The best pressure cookers in 2024, tried and tested

If old tales of exploding pots have kept you from jumping on the pressure cooker bandwagon, it’s time to reconsider this useful kitchen appliance. These days, the best pressure cookers are versatile and easy to use, brimming with safety features and capable of making great meals faster and easier than ever.

Perfect for busy families or feeding guests without having to spend the whole night in the kitchen, pressure cookers are great for whipping up stews, soups and tough meat cuts as well as whole chickens, rice, beans and more. To determine which popular and highly rated models are best, we put 15 electric and stovetop cookers to the test, using each to make a no-stir risotto, unsoaked beans and a simple beef stew. Here’s what we found.

Best pressure cooker: Instant Pot Pro Plus, 6-Quart

It cooks rice and slow cooks. It can make yogurt and cook sous vide. With 10 preset functions and app control, the Instant Pot Pro Plus promises to be the holy grail of small kitchen appliances and delivers on many of its promises. First and foremost, it’s a great electric pressure cooker, with a simple interface, solid build and useful pressure-release functions that let us easily get great results on all our test recipes.

The Pro Plus was tops when it came to results from our three recipe tests: unsoaked pinto beans, a mushroom and pea risotto and beef stew. The beans were cooked consistently throughout to a perfectly soft but not squishy texture, whereas other models we tested left some beans hard and some practically macerated. The risotto was creamy and fluffy after a mere five-minute cooking time (we will never constantly stir this dish for an hour again). The stew was just a bit thinner than the broth we made in the Breville Fast Slow Pro, but the meat and veggies all came out tender without turning anything to mush, and just a few extra minutes on the sauté setting thickened it right up.

Even better, the Pro Plus made getting these results easy. Its touch control panel is so intuitive that we were up and running with just a glance at the user manual (and would have been fine without it). Unlike most other models tested, the digital panel features super-helpful status messages that ensure you always know what’s happening inside the pot: from preheating to cooking to keeping your food warm. You can select from 10 program modes (pressure cook, slow cook, rice, steamer, canning, yogurt, saute, sous vide, a self-stirring feature called NutriBoost and keep warm) or customize your own, with the option to choose from low, high or maximum pressure as well as preset low, high or custom temperatures. A dial allows you to adjust the time or temperature quickly and a delay start option lets you start cooking at a designated time and doubles as a kitchen timer. The touch screen also gets bonuses for being easier to clean than a button-heavy control panel.

Beyond the touch screen, the ability to control the Pro Plus with an app (which gives you access to more than 1,000 recipes) was genuinely useful. Not only does the Pro Plus give you stovetop-like control over pressure release, with quick, pulse or natural release options, but you can control the release from across the kitchen if you’re at all skittish about jets of hot steam.

The Pro Plus is built using three-ply stainless steel with silicone handles (making it easy to move the cooker to the stovetop or sink or to pour its contents into a bowl or container), and the 6-quart inner pot can be on the stovetop or in the oven for added convenience. An anti-spin feature keeps the pot from rattling around during the cooking process. It comes with a stainless steel steaming rack and extra sealing ring and the cooking pot, rack and lid are all dishwasher-safe. It’s also nice and compact at 13.2 inches long by 13 inches wide by 12.7 inches high and weighs about 20 pounds, so it doesn’t take up too much cabinet or counter space and isn’t a huge chore to lug around.

The Pro Plus only comes in 6-quart size, whereas some other Instant Pot models are also available in 3- and 8-quart options, which may be a detractor for those feeding large groups or households. It’s not compatible with the brand’s air fryer lids which some may find useful. The one-year limited warranty could be more generous and at $169.95, it’s certainly pricier than the already capable Instant Pot Duo (see review below). But we think the Pro Plus’s app controls, simple interface, progress status bars and excellent cooking results give it the edge over the other Instant Pot models and make it the best choice overall among the electric pressure cookers we tested.

Best budget pressure cooker: Instant Pot Rio 6-Quart

When Instant Pot decided to update its bestselling Duo model in 2022, our first thought was, “Why mess with a classic?” But after putting the new Rio model to the test, we’re glad the company opted for a refresh, and it has quickly become one of our top electric pressure cooker recommendations.

Like the Duo, the Rio easily adapts to your cooking needs with its seven built-in functions (pressure cook, slow cook, saute, rice cooker, steamer, yogurt maker and warmer) and 13 programs you can customize (for example, soup/broth, poultry and cake). Its stainless steel lid and pot are still dishwasher-safe and a delayed start program remains handy.

The Rio (which comes in black, differentiating it from the stainless steel Duo) also features an improved interface that we found incredibly intuitive. Besides being easier to read, it also adds a progress bar, which leaves no question as to whether the cooker is preheating, cooking or keeping food warm. A start button is another welcome new feature that makes things easier (with the Duo, it isn’t as clear that you’ve started the cooking process), and rubber, anti-spin stoppers on the pot come in handy when stirring or sauteing.

We appreciated a bunch of other small adjustments too. The updated easy-release steam switch allowed us to do a quick release without fear of burning our fingers or hands as all that heat blasts out. The redesigned lid can rest on the handle, which helps keep your counter cleaner. Plus, the overall slimmer profile (measuring just under 14 inches wide including the handles and 12.6 inches high) takes up less counter and cabinet space than the previous Duo.

As far as our recipe tests, the results we got from the Rio were on par with the Duo. We got less consistent results than we did from our overall favorite, the Instant Pot Pro Plus, so while the Rio improves on its predecessor in convenience and design, it doesn’t replace the higher-end models. That said, if you’ve worn out your Duo (ours has lasted great for the last five years) or you’re just testing out the pressure cooker waters and don’t want to spend money to experiment, this is a great option for wading in.

Best stovetop pressure cooker: Kuhn Rikon Duromatic pressure cooker, 8.5-Quart

If you prefer a simple, straightforward stovetop pressure cooker, the Kuhn Rikon Duromatic looks lovely on the stovetop and does an impressive job cooking food. We tested the 8.5-quart option (Kuhn Rikon offers the Duromatic in a wide range of sizes) and found the two-handle design easy to grab, the pressure indicator simple to read and, while the company doesn’t recommend cleaning the heavy stainless steel pot in the dishwasher, it was no big deal to hand wash it (and we know folks who have tossed their own Kuhn Rikons in the dishwasher for years with no damage).

More importantly, we got great tasting, perfectly finished meals from the Duromatic. The risotto turned out wonderfully. “I’d never not cook risotto this way again,” one taster said. The beans were just right, as were the tender stew meat and vegetables and hearty gravy.

Using the Duromatic is a snap: Add your ingredients, lock the conical lid into place, heat the pot on high and watch the spring-loaded pressure gauge rise in the center of the lid. When you see one red line, it’s at low pressure; two red lines delineate high pressure, letting you know it’s time to turn the heat down for an evenly pressurized cook. Yes, you’ll need to keep an eye on it and adjust your burner heat accordingly, but if you get distracted, steam is automatically released to keep the pot from overpressurizing (we had to do minimal adjusting during our tests). When your cook time is done, depending on the recipe you can let the pressure come down naturally, or quick-release by moving the pot to the sink and running cool water over the rim of the lid, or press the gauge down to release pressure, with steam releasing evenly.

Best budget stovetop pressure cooker: T-fal Clipso pressure cooker

The T-fal Clipso is a breeze to use. In our tests, the Clipso pressurized very quickly. As with all stovetop models, you bring the heat to your desired setting, and once steam begins to release through the valve, it’s time to reduce the heat and set your timer. We quickly found the sweet spot and noted that the pot held its pressure nicely throughout the cooking time, with little need for turning the heat up or down.

Like the electric pressure cookers, all stovetop models performed well in our recipe tests, although some earned more points for better consistency, texture and faster cooking time. So while the Kuhn Rikon beat out the T-fal when it came to making beans, risotto and stew, for about $155 less, the T-fal still did an admirable job.

The model comes with a steam basket and tripod and is dishwasher safe when you remove the gasket and pressure valve. It comes with a 10-year warranty against defects or premature deterioration and, for other parts, a one-year warranty is included. And we appreciate the side handles on the pot that allow for easy maneuvering. But what sets the T-fal apart from other models is its unique lid. Designed for one-hand use, the lid clamps down on the pot with jaws that lock into place with the press of a button. Once you’re done cooking and the pressure is released (you can release it by twisting the steam release valve from the cooking icon to the steam icon), the lid opens by pressing the top of a large knob. As a safety feature, the lid will not open until all pressure is released.

The Clipso is only offered in a 6.3-quart capacity, which offers plenty of room to cook for a family of four and is still compact for storage. For convenience and price, we believe this is a great pressure cooker for beginners and veterans alike.

How we tested

Our testing pool included 15 pressure cookers in all — nine electric and six stovetops — ranging in price from less than $50 to $330, and in 6- and 8-quart capacities. While all the models performed well in our recipe tests, which included making unsoaked pinto beans, pea and mushroom risotto and a hearty beef stew, details including construction, interface, ease, cook time and versatility resulted in varied scores. All models were easy to clean, as most pots, inserts and parts are dishwasher safe, although many lids need to be hand-washed rigorously to keep odors from hanging on. While we didn’t record any bad recipe results, some required more cooking time and some netted better results.

Since many of the electric models are billed as multicookers, we did take versatility into account, noting how many settings, functions and features were available, but looked at these models as pressure cookers first and foremost. We did pay careful attention to ease of setup and use, noted what accessories were included and their usefulness in actual cooking, and looked at the overall quality of the user interface elements of each cooker. By and large, even the electric versions were relatively intuitive to use, but we made sure to note when we had to turn to the instruction manual (and when we needed technical translation!); for stovetop cookers, we checked to make sure pressure settings were easy to read, steam valves simple to manipulate, and seals and other moving parts easy to manage.

To test performance, we used three typical pressure cooker recipes in all the cookers, whether electric or stovetop.

In the course of our assessment, we paid careful attention to the overall design and build quality, examining materials used, noting any unique features such as handle, inner pot and lid design, pressure release valves and gauges and safety enhancements. We checked to see how much storage and counter space the various models took up, and whether they were heavy or light and easy or difficult to handle. While most of the inner pots and parts of the pressure cookers tested were deemed dishwasher-safe by the manufacturers, we noticed that lids were largely hand-wash only, so we checked to make sure how much elbow grease it took to remove food, and whether our efforts left behind any staining or remaining food odor.

We also looked at warranty coverage, customer service accessibility, and price — not just paying attention to affordability but, in particular, ensuring that any higher-priced models we examined were worth the additional cost over budget models.

How to choose a pressure cooker

By trapping steam inside a tightly sealed pot, pressure cookers raise the pressure under which your food cooks (typically to around twice atmospheric pressure), thus raising the boiling point of water and significantly speeding up cooking times.

Simple stovetop cookers use the heat source of your stove and need a bit of attention as you’ll need to adjust your burner to maintain proper pressure, while newer electric versions do the job automatically (and often include functions ranging from air fryer to slow cooker to yogurt maker).

While folk wisdom holds that pressure cookers are dangerous, accidents are rare (and many are from poor maintenance or misuse). All the pressure cookers we tested come with multiple safety features and lids that lock into place, and are designed so that all pressure must be released before the lid can be removed (with some release techniques, steam is released rather loudly and aggressively and startled us a few times). Some models spit out a bit of moisture as steam condenses, but many electric versions include condensation collectors that catch any water before it drips onto your counter.

For extra versatility, many of the models come with trivets and steamer baskets, and some of the electric models even offer air fry lids, and ship with extra sealing rings for use in different recipes. Some featured nonstick inner pots, which can be great for easy cleanup, but stainless pots will likely be more durable over time. The electric versions were all intuitive to use, even given the multiple functions they offered, although some did require a few extra referrals to the user manual. All allow you to manually adjust the cooking time, but our favorites were models that included cooking progress bars and auto steam release. Sometimes we worried whether those without progress indicators had started pressurizing.

So, electric or stovetop? Both netted similar cooking results, so it comes down to personal preference: Do you like your cooking to be hands-on or hands-off? If you want options (Slow cook! Air fry! Sous vide!) and want to add your ingredients and let the machine do the heavy lifting, an electric version is for you. They generally take up more counter space, but if you use your cooker several times a week, you won’t mind and may even save space if it allows you to get rid of your rice cooker, air fryer and crock pot.

We found the stovetop pressure cookers simple to use and discovered they come to pressure faster than their electric counterparts. Start on high heat until the desired pressure level is achieved, then lower the heat to keep the pressure constant for the duration of your cooking time. Of course, you’ll need to keep an eye on your cooker most of the time to be sure the pressure is at the right level.

Stovetop models have an edge on their electric counterparts in that they can be depressurized quickly by running them under cold water, allowing for recipes and cooking techniques that require more precise timing, or adding ingredients midway through cooking, or just for those who find steam release scary. Another bonus: All the stovetop models we tested were stainless steel, meaning they’re compatible with all range types, including induction. You can also use the pots to cook using other techniques like any other pot, which can be a nice space saver.

As for size, we tested 6- and 8-quart models in both versions and found the smaller options to be plenty big to feed a family of four. So if price or size are considerations, the 6-quart size (which is often also cheaper) should not disappoint.

Other pressure cookers we tested

With sleek design and solid performance typical of Breville’s products, we gave the brushed stainless steel Fast Slow Pro high marks for performance and features, which should satisfy advanced pressure cooker aficionados and hands-on cooks. The Breville gives you finer control over pressure (you can adjust in tiny 0.5 psi increments) than the other models we tested. Dual sensors at both the top and bottom of the machine offer even more control when it comes to pressure and temperature, and an auto warm function kicks into gear when it’s done cooking.

And we loved how simple the cooker was to operate. The bright and easy-to-read LCD display and dials allow you to quickly choose from 11 pressure cook settings (vegetables, rice, risotto, soup, stock, beans, poultry, meat, bone-in meat, chili and stew and dessert), from low to high, and you can customize settings as well. We appreciated that the display changes colors denoting whether it’s in pressurize, cook or steam release mode. And the auto altitude adjuster is great for those cooking at higher elevations, since a longer cook time is needed as atmospheric pressure drops the higher you get above sea level.

While it doesn’t offer remote steam release like the Instant Pot Pro Plus, an auto steam release button allows you to depressurize hands-free by setting quick, pulse or natural release for your recipe in advance. The lid is hinged, removable and (hooray!) dishwasher-safe and the silicone seal was easy to remove and put back in place. It comes with a ceramic-coated inner pot, stainless steamer basket and rack and a hard-bound recipe book.

If you intend to use your electric pressure cooker often, love having the ability to really fine-tune your pressure levels, appreciate the convenience of hands-free steam release and aren’t too worried about a hefty price tag, we think the Breville Fast Slow Pro is a kitchen tool you’ll look forward to putting to work again and again.

The digital and push-button displays on this Instant Pot are large and easy to read, and we appreciate that you can detach the lid for easier cleanup. You can also toss the stainless steel inner pot in the dishwasher, and switching between low and high pressure is simple, while a keep warm option and included steam rack offer added convenience.

During our recipe tests, we found the beans cooked well overall but did find some inconsistencies, with some softer than others. The risotto needed a bit more time on the saute function at the end to get it to the right creamy consistency, and the stew veggies were a bit too tender, but still resulted in a tasty dish.

The Duo was formerly our budget pick, but we think the Rio, launched in 2022 as an upgrade to the Duo with an updated interface and slimmer profile, is now a better pick for those looking to pick up a bargain pressure cooker. Keep in mind that these are entry-level models — The Pro Plus still outperformed either budget model on all of our test recipes and has the added benefit of a more streamlined interface, auto steam release and progress indicator.

This model from Instant Pot is quite wide, taking up precious counter and cabinet space. For most other applications, we didn’t find the extra surface area worth an additional $80 over the 6-quart Rio.

However, if you have a big family or dream of preparing one-pot meals, the Rio Wide Plus does have some nice features besides that bigger pot. You’ll get nine programs (pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, steam, sauté, yogurt, sous vide, cake and keep warm), 25 built-in smart recipes with instructions on the display and an “OK to open lid” message — a much-appreciated added safety feature in our kitchen. Like the basic Rio, the lid and pot are dishwasher-safe; there’s a delay start option; and the updated progress bar tells you when your food is preheating, cooking or keeping warm. But unless you plan to saute big whole roasts, racks of ribs or briskets, we’d stick with the Pro Plus for roughly the same price.

We found that the Instant Pot Duo Crisp performed identically to the Duo when it came to pressure-cooking our three recipes, and the interface is also essentially the same as the Duo, though it has four more cooking functions than that model (all 11 include roast, slow cooker, pressure cooker, air fry, saute, sous vide, bake, broil, steam, warm and dehydrate).

However, it’s about twice as heavy as the Duo, and with the air fryer lid (it also comes with a regular lid), it requires a lot of vertical storage and counter space (though not as much as two separate appliances). Included are a broil/dehydrating tray, multi-level air fryer basket, air fryer basket base, protective pad, storage cover and rack. So, if you think an air fryer-pressure cooker combo would save room and you’d use it frequently, this model is certainly worth considering. Otherwise, the Duo will work just fine and the Pro Plus will perform even better.

The nonstick cooking pot in this multicooker made cleaning a snap and we liked the way the lid locked into place with little effort by simply turning a knob. Cook times were a little longer than for the other machines we tested, but the results were good so long as we compensated: we had to cook the beans five minutes longer than the recipe called for, but they turned out nicely with the added time.

The risotto had a nice texture after we sauteed it for a few extra minutes to finish the rice and the stew was nice and tender. A big plus for this machine is the steam release button and preheat indicator that allow you to see your cooking progress. We didn’t like that the lid is attached at the back (most of its competitors are attached on the side or lift off completely), because it makes opening the machine a little scary, as any remaining steam is pointed right at your face. The controls were also a bit less intuitive than our winning models.

This pressure cooker comes with nine presets (rice, meat, chicken, fish, vegetables, beans/lentils, browning/searing, soups/stews and slow cooking), a straightforward LED display, and includes a cooling stand and plastic measuring cup and spoon. User reviews give it high marks, but we found the risotto to be gummy, the beans to be inconsistent and the stew a bit overly cooked (the veggies were on the mushy side, for example).

“I wouldn’t complain if I was served this at a school cafeteria, but would be mad if I got it at a restaurant,” one taster remarked. The machine is stainless steel, though it felt less sturdy than its competitors. We think it’s worth it to spend a little more money to get an Instant Pot Duo.

The LUX has a custom setting that lets you program your favorite recipes, something we appreciated during testing. There are 10 cooking functions (pressure cook high and low, slow cook high and low, steam, saute, sous vide, simmer, yogurt, grains, eggs, dessert, keep warm and time delay) and it comes with a steamer basket and trivet. We liked that the pressure valve includes a clean option that pops the piece out for easy maintenance.

Unfortunately, the LUX didn’t perform as well as our winners. The risotto was a bit overcooked and the beans and stew both took extra time to finish. It also doesn’t include an automatic steam release feature and seemed to rattle more than others while in use. Steam released aggressively and the lid felt hotter than other models. It’s a solid machine, but the Instant Pot Pro Plus gave better results and can be found at a lower price.

This pressure cooker from Ninja has an 8-quart ceramic-coated pot, a 5-quart cook and crisp basket for air frying, a reversible rack to double your cooking capacity and more. We thought the “SmartLid Slider” was clever and easy to use: just slide a toggle to Pressure Cooker, Steam Fryer or Air Fryer to unlock different cooking modes and functions on the large, intuitive digital display.

The Foodi performed well on our recipe tests, but not as well as our winners. And while we found it easy to clean, its size was our biggest concern, especially for a device that is meant to replace multiple appliances. The priciest pressure cooker we tested, it was also the biggest. At 15.4-inches long by 14.2-inches wide by 14.25-inches high, it was too big to fit in any of our kitchen cabinets or under our standard-height countertop cabinets for that matter. It’s also really heavy at 25 pounds, making it a pain to haul out of storage if there’s no room for it in your kitchen. For us, the size and price kept it from the winner’s circle, but if you really need all of the functions it offers and have a lot of space, it might be worth a look.

This Pro model from Instant Pot features 10 functions (pressure cook, slow cook, rice/grain, saute, steam, yogurt, warm, sous vide, sterilizer and canning). It adds twice as many one-touch programs, bringing the number to 28, and the pressure release valve on the lid has a plastic steam diffuser cap that results in a quieter release.

It has a more advanced interface than the Duo, the display has a cooking progress status bar, and the inner pot has silicone inner pot handles; the steaming rack also has an extra sealing ring. The recipes all turned out well, although not quite as well as our winners. It’s a great pressure cooker, but we prefer the added convenience of the Pro Plus for about $20 more.

We really enjoyed a lot of what this Vitaquick pressure cooker had to offer. For one, its large blue pressure indicator is easy to see, with two white ring markings: one ring means it’s at low (or gentle) pressure, and two means it’s at high pressure. Other great features include a removable handle that makes cleaning a snap (remove the gasket in the lid and it’s all dishwasher-safe), clear measuring markings on the inside of the pot that mean you don’t need to dirty extra dishes, and a handy helper handle to carry it without fear of dropping the thing.

The materials are high quality and we appreciated the added safety feature of a lid with a button that turns green and clicks when it’s locked into place. We also really liked the steam release function in the handle that requires just the push of a button to begin rapid release, and that it comes with a lifetime warranty. So what kept it from winning? The Kuhn Rikon did better on the risotto and cost a little less. But the Vitaquick was a very close runner-up.

Our favorite feature of this Fissler pressure cooker is the traffic light-like indicator that delineates between the three pressure indicators: yellow (building pressure), green (correct pressure) and red (too much pressure) so you can adjust your burner accordingly. There is also a no-pressure steam setting and the cooker has settings for gentle and fast cooking.

As for the build, the long looped handle and helper handle make it comfy to grab and we appreciated the contrast in the inner pot’s measurement guide (most models are etched and hard to read). We also like that the steam release function can be used from the handle or directly from the control valve. The recipe results were similar to Kuhn Rikon and Vitaquick so, while we liked this model, the lower price and solid build of the Kuhn Rikon tipped the scales in its favor.

This Presto pressure cooker does an OK job compared to the higher-end models, though the risotto was on the soupy side when the time was up, the beans needed an extra 10 minutes and weren’t cooked as consistently as our winners, the stew veggies were a bit overly cooked and the broth needed to thicken up a tad more. Once we compensated for the longer required cooking times, we saw good results.

The pressure gauge can be difficult to read, and the pot rattled more than others and also required more babysitting to keep the temperature right. And the handle isn’t comfortable compared to the other models we tested (plus the Presto ships disassembled, so you’ll need to grab a screwdriver to attach the handle). But we appreciated that it’s made of stainless steel when other inexpensive pots are often aluminum—which is a must for those with an induction cooktop or who like to make tomato-based or other acidic dishes. Overall, it’s a pressure cooker that will get the job done. It has a 12-year limited warranty, whereas most affordable models offer one year. Still, for an additional $20, we preferred the T-fal Clipso.

The stainless steel stovetop version of the Zavor Duo comes to pressure in just a couple of minutes. It features a lid that’s easy to lock into place: align the lid and pot handles and switch the yellow lock tab down, and it will stay firmly sealed until all pressure is released. A pressure regulator knob allows you to choose low or high pressure, as well as steam release and clean. The pressure indicator was easy enough to read at the top of the lid handle. It’s dishwasher safe and comes with a steamer basket and trivet, and we liked the addition of a helper handle plus its generous 10-year warranty. It did well on our recipe tests as well. The risotto, beans and stew required longer cooking times than other models, but reached their desired consistencies eventually.

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CNN Underscored editors thoroughly test all the products we cover and provide full transparency about how we test them. We have an experienced team of writers and editors with many years of testing experience and ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when it makes sense to ensure we are testing each product accurately and speaking about the pros and cons of each.

This guide’s writer, Lesley Kennedy, frequently contributes to CNN Underscored primarily in the kitchen gadget and appliance space. She’s also written guidexs on the best single-serve coffee maker and the best food processor, proving that her expertise in this area is diverse and varied.