There's one thing electric pressure cooker devotees know it's this: Once you get your hands on one of the best pressure cookers on the market, it'll completely change the way you cook. Electric pressure cookers, also commonly called instant pots, make cooking everything from hearty chili to homemade yogurt a breeze.
While everyday pressure cooking is still relatively new (the first electric pressure cooker debuted in the U.S. just over a decade ago), a lot has changed since the early days when the brand Instant Pot was one of the only options on the market. Today you'll find offerings from almost every major kitchen appliance manufacturer.
So how do you choose the best pressure cooker for your kitchen? We researched some of the best options available and narrowed down our list to six. From a value pick to a smart pressure cooker that you can control with your phone, here are our top pressure cookers and instant pots.
After checking this out, have a look at our best slow cookers – they might be the opposite end of the spectrum but are also great for easy meals.
The best electric pressure cookers
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The Breville Fast Slow Pro isn't just one of our favorite pressure cookers, but one of our favorite kitchen appliances all around. In addition to pressure cooking, this handy appliance functions as a slow-cooker, and can simmer and sear your food, too.
Multi function
Simply press one button and the cooker will decide how to cook your food. There are sensors both at the top and bottom that will keep a check on its progress, setting the temperature and pressure needed.
Auto steam
Some people are scared of using a pressure cooker, as they imagine the designs of old where the steam shot up without warning. Today’s models are completely safe, and this model has a hands-free automatic steam release, which can be quick, pulse or natural.
Easy cleaning
As well as a three-way safety system, the lid is also removable and can be cleaned in the dishwasher while the ceramic cooking bowl can also double as a serving dish.
This Instant Pot is our favorite model from the company that started it all. The Duo Nova is the new-and-improved version of the Instant Pot Duo, with some intuitive updates that make it ideal for those who are new to the pressure cooking method.
Foolproof features
The Duo Nova features an auto-seal lid and a cooking progress monitor (both improvements over the previous model) to ensure your food is perfectly cooked every time. Plus, it had dedicated programs for beans/chili, soup, meat, multigrain, rice, oatmeal, and more, which makes it easy to choose the right setting for whatever is on the menu.
Versatility for how you cook
Besides working as in instant pot, the Duo Nova also functions as a slow cooker, so whether you want a quick meal after work or have all day to prep Sunday dinner, this appliance has you covered. Oh, and it sautes and steams, too.
Instant pots are designed to be simple, and thanks to the , they just got even simpler.
Buy the CHEF iQ Smart Cooker.
Smart home technology
The CHEF iQ multicooker is wifi enabled and works with the CHEF iQ app. Through the app you can control your instant pot anytime, anywhere. Plus, it comes with more than 100 cooking presets for common ingredients, and an integrated scale that weighs ingredients with four built-in smart sensors.
Multi-functional
Besides an instant pot, you can use the CHEF iQ Smart Cooker as a slow cooker or steams, and it also boils and sautes.
Auto pressure release
Using the pressure cooking feature? The appliance will automatically release steam when it's done cooking via one of three methods tailored to the ingredients.
Just when you thought pressure-cooking couldn't get any simpler, we present you the wi-fi enabled, pre-programmed .
Buy the CHEF iQ Smart Cooker.
Smart home technology
The CHEF iQ app allows you to control your pressure cooker anytime, anywhere. Plus, it comes with more than 100 cooking presets for common ingredients, and an integrated scale to weigh ingredients with four built-in smart sensors.
Multi-functional
Besides pressure-cooking, the machine has a slow cooker function, and steams, boils, and sautes.
Auto pressure release
Using the pressure cooking feature? The appliance will automatically release steam when it's done cooking via one of three methods tailored to the ingredients.
Shop the CHEF iQ Smart Cooker at Target
The offers many of the same options as the pricier models, but costs about 20 percent less. We also often see it on sale for as little as $60.
Pre-programmed setting for convenience
The GoWISE electric pressure cooker has pre-programmed setting for rice/risotto, multigrain, porridge/oatmeal, meat/stew, poultry, seafood, veggies, bean/chili, canning, yogurt, and eggs, and has a steam setting, too. Like many of the other models listed here, you can also use it as a slow-cooker, or to saute foods prior to pressure cooking.
Easy to care for
The pressure cooker comes with a nonstick ceramic copper insert pot which can be removed for easy cleaning. It also comes with a measuring cup, spoon, stainless steam rack, and steamer basket.
Bonus recipe book
GoWISE includes a recipe booklet with 50 starter recipes with each GoWISE electric pressure cooker purchase.
Short on storage space or simply like to get the most bang for your buck? Then the the multi-functional might be the one for you.
Nine cooking modes
In addition to pressure cooking, the Foodi's impressive roundup of settings includes air fry, steam, slow cook, yogurt, sear/sauté, bake/roast, broil, and dehydrate. You may never need another kitchen appliance again. Of course, if you prefer simplicity or a straightforward design, you'll want to skip this model.
What's included?
In the box you'll find everything you need to cook on any of the Foodi's settings, including the cooker, a crisping lid, a pressure lid, and 8Qt. ceramic-coated pot, a 5Qt. ceramic-coated cook & crisp basket, and a reversible stainless steel rack for steaming and broiling.
What is an instant pot?
If you're new to instant pot cooking, the appliance is essentially an electric pressure cooker. Instant Pot is technically a brand name, but because the company was one of the first to bring electric pressure cookers to the U.S. market, the name Instant Pot kind of stuck. (Similar to how your mom calls the slow cooker a Crock Pot.)
Instant pots and elecrtic pressure cookers are good at making a lot of the same things a slow cooker it, except it does it a lot faster (in case the "fast" part wasn't inferred by the name). Think: chili, roasts, soup, ramen, rice, and even yogurt.
While pressure cookers have been around for ages, the models of yore had to be used with a cooktop, and weren't always the safest if they weren't sealed properly or had worn-out parts. Today's electric versions are much safer, thanks to built-in pressure release systems, auto-seal functions, and sensors that let you know when the pot is okay to open.
Check out a few of our favorite instant pot recipes for more ideas.
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