should have plenty of room for feeding the whole family (up to 6 people). The accessories included with this pot are dishwasher friendly, meaning you can spend less time cleaning up in the kitchen after cooking.
Pros:
- 25 one-touch programs for different meals
- 24-hour timers and ‘DIY Chef mode’
- Recipe booklet included for inspiration
- Dishwasher-friendly components for easy cleaning
- 6-litre capacity for the whole family
Cons:
- The hinged lid might be too heavy to lift for some
- It may be a little too quiet when sounding the alarm
How to Choose a Pressure Cooker
Choosing a pressure cooker means thinking about your personal needs carefully. There are various options available on the market to suit all homes. If you’re not sure where to start looking, it’s worth considering the following features:
Capacity
The larger the inside of your pressure cooker pot, the more food you’ll be able to cook at once. If you’re only making dishes for a couple of people, you might want something more compact, with about 3 litres of space or less.
For larger families, 6 litres or more should give you enough room for up to 6 portions. Remember, if you’re choosing a digital device, a larger capacity will take up more space on your counter.
Pressure cookers are excellent for cooking foods faster than other methods. However, you’ll need to check the features to ensure you get the right results. An air-tight lid is essential, as is a strong and reliable body made of something like stainless steel.
Performance
Most devices should be able to produce results up to 70% faster than standard boiling and baking methods.
Ease of Use
A simple device will always make life easier in the kitchen. It’s worth considering whether you want an automated cooking experience or something more manual. Digital devices can cook your food at the press of a button, while more traditional products require you to place a pot on a hob.
Extra features like timer modes and the ability to change cooking temperatures can also give you more freedom when experimenting with recipes.
Cooking Modes
Many pressure cookers come with more than just one programme for your food. Most digital devices will allow you to choose between slow cook and sauté options. Some products out there can even act as an air fryer or steamer.
The more cooking modes and one-touch settings your device has, the fewer appliances you’ll need on your kitchen counter. However, it may take longer to learn how to use everything.
Maintenance/Durability
The best kitchen investments should stand the test of time. Looking for high-quality materials like anodised aluminium and stainless steel is a good first step. It’s also worth considering the thickness of these materials, as thinner steel can break with time.
To keep your device in tip-top condition, you’ll also need to ensure it’s easy to clean. Dishwasher-safe and removable parts are often helpful here.
Summary
Our top pick for the best pressure cooker is the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1. Simple and versatile, this product can cook up to 5 portions in 70% less time than other methods. There are 13 smart programs to choose from, a warming function, and a safe-touch handle for easy management.
Rebekah is a writer who loves to explore new products and find hacks that make life easier. She has a knack for all things home improvement, health and fitness. So you’ll often find her on Pinterest or browsing Houzz for ideas.
She’s always looking for the next thing to fix up around the house or what gadget might be just right for her lifestyle. Rebekah enjoys exploring new recipes, taking care of her family, and making sure she stays healthy with regular workouts at the gym.