6 Best Electric Pressure Cookers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
We pressure-cooked chicken, dried beans and rice to find our favorite multicookers and Instant Pots.
Our Top Electric Pressure Cooker Picks
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Tested by Joelle Battista, Leah Brickley, Laura Denby and Layla Khoury-Hanold
Multicookers, more commonly known as electric pressure cookers, are adored for their convenient, and often speedy, cooking — thanks to pressure cooking features — without compromising flavor or texture. Plus, with a relatively small footprint (averaging about 12 inches wide and 13 inches high), electric pressure cookers are easy to store, minimizing countertop clutter. We found many multicookers on the market have overlapping features including the ability to pressure cook, slow cook and saute — some can also air fry. That said, some key features make certain models stand out. We found the five best electric pressure cookers whether you’re a first-time purchaser or in the market for an upgrade.
How We Tested
We tested 14 top-rated, well-reviewed multicookers and electric pressure cookers from different brands. We considered multicookers in the 6-quart size with and without bells and whistles or extra features like air frying capabilities. First, we pressure-cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts and noted which were the most tender and how easy each batch was to shred. Then we cooked long-grain rice under pressure and checked for fluffiness and made sure nothing stuck to the bottom of the pot. Finally, we pressure-cooked dried chickpeas, which were evaluated for doneness and then blended into hummus. For models with air fryer capability, we tested frozen French fries and cooked according to manual directions. We downloaded and tested apps (when relevant), read through all the manuals and washed every piece of equipment for each model as directed by the manufacturers.
- Easy-to-use interface
- Multiple functions and yogurt function
- Many recipes are developed for this model
- Lacks on/off button
- Lid can be hard to lock
Instant Pot started the multicooker craze, and the Duo (the brand’s most-popular model) does not disappoint. With seven functions and eight presets, it performed very well in all our tests: fluffy and tender rice, moist chicken and hummus-ready chickpeas. It comes with a great cheat sheet for pressure cooking dozens of different items and is the most affordable option in our lineup. It also comes in other styles. Like its predecessor models, the lid can be difficult to lock and the lack of an on/off button is definite a downside. Some newer models like the Instant Pot Pro fix some of these issues with the addition of an on/off button, pressure notifications and a simpler lid, but come at a higher price point.
- Functions 7
- Weight 11.8 lbs
- Dimensions 12.2"D x 13.38"W x 12.48"H
- Capacity 6 quarts
- Can air fryer in addition to pressure cook
- Lid holder is convenient
- Easy to wash thanks to nonstick coating
- On the bulkier side, hard to store
This stainless-steel multi-cooker boasts a contemporary design that’s intuitive to use and yields consistent results. It comes with a crisping lid, pressure lid, nonstick cook and crisp plate, and a nesting broil rack. It has 11 pre-set functions, including pressure cook, air fry/air crisp, steam, slow cook, yogurt, sear/saute, bake/roast, broil, dehydrate, sous vide and keep warm. We appreciated the roomy 6.5-quart capacity, enough to hold a 5-pound whole chicken or 6-pound roast, or to air fry 3 pounds of hand-cut French fries (4.6-quart capacity with crisper plate). It performed well during the cook test, yielding evenly cooked, fluffy rice with minimal clumps, golden-crisp fries, and tender chickpeas. We found that we needed to add a few extra minutes cook time to the pressure-cooked chicken breast recipe, but once cooked, they were juicy and shredded easily. We liked that the crisping lid is attached to the base, and easily lifts up and automatically pauses during cooking. All accessories, as well as the inner cooking pot, are dishwasher safe, but the nonstick finish on the inner pot and crisping plate makes hand-washing a cinch. We also appreciated the rubber seal’s dark gray color which suggests it can stave off discoloring. Like most multi-cookers, this unit an investment in terms of cost and counter space, but it offers great value for money and solid performance.
- Functions 11
- Weight 22.1 lbs
- Dimensions 13.98"D x 16.18"W x 13.23"H
- Capacity 6.5 quarts
- Simple, sleek interface
- Multiple colorways
- Solid pressure cooking performance
- Doesn't have many presets
- Pricey
This is a gorgeous, high-powered machine that performed well in all of our tests. It yielded tender, juicy chicken and moist, toothsome rice. It’s easy to use and operate and looks chic sitting on your countertop. However, it doesn’t have as many functions as a standard Instant Pot, doesn’t come with any included accessories and costs about $100 more. If you’re looking for a simple machine that is aesthetically pleasing and operates with few easy functions, this is a great option. If you’re looking for a more complex, utilitarian gadget that offers a ton of preset functions, you’ll want to select one of the competing models in this review.
- Functions 4
- Weight 12.9 lbs
- Dimensions 15.2"H x 12.4"D x 13.3"W
- Capacity 6 quarts
- Many presets and functions
- Lid is easier to lock and unlock
- Start button
- Pricier than other Instant Pots
- Likely won't use most presets
The Instant Pot Pro takes everything you already love about Instant Pot and brings it up a notch. With 10 cooking functions (including unique options like sous vide and bake), 27 cooking presets and 5 customizable "favorites," this multicooker is stocked with plenty of options to help you cook to perfection. We loved the stainless steel cooking pot with heat-resistant silicone handles and the intuitive touch controls that make it easy to navigate the plethora of options without it feeling laborious. This is a great pressure cooker for someone looking for some of those extra features and cooking functions without having to deal with the complications of required apps or difficult-to-navigate screens.
- Functions 10
- Weight 13.2 lbs
- Dimensions 13"D x 12.7"W x 12.8"H
- Capacity 6 quarts
- Can sync with phone to cook recipes using smart tech
- Pressure cooker performance was good
- Tech can be confusing for some
- Pricey
The packaging tells you this machine is going to be sleek and modern. All-black with a seamless digital interface that communicates every stage of cooking, it’s the smartest model we tested and performed well in all our tests. The inner pot is non-stick and owners can download the CHEF iQ app to their phone and sync with the multi-cooker to access recipes and more than 100 presets. It can also store your favorite recipes and even has a built-in scale to make instant calculations and suggested settings and cooking times if you're winging it.
- Functions 10
- Weight 10.4 lbs
- Dimensions 13"D x 12.7"W x 12.8"H
- Capacity 6 quarts
- Easy-to-use digital interface
- Stainless steel design is sleek on countertop
- High price point
Breville has made an impressive looking machine; almost all stainless steel, its solid and well-built. With six features and 12 pressure cooking settings, it performed very well in almost all our tests — tender chickpeas and nicely cooked chicken — but the rice closest to the bottom of the inner pot was just slightly overcooked. The digital interface is super intuitive and easy to program, and the lid opens, closes and locks with ease. If you’re a seasoned multi-cooker looking for an upgrade, this is a model to consider.
- Functions 11
- Weight 14 lbs
- Dimensions 12.5"D x 13.5"W x 14"H
- Capacity 6 quarts
What to Consider Before Buying an Electric Pressure Cooker
Size
Multicookers tend to be bulky and heavy, so you’ll want to consider the overall footprint to determine whether you can allocate countertop space or if cupboard storage is required. Some units have multiple, interchangeable lids to toggle between pressure cooking or air frying; depending on the design, some units may take up more space than others. You’ll also want to consider the interior size and capacity of the inner cooking pot and fry basket or crisper plate. A standard 6-quart unit is typically adequate for cooking for 4 to 6 people.
Functions & Pre-Sets Programs
Multicookers come with preset programs that allow you to switch between different functions, such as pressure cook, slow cook, sear/saute, air crisp and dehydrate. Some also include preset programs to take the guesswork out of standard dishes such as rice, yogurt, or stew. Most electric pressure cookers also include controls to allow users to manually adjust pressure levels, temperature and time. Many user manuals also include helpful cooking charts outlining suggested time and temperature for a number of common dishes.
Cleaning & Care
Multicookers’ various parts — silicone gaskets, pot insert, fry basket, lids — often have different cleaning requirements, so be sure to assess whether the parts are billed as dishwasher safe or hand-wash or wipe-clean only. Even if parts are labelled as dishwasher safe, many manufacturers recommend hand washing the interior pot and avoiding metal intensive to protect the surface from scratches.
Accessories
Read the product description to find out exactly what’s included with your pressure cooker. Standard accessories include the inner cooking pot, air fryer basket, pressure cooker lid, and air fryer lid, but many come with additional accessories including an extra ring seal, gasket, or wire rack.
Price
Like most kitchen appliances, expect to pay more for multicookers with extra bells and whistles, such as pressure notifications, streamlined design, and additional pre-set program functions.
FAQs
Is an electric pressure cooker the same thing as an Instant Pot?
Like Kleenex and Q-tip, Instant Pot has become synonomous with electric pressure cooker. Instant Pot is a line of electric pressure cookers sold by the parent company Instant Brands. Many people refer to electric pressure cookers and multicookers as "Instant Pots."
What's the best Instant Pot?
We've tested a variety of Instant Pot models on the market and believe that the Instant Pot Duo model is best for most people. It's reasonably priced, comes with eight presets and a yogurt function and has an easy-to-use button-style display. Many of our pressure cooker recipes developed by Food Network Kitchen were developed using a 6-quart Instant Pot Duo model.
How do you clean an electric pressure cooker?
While we have cleaned our fair share of pressure cookers and have detailed directions, we recommend following the manufacturer's instructions when cleaning your electric pressure cooker first and foremost. Most models have a removable insert that is dishwasher safe. You'll also want to remove the sealing ring and gasket, if possible, for a more thorough clean. If you use your electric pressure cooker for sweet and savory dishes, you may want multiple sealing rings to avoid flavor transfer. Be sure to never submerge your electric pressure cooker base in water.
What can you make in an electric pressure cooker?
Pressure cooker recipes can be endless. You can use an electric pressure cooker to make breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. We recommend starting with simpler recipes that only require pressure cooking to get used to the machine before attempting recipes for complicated foods like yogurt.
Is pressure cooking healthy?
Like many cooking methods, pressure cooking can be healthy depending on what you're cooking. Making high-fat or high-sugar recipes in a pressure cooker will not make them healthier.
