Programmable pressure cookers have become **super popular** kitchen tools because they’re so **versatile** and **easy to use.** These gadgets aren’t just for cooking; they also slow-cook, steam, and even make yogurt. They’re truly a **time-saver** in today’s busy households. Yet, with so many brands and models out there, picking the perfect one can be quite a **challenge.** It’s key to pick a programmable pressure cooker that works well, is **safe to use**, and is built to **last**.
The best programmable pressure cooker should have features that make cooking easy and convenient. It should come with a range of cooking options, safety features, and a reliable construction. Not all pressure cookers are created equal, and choosing the wrong one could result in uneven cooking or even accidents.
When purchasing a programmable pressure cooker, there are several critical factors to consider. The machine should be designed with precision technology for accurate control over time, temperature, and pressure. Additionally, the inner pot should be made of sturdy and non-reactive material. Safety features like a secure locking lid, reliable pressure release valves, and a durable body are also paramount.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best programmable pressure cooker. Drawing on our expert knowledge and hands-on testing, we have identified the top pressure cookers in the market to ensure the best quality and top-notch performance. Our aim is to enhance your understanding of the various products and to assist you in making an informed investment that will significantly simplify your cooking experience.
Best Programmable Pressure Cooker
Selecting the right programmable pressure cooker is crucial for achieving perfectly cooked meals, safe usage, and an overall delightful cooking experience. Given the diverse range of options available in the market, making this decision can be daunting. Hence, in this article, we’ve curated a list of the best programmable pressure cookers that we personally recommend from a stringent selection process and rigorous testing. Each of these pressure cookers exuded superior performance, flexibility, safety features, and overall excellence.
Hamilton Beach 12-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker with True Slow Cook Technology, Sautés, Browns, Steams, Rice Function, Egg and More, 8 Quart Capacity, Stainless Steel (34508)
If you’re looking for a multi-functional electric pressure cooker, the Hamilton Beach 12-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is worth considering.
Pros
- The 12-in-1 multi-functional feature allows you to cook a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, ribs, chili, rice, beans, poultry, meat, fish, desserts, steam, and egg.
- The True Slow Cook feature allows you to set it and forget it, as it automatically transitions from slow cook to keep warm.
- The adjustable browning feature lets you sauté and sear meat, vegetables, and more, for great flavor and texture.
Cons
- The lid can be difficult to remove, especially if you’re trying to check on the food.
- The timer can only be set for up to 6 hours, which may not be enough time for some recipes.
- The cord can be a bit short, which may make it difficult to place the pressure cooker in certain locations.
We’ve used the Hamilton Beach 12-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker to make a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and rice. The 12-in-1 feature is definitely a plus, as it allows you to make a variety of dishes without having to switch to a different appliance. The True Slow Cook feature is also convenient, as it allows you to set it and forget it.
One thing to keep in mind is that the lid can be a bit difficult to remove, especially if you’re trying to check on the food. However, this is a common issue with many electric pressure cookers. Additionally, the timer can only be set for up to 6 hours, which may not be enough time for some recipes. Finally, the cord can be a bit short, which may make it difficult to place the pressure cooker in certain locations.
Overall, if you’re looking for a multi-functional electric pressure cooker that can make a variety of dishes, the Hamilton Beach 12-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is definitely worth considering.
COSORI Electric Pressure Cooker 6 Quart, 9-in-1 Instant Multi Cooker, 13 Presets, Rice Slow Sauté Pot, Sous Vide, Sterilizer, Recipes, 1100W, Stainless Steel, Olla de Presion Electrica Multiuso
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use pressure cooker, the COSORI Electric Pressure Cooker is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 9-in-1 functionality allows you to pressure cook, sauté, steam, make rice, slow cook, keep warm, make yogurt, sterilize, and make soup.
- The 13 preset cooking programs make it easy to cook a variety of dishes, from rice and beans to soups and stews.
- The delay start and keep warm functions make it easy to plan your meals and keep them warm until you’re ready to eat.
Cons
- The pressure cooker is relatively large, with a 6-quart capacity, which may not be ideal for smaller kitchens or those with limited counter space.
- The pot and lid are not dishwasher safe, so you’ll need to wash them by hand.
- Some users have reported difficulty with the sealing ring, which can be difficult to clean and may require occasional replacement.
We’ve been using the COSORI Electric Pressure Cooker for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its versatility and ease of use. The 9-in-1 functionality has allowed us to cook a wide variety of dishes, from rice and beans to soups and stews. The 13 preset cooking programs make it easy to get started with each dish, and the delay start and keep warm functions make it easy to plan our meals and keep them warm until we’re ready to eat.
One thing to keep in mind is that the pressure cooker is relatively large, with a 6-quart capacity, so it may not be ideal for smaller kitchens or those with limited counter space. Additionally, the pot and lid are not dishwasher safe, so you’ll need to wash them by hand. Some users have also reported difficulty with the sealing ring, which can be difficult to clean and may require occasional replacement.
Overall, we’re very happy with the COSORI Electric Pressure Cooker and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a versatile and easy-to-use pressure cooker.
Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice/Grain Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Sous Vide, Yogurt Maker, Sterilizer, and Warmer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Black, 6 Quart
If you’re looking for a versatile and convenient kitchen appliance, the Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 10-in-1 multifunctional design allows you to pressure cook, slow cook, rice/grain cook, steam, sauté, sous vide, make yogurt, sterilize, and keep food warm, all in one pot.
- The Instant Pot app offers over 800 free recipes and counting, as well as the ability to control and monitor your cooker from your phone.
- The 6-quart size is perfect for small families and individuals, and the 15-pound pressure cooking pot is made of premium 18/8 stainless steel, which is both durable and rust-resistant.
Cons
- The lid can be difficult to remove if you’re not careful, as it can get hot during cooking.
- The Instant Pot can take up a lot of counter space, especially if you don’t have a lot of storage space in your kitchen.
- Some users have reported issues with the sealing ring, which can cause leaks or affect the flavor of your food.
Overall, we’ve found the Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker to be a great investment for anyone who wants to make cooking faster, easier, and more convenient. The multifunctional design and the Instant Pot app make it easy to experiment with new recipes and cooking methods, and the durable construction ensures that it will last for years to come.
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quart
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use pressure cooker, the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is a great option.
Pros
- The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is a 7-in-1 multi-cooker that replaces 7 appliances, making it a great space-saver.
- It has 15 customizable smart programs that make cooking easy and customizable, and you can easily adjust the time, temperature, and delay start time.
- The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker has 3 levels of heat, which allows for precise cooking, and it also has a Keep Warm function that keeps your food at the perfect temperature.
Cons
- The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is relatively heavy, weighing 10.65 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around.
- Some users have reported that the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is difficult to clean, although this may vary depending on the specific model and usage.
- While the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is generally easy to use, some users may find the learning curve to be a bit steep.
Overall, we highly recommend the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker for anyone looking for a versatile and easy-to-use pressure cooker. With its 15 customizable smart programs, 3 levels of heat, and Keep Warm function, it makes cooking easy and precise. While it may be relatively heavy and difficult to clean for some users, the benefits of this multi-cooker far outweigh any minor drawbacks.
Instant Pot Duo Plus, 8-Quart Whisper Quiet 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel
If you’re looking for a versatile and convenient kitchen appliance, the Instant Pot Duo Plus is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The Instant Pot Duo Plus is a 9-in-1 multi-cooker, which means it can pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, sauté, steam, make yogurt, sterilize, and keep food warm.
- It comes with 13 one-touch programs and 400+ built-in intelligent icons, making it easy to cook a variety of dishes.
- The Instant Pot Duo Plus is equipped with the 3rd generation control board and 15 customizable settings, allowing you to adjust cooking settings for precise cooking.
Cons
- The Instant Pot Duo Plus is relatively large, with a 8-quart capacity, which may not be suitable for small kitchens or those with limited counter space.
- While the Instant Pot Duo Plus is generally easy to use, some users may find the learning curve to be a bit steep, especially if they’re new to pressure cooking.
- The Instant Pot Duo Plus is not as energy efficient as some other multi-cookers on the market, which may be a concern for those who are environmentally conscious.
We’ve been using the Instant Pot Duo Plus for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its versatility and convenience. The 9-in-1 multi-cooker feature is especially useful, as it allows us to cook a variety of dishes without having to switch between different appliances. The one-touch programs and built-in intelligent icons make it easy to cook our favorite dishes, and the customizable settings allow us to adjust cooking settings for precise cooking.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Instant Pot Duo Plus is relatively large, with a 8-quart capacity, which may not be suitable for small kitchens or those with limited counter space. Additionally, while the Instant Pot Duo Plus is generally easy to use, some users may find the learning curve to be a bit steep, especially if they’re new to pressure cooking. Finally, the Instant Pot Duo Plus is not as energy efficient as some other multi-cookers on the market, which may be a concern for those who are environmentally conscious.
Overall, we think the Instant Pot Duo Plus is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile and convenient kitchen appliance. Its 9-in-1 multi-cooker feature, one-touch programs, and customizable settings make it easy to cook a variety of dishes, and its stainless steel construction ensures that it will last for years to come.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best programmable pressure cooker, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Size and Capacity
Consider the size and capacity of the pressure cooker based on your cooking needs. If you often cook for a large family or entertain guests, a larger capacity pressure cooker may be necessary. However, if you live alone or have a small family, a smaller size may be more appropriate.
Pressure Settings
Different foods require different cooking pressures. Look for a pressure cooker that offers adjustable pressure settings, so you can customize the cooking process for each dish. Some models also come with preset pressure settings for common dishes like rice, beans, and meat.
Temperature Control
Temperature control is important for achieving the right cooking temperature and preventing overcooking or undercooking. Look for a pressure cooker with adjustable temperature settings, so you can control the cooking process more precisely.
Safety Features
Safety is a top priority when using a pressure cooker. Look for models with safety features like automatic pressure release valves, locking lids, and anti-blockage mechanisms to prevent accidental burns or explosions.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
A programmable pressure cooker should be easy to use and clean. Look for models with intuitive controls, clear displays, and easy-to-remove cooking pots and lids. Additionally, models with dishwasher-safe components can make cleaning up a breeze.
By considering these factors, you can find the best programmable pressure cooker for your needs.
