Hey there! Are you on the hunt for the ultimate kitchen companion that will whip up scrumptious meals in a flash? Well, look no further because I’ve got your back! As a product review blogger, I’ve explored countless electric pressure cookers, rigorously testing each one to find the absolute best. And guess what? America’s Test Kitchen has also jumped on the bandwagon and put together a list of their top electric pressure cookers. So sit tight, because I’m about to spill the beans on the creme de la creme of these culinary wonders!
If you’ve ever dreamed of effortlessly cooking mouthwatering dishes that taste like they’ve simmered for hours, then an electric pressure cooker is a game-changer for you. I’ve tried and tested various models, put them through their paces, and oh boy, the results were astounding! From perfectly tender roasts to fast and flavorful stews, these kitchen superheroes deliver gourmet-quality meals in a fraction of the time. So, when America’s Test Kitchen released their coveted list of the best electric pressure cookers, I just had to dive right in and share all the juicy details with you.
Now, here comes the exciting part – you can get acquainted with the crème de la crème of electric pressure cookers as endorsed by America’s Test Kitchen! If you’re ready to elevate your cooking game and simplify your time spent in the kitchen, it’s time to check out these incredible products. So, without further ado, head over to the full list of electrifying electric pressure cookers that I’ve put together. Discover the potential that lies within these culinary powerhouses and prepare to revolutionize your cooking experience. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this!
Things to Consider
Choosing a high-quality electric pressure cooker is essential to ensure that you are making a worthwhile investment that fits your needs. With numerous options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to make the right choice. However, by considering a few key factors, you can narrow down your options and find the best electric pressure cooker that perfectly suits your requirements. Let me guide you through the factors to consider when purchasing an electric pressure cooker from America’s Test Kitchen:
- Capacity: Determine the size of the pressure cooker based on your intended usage. Consider the number of people you regularly cook for, as well as whether you prefer cooking bigger batches for leftovers or smaller portions for immediate consumption.
- Functions and features: Evaluate the options and features available with different electric pressure cookers. Look for features such as multiple cooking programs, adjustable pressure settings, a delay start timer, or even smart functionalities like Wi-Fi connectivity. Assess which functions are essential for your cooking requirements.
- Build quality and durability: A well-built electric pressure cooker ensures longevity and safety. Look for models made with high-quality materials like stainless steel, which enhance durability and retention of heat.
- Safety features: Pay attention to the safety measures incorporated into the electric pressure cooker. Features like automatic pressure release, lid-locking mechanisms, and overheat protection are crucial to prevent accidents during cooking.
- Ease of use and cleaning: Consider the user-friendliness of the pressure cooker. Look for an intuitive control panel, easily readable display, and ergonomic design. Additionally, removable components and dishwasher-safe parts make cleaning hassle-free, saving you valuable time and effort.
The most important factors are capacity, as per your cooking requirements, and the functionality and features that align with your preferences. Additionally, ensure that the electric pressure cooker is built with durable materials and equipped with necessary safety features. Remember, selecting the right electric pressure cooker can greatly impact your budget as it is an investment that should last for years. By considering these factors, you can confidently choose the best electric pressure cooker from America’s Test Kitchen that will provide you with efficient and reliable cooking experiences.
How We Tested
When testing the best electric pressure cooker in America’s Test Kitchen, we focused on thoroughly evaluating various models to ensure we’ve done the hard work for you. We understand that choosing the right pressure cooker can be overwhelming with all the options available, so we’re here to guide you. Here’s how we tested the products:
- We conducted hands-on testing: Our team of experts actually used each electric pressure cooker to prepare different recipes, allowing us to assess their performance, ease of use, and versatility.
- We evaluated safety features: Your safety is our top priority, so we carefully examined each cooker’s safety mechanisms, such as pressure release valves and lid locks, to ensure they meet essential standards.
- We assessed cooking efficiency: We tested the cooking speed and consistency of each pressure cooker to determine how well they retained and distributed heat. This allowed us to identify models that provided optimal cooking results.
- We considered capacity and size: We understand that kitchen space is valuable, so we evaluated the dimensions and capacity of each pressure cooker to help you find one that fits seamlessly into your kitchen.
- We researched customer reviews: In addition to our own testing, we assessed customer feedback to ensure our recommendations align with real-world experiences, giving you a comprehensive overview of the product.
When choosing the best electric pressure cooker for you, it’s important to consider factors such as:
- Cooking capacity: Assess how much food you typically cook and choose a pressure cooker with a suitable capacity.
- Safety features: Look for models with reliable safety mechanisms to ensure your cooking experience is worry-free.
- Ease of use: Consider the control panel, intuitive interface, and ease of cleaning to simplify your cooking process.
- Versatility: Determine if the pressure cooker offers different cooking functions and if it can accommodate your preferred cooking styles
- Price: We understand the need for value, so we’ve considered the price range to ensure our recommendations cater to different budgets.
With our thorough testing and evaluation, you can confidently choose the best electric pressure cooker that meets your needs, making your cooking experience efficient and enjoyable.
Best electric pressure cooker
Instant Pot Instant Pot Duo
The Instant Pot has garnered a dedicated and passionate following, amassing nearly 155,000 Amazon reviews and boasting an impressive 4.7-star average rating for this particular model alone. During our rigorous testing, it consistently delivered outstanding performance, excelling in almost every evaluation. Notably, it stood out by producing perfectly cooked rice, avoiding the common pitfall of turning it mushy.
Furthermore, this Instant Pot demonstrated exceptional prowess in our pressure-cooking and slow-cooking tests, particularly when preparing beef stew. Its user-friendly interface is intuitively designed, offering a wide array of settings tailored for various cooking needs, including soup, meat, stew, beans, poultry, rice, yogurt, and other Instant Pot recipes. The straightforward layout ensures that there’s no room for confusion when using this model.
While it lacks some of the more advanced features and an LCD screen found in higher-end cookers, this model shines as an excellent choice for beginners or individuals who prefer a more straightforward approach to cooking. What truly sets it apart is its affordability, with a price tag comfortably below $100, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
Farberware Programmable Digital Pressure Cooker
Despite being one of the most budget-friendly options in our testing, the Farberware 7-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker proved itself as a highly reliable performer. Whether employed for pressure cooking or slow cooking, it consistently delivered superb results, rendering stew meat incredibly tender and maintaining the shape and texture of vegetables in our trials.
This model boasts a diverse range of presets that provide exceptional cooking flexibility, covering settings for soup/stew, rice/risotto, steak/meat, chicken, beans/lentils, steaming fish or vegetables, browning/searing, and slow cooking. Additionally, it includes practical features such as keep warm and delay start settings. Notably, its quick release valve on the lid efficiently releases pressure in just under 3 minutes, enhancing safety and convenience.
Despite its relatively bulky size, this appliance offers an attractive design, thanks to its stainless steel exterior, smooth touchpad controls, and easily readable LED display. This combination of affordability, functionality, and aesthetics makes the Farberware 7-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker an excellent choice for those seeking a cost-effective yet capable cooking solution.
Breville Fast Slow Pro Multi Function Cooker
The Fast Slow Pro stands out as a more upscale option among pressure cookers, boasting an abundance of customizable cooking settings that set it apart. With this appliance, you have precise control over both temperature and pressure levels, allowing adjustments from 1.5 to 12 psi. Furthermore, you can select from a range of pressure release options, including auto quick, auto pulse, or natural pressure release. It even features an altitude-adjustment function – simply input your current altitude, and it will automatically fine-tune time and temperature settings to align with your specific boiling point.
The Fast Slow Pro offers an impressive array of preset cooking settings, covering everything from vegetables, rice, soup, meat, bone-in meat, chili, stew, dessert, and more. In our tests, it outperformed other machines by producing the most tender pressure-cooked stew, leaving both the meat and vegetables perfectly cooked, while the broth retained its rich color and flavor.
Even with its sophisticated features, testers found the LCD screen and knob controls to be intuitive and user-friendly, making the Fast Slow Pro an excellent choice for those seeking a high-end, yet easily manageable pressure cooker.
ZAVOR EZLock Pressure Cooker
Stovetop pressure cookers typically demand manual adjustment and vigilant attention, but contrary to common misconceptions, they are not as intimidating as they may seem. What distinguishes this particular stainless steel stovetop cooker is its remarkable simplicity of operation. In our testing, we found the lid’s universal lock system to be a standout feature, allowing users to secure the lid effortlessly at any position. A reassuring click signals that it’s properly set, ensuring safety and ease of use.
The EZLock excelled in our assessments, achieving the highest score for beef stew within the stovetop pressure cooker category. It consistently delivered tender meat and vegetables, thanks to its capacity to reach a pressure of 15 PSI and swiftly come to pressure in just under 11 minutes. This model offers two PSI levels (8 and 15), along with convenient quick-release and clean settings. During testing, the red pressure indicator was highly visible, and a noteworthy safety feature is that the lid locks closed when the cooker contains pressure, eliminating concerns about premature lid opening. This combination of simplicity and performance makes the EZLock an outstanding choice for stovetop pressure cooking.
CHEF iQ Smart Pressure Cooker
Much like its counterparts, the Chef iQ Smart Pressure Cooker boasts an impressive array of cooking capabilities, including pressure cooking, steaming, slow cooking, searing, sautéing, and sous vide. However, it distinguishes itself with a standout feature that will particularly appeal to aspiring home chefs: an extensive library of over 1,000 presets and access to more than 600 guided recipes and culinary how-to videos. What sets it apart further is its compatibility with smartphones, allowing for control via WiFi or Bluetooth.
In our testing, experts were impressed with the user-friendliness of the step-by-step instructions displayed on the LCD screen. During our beef stew testing, the Chef iQ delivered one of the top pressure scores, pressurizing in just 31 minutes. Notably, it excelled in terms of ease of cleaning and assembly, with the silicon ring removal and reinstallation being a breeze. Adding to its appeal is the sleek matte black design, making it an appliance that you wouldn’t mind showcasing on your countertops.