In today's fast-paced world, time is of the essence, and spending hours in the kitchen preparing meals is no longer a viable option for many people. Therefore, pressure cookers are making a comeback, and for good reason. This handy kitchen appliance can cook foods in a fraction of the time while preserving nutrients and flavor. Whether you want to save time on weeknight dinners or cook food more efficiently, a pressure cooker is the perfect solution.
In this article, we'll explore the reasons why a pressure cooker should be your next kitchen appliance. From saving time and energy to producing delicious and healthy meals, we'll discuss the numerous benefits of incorporating a pressure cooker into your cooking routine.
What is a pressure cooker?
A pressure cooker is a sealed pot that uses high-pressure steam to cook food quickly while preserving nutrients. As the liquid inside the pressure cooker boils, it creates pressurized steam that raises the temperature inside the pot. This allows food to cook faster than traditional methods. The airtight seal also traps steam and nutrients inside, resulting in food that's cooked thoroughly but still moist and flavorful. Pressure cookers are a great time-saving appliance for cooking dried beans, tough meats, grains, and more. With the ability to cook food fast while maintaining nutrients, a pressure cooker can be a valuable addition to any kitchen.
What are the benefits of using a pressure cooker?
Pressure cookers are efficient kitchen appliance that offers numerous benefits for home cooks. By using pressurized steam to quickly cook food, pressure cookers can save time on weeknight dinners and other meals. They also preserve more nutrients and retain the natural flavor of food better than traditional methods. Additionally, many pressure cookers feature multiple settings to accommodate various types of ingredients. With a shorter cooking time and preservation of nutrition, a pressure cooker can be a great way for busy cooks to get healthy meals on the table in no time.
What to look for when choosing the right pressure cooker for your needs?
When selecting a pressure cooker, it is important to consider the type of food you plan to cook, your budget, and the features or accessories that come with the appliance. For example, if you are looking to cook large batches of food for multiple people, a larger size cooker may be helpful. It's also important to look for a multi-functional cooker so that you can cook different types of ingredients. Additionally, many pressure cookers come with helpful accessories such as steamer baskets and digital displays. For safety reasons, make sure you choose one that has an airtight lid and look for user ratings to determine reliable options.
While high-end models may offer more features and durability, there are also many affordable options available that can still produce great results. By considering these factors when choosing a pressure cooker, you can find a model that meets your specific needs and helps you create delicious and nutritious meals with ease.
Tips for using a pressure cooker safely.
Pressure cookers are an efficient kitchen appliance that can speed up the cooking process and allow you to save time on dinner. However, it is important to use them responsibly to ensure safety and prevent accidents. Here are some tips for using a pressure cooker safely:
- Read the instructions carefully before operating your pressure cooker. Make sure you understand how the appliance works before you attempt to use it.
- When filling your pressure cooker, never fill it over two-thirds of its capacity as this could impede proper functioning.
- Before closing the lid, check the seal around the edge of your pressure cooker to make sure it's secure and airtight.
- Use only a wooden or plastic spoon when stirring food inside a closed pressure cooker as metal utensils can damage the container’s inner coating.
- Never try to open a hot pressure cooker until all of its pressurized steam has been released completely – no matter what type of safety valve is present on that particular model.
- Always keep an eye on the gauge in order to ensure safe pressure levels inside your appliance during operation.
- If at any time you feel uncomfortable with the amount of steam being released from your appliance, open up vents near it so that some of the steam is diverted away from you during use.
- Once finished, always remember to wait at least 5 minutes before opening your pressure cooker – even if all valves are in their safe/closed positions and all steam has been released properly.
Conclusion
Pressure cookers are an affordable and efficient kitchen appliance that can revolutionize the way you cook. With the ability to cook foods in a fraction of the time while preserving nutrients and flavor, pressure cookers are the perfect solution for busy home cooks. Whether you want to save time on weeknight dinners or cook food more efficiently, a pressure cooker should be your next must-have kitchen appliance.
If you're considering purchasing a pressure cooker, be sure to do your research and choose one that meets your specific needs. Look for models with features such as easy-to-use controls, durable construction, and a variety of cooking settings. With the right pressure cooker in your kitchen, you'll be able to whip up tasty and nutritious meals in no time, all while saving time and energy. So why not make a pressure cooker your next kitchen appliance?
Need help? We've done the research for you and found the Best Pressure Cooker on Amazon. Every day, we read hundreds of reviews and try the highest-rated products we have on our list.
Best Pressure Cooker - Reviews
The Best
Product information
The Instant Pot is a must-have appliance for any busy kitchen, it's an electric pressure cooker offering 7-in-1 functionality, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, sautéing, yogurt making, and food warming. With its 13 customizable Smart Programs, users can quickly prepare anything from ribs and soups to beans, poultry, yogurt, and desserts with just a touch of a button. Whether you're looking to create a delicious one-pot meal up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods or want to slow-cook your favorite traditional recipes, the Instant Pot is up to the task.
Cleanup is easy with the Instant Pot's finger-print resistant, stainless-steel sides, dishwasher-safe lid, inner pot, and accessories. Safety features include overheat protection and a safe-locking lid, along with more than 10 other safety features. Ideal for growing families, the Instant Pot can cook for up to six people and is perfect for meal prepping and batch cooking. The versatile inner cooking pot features food-grade stainless steel and a tri-ply bottom for more even cooking, making it perfect for sautéing. For even more recipe ideas, download the free Instant Pot app, available on iOS and Android.
This Instant Pot is a game-changer! It has changed the way we eat. It's easier to use than we thought it would be. Many long-time users are saying that their Instant Pot it's still going strong and being used two to three times per week.
Say goodbye to the clutter and expense of having multiple kitchen appliances with the versatile and multifunctional model designed for effortless home cooking. With its 14 one-touch programs, including pressure cooking, yogurt making, rice cooking, steaming, and more, this model can serve as 7 different kitchen appliances in one compact unit.
Whether you're a busy homemaker, a foodie, or a health-conscious individual, this Instant Pot is the perfect appliance for you. The Instant Pot offers quick and easy meal preparation, ensuring that you have healthy and delicious food on the table in no time. Its intuitive interface makes it easy to operate, even if you're not an expert.
Some users who needed help from customer support found that after several attempts trying to contact Instant Pot, they gave up and contacted Amazon. They were able to receive a refund for the product.
When ordering a new electric pressure cooker, such as the Instant Pot, it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure that it arrives in perfect condition. Shipping can be rough on packages and items can be damaged during transportation, which is why it is recommended that you check the unit upon receipt for any damage caused during shipping.
Our Thoughts - This is a shame of Instant Pot, a company with a great product should have better support systems. This manufacturer does not seem to honor the warranty!
We know that all companies have a small percentage of failures but they should have good customer service otherwise word of mouth travels very quickly, especially on the Internet.
When it comes to cooking for a large group, the Instant Pot is the perfect kitchen appliance to help you handle the task with ease. This workhorse Instant Pot is designed to feed a large crew without sacrificing quality and flavor.
Very Good
Product information
The Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL is a versatile pressure cooker offering TenderCrisp Technology - quickly pressure cooking ingredients to lock in juices, then giving them a crispy, golden air-fryer finish. The extra-large capacity 8-quart ceramic-coated pot is nonstick, PTFE PFOA free, and easy to hand-wash, making it perfect for cooking meals for the whole family. It also features a family-sized 5-quart cook & crisp ceramic-coated basket that holds up to a 7-lb. chicken to feed your whole crew. The basket is PTFE PFOA-free, nonstick, and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
With a Deluxe Reversible Rack, you can steam and broil, as well as TenderCrisp up to 8 chicken breasts at once or add servings to layered 360. The Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL utilizes 12 programmable cooking functions to Pressure Cook, Air Fry/Air Crisp, Steam, Slow Cook, Yogurt, Sear/Sauté, Bake, Roast, Broil, Dehydrate, Sous Vide & Keep Warm, providing great versatility in the kitchen. The inspiration guide, featuring 45 delicious recipes, will give you the confidence and creativity to get started with your Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL, which is equipped with 14 safety features to keep you safe while cooking.
The package includes Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker, Crisping Lid, Pressure Lid, 8 qt. Ceramic Coated Pot, 5 qt. Ceramic Coated Cook & Crisp Basket, Stainless Steel Deluxe Reversible Rack & 45 Recipe Chef-Inspired Cookbook.
Easy to clean, has multiple functions, easy to use, and many happy owners use it almost daily. The cleanup is the best part though. It doesn’t matter how baked or burned something is, a little water and a soft sponge will get everything off before your food stops steaming. It is also in the family of slow cookers.
Some customers received damaged pressure coolers. A few customers said that customer support will help to replace the electric pressure cookers but Ninja will ask for a $20 shipping fee.
Our Thoughts - Be aware that it takes up to 8 min for the pot to come under pressure fully. So even if you have to cook something for just 2 min under pressure, you have to wait approx 8 min and after that, the pressure cooker would start the count down. Some long-time users recommend buying the extended warranty as many functions that require the pressure cooker lid may not work after the original warranty is over.
Good Value
Product information
The ultimate solution for home pressure canning, this appliance is the only safe method recommended by the USDA for canning vegetables, meats, poultry, and seafood. It's specially designed to double as a boiling water canner for fruits, jams, jellies, pickles, and salsa in half-pint and pint jars. Made from durable heavy-gauge aluminum, it ensures long life and fast, even heating, making it perfect for pressure cooking meats, poultry, soups, and desserts.
Its deluxe pressure dial gauge also registers precise processing pressures, which is especially important in high-altitude areas, while its air vent/cover lock allows pressure to build only when the cover is properly closed and prevents it from being opened until the pressure is safely reduced. With a large-capacity feature, you can cook and can with ease throughout your day, making for a perfect addition to your kitchen.
This pressure canner includes a cooking/canning rack and a complete instruction/recipe book that makes home pressure canning easy and hassle-free. Its mason jar capacity can hold up to 12 half-pints, 10 pints, or 7 quarts, perfect for canning vegetables and meats the way your grandma used to! The canner works on gas, electric, and smooth-top ranges, with a product size of 13-1/4 by 14-1/2 by 11-3/4 inches and a 12-year limited warranty, you can have peace of mind when you confidently can your own foods.
If you are looking for a simple pressure cooker, without all the multi-functional buttons and knobs; this is it, it doesn't get any easier. Awesome product! First-time user: "Never had one before bought this for sterilization. Decided to cook something. It was fast and easy and turned out great, love this thing. Cleaning is a breeze I just put a little water in it and heat it up let it soak and wipe it clean."
Some users mentioned that this pressure cooker doesn't get up to 15 lbs of pressure. A few other users said that they found the gauges not working. It was also discovered that this 16-quart canner can not be used with quart-sized jars.
Our Thoughts - Apparently, dial gauges are not reliable, and must be regularly checked by your county's cooperative extension office to assure they are safe to use. Most are not safe out of the box. This means you could have improper/unsafe processing of your pressure canned foods.
Good
Product information
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer is the perfect appliance for families, with a large and family-sized capacity for pressure cooking, air frying, and steam crisping all under one SmartLid. With the Foodi Smart Thermometer, you can achieve even more accurate results with just the touch of a button, eliminating guesswork. The Smart Cook System allows you to achieve the perfect doneness for proteins at 4 smart settings and 9 customizable doneness levels. Plus, three auto-steam release controls let you select your desired pressure release setting.
The SmartLid Slider allows you to unlock 3 cooking modes and 14 cooking functions all under one lid. With innovative SteamCrisp Technology, you can steam and crisp at the same time for faster, juicier, and crispier results without drying out. The included Deluxe Reversible Rack helps you double your cooking capacity or make three-component full meals at a touch of a button, with mains and sides all done at the same time.
Prepare meals quicker with up to 70% faster cooking than slow cooking, 40% faster one-touch meals than traditional cooking methods, and 25% faster artisan bread and cakes than traditional ovens. The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer offers a healthier way to fry, with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods, thanks to its advanced air-frying technology. With 14 programmable cooking functions, including Pressure Cook, Steam & Crisp, Steam & Bake, Air Fry, Broil, Bake/Roast, Dehydrate, Sear/Sauté, Steam, Sous Vide, Slow Cook, Yogurt, Keep Warm & Proof, everything is possible with this multipurpose appliance. The package includes Ninja Foodi SMART XL Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer with SmartLid & Smart Thermometer, 8-qt. Cooking Pot, 5-qt. Cook & Crisp Basket, Deluxe Reversible Rack, and 45 plus Recipe Chef-Inspired Cookbook offer a complete and versatile cooking solution.
So far we have mainly just done steam and crisp chicken, but have pressure cooked some beef cuts also. It is easy to use with the instructions provided. Some users said that they have been using this pressure cooker for a while now in their daily meals. They wanted a versatile system to use with various meal preparations, and the size is perfect for the amount of food they are cooking.
Some users mentioned that the lid lifter is too small, feels flimsy, and flexes when lifting the lid. The inside heating base is a silver color, unlike the old faithful Ninja Foodi, which has a gunmetal color inside the base, which looks better and is easier to keep clean. A few said that they received used and damaged pressure cookers.
Our Thoughts - For anyone that can’t cook but wants to make and eat healthy meals, this is incomparably your best bet to solve all your problems! Even solves laziness with the keep warm function so you don't have to get up right away.
Good
Product information
The All American 1930 Pressure Cooker/Canner offers an easy and safe solution for home canning. As recommended by the USDA, pressure canning is the only safe way to can meat, vegetables, and fruits. With the ability to hold approximately 19-pint jars or 7-quart jars, this pressure cooker/canner is perfect for all of your canning needs.
What sets the All American 1930 Pressure Cooker/Canner apart is its exclusive metal-to-metal sealing system. Featuring positive action clamping locks, this precision-machined seal creates a steam-tight seal without any gaskets that can be costly to replace. Its easy-to-read steam gauge and precision machined regulator weight provide accurate pressure control, while its easy-to-clean satin finish ensures easy maintenance. With a durable design that includes a sturdy phenolic top handle and double-thickness edges for additional protection, this pressure cooker/canner is built to last for years to come.
All American 1930 is a family-owned company focused on quality manufacturing above all else. From our family to yours, we take pride in casting high-quality products that families can cherish for generations. With the All American 1930 Pressure Cooker/Canner, you can safely and easily can your favorite meats, vegetables, and fruits at home, ensuring the highest quality and freshness for your family.
Canning is a great way to preserve food, but choosing the right canning pressure cooker can make all the difference. A 21.5-quart capacity canning pressure cooker provides plenty of room for canning large batches of food, making it a convenient choice for home canning enthusiasts.
The construction of a 21.5-quart canning pressure cooker is extremely durable, ensuring that it can withstand the demands of canning and last for years. The canning pressure cooker also regulates temperatures well, providing precise temperature control to ensure that your food is safely canned and retains its flavor and nutritional value.
With a 21.5-quart canning pressure cooker, you can preserve a wide variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, and meats. This ensures that you can enjoy fresh, healthy foods year-round. Plus, with its generous capacity, you can preserve food in large quantities without the need to constantly refill the pot.
When it comes to cookware, aluminum is a popular material choice due to its excellent heat conductivity and affordability. However, heavy-duty aluminum construction may have its drawbacks as well.
One disadvantage of heavy-duty aluminum cookware is that it can add extra weight and bulk to your kitchen. This can make storage and maneuvering more difficult, especially for those with smaller kitchens.
Another concern is that aluminum cookware can react with certain acidic foods, causing discoloration or an unpleasant metallic taste.
Our Thoughts - When it comes to kitchen appliances, a great pressure cooker can make all the difference in meal preparation. But is it worth the splurge?
This pressure cooker has received high marks from reviewers and is considered a great investment for home cooks. Its durability and versatility make it a top choice for those who use it often. However, because of its higher price tag, it may not be the best option for occasional users or those on a tight budget.
If you're someone who enjoys cooking and plans to use a pressure cooker regularly, this model is a highly recommended choice. It offers many features and benefits that make it a worthwhile investment for your kitchen.
Good
Product information
The CHEF iQ App allows you to connect your Smart Cooker via WiFi and Bluetooth and access over 600 guided cooking recipes and how-to videos. You can control and monitor your Smart Cooker and use the Cooking Calculator for precise cooking parameters for every ingredient. The built-in scale simplifies both prep and cleanup by allowing you to measure ingredients accurately and cook by weight, eliminating the need for measuring cups. Four integrated smart sensors measure ingredients precisely and tell you exactly how much liquid is needed to cook meals to perfection.
The Smart Cooker is programmed with 1000+ cooking presets, and an additional 1000+ presets are built into the Cooking Calculator of the CHEF iQ App, making it easy to find the right cooking time and temperature settings for every ingredient. Guided Cooking recipes provide step-by-step video cooking instructions and enable you to send precise cooking parameters to your Smart Cooker for every step, eliminating the need to enter time and temperature settings or set any timers. Additionally, five new recipes are added to the app every week, so you'll never run out of ideas.
The Smart Cooker includes a convenient steam rack and steam basket, allowing you to steam larger food items like fish, chicken, and whole vegetables above the liquid. The steam basket, when paired with the steam rack, allows you to steam smaller pieces of food like chopped vegetables and meat. The Smart Cooker is also equipped with an auto-pressure release feature, which automatically releases steam at the end of pressure cooking for convenience and safety. Plus, wireless firmware updates will improve cooking algorithms and add new features to your Smart Cooker while it sits on your countertop. Enjoy the ultimate cooking experience with the CHEF iQ App and Smart Cooker.
This product has been a major game-changer for many users. The amount of different functions that this product has is amazing. This thing does everything. The Keep Warm feature is wonderful because one can go back for seconds. The app is easy to configure and although we haven’t used the app much, we explored the features and can easily say this thing is worth the money. We love this electric pressure cooker. Using the recipes and menu takes the guesswork out of cooking.
A few customers said that they received the box and the exterior unit was in good condition but the removable inner pot had a dent and porcelain chipped off it. Some users mentioned that the firmware will not update. And, it should be known, that the product will not work at all without this update. The CHEF iQ can do so many things (well, according to the ads) but it just keeps falling short.
Our Thoughts - We really like the idea of the CHEF iQ, I just don't think that they are quite there yet, but maybe in the future sometime we hope.
FAQs
What are the common types of foods to cook in a pressure cooker?
Pressure cookers are versatile kitchen tools that can help speed up cooking time for a variety of foods. Some common types of foods that are often cooked in a pressure cooker include:
Meat: pressure cooking is great for cooking tough cuts of meat that require long cooking times to become tender. This includes beef, pork, lamb, and poultry. You can use a pressure cooker to make stews, pot roasts, pulled pork, and even whole chicken.
Beans and legumes: dried beans and legumes can take hours to cook on the stove or in a slow cooker, but a pressure cooker can cook them in a fraction of the time. This includes kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas, and black beans.
Rice and grains: pressure cookers can also be used to cook rice and grains like quinoa, bulgur, and farro. Cooking time is greatly reduced compared to traditional stovetop methods.
Soups and broths: pressure cookers can help infuse flavors faster, making them perfect for soups, broths, and stocks. Plus, cooking time is reduced, which means you can have a delicious homemade soup on the table in minutes.
Vegetables: While not all vegetables are ideal for pressure cooking, some, like beets and potatoes, can become tender and flavorful in a fraction of the time it takes to cook them on the stove.
Overall, pressure cookers are a great addition to any kitchen and can be used to cook a variety of foods quickly and efficiently.
What are the two types of pressure cookers?
There are two types of pressure cookers: stovetop and electric. Both types cook food quickly and efficiently, but they differ in terms of their features and benefits.
Stovetop Pressure Cookers
Stovetop pressure cookers are the traditional type of pressure cooker that uses the heating element of a kitchen stove to cook food. They come in various sizes and are made of durable materials like stainless steel or aluminum. They are typically less expensive than electric pressure cookers and do not require electricity to operate.
Stovetop pressure cookers are versatile and can be used to cook a wide range of foods, including meats, beans, and vegetables. They are also ideal for canning. Stove top pressure cookers create a more intense level of pressure and cook food faster than electric pressure cookers. This higher pressure also results in more flavorful food.
Electric Pressure Cookers
These pressure cookers like the Instant Pot are the newer and more modern version of the stovetop pressure cooker. They use electricity to produce heat and pressure. Electric pressure cookers are more user-friendly and have a range of features such as preset cooking times and multiple cooking functions, including slow cooking, sautéing, and steaming. They also have built-in safety features, making them more convenient to use.
Electric pressure cookers are ideal for anyone who wants a hands-off approach to cooking. They require less monitoring than stovetop pressure cookers and can cook food evenly and thoroughly. They are also more energy-efficient and can be programmed to automatically switch off when cooking is complete.
Both types of pressure cookers have their pros and cons, and the ideal choice depends on your personal preferences and needs. Whether you choose a stovetop or an electric pressure cooker, both can help you cook delicious and healthy meals in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional cooking methods.
Are pressure cookers worth it?
Pressure cookers are versatile and efficient kitchen appliances that can help you save time and cook delicious meals with ease. They use high-pressure steam to cook food quickly, making them ideal for busy families or anyone who wants to spend less time in the kitchen. But are pressure cookers worth the investment? Let's take a closer look at the benefits they offer.
First, pressure cookers can help you save time when cooking. They cook food up to 70% faster than traditional stovetop cooking, which means you can have a delicious meal on the table in a fraction of the time. This is especially helpful for busy families or anyone who wants to spend less time in the kitchen.
Second, pressure cookers are versatile. They can be used to cook a wide variety of foods, including meat, beans, grains, and even desserts. This means you can use them for a variety of recipes, from simple weeknight dinners to more elaborate meals.
Third, pressure cookers are energy-efficient. Because they cook food quickly, they use less energy than traditional stovetop cooking methods. This can help you save money on your energy bill over time.
Overall, the benefits of pressure cookers make them a worthwhile investment for anyone who wants to save time and cook delicious meals with ease. With their versatility, efficiency, and cost-saving benefits, pressure cookers are a valuable addition to any kitchen.
What are the pros and cons of an electric pressure cooker?
Electric pressure cookers are convenient and popular appliances that have revolutionized the way many people cook in their kitchens. However, like any appliance, they have both pros and cons to consider.
Pros
Ease of Use: One of the significant advantages of electric pressure cookers is that they are incredibly user-friendly and require minimal monitoring. Many models have preset programs that allow one-touch operation, eliminating the need to make any guesswork regarding time and temperature settings.
Safety Features: Electric pressure cookers are designed with numerous safety features such as automatic pressure release valves, sensors that monitor food and heat, and mechanisms that keep the lid locked until the pressure releases. This makes them safer to use than their stovetop counterparts.
Energy-Efficiency: Electric pressure cookers use a minimal amount of energy while cooking as they don't require a stovetop and in the long run, this means they may be less expensive to use.
Multi-purpose: Electric pressure cookers come with an array of features, including steaming, sautéing, slow cooking, and warming.
Cons
Cost: Electric pressure cookers are generally more expensive than stovetop pressure cookers. Furthermore, as they contain electronic components, they may periodically require expensive repairs.
Limited Capacity: Compared to stovetop pressure cookers, electric pressure cookers have limited capacity because they cannot reach the same high pressures, resulting in smaller cook sizes.
Longer Cooking Times: Electric pressure cookers may take longer to cook than stovetop pressure cookers since they usually require time to increase pressure.
Which one is healthier a pressure cooker or an air fryer?
Both pressure cookers and air fryers offer healthier cooking options by reducing the amount of oil needed to cook food. However, pressure cookers are generally better for overall nutritional value because they can cook a wider range of foods, including nutrient-rich vegetables, without compromising their nutritional value.
While air fryers can be a healthier cooking option for specific foods like fried chicken, they may not be the best choice for overall health.
Ultimately, both appliances can be used as part of a healthy diet. Whether you choose a pressure cooker or air fryer, using these appliances as part of a balanced diet can help you eat healthier without sacrificing flavor or convenience.
