How do pressure cookers work?

First, a quick chemistry lesson. A pressure cooker is a pot with a gasket used to seal a tight-fitting lid, thus trapping heat and moisture while cooking. "With that tight seal, you're cooking under extreme pressure because steam does not escape. The boiling point of water goes up beyond the normally expected 212º Fahrenheit, which happens at standard atmospheric pressure," Nguyen says. "You cook faster; as a result, flavors are extracted well, and there's little evaporation." This makes pressure cookers a smart choice for preparing tougher meats, like briskets or rump roast. Some countertop styles resemble mini-robots with multiple functions and features, while stovetop models often have automated temperature and pressure control without the frills.

Are pressure cookers dangerous?

"Pressure cookers can be dangerous," says Rondeno, "As the pressure is released, it can result in steam burns and liquids releasing if not careful. Modern technology has made it safe for pressure cookers to be used by consumers." Times have changed, but it's still key to pay attention to the instructions and use proper care while cooking. "Our family had one in the 1970s that blew its lid off," Nguyen says, "By comparison, modern pressure cookers are easy to operate and very safe. You just need to read the instructions manual and follow them when operating the cooker, whether it's a stovetop model or an electric one." Powell has similar advice, "Expanding rubber gaskets, locking lids and timers help make this a safe product. Always follow the directions for each pressure cooker that you are using."

Are Instant Pots considered pressure cookers?

Yes. As a multi-cooker, the Instant Pot can function as a rice cooker, slow cooker, air fryer, and more. But, pressure cooking is its primary purpose.

What are the benefits of using a pressure cooker?

Rondeno notes that using a pressure cooker saves you time in the kitchen, as it cooks food fast and doesn't require much hands-on work. Another key benefit is that pressure cookers amp up the flavor of a dish. As Nguyen says, "Electric multi-cookers are great for set-it-and-forget-it modes of cooking. You do need to play with it when using one on a recipe not designed for pressure cooking to avoid overcooking things. Once you get the hang of it, the cooker can be a BFF for folks who want and need to put food on the table fast."

Which is better, a slow cooker or a pressure cooker?

This depends on your preferences, but building flavor in a slow cooker is more difficult than in a pressure cooker. The lower temperature of the slow cooker keeps food from browning and sauces from thickening. Also, most modern pressure cookers are multi-cookers that are much more versatile than slow cookers with settings ranging from air frying to making yogurt to slow cooking, meaning you don't have to choose one of these cooking methods over the other, after all.

Can you cook raw meat in a pressure cooker?

You can cook all kinds of raw meat, as well as frozen raw meat, in a pressure cooker.

The 7 Best Pressure Cookers for 2024

Like kitchen magicians, pressure cookers can turn tough cuts of meat tender in stews, bubble broth for pho in a flash, caramelize onions easily, and more, reducing your cooking and clean-up time. These appliances use moisture, heat, and pressure to cook food in a fraction of the time of conventional cooking methods. Pre-programmed settings and built-in safety features take the guesswork out of cooking and provide consistency.

We consulted industry experts and chefs to evaluate the best pressure cookers based on cooking style, safety, storage, and ease of use, considering various experience levels. Whether you are entertaining, cooking for one, or feeding a family, these are our favorite pressure cookers to get the job done.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Instant Pot 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker at Amazon ($170)

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Best Value:

Presto Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker at Amazon ($62)

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Best for Experienced Cooks:

Breville Fast Slow Pro at Amazon ($300)

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Best Splurge:

Mepra 1950 Stove Top Pressure Cooker at Food52 ($400)

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Best with Air Fryer:

Instant Pot Pro Crisp & Air Fryer 8-Quart Multi-Use Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer at Amazon ($172)

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Best Stovetop:

T-Fal Pressure Cooker at Amazon ($72)

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Best Large Capacity:

Ninja Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 8-Quart XL Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer at Amazon ($247)

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Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice/Grain Cooker, Steamer, SautÃ©, Sous Vide, Yogurt Maker, Sterilizer, and Warmer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Black, 8 Quart

Amazon

View On Amazon $170 View On Williams-Sonoma $170 View On Walmart $150

Pros

Set it and forget that it's even cooking thanks to 11 safety features, including a new model update to steam value release. It also shows real-time cooking progress.

Cons

It takes up a lot of space on the counter and wherever you store it. The sous vide function can be inconsistent.

Equipped with 28 smart program settings for specific pressure levels and cook times, the Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure and Slow Cooker gives you greater control over your cooking while taking care of the work for you. You also have the option to control cook times manually through "natural" or "quick" steam release. Plus, Instant Brands improved this new model's steam value release button for safety during the quick-release mode. Other safety features protect from overheating, though it's important to maintain proper liquid levels and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

In fact, this multi-cooker boasts a total of 11 safety features and five programmable settings for your favorite go-to meals. Its presets are perfect for soups, stews, and meats. The sauté function allows you to brown meats and toast spices in the pot before pressure cooking. Clean-up is easy with a dishwasher-safe lid, removable inner pot, and accessories. This 8-quart model can cook for a crowd or carry you through weekday meal prep.

"Many things that can be made in a slow cooker can be made fast in a pressure cooker: stews, beans, and bone broth," says cookbook author and food writer Andrea Nguyen. "I adore the cooker for noodle soup broth – hello pho! – and vegetable stock. It's fantastic for quickly cooking beets. I never roast them anymore! I also regularly use my Instant Pot multi-cooker for yogurt."

Capacity: 8 quarts | Dimensions: 14.4 x 13.9 x 14.2 inches | Weight: 21.2 pounds | Presets: Pressure cook, slow cook, sous vide, sauté, sterilize, make yogurt, warm food, bake cake, and steam

Presto 6-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker

Amazon

View On Amazon $62 View On Walmart $65 View On Wayfair $62

Pros

This stovetop pressure cooker can go in the dishwasher and is fully immersible in water for quick cooling. A side handle makes it easy to transport.

Cons

This basic model requires more oversight while cooking, and it doesn't have pre-programmable features or presets.

If you would prefer a no-frills stovetop pressure cooker that's still spacious enough for larger cuts of meat, the reliable Presto 6-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker offers quality and function for a great price. Durable scratch-resistant stainless steel allows for even heating and cooking and can be used on a regular or induction stovetop. It includes a safety cover lock that reduces steam before you open it, and you can immerse this dishwasher-safe model for quick cooling. It comes with a convenient rubber side handle for easy transport, and it has a cooking rack insert so you can prepare several foods at once. Its streamlined design also means it's especially simple to use.

"I love my Presto 6-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker. It's easy to use, easy to clean, and saves me so much time on some of my favorite foods," says chef and food stylist Tasha Powell. "Also, this product has a legacy in my family, as my mom made stews with this product while I was growing up."

Capacity: 6 quarts | Dimensions: 17.31 x 9.12 x 8.75 inches | Weight: 5.32 pounds | Presets: None

Breville BPR700BSS Fast Slow Pro Slow Cooker

Amazon

View On Amazon $300 View On Wayfair $300 View On Breville.com

Pros

This appliance weds style and smarts for a premium cooking experience. Choose from a number of settings on an easy-to-read LCD display.

Cons

Our most expensive pick, it's more of an investment than beginner cooks will want to make. It also takes up more space than other 6-quart models.

Breville's sophisticated brushed stainless steel pressure cooker boasts 11 preset cooking functions and several bonus features, from sous vide mode to built-in sensors that automatically adjust time and temperature settings. Whether you choose presets through its interactive LCD panel or custom settings for more precise control, your meals will come together quickly and consistently delicious. With its slow setting, this multi-cooker can function like a traditional crockpot, yet it also lets you sear and brown right in the removable cooking vessel.

Its safety system includes a locking lid, a hands-free steam release valve, and an additional safety valve. A wide, wrap-around container keeps countertops clean from cooking liquids. The keep-warm function turns on automatically when the time is up. Even during cooking, the handles are cool to touch.

Capacity: 6 quarts | Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 13 inches | Weight: 14 pounds | Presets: Pressure cook, slow cook, steam, reduce, sauté, warm, roast, and bake

Food52

View On Food52 $400 View On Wayfair $400 View On Nordstrom

Pros

This attractive Italian pressure cooker is easy to use and clean, oven safe, and suitable for all stove types.

Cons

It requires more oversight when you're cooking, and it lacks presets.

This ultra-sleek Italian-made stainless steel pressure cooker would make a seamless addition to any design-forward kitchen. The Mepra Pressure Cooker 1950 has the added function of being oven-safe up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and it's compatible with gas, induction, and electric stovetops. While you sacrifice the bells and whistles associated with modern electronic multi-cookers, you gain an eye-catching design that can go from stove to table.

"Pressure cookers are typically used for cooking items quickly, such as short ribs or oxtails. I use it mostly for braised items," says chef Ryan Rondeno.

Capacity: 7.4 quarts | Dimensions: 9 x 8.75 inches | Weights: 6.9 pounds | Presets: None

Instant Pot Pro Crisp & Air Fryer 8-Quart Multi-Use Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer

Amazon

View On Amazon $172 View On Target $230 View On Williams-Sonoma $270

Pros

Use this appliance to finish slow- or pressure-cooked food with a crisp exterior. It replaces multiple appliances.

Cons

With two lids, it takes up a lot of counter and storage space, and it's relatively heavy.

A built-in air fryer gives the Instant Pot Pro Crisp XL 8 Quart an edge over other models. This powerful, user-friendly multi-cooker lets you broil, bake, roast, toast, sauté, sous vide, dehydrate, steam, slow cook, and more. Swapping its lid transforms it into the air fryer. Its crisper technology and 8-quart capacity are ideal for large meal prep and entertaining. A dual frying function browns and crisps the food's exterior, enhancing its look and taste. Its five programmable settings let you save your special recipe presets.

Accessories such as a multi-use steam rack, a multi-level air fryer basket with a dehydrating and broiling tray, and a heat-resistant protective pad and storage cover are valuable bonuses. Removable parts are dishwasher-safe. This multi-cooker will become a fast favorite if you're an appliance minimalist.

Capacity: 8 quarts | Dimensions: 15.35 x 12.57 x 14.78 inches | Weight: 26.2 pounds | Presets: Pressure cook, sauté, steam, slow cook, sous vide, warm, air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate

T-fal P4500736 Clipso Stainless Steel Dishwasher Safe PTFE PFOA and Cadmium Free 12-PSI Pressure Cooker Cookware, 6.3-Quart, Silver

Amazon

View On Amazon $72 View On Walmart $83 View On Wayfair $95

Pros

Sturdy plastic handles don't get hot, and its steam valve release is easy and safe to use with one hand.

Cons

It needs supervision while cooking. Pressure issues can result without enough liquid.

Holding just over 6 quarts, the T-fal Clipso Pressure Cooker makes a reliable mid-range option for batch cooking and feeding a crowd. If you want to forgo the fancier functions of multi-cookers, you'll find this streamlined pressure cooker easy to use, clean, and store. It includes a steam basket and stand for more cooking options. The inner encapsulated base heats evenly and is compatible with any cooktop, including induction. It automatically shifts to keep cooked food warm. Comfortable side handle grips, a steam release valve that requires just one hand, and an automatic locking function improve the safety of this appliance.

Capacity: 6.3 quarts | Dimensions: 14.47 x 11.35 x 8.89 inches | Weight: 7.7 pounds | Presets: None

Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 8-qt. XL Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer with SmartLid

Amazon

View On Amazon $247 View On Walmart $150 View On Macy's $200

Pros

It has the capacity to cook large servings or three dishes at once. With a steam/crisp setting, you don't have to worry about food drying out.

Cons

The lid doesn't have a handle, which would make opening it easier.

Whether you're planning a gathering, feeding a family, or preparing meals to eat all week, the Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 8-Quart XL Pressure Cooker handles big-batch recipes with ease. It also has three racks that you can use to make three dishes at once when you're not cooking large servings. Like other multi-cookers, this option allows you to pressure cook, air fry, saute, cook rice, and make yogurt. A complement to air frying, a steam/crisp setting helps meats reach a crisp while remaining juicy. You can also add accessories like a baking mat and muffin mold to make the appliance even more versatile.

Capacity: 8 quarts | Dimensions: 15.4 x 14.2 x 14.3 inches | Weight: 25.1 pounds | Presets: Pressure cook, steam and crisp, steam and bake, air fry, broil, bake/roast, dehydrate, sauté/sear, steam, sous vide, slow cook, and make yogurt

Our Favorite Pressure Cooker

Saving time is the number one reason to invest in a pressure cooker. Yet, you will also get the added bonuses of easier clean-up, improved meal prepping, and less effort in bringing delicious meals to the table. With this in mind, we consider the Instant Pot Pro Pressure Cooker the overall best option for a multi-cooker and the T-fal Clipso Pressure Cooker the overall best stovetop pressure cooker.

Factors to Consider

Your cooking style matters. Multi-functional electric pressure cookers are ideal for "set it and forget it" cooking. There is a short learning curve to master the machine depending on the number of presets and programmable functions. The time saved cooking, however, is worth the initial trial and error. Stovetop pressure cookers, on the other hand, are low-tech yet need more supervision while cooking. Stovetop options require no counter space, are often used by professional chefs, and many are compatible with induction stovetops. Plus, being able to submerge the whole unit in water for quick cooling is an advantage of stovetop models.

There is a small learning curve. Many challenges with stovetop pressure cookers are due to user error and inexperience. They are less foolproof and require more time to master than their electric counterparts. Chefs tend to prefer stovetop pressure cookers and, of course, being present during cooking. For home cooks drawn to hands-off convenience, electric pressure cookers take the guesswork out of cooking and offer pre-programmed settings, from baking to air frying, with no need for prior experience.

As with any appliance, safety and space are considerations. Manufacturers now equip pressure cookers with safety features, so you don't have to vet newer models for locking lids, quick-release steam valves, and the like. Otherwise, safety depends on following the manufacturer's instructions. Once you determine your pressure cooker style and needs, don't forget about how much counter space and storage space it will require. Also, don't plug the fancy coffee maker and electric pressure cooker into the same outlet unless you have ample power.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do pressure cookers work?

First, a quick chemistry lesson. A pressure cooker is a pot with a gasket used to seal a tight-fitting lid, thus trapping heat and moisture while cooking. "With that tight seal, you're cooking under extreme pressure because steam does not escape. The boiling point of water goes up beyond the normally expected 212º Fahrenheit, which happens at standard atmospheric pressure," Nguyen says. "You cook faster; as a result, flavors are extracted well, and there's little evaporation."

This makes pressure cookers a smart choice for preparing tougher meats, like briskets or rump roast. Some countertop styles resemble mini-robots with multiple functions and features, while stovetop models often have automated temperature and pressure control without the frills.
Are pressure cookers dangerous?

"Pressure cookers can be dangerous," says Rondeno, "As the pressure is released, it can result in steam burns and liquids releasing if not careful. Modern technology has made it safe for pressure cookers to be used by consumers." Times have changed, but it's still key to pay attention to the instructions and use proper care while cooking.

"Our family had one in the 1970s that blew its lid off," Nguyen says, "By comparison, modern pressure cookers are easy to operate and very safe. You just need to read the instructions manual and follow them when operating the cooker, whether it's a stovetop model or an electric one." Powell has similar advice, "Expanding rubber gaskets, locking lids and timers help make this a safe product. Always follow the directions for each pressure cooker that you are using."
Are Instant Pots considered pressure cookers?

Yes. As a multi-cooker, the Instant Pot can function as a rice cooker, slow cooker, air fryer, and more. But, pressure cooking is its primary purpose.
What are pressure cookers used for?

Pressure cookers are used to speed up the time it takes to cook dishes like stews, beans, stocks, and braised meats. Large meats, from whole chickens to racks of ribs, are often cooked in these appliances, too.

"Many things that can be made in a slow cooker can be made fast in a pressure cooker — stews, beans, and bone broth, for example," says Nguyen "I adore the cooker for noodle soup broth (hello pho!) and vegetable stock. It's fantastic for quickly cooking beets (I never roast them anymore!). I regularly use my Instant Pot multi-cooker for yogurt."
What are the benefits of using a pressure cooker?

Rondeno notes that using a pressure cooker saves you time in the kitchen, as it cooks food fast and doesn't require much hands-on work. Another key benefit is that pressure cookers amp up the flavor of a dish. As Nguyen says, "Electric multi-cookers are great for set-it-and-forget-it modes of cooking. You do need to play with it when using one on a recipe not designed for pressure cooking to avoid overcooking things. Once you get the hang of it, the cooker can be a BFF for folks who want and need to put food on the table fast."
Which is better, a slow cooker or a pressure cooker?

This depends on your preferences, but building flavor in a slow cooker is more difficult than in a pressure cooker. The lower temperature of the slow cooker keeps food from browning and sauces from thickening. Also, most modern pressure cookers are multi-cookers that are much more versatile than slow cookers with settings ranging from air frying to making yogurt to slow cooking, meaning you don't have to choose one of these cooking methods over the other, after all.
Can you cook raw meat in a pressure cooker?

You can cook all kinds of raw meat, as well as frozen raw meat, in a pressure cooker.

Our Expertise

Industry experts, user feedback, and extensive market research guided this review of the best pressure cookers. We evaluated pressure cookers on cooking style, safety, storage, and ease of use, keeping in mind various levels of experience. From there, we narrowed our selection to the seven best-performing pressure cookers in categories relevant to home cooks.

Kara Mickelson is a recipe developer, producer, writer, and food stylist, an alumnus of UCLA and Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts, and the creator of Styled Delicious, a boutique culinary brand. She is a professional chef, food stylist, and creative content producer. She trained in Spain, and in Napa at the famed French Laundry, and has worked behind the scenes with top Food Network chefs.