If old tales of exploding pressure cookers have kept you from trying one, it’s time to reconsider. Today’s top pressure cookers are not only versatile and easy to use but also come packed with safety features, making meal preparation faster and easier than ever. Perfect for busy families or entertaining guests without spending all night in the kitchen, pressure cookers excel at making stews, soups, hearty cuts of meat, whole chickens, rice, beans, and more. By using pressurized steam, they cook a wide variety of foods thoroughly while taking up relatively little space on your countertop. They’re easy to use, easy to clean, and come in a range of sizes to suit your needs.
We’ve done the heavy lifting and now present our top five picks for the best pressure cookers in 2024. Here they are:
1. Presto Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker – Best Value in 2024
- Chicken, fish, meat, and vegetables cook to perfection fast; Helps tenderize economical cuts of meat
- Pressure regulator maintains the proper cooking pressure automatically; Complete 64-page instruction/recipe book included
- Ideal for use on regular, smooth-top and induction ranges; Our stainless steel pressure cooker may also be washed in an automatic dishwasher. When washing in a dishwasher, you must first remove the sealing ring and overpressure plug from the cover as these parts must be hand washed
- Cover lock indicator shows when there is pressure inside the cooker and prevents the cover from being opened until pressure is safely reduced
- Helper handle for ease of handling; Extended 12-year limited warranty
If you’re looking for a product that offers excellent value for money, we highly recommend the Presto Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker. This smart choice allows you to prepare healthy and affordable meals quickly and easily. It cooks 3 to 10 times faster than traditional methods, even outpacing microwaves for many dishes. Chicken, fish, meat, and vegetables are rapidly cooked to perfection, and it also tenderizes cheaper cuts of meat. The Presto Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker is versatile, working on both regular and smooth stovetops. A lid-lock indicator shows when there is pressure inside, preventing the lid from being removed until it’s safe. It includes a special rack for cooking multiple foods at once without mixing flavors, and it’s dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning—a feature users love.
Pressure cookers have regained popularity as more people discover their speed and efficiency. They make it easy to cook healthy meals because food retains more nutrients and flavor. The Presto 6-quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker is multifunctional, doubling as a conventional soup pot while performing the kitchen magic pressure cookers are known for. Imagine cooking chicken cacciatore in just 8 minutes. This professional-grade stainless steel cooker is a valuable addition to any kitchen. Its inner sealing ring keeps steam contained, and it features a pop-up pressure gauge and a simple steam release mechanism. There’s also an overpressure cap that vents if excessive pressure builds up. Ideal for weeknight dinners or any meal that needs to be prepared quickly, it comes with a booklet containing over 65 recipes, from basic soups to stews, roasts, and even desserts like 5-minute custard.
2. Kuhn Rikon Duromatic Pressure Cooker – Top-Rated Stovetop Pressure Cooker in 2024
- Rapid Cooking: Achieves up to a 70% reduction in cooking time, making meal preparation faster and more efficient.
- Nutrient Preservation: Designed to retain essential vitamins and minerals, ensuring healthier and more nutritious meals.
- Energy Efficient: Offers up to a 70% savings in energy consumption compared to conventional cooking methods, promoting environmental sustainability.
- Eco-Friendly Design: Engineered with sustainability in mind, reducing your carbon footprint and supporting eco-conscious cooking practices.
- Time and Energy Saver: Combines speed and energy efficiency, revolutionizing the way you cook while being kind to the planet.
Next, we’d like to draw your attention to the Kuhn Rikon Duromatic Pressure Cooker, a top-rated stovetop pressure cooker for 2024. This stainless steel cooker boasts a classic, timeless design that’s perfect for families of all sizes, singles, or couples. A modern kitchen must-have, it features ergonomic side handles for secure handling, especially useful for larger models. The Kuhn Rikon Duromatic stands out with its dual side handles, making it easy to manage and providing a secure grip when the lid is closed. These handles not only resemble those of regular pots but also enhance cooking speed significantly. The pot and lid are designed with side handles for consistent positioning and an efficient grip during use. This gourmet pressure cooker saves up to 70% of energy and time while preserving the vitamins, minerals, and flavors of your food. It excels in reducing cooking times for items like pulses, stews, and poultry, ensuring food retains its moisture and aroma without steam loss. It’s also excellent for quickly cooking rice, vegetables, fish, and even steaming foods without making a mess.
Safety is a priority with Kuhn Rikon. The triple decompression mechanism guarantees safety, and the ergonomic handles provide comfort. The simplicity of use is a standout feature—there are no complicated buttons or LEDs, just a pressure valve that indicates when the pot is at the ideal cooking temperature. Kuhn Rikon pressure cookers incorporate multiple safety systems. If the pot reaches high pressure, the valve releases steam until regulated. A secondary silicone device supports the valve, activating if the primary valve is blocked or the temperature is too high. Thumbs up, that’s for sure.
3. Chef iQ Smart Pressure Cooker – Leading Smart Pressure Cooker of 2024
Next up on our review list is the Chef iQ Smart Pressure Cooker, the leading smart pressure cooker of 2024. Integrating an internet connection with your pressure cooker opens up endless possibilities for automation, global recipes, and seamless control through an app. The Chef iQ Smart Cooker stands out with its impressive features and functionality. With over 300 cooking presets, Chef iQ ensures variety in your meals, accessible through an interactive touchscreen. This command center allows you to measure ingredients using the built-in scale and program the cooker to release pressure at the end of a cooking cycle. Additionally, the Chef iQ app extends these controls to your smartphone or tablet, letting you monitor and adjust settings remotely.
Despite its 6-liter capacity, which might be small for some, the Chef iQ Smart Cooker compensates with a wealth of features. It offers various cooking methods, including pressure cooking, steaming, slow cooking, frying, sautéing, and sous vide. The built-in scale helps keep recipes precise, with over 600 guided recipes and instructional videos—this model is a home cook’s dream. The accessories included are thoughtfully designed, and the basket features a self-standing handle that stays secure, and its handle folds neatly. The stand has two handles for easy insertion and removal, and its legs are tall enough to keep food elevated from any liquid at the pot’s bottom.
Packed with features, this pressure cooker’s smart interface makes accessing functions simple via the front panel or apps. The main screen offers options like pressure cook, brown, fry, steam, slow cook, and more. Thumbs up.
Just a quick note—if you’re interested in any of the products, I’ve gone ahead and updated the description below with links to get you the best deals available right now, so make sure to check those out for the most current prices and offers.
4. Breville Fast Slow Pro Pressure Cooker – Best Premium Pressure Cooker of 2024
- Color changing LCD tells you when the cooker is pressurizing, cooking or releasing steam
- 3 Way Safety System/Safety locking lid, automatic hands free steam release, safety valve
- 11 pressure cook settings plus a custom setting to suit your favorite recipes
- Keep Warm function turns on after cooking so food is ready to serve when you are
- Removable cooking bowl with PTFE and PFOA free ceramic coating
- Capacity : 6 quart – 4.5 qt (MAX), 1 quart (MIN).Dimensions:12.5 x 13.5 x 14 inches
- Full feedback LCD display tells you whats going on inside the pot with a pressure indicator, temperature and countdown timer and steam release indicator. 8 pressure levels range from 1.5 psi to 12 psi.
If you’re willing to invest a bit more in a premium product, the Breville Fast Slow Pro Pressure Cooker is our top pick for 2024. Known for its elegant design and solid performance, this cooker meets the high expectations we have for Breville products. It offers better control over pressure settings compared to other models, thanks to dual sensors on the top and bottom that manage both pressure and temperature. An auto-warm function kicks in once cooking is complete. The bright LCD screen and easy-to-read dials make it simple to choose from 11 pressure settings, ranging from low to high. You can also customize these settings, and the display changes colors to indicate whether it’s in press, cook, or steam mode. The lid is hinged, removable, and dishwasher-safe, with a silicone seal that’s easy to detach and replace.
It includes a ceramic-lined inner pot, a stainless steel steamer basket and rack, and a bound recipe book. Operating the Fast Slow Pro is straightforward, with three separate buttons—one for selecting preset cooking functions, another for setting temperature, and a third for setting time. After pressing the start button, you’re all set. The large LCD screen clearly displays your selections. The hinged lid eliminates the hassle of finding a place to put it while pouring and mixing. One standout feature is the pressure release button on the front of the machine, located about 10 inches from the pressure valve. This allows you to release built-up steam safely and easily without having to turn the valve by hand near the steam tower, an improvement over other models. If you can afford this beast, we say go for it.
5. Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker – Best Overall Pressure Cooker in 2024
- 10-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, sous vide, sauté pan, sterilizer, yogurt maker, food warmer, cake baker and steamer
- CUSTOMIZABLE COOKING PROGRAMS: The included 28 program settings are perfect for a selection of essential meals
- CONVENIENT FAVORITES: 5 programmable settings for your own special recipes
- FAST OR SLOW: Pressure cook to save time and retain more flavor, or slow cook for traditional recipes
- 11+ PROVEN SAFETY FEATURES: Overheat Protection, safe locking lid, upgraded gentle steam release switch with diffusing cover to reduce noise and prevent splashing on the counter, and more
- PERFECT FOR LARGER FAMILIES : Cook for up to 8 people – perfect for larger families, or meal prepping and batch cooking for singles and smaller families
- GENTLE STEAM RELEASE: The diffusing cover reduces noise and prevents countertop splash
- INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: An extra sealing ring and stainless-steel steamer rack with handles. Compatible with optional QuickCool Tray (sold separately) that allows 50% faster steam release.
- DISCOVER AMAZING RECIPES: Download our free Instant Pot app (iOS and Android) so you can discover new favorites and prepare delicious meals
And introducing our top pick for the best overall pressure cooker in 2024: the Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker. With its 10 preset functions and app control, this model stands out as a versatile and reliable kitchen appliance. It excels as an electric pressure cooker, featuring a user-friendly interface, sturdy build, and convenient pressure release options that ensure excellent results every time. Users have reported creamy and perfectly cooked risotto in just 5 minutes.
Unlike many other models, the Instant Pot Pro’s digital panel provides helpful status messages, making it clear what stage of cooking the pot is in, from preheating to cooking to keeping food warm. You can choose from 10 program modes, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice, steaming, and stewing, or customize settings with options for low, high, or maximum pressure, as well as temperature adjustments. The dial allows for quick setting of time and temperature, and the delayed start feature acts like a kitchen timer, letting you schedule cooking times. The touchscreen is easier to clean compared to traditional push-button panels. Additionally, the Pro Plus model can be controlled via an app, offering access to over 1,000 recipes—a handy feature.
One of the standout features is the oven-like pressure release control, offering quick, pulse, or natural release options. Made from triple-layer stainless steel with silicone handles, the Pro Plus is easy to move around the kitchen. Its anti-rotation function keeps the pot stable during cooking. Compact in size at 13.2 inches long, 13 inches wide, and 12.7 inches tall, it won’t take up much space on your counter or in your cabinet. Overall, this model delivers premium performance at the best possible price-quality ratio. If you want the best, you’ve got it!
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