Wellness Origin HubThe best electric pressure cookers and multicookers
The best electric pressure cookers and multicookers for beans, stews, grains and soups, with what to look for and three models worth buying.
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Our picks at a glance
For most households, the best electric pressure cooker is a 6-quart Instant Pot Duo: it is cheap, simple and cooks dried beans, lentils, brown rice and stews in a fraction of the hob time. If you want an air fryer lid as well, a Ninja Foodi combines the two in one machine. If you want the most control and a heavier build, the Breville Fast Slow Pro costs more but does it well.
Why a multicooker helps you eat well
A pressure cooker turns the cheapest healthy foods into quick ones. Dried chickpeas and beans cook from soaked in well under an hour with no watching, lentil dal is done in minutes, and tough cuts of meat soften in about a third of the usual time. That makes it easier to cook the pulses and whole grains in our plant protein sources and whole grains guides on a weeknight rather than only at weekends.
Most models also slow cook, sauté in the pot, steam and keep food warm, so one appliance can replace a slow cooker and a rice cooker.
What to look for
- Size. A 6-quart pot suits two to four people and fits batch cooking. Go to 8 quarts only if you regularly cook for a crowd; it needs more liquid and takes longer to come up to pressure.
- Inner pot. Stainless steel lasts longer and browns better than a non-stick coating. Look for a pot with handles or one that stays put while you stir.
- Pressure release. A switch or button that releases steam away from your hand is safer and more pleasant than a valve you have to nudge.
- Controls. Clear manual pressure and time settings matter more than a long list of presets.
- Lid and storage. Pressure lids are bulky. Combination machines with a second air fryer lid need more cupboard space again.
- Safety. Every pressure cooker sold by a reputable brand has a locking lid and pressure sensors. Read the manual, never force a lid open and keep the sealing ring clean.
How we chose
We looked at pot material, controls, release design, size options, how long each model has been on sale and the reputation each has built with home cooks. We have not run our own tests. Prices change often, so check before you buy.
Best overall: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 (6 quart)
Around $90
The default choice for good reason. It pressure cooks, slow cooks, sautés, steams and makes rice and yoghurt, and because so many people own one, almost any pressure cooker recipe online is written with it in mind. Buy a spare sealing ring and keep one for savoury food and one for anything sweet.
What we like
- Inexpensive
- Stainless steel inner pot
- Simple, well-known controls
- Huge choice of recipes written for it
Keep in mind
- Basic display
- Steam release valve is less convenient than newer switch designs
- Sealing ring can hold smells
Best combination: Ninja Foodi 6.5-Quart Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer
Around $180
Worth it if you want both appliances and have room for only one machine. You can pressure cook chicken thighs or potatoes, then swap to the crisping lid to brown them. If you already own an air fryer, a simpler pressure cooker is the better buy; our air fryer guide covers those.
What we like
- Pressure cooks and air fries in one machine
- Can crisp the top of a dish after pressure cooking
- Ceramic-coated pot
Keep in mind
- Two lids and a large footprint
- Coated pot needs more care than steel
- Heavier than a standard multicooker
Best premium: Breville Fast Slow Pro
Around $280
For people who cook with it several times a week and want finer control. The display shows what stage the cooker is at, and you can choose how the steam is released at the end. It is a lot of money for a pot, but it is built to last.
What we like
- Solid build and clear display
- Adjustable pressure levels
- Automatic steam release options
- Good at slow cooking as well as pressure
Keep in mind
- Expensive
- Larger than most 6-quart cookers
- Fewer third-party accessories
At a glance
| Cooker | Best for | Inner pot | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instant Pot Duo 6 qt | Most households, value | Stainless steel | Rice, yoghurt, slow cook |
| Ninja Foodi 6.5 qt | Pressure cook and air fry | Ceramic coated | Crisping lid |
| Breville Fast Slow Pro | Frequent cooks, control | Ceramic coated | Adjustable pressure, auto release |
Easy first things to cook
- Dried chickpeas or beans. Soak overnight, cover with fresh water and pressure cook. They come out soft and cheap, ready for the week.
- Lentil soup or dal. Red lentils need no soaking and cook in minutes under pressure.
- Brown rice or barley. Both take far less attention than on the hob.
- Stock. Bones or vegetable scraps with water make a rich stock in about an hour.
Questions people ask
Is an electric pressure cooker safe?
Modern electric models from established brands have several safety features, including lids that will not open under pressure. Problems usually come from overfilling, blocked valves or forcing the lid. Stay below the maximum line, and use less for foods that foam, such as beans and grains.
Does pressure cooking destroy nutrients?
All cooking changes food a little. Pressure cooking uses less water and a shorter time than boiling, so it may keep water-soluble vitamins at least as well. Eating the cooking liquid in soups and stews keeps what does leach out.
Instant Pot or slow cooker?
A multicooker does both, so most people do not need a separate slow cooker. A dedicated slow cooker is cheaper and has a wider, shallower pot, which some cooks prefer for long braises.
Photograph: AI-generated image
