When you visualise a pressure cooker your mind may cast back to those screaming metal pots that shook dangerously on the hob. But they have come a long way since then, and have since secured a place as one of the most helpful kitchen devices money can buy. Pressure cookers work by creating a sealed chamber that traps steam that heats up the food inside, shortening cooking time and extracting more flavour from the food in record time.

There are two main kinds of pressure cookers, electric and stovetop, with each able to deliver similar results through different methods.

Stovetop pressure cookers are more similar to the pressure cookers of yesteryear – although the technology has advanced they work in the same way.

They are best suited to those who are happy to take a hands-on approach to their cooking, as you do need to keep an eye on it as it’s working.

These options have the added benefits of usually being quicker and with larger-capacity options available.

Electric pressure cookers are kitchen appliances that appear similar to air fryers or slow cookers.

They are usually more expensive than stovetop pressure cookers, but they save you time with their ‘set it and forget it’ capabilities, as well as their built-in timer.

Some of the modern ones even come with built-in recipe books, so you can get experimental in the kitchen.

If you’re interested in equipping your kitchen with one of these time-saving, tasty food creating devices, keep scrolling through to see the nine best options on the market.

The most popular pressure cooker

4.7 stars from 9,180 ratings

This best selling pressure cooker is popular for a reason – it’s convenient, customisable, and offers consistent cooking results.

The Instant Pot cooks food up to 70 percent faster than other methods and can remember the way you like your food cooked so you can just put the food in, click a button, and let it work its magic – perfect for those busy weeknights when you just want something tasty and nutritious made quickly.

Key specifications:

Size (L x W x H): 31 x 34 x 31.7cm

Weight: 5kg

Dishwasher safe: No

Material: Stainless steel

Power: Electric – 1000W

Accessories: None

Capacity: 5.7L

Promising review:

“I don’t know how I managed before I had one. Seriously, I’m not one for hyperbole but, in combination with a few of the recommended recipe books sponsored by IP themselves, I’ve made so many superb meals in this since I bought it on Prime Day.

I have severe mobility issues and problems with a nerve-messaging related chronic condition, so I can’t stand at the stove and stir things for hours. Risotto in the IP in 12 minutes – I’m sold. So far it’s not failed me with anything I’ve cooked in it. It’s so easy to use and the safety features mean I’m happy to leave it doing its thing in the kitchen”.

RRP: £89.99, on sale now for £85.23 – you save £4.76

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The best multi-use pressure cooker

4.8 stars from 6,230 ratings

Not only is this device a pressure cooker, but it can also be used to air fry, slow cook, steam, saute, bake, roast, and grill – pretty much everything you need to cook your favourite foods.

If you love the flavour of pressure cooker food but prefer your food to be crispy, this one’s for you. The Ninja Foodi Electric Multi-Cooker pressure cooks to lock in the juices and flavour, and then crisps it to an ideal level.

Key specifications:

Size (L x W x H): 43 x 36 x 32cm

Weight: 11kg

Dishwasher safe: Yes

Material: Plastic

Power: Electric – 1460W

Accessories: Recipe guide and crisp basket.

Capacity: 6L

Promising review:

“Wow! I have made roast dinners, cakes, stir fry, cottage pie, pasta dishes, curries, rice and loads more! In the 6 weeks, I have used it every day except twice. This has truly revolutionised my way of cooking and eating healthier. And just as importantly it has cut downtime to cook healthy meals. Oh and minimized on washing up!! I really can’t recommend it enough. I just love it. Best buy ever!! (I am attempting plum jam today, so fingers crossed!) To those worried about how to use it, I use the guide (stuck it on the inside of my herbs cupboard door, so can refer to easily whilst cooking) and then I use my common sense with the guide and everything has come out brilliant!”.

RRP: £172.55

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The best pressure cooker for home chefs

4.4 stars from 677 ratings

This pressure cooker is an investment, that’s why we recommend it for those who take their home cooking seriously and are willing to pay premium prices for devices that will help them take their food to the next level.

The Breville Fast Slow Pro has 11 pressure cooking settings so you can customise it to best suit your favourite recipes, ensuring that everything comes out cooked to perfection.

If you’re having a busy day and want to come home to a warm meal, you’ll come to love the warm settings on this device that ensure your food is ready to serve when you are.

Key specifications:

Size (L x W x H): 31.8 x 34.3 x 35.6cm

Weight: 6kg

Dishwasher safe: No

Material: Stainless steel

Power: Electric – 1100W

Accessories: None

Capacity: 6L

Promising review:

“It’s used a few times a week and has replaced other appliances like a crockpot. This is just so versatile, you can use pre-settings or do your own. It takes longer to put the vegetables in than it does to cook them. If you over fill pot the lid will get messy but it comes off and is dishwasher safe. It’s a little more pricey than instant pot, not much more though. Would I buy it again – absolutely”.

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The best pressure cooker for steaming

4.5 stars from 1,521 ratings

Health-conscious individuals who are looking to lock in more vitamins and minerals into their meals while still being able to cook quickly will get a lot of use out of this pressure cooker.

This device lets you brown, boil, steam, and roast vegetables, meats, and grains so you can make wholesome, healthy meals that aren’t just healthy – they taste good too.

Key specifications:

Size (L x W x H): 18 x 43 x 23

Weight: 1.71kg

Dishwasher safe: No

Material: Stainless steel

Power: Stove-top

Accessories: Pot, trivet, steamer basket, sealing casket, and lid.

Capacity: 3L

Promising review:

“This is a great size for a small household. Bought it to replace our larger cooker but this is a lot better and not as heavy. Very easy to use and clean. It is simple and does the job and now can’t be without it”.

RRP: £79.99, on sale now for £34 – you save £45.99

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The easiest to use pressure cooker

4.3 stars from 980 ratings

This stovetop pressure cooker makes cooking quick, healthy meals in large quantities easier than ever. Perfect for family meals or entertaining guests, you’ll never spend an evening slaving over the oven again once you’ve got a taste for how simple it can be with this pressure cooker.

Key specifications:

Size (L x W x H): 25 x 41.5 x 23cm

Weight: 2.35kg

Dishwasher safe: No

Material: Aluminium

Power: Stovetop

Accessories: Separator, divider, and wire trivet.

Capacity: 6L

Promising review:

“Want to cook food quicker? This is for you – no fuss, no bother. Pop your food in, put on the timer and it’s done”.

RRP: £44.99, on sale now for £36.48 – you save £8.51

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The best cheap pressure cooker

4.4 stars from 5,079 ratings

With two cooking levels, fast and gentle, you can switch up your cooking methods on those rushed nights you just need food on the table as soon as possible.

The four-litre size of the device means you can cook quite a bit of food in one go, but it won’t take up as much space as some of the bigger options on the market.

Key specifications:

Size (L x W x H): 25.2 x 44 x 16.5cm

Weight: 2.5kg

Dishwasher safe: Yes

Material: Stainless steel

Power: Stovetop

Accessories: None

Capacity: 4L

Promising review:

“Really well-made pressure cooker. Works with an induction hob. Not too heavy. Easy to use – just follow the instructions. Remember to turn down the heat once the steam is escaping freely. Avoid cooking stuff that produces a lot of froth such as lentils. Ten to 15 minutes at the second (highest) pressure setting is enough to tenderise even the toughest cut of meat”.

RRP: £36.22, on sale now for £35.15 – you save £1.07

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The quickest pressure cooker

4.7 stars from 1,550 ratings

One of the top benefits of pressure cooking is the speed, and this pressure is at the top of its game in that regard.

The Crock-Pot Express cooker creates healthy meals up to 70 percent faster than traditional methods – you can cook a whole chicken in just half an hour.

When you’re not in the mood for pressure cooking you can use one of the devices three other options – slow cook, steam, or saute – to switch things up.

Key specifications:

Size (L x W x H): 34.4 x 30.8 x 34cm

Weight: 5.8kg

Dishwasher safe: No

Material: Stainless steel

Power: Electric – 1000W

Accessories: None

Capacity: 5.6L

Promising review:

“There are several variants online with similar functions (and many cheaper). We chose Crock-Pot as we wanted a known brand keeping in mind reliability needs with a pressure cooker. We were amazed by how versatile and easy it is cooking things like stews, soups and steaming rice in a fraction of time and with great results”.

RRP: £89.99, on sale now for £74 – you save £15.99

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The best pressure cooker for big families

This large stainless steel pressure cooker is ideal for large families and entertaining due to its large capacity and auto-lock safety system that means it locks automatically when you close it so you won’t have to worry about boiling water spilling out onto the floor.

4.6 stars from 1,532 ratings

Key specifications:

Size (L x W x H): 25 x 29 x 45cm

Weight: 4kg

Dishwasher safe: No

Material: Silver

Power: Stovetop

Accessories: Steaming basket

Capacity: 6L

Promising review:

“This is an excellent quality, heavy build pressure cooker which I find really easy to use. The finish inside makes it largely non-stick as it’s so polished that nothing seems to stick much. I like the system that allows you to control the pressure for each food, This is very easy with just a turn of the little lever on the weight”.

RRP: £70, on sale now for £54.95 – you save £15.05

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The best digital pressure cooker

4.5 stars from 166 ratings

With over 100 built-in recipes and pressure cooking functions, this family-friendly pressure cooker helps you create nutrient-dense, delicious meals with step by step instructions and app connectivity.

Key specifications:

Size (L x W x H): 37 x 35.5 x 35cm

Weight: 6.4kg

Dishwasher safe: No

Material: Plastic

Power: Electric – 1450W

Accessories: None

Capacity: 6L

Promising review:

“I had no idea this existed and fell upon my discovery of it by accident! Took the plunge and bought it after I had done a bit of research and read the reviews. Wish I had known about this before now, it’s what every kitchen needs! Easy to use, follow the recipes or create your own. Because it’s a pressure cooker, it cooks in no time at all and the food comes out so tasty because it’s retained all of the flavours. I cooked a whole chicken in 35 mins! Would highly recommend”.

RRP: £399

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