An electric pressure cooker is a true game-changer for the modern home kitchen. These versatile appliances dramatically cut down cooking times while infusing flavors into your favorite meals. From busy weeknight dinners to preparing ingredients for meal prep, they streamline the entire cooking process.
With so many models on the market, selecting the right one can be a challenge. To help you decide, we’ve compiled a list of the top performers, evaluating them on functionality, capacity, safety, and ease of use. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, there’s a perfect electric pressure cooker for your needs.
Our Top Electric Pressure Cooker Picks
- Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
- Simple Deluxe 12-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
- COSORI Pressure Cooker 6QT, 9-in-1 Multi Cooker
- COMFEE’ 16 in 1 Electric Pressure Cooker
- DUMOS 16-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker 8 QT
- Crock-Pot 8-Quart Multi-Use XL Express Crock
- Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
- Ninja Foodi 8-Quart 9-in-1 Deluxe XL Pressure Cooker
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
The Instant Pot Duo is a household name for a reason, offering exceptional versatility in a single appliance. It consolidates seven functions, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and making yogurt, which reduces countertop clutter. With 13 one-touch smart programs, preparing everything from soups to cakes is straightforward and consistent.
Safety and ease of use are central to its design. The Easy-Release steam switch allows for fast and simple steam release after cooking. Its 6-quart capacity is ideal for small to medium-sized families, and the included app with over 800 recipes provides endless culinary inspiration.
Simple Deluxe 12-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
For those seeking maximum functionality and easy cleanup, the Simple Deluxe multi-cooker is a strong contender. Its 12-in-1 functionality goes beyond basic pressure cooking to include sautéing, steaming, and working as a rice cooker. The durable stainless steel build ensures it will be a part of your kitchen for years to come.
The standout feature is its dishwasher-safe design. The non-stick inner pot and lid can be placed in the dishwasher, making post-meal cleanup incredibly simple. This is a major benefit for anyone with a busy schedule who wants to minimize time spent on kitchen chores.
COSORI Pressure Cooker 6QT, 9-in-1 Multi Cooker
COSORI has engineered this 9-in-1 multi cooker with a strong emphasis on safety and user-friendly design. It handles a wide range of tasks, from pressure cooking and steaming to the more specialized sous vide function. The ceramic inner pot is durable and provides a naturally non-stick cooking surface.
Safety is a key highlight, featuring 12 protective mechanisms. The venting design is particularly thoughtful, with the seal/vent button positioned away from the steam release valve and a backward-angled steam path to direct vapor safely away from the user. Cleaning is also simplified with a fingerprint-resistant housing and dishwasher-safe components.
COMFEE’ 16 in 1 Electric Pressure Cooker
If you have a larger family or frequently entertain guests, the COMFEE’ 8-quart pressure cooker is an excellent choice. Its generous capacity can handle meals for 6-8 people with ease. With 16 programmable preset functions, it offers incredible versatility for cooking a vast array of dishes, from meats and broths to oatmeal and grains.
You can cook with confidence thanks to its comprehensive suite of 10 safety features. These include overheat protection and an automatic pressure release system, which work together to ensure a secure cooking process every time you use it.
DUMOS 16-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker 8 QT
The DUMOS electric pressure cooker is built with durability as a primary focus. Its robust stainless steel construction is designed to resist stains and corrosion, promising long-term reliability for daily cooking tasks. The 8-quart capacity makes it perfectly suited for family meals, meal prepping, and entertaining.
This model offers extensive functionality with 16 cooking programs, providing the flexibility to prepare a wide variety of recipes. It’s a sturdy and dependable kitchen appliance that combines a sleek, modern look with practical performance for handling everything from large roasts to hearty stews.
Crock-Pot 8-Quart Multi-Use XL Express Crock
From the brand that perfected slow cooking, the Crock-Pot Express Crock brings trusted performance to pressure cooking. Its spacious 8-quart size is designed to feed 10 or more people, making it a time-saving solution for larger households and social gatherings. It functions as an all-in-one appliance with the ability to pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, and steam.
A standout feature is the Manual Pressure function, which gives you full control by allowing you to set any cooking time at either high or low pressure. This level of customization is perfect for experienced cooks who like to fine-tune their recipes and experiment in the kitchen.
Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
As an upgrade to the classic Duo, the Instant Pot Duo Plus offers even more features and cooking options. This 9-in-1 multi-cooker builds on the trusted foundation with an intuitive control panel and added versatility. It maintains the same reliable safety features and user-friendly design that the brand is known for.
The 6-quart size is a popular and practical choice for most families. With its expanded functionality, it can handle a broader range of cooking techniques, making it a great central appliance for a home cook looking to expand their repertoire without adding more gadgets to the kitchen.
Ninja Foodi 8-Quart 9-in-1 Deluxe XL Pressure Cooker
The Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL is a powerhouse appliance known for its ability to perform multiple cooking functions, including pressure cooking and air frying in some models. This particular 8-quart version provides ample space for large meals and includes nine versatile cooking programs. It’s engineered for high performance and consistent results.
Ideal for those who appreciate robust kitchen tools, the Ninja Foodi is built to handle demanding cooking tasks with ease. Its large capacity and multi-functionality make it a favorite for preparing complete, flavorful meals efficiently, especially for families and entertainers.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Electric Pressure Cooker for Your Home
So, you’re thinking about getting one of the best electric pressure cookers for home use. That’s a smart move. These things are seriously versatile and can cut down your cooking time by a huge amount. But with so many models on the market, how do you pick the right one? I’ve found that focusing on a few key features makes the decision a lot easier.
First, consider the size. Electric pressure cookers are usually measured in quarts. For one or two people, a 3-quart model is often plenty. For a small family, a 6-quart model is the sweet spot and the most common size. It’s big enough for a whole chicken or a decent-sized pot roast. If you frequently cook for a crowd or like to make large batches for meal prepping, you might want to look at an 8-quart version. Just remember, a larger cooker takes up more counter space.
Next, look at the functions. Most modern electric pressure cookers are multi-cookers. This means they don’t just pressure cook; they also slow cook, sauté, steam, and make rice. Some high-end models even have air frying and baking capabilities. Think about what you’ll actually use. If you’re a fan of crispy foods, a model with an air fryer lid could be a game-changer. If you just want simple, fast pressure cooking, a basic model will save you money and be less complicated to use.
The control panel is another big one. You’ll find two main types: analog dials and digital touchpads. I personally prefer digital controls because they offer more precision with settings like adjustable pressure levels and programmable timers. They also often come with pre-set programs for things like “Soup,” “Beans/Chili,” or “Yogurt,” which can be really handy. Analog models are straightforward but offer less control.
Safety features are non-negotiable. A good electric pressure cooker should have multiple safety mechanisms. Look for things like lid-locking, which prevents you from opening the lid while there’s still pressure inside. Pressure release valves, overheat protection, and safe-lid detection are all standard on reputable brands. It’s what makes them much safer than the old stovetop pressure cookers our grandparents used.
Finally, don’t forget about the inner pot. A non-stick pot is easy to clean, but it can scratch over time. A stainless steel pot is more durable and is often dishwasher safe, which is a big plus for cleanup. Some models even include two pots, which is incredibly useful if you’re cooking multiple dishes. The right choice here depends on your personal preference for cleaning and durability. By thinking about these factors—size, functions, controls, safety, and the pot—you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect appliance for your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an electric pressure cooker the same as an Instant Pot?
This is a really common question. Instant Pot is a specific brand of electric pressure cooker that became extremely popular. So, all Instant Pots are electric pressure cookers, but not all electric pressure cookers are Instant Pots. It’s like how all Kleenex are tissues, but not all tissues are Kleenex. Many other brands, like Ninja, Cosori, and Cuisinart, make excellent models that compete directly with Instant Pot. When you’re looking for the best electric pressure cookers for home use, you’re comparing all these brands, not just one.
How is an electric pressure cooker different from a slow cooker?
The main difference is time and how they cook. A slow cooker uses low, gentle, indirect heat over a long period (like 6-8 hours) to break down food. An electric pressure cooker uses trapped steam to create a high-pressure, high-temperature environment that cooks food incredibly fast. A dish that takes 8 hours in a slow cooker might only take 30-45 minutes under pressure. Many electric pressure cookers also have a “slow cook” function built-in, giving you the best of both worlds in one appliance.
Can I open the lid to check on my food?
Not while it’s under pressure, and the cooker is designed to prevent you from doing so. There’s a locking mechanism that seals the lid shut until the internal pressure has been safely released. Trying to force it open is dangerous. Once the cooking time is complete, you have two ways to release the pressure: Natural Release (letting it cool down on its own, which can take 10-20 minutes) or Quick Release (manually turning a valve to let the steam out rapidly). Only after the pressure is fully released and the float valve drops will the lid unlock and allow you to open it.
Are electric pressure cookers safe to use?
Yes, modern electric pressure cookers are built with numerous safety features that make them very safe. Unlike the older stovetop models, they have systems to prevent the lid from being opened under pressure. They also have over-pressure plugs, temperature sensors, and backup systems that will automatically turn off the heat if something goes wrong. As long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions—like not overfilling the pot and ensuring the lid is properly sealed—you can use one with confidence.
What kinds of food can I cook in it?
The list is almost endless. You can use it to make tough cuts of meat tender in a fraction of the time, cook dried beans without pre-soaking, and make stocks and soups with deep flavor. It’s fantastic for hard-boiled eggs (that are easy to peel), potatoes for mashing, rice, oatmeal, and even desserts like cheesecake. It’s also a champion for one-pot meals where you can sauté your aromatics first and then pressure cook everything together.
Is it difficult to clean an electric pressure cooker?
Generally, they are quite easy to clean. The main cooking pot is almost always removable and is usually dishwasher safe (just check your manual). The inner lid and the silicone sealing ring can be removed for washing. The sealing ring tends to absorb odors over time, so many people recommend washing it by hand or in the dishwasher regularly. The base unit itself should never be submerged; just wipe it down with a damp cloth. Keeping it clean is straightforward and no more work than cleaning a regular pot and pan.