I was skeptical about pressure cookers when they first hit the market with new names like “Instant” pot, but after months of resisting despite friends’ rave reviews of this must-have gadget that promises to save energy and cook exceptionally nutritious food in a fraction of the usual time, I broke down and bought one have never looked back. These things rock!
Before researching pressure cookers, I had only faint memories of my mom using one in the 1970’s. The hissing sound of the pressure regulator on the lid made her fear it would explode.
Of course it didn't, but the seed of worry was planted and I had to know if these cookers are safe.
They absolutely are! Today’s pressure cookers are engineered for the utmost in safety, so relax—it’s all good. The trick to buying the right one, however, is knowing which features you need.
Pressure cookers come in all sizes with features from the most basic to all the bells and whistles with things to consider like capacity, finish, one-touch functions, reliability, cost and more!
So, let’s get started by reviewing the top 10 best pressure cookers on the market in 2021.
Product | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
OUR #1 RATED  Instant Pot DUO Pressure Cooker | 4.5 out of 5 | |
 Power Pressure Cooker XL | 4 out of 5 | |
 Fagor LUX Multi-Cooker | 4 out of 5 | |
 Instant Pot Ultra 6 Pressure Cooker | 4 out of 5 | |
 Presto 01370 Pressure Cooker | 3.5 out of 5 |
Mueller 10-in-1 Pro Series 18 Pressure Cooker
Multi-function cookers can do it all and this Mueller Pro Series model is no exception with 18 programmable functions that can bake, slow cook, pressure cook, warm and sterilize for canning.
It's heavy 18/10 stainless steel construction provides superior durability and heat distribution while the ceramic-coated interior is free of chemical additives and makes cleanup a breeze, especially when browning meat in the pot before pressure cooking.
The exterior of the pot feels sturdy and the surfaces clean-up nicely. Extras include a rack for layering multiple foods and a tempered glass lid for non-pressure functions.
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Mealthy Pressure Cooker
The 6-quart Meathly multifunction cooker is an ideal size for 2-6, making it flexible enough for daily use or to entertain guests.
Billed as a 9 in 1 appliance, like most pressure cookers on the list it will slow cook, sauté, pasteurize and warm with 14 easy cooking programs that are a cinch to operate.
Newcomers to pressure cooking will appreciate the extra instructional materials that come with it, including a simple quick-start guide, a mobile app, and step-by-step online videos to help you make the most out of this versatile appliance. Bonuses include an extra gasket, steamer basket, and a rice paddle.a
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Instant Pot LUX60V3 Programmable Pressure Cooker
Instant Pot is the maker that brought multi-function pressure cookers to popularity, so it’s no surprise their pots are loaded with the most desirable features.
Ideal for 4-6 people, this ultra-safe 6-quart cooker has an 18/10 stainless steel pot with no chemical coating. The 3-ply bottom helps distribute heat evenly and prevent the scorching that can occur during gentle applications such as cooking rice or eggs.
Built with dependable 3rd generation microprocessor technology, the 10 built-in programs, and 24-hour timer are simple to use and not overwhelming for the new user. Extras include a stainless steel steam rack, rice paddle, recipe booklet and more.
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Crock-Pot 6 Qt 8-in-1 Pressure Cooker
The crockpot people have come up with a winner for buyers wanting a pressure cooker to replace a crockpot or who weigh slow cooking function a bit higher on their list of priority pressure cooker features.
This competitively-priced model can handle the most popular functions and it's able to brown meat right in the nonstick, dishwasher-safe pot. The one clear drawback to this model is the lack of a manual override function that allows the user to tweak cooking time.
If you’re a beginner looking for easy programmed options, it’s a great choice, but more advanced cooks may feel restricted.
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COSORI 6 Qt Premium 8-in-1 Pressure Cooker
This COSORI cooker is well-made with the most popular features most cooks want at a budget-friendly price of less than $60.
It has 17 pre-programmed functions but boasts two manual modes and a few safety extras including a microprocessor that lets you know if the lid is not securely locked. The temperature reads in both Fahrenheit and Celsius, a plus for travelers.
Overall, quality of the interior pot is just a just a little less solid than others being made of 18/8 stainless steel instead of 18/10, however, practically speaking, unless you are a heavy user, it’s a solid pot.
Extras include a stainless steel steam rack, tempered glass lid for slow cooking, extra sealing ring, and more.
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Presto 01370 Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker
If you’d like to try pressure cooking but are intimidated by the electronic display, the simplicity of this classic eight quart Presto fits the bill.
It’s a very sturdy, simple stainless steel cooker that hearkens back to a generation when things were made to last. A thick tri-clad base delivers uniform heating for consistent results and it sits solidly on either glass range tops or traditional burners.
The safety features are as comprehensive as electric pots and include a cover lock indicator that prevents the cover from being opened until the pressure has been reduced to a safe level. Extras include a stainless steel steaming basket and well-written instruction book with recipes.
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Instant Pot Ultra 6 Pressure Cooker
This Instant Pot is one of the most advanced multi-function cookers available. At about $150, it has features that have been refined to reflect years of feedback from cooks who know what makes a great pressure cooker.
Built with the latest microprocessor technology, the pre-programming is not only more precise and reliable, but the pot features a simple central dial that allows cooks to easily adjust cooking time. Other new features include enhanced programs for baking cakes a making eggs.
The 18/8 steel pot isn’t nonstick and it may not be the industry's best, but it's food safe and will still provide excellent performance and durability. Extras include a steam rack and recipe booklet.
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Fagor LUX Multi-Cooker
This Fagor Multi-Cooker is a solid choice, but at about $140, it lacks some of the flexibility and features found in the other pots on the list.
Cooking time is limited to 99 minutes which is adequate for most functions, but low for select uses. It warms for up to 12 hours, but the timer can only be preset for up to six hours in advance.
Overall, it’s respectable initial performance, but the price seems hefty given what other models offer at a lower price.
My concern with this unit is its spotty reliability and issues with customer service. Some users have had excellent results with the product, but there are safer bets on the list.
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Power Pressure Cooker XL
The Power Pressure Cooker XL is available in sizes from six to ten quarts and it does everything a multi-pot should do including slow cooking, but while it claims to create a hyper-pressurized environment to lock in flavor and nutrients, the specifications don’t suggest it does anything much different than other pots.
I’m comfortable with the overall construction and safety features of this cooker, but the nonstick Teflon coating is thin and users have reported flaking after just a few uses.
Since unstable Teflon coatings have been subject to a potential health concern, I would be wary of this given other choices in the same price range without this issue.
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Instant Pot DUO Plus 60 Pressure Cooker
Instapot continues to create quality multi-function pressure cookers with refined features that top its prior models. This Instapot DUO has the same quality construction, safety features and general functions that we’ve come to expect from the Instapot brand, but a few specific improvements have made it a user favorite.
It’s 15 programs now require fewer buttons to press and routines are controlled with improved microprocessors for more consistent results, especially with fragile items like cakes and eggs.
The LCD display screen is larger and the bright blue color improves readability. And in a high-tech first, this cooker can be linked to Amazon’s Alexa for guided cooking.
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Which Pressure Cooker Should You Buy?
Now that the homework’s been done, it’s time to take the plunge and choose a pressure cooker that will help you put delicious and nutritious food on the table faster than you thought was possible.
While you won’t go wrong with any of the Instapot brand pressure cookers, I like the Mueller 10-in-1 Pro Series 18 for it's quality construction, a wide range of features and irresistible, budget-friendly price.
So, put the pots and pans away and let a new pressure cooker give you both the great meal you want and the time you deserve to enjoy it!
Lauren Gamble is an author, mompreneur, co-founder of Naturally Made Essentials. She is on a mission to help thousands of women across the world achieve a healthy, happy lifestyle through teaching natural health practices.
