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An electric pressure cooker makes ‘slow-cooked’ dinners in under an hour: pot roast, shredded chicken, chili, soups and even rice. Multi-cookers like the Instant Pot also sauté, slow cook and keep food warm.
What to Look For
- Size: 6 quarts suits most families; 8 quarts for big batches.
- Stainless steel inner pot – durable and coating-free.
- Functions: pressure cook, sauté, slow cook, rice and keep-warm.
- Safety: lid lock, pressure release and overheat protection.
- Air-fryer lid on some models for crispy finishes.
Our Recommended Pressure Cookers
1. 6-Quart Multi-Cooker (Instant Pot Duo style)
The bestselling all-rounder – pressure cook, slow cook, sauté and more.
Why we like it:
- Very versatile
- Huge recipe community
Keep in mind:
- Takes time to come to pressure
Check 6-Quart Multi-Cooker on Amazon →
2. Multi-Cooker with Air Fryer Lid
Pressure cook a whole chicken, then crisp the skin with the air-fryer lid.
Why we like it:
- Two appliances in one
- Crispy finishes
Keep in mind:
- Bulkier
Check Multi-Cooker with Air Fryer Lid on Amazon →
3. 8-Quart Pressure Cooker
Extra capacity for meal prep, stock and big families.
Why we like it:
- Large batches
Keep in mind:
- Heavy and large
Check 8-Quart Pressure Cooker on Amazon →
Pressure Cooker Tips
- Always use at least 1 cup of liquid.
- Sauté meat and onions first for flavour.
- Use natural release for meat, quick release for vegetables.
- Don’t fill above the max line (half full for beans).
Prefer hands-off all-day cooking? See our best slow cooker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an Instant Pot the same as a pressure cooker?
It’s an electric multi-cooker with a pressure-cooking function, plus slow cook, sauté and more.
Is pressure cooking safe?
Modern electric pressure cookers have several safety locks and are very safe when used as directed.
What size should I buy?
6 quarts for most families.
