What to Look for in an Electric Pressure Cooker

Electric pressure cookers come in a variety of styles and sizes. Their big draw is that they offer a host of functions not available in traditional pressure cookers. These new-generation devices have become extremely intuitive to use and allow the novice to take on pressure cooking jobs with greater ease. Programmability with regards to timing, heating, pressure and cooking duration adds to the ease of use and makes pressure cooking more accessible to the masses. However, as there are a plethora of choices on the market, knowing what to look for in a good electric pressure cooker is key before making the decision to purchase one.

Electric pressure cookers can be intimidating. While many people have heard of the concept of pressure cooking, few are comfortable understanding what they should be used for. Indeed, the very idea can be daunting, but it need not be. Pressure must be properly regulated, and improper operation can be dangerous. For that reason, the ideal devices should be as simple to operate as possible. The electric models available today take care of these aspects, making for a worry-free food preparation experience.

Any food which can be cooked through steam, such as meats or vegetables, stews, and sauces, are ideal candidates for pressure cooking, and with spectacularly delicious results.

But as all pressure cookers are not created alike, which features should you look for? Here are some of the should-haves when it comes to buying an electric pressure cooker:

Capacity

Most units come in 3 to 6-quart capacities, with the higher the water carrying size the better. More water means more food can be prepared in one sitting, making for more effective cooking power.

Slow-Cooker Capability.

Your electric pressure cooker should also be able to perform triple duty as a slow cooker and rice cooker. Most units on the market will have this extra functionality and it's clearly worth it for true versatility. This allows you to combine all your countertop cooking units into one.

Intuitive Interface

Pressure cooking can be a daunting process, and the goal of the electric pressure cooker, with its programmable interface, should be as easy to use as possible. A good unit will offer set it and forget it functionality.

Easy Cleaning

Ideally, your electric pressure cooker would come with a non-stick coating so that food doesn't get baked on to the surface. Failing that, some units come with a separate food container designed to keep it away from the cooking surface. In any case, the electric pressure cooker should be easy to clean.

​What are the Best Electric Pressure Cookers?

How Did We Make Our Choice

In order to find the Best Electric Pressure Cooker, we searched the internet and other sources in order and researched the most reliable models that offer the best value . 

The Best Electric Pressure Cookers

Instant Pot IP-DUO60 7-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker Review

For those looking for a versatile, multi-function electric pressure cooker, the Instant Pot IP-DUO60 definitely fits the bill. This unit features everything you'd want in a counter-top cooking device. From pressure cooking to slow cooking, rice, steaming, meat browning and yogurt making, the DUO60 does it all.

Critics rate is a solid 4.5 out of 5 for its ease of use and versatility​. Overall, the Instant Pot DUO60 is an excellent addition to your food preparation equipment, and this until won't disappoint.