If you believe that cooking delicious dinners means spending all evening slaving over a hot stove, think again. Investing in a pressure cooker is an easy way to revolutionise your mealtimes, with the bonus of saving money on ingredients and energy, and being super-speedy, too. Pressure cookers have improved vastly since the rattling, spurting models you might have grown up with, so it’s worth getting reacquainted.
The latest designs include smart safety features, useful accessories and greater cooking versatility, giving them the ability to make everything from casseroles, curries and risottos to melt-in-the-mouth ribs, tender cheap cuts of meat, a whole chicken, quick dried pulses and even jam – all in super-quick sessions. And if you needed any more reasons to cook under pressure, try this – it’s healthier. As pressure cookers use less water compared to conventional methods and there’s less oxidation, your food retains more vitamins and minerals. However, not all models are built the same and the right one for you will depend largely on how much kitchen space you have and the dishes you’re most likely to cook. Check out our Best Of reviews below to find out more.
How to buy the best pressure cooker for you
What is pressure cooking?
While in a conventional pan, food is cooked by boiling, a pressure cooker uses a different method. Its tight-fitting lid allows steam to build up under pressure, pushing heat into the food. This reduces the cooking time, which in turn preserves more of the food’s nutrition and requires less energy to achieve results. For the best results, this means that you’ll need to leave enough space for the steam to build into pressure, so only fill the pan halfway, and include enough liquid. As well as hob-top pressure cookers (where you’ll need to adjust the heat to achieve the correct pressure), there are electric versions that can reach the right pressure by themselves.
How much should I spend?
Pressure cookers differ in price yet they all work on the same principle. How much you spend will depend on whether you’re choosing a hob-top model or electric and how much you’re planning to use it. The price of hob-top designs is similar to that of saucepans – spending more will usually mean the pan’s made from good quality materials (ie stainless steel instead of less durable aluminium) and will have a thicker base. The price of electrical models often reflects how many features they have and if they’re able to double as a steamer, slow cooker or rice cooker.
READ NEXT: The best slow cookers to buy from £30
What features should I look for?
If you’re buying a hob-top pressure cooker, look for the features that’ll make using it easier. These include an easy locking system, a pressure indicator, so you can see when it’s reached pressure, a non-stick coating, and a two-valve mechanism for releasing the pressure (either naturally or by using cold water). Dishwasher-safe parts, suitability for all hob types, a timer and accessories for steaming will also come in handy. Most of the former features will apply to electric pressure cookers, too. In addition, look for a high wattage, different heat settings or programmes, the option of a quick pressure release and an auto temperature control to prevent food burning.
What capacity do I need?
Most range from three to six litres, with the larger models being suitable for batch cooking and meals for up to six people. Smaller, three-litre cookers are better for catering for one to two people. As they tend to be heavy, bulky pieces of equipment, often with accessories, make sure you have room to store larger models before you buy.
The best pressure cookers to buy from £60
1. Bella Housewares Multifunction Electric 6-litre Pressure and Slow Cooker: The best pressure cooker under £100
Price when reviewed:£80
If you’re not sure how much use you’ll get out of a single-function pressure cooker, this is the machine for you. As well as cooking delicious dishes under pressure, it also works as a slow cooker and a steamer, plus it can sauté food before cooking to seal in the flavour. Pressure cooking presets take all the hassle out of calculating recipe times, too, with programme buttons for chicken and meat, risotto, rice, stews and soups. A two-hour delay function means it’s perfect for preparing meals ahead of time and there’s also an alarm to let you know when the lid isn’t closed properly. The one downside is that the parts aren’t dishwasher safe but otherwise it’s a great value buy.
Key specs – Size (WDH): 27.5 x 32.8 x 35cm; Power: 1,000W; Accessories: Rice spoon, measuring cup, steamer plate; Capacity: 6 litres
2. Tefal Cook4Me Connect Electric Multicooker: The best Bluetooth pressure cooker
Price when reviewed:£320
Yes, it’s pricey and yes, it pressure cooks just like any other, but this is the one to buy if you’re a pressure-cooking novice, often cater for a crowd or simply want to take the stress out of mealtimes. Combined with a dedicated app, it’ll guide you through every stage of a recipe, setting time, temperature and level for pressure cooking so there’s no need for supervision. You can even cook a single ingredient by selecting it on the LED screen. It’ll also steam, brown, simmer, slow cook and reheat, plus its ceramic bowl and basket are conveniently dishwasher safe.
Key specs – Size (WDH): 35.4 x 37.6 x 35.4cm; Power: 1,200W; Accessories: Steam basket; Capacity: 6 litres
3. Lakeland 3-litre Pressure Cooker: The best compact stove top pressure cooker
Price when reviewed:£80
There’s a lot to love about this compact pressure cooker. First is that it’s easy to lock the lid on – there’s no twisting or struggling, just a single button to press with another to unlock. There are two levels of pressure to choose from and a pop-up indicator that lets you know when it’s reached either. It comes with a trivet for steaming or keeping meat away from the base of the pan and a glass lid so you can also use it as a standard pan. It’s suitable for all hob types but sadly not dishwasher-safe, so you may find yourself scrubbing its gleaming stainless-steel interior.
Buy the 3-litre Pressure Cooker from Lakeland
Key specs – Size: 33 x 21.5 x 17cm; Power: N/A; Accessories: Glass lid, trivet; Capacity: 3 litres
4. Tower Sure Touch 6 Litre Pressure Cooker: The best budget stove top pressure cooker
Price when reviewed:£60
It’s not just the sleek black good looks that give this pressure cooker appeal but its multiple useful features. As well as being suitable for all hob types, it has chunky handles either side for easy carrying, a quick mechanical locking system, two pressure settings and a stainless-steel steamer basket. However, best of all is the built-in 30-minute timer, which enables you to monitor cooking duration while juggling other tasks. It might not be dishwasher-safe but despite that, it’s a smart kitchen staple that handles everyday tasks well, and can even be used for making desserts.
Key specs – Size (WDH): 37 x 23.9 x 24.8cm; Power: N/A; Accessories: Steamer basket, worktop protector; Capacity: 6 litres
5. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric 6-litre Pressure Cooker: The best all-rounder pressure cooker
Price when reviewed:£100
No mere pressure cooker, this machine takes multifunctional cooking to a whole new level, turning into a slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer and even yogurt maker. Two pressure levels, 14 programmes (including multigrain, beans and porridge) and a large display panel make it incredibly easy to use, while it also boasts three temperatures for sautéing and slow cooking. A 24-hour timer and 10-hour keep warm function mean it’s great for working around busy or variable schedules, plus it’s also available in an eight-litre version for big batch cooking or relaxed entertaining.
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Litre, 1000 W, Brushed Stainless Steel/Black
Key specs – Size (WDH): 32 x 32 x 33cm; Power: 1,000W; Accessories: Steam rack, rice paddle, soup spoon, measuring cup; Capacity: 6 litres