Best Pressure Cookers for Fast and Easy Cooking and Canning

Review & Comparison, Last Update December 18, 2023
Pressurized steam is used not only in the food service industry but also in a home kitchen because it helps immensely in reducing ...Read more
PROS

Made of BUFFALO Clad stainless steel, the pressure cooker features a higher thermal conductivity and more even heating as compared to conventional stainless steel models. The unit is equipped with a German-designed interlock that makes opening and closing the lid an easy and safe task.

CONS

The user manual could be more comprehensible. 

OUR VERDICT

Allowing you to quickly cook meat and vegetables, the Buffalo QCP420 21-quart pressure cooker is second to none in canning, so, it will help you preserve all essential nutrients in seasonal foods. The cookware is compatible with all oven types. ISO 9001 : 2000 and SG certified, the appliance is safe in use. 

detailed parameters
TYPE AND POWER

Stovetop, power depends on stove

СAPACITY

21 Qt (8, 12, 15, 32, 37 Qt available)

COOKING MODES

Steaming and immersion cooking, canning

MATERIAL

Stainless steel pot and lid

WEIGHT

12.68 lbs

SEALING

Sealing ring

SAFETY

6 safety features including pressure indicator valve, Emergency pressure relief safety device, ISO 9001 : 2000 and Safety Goods (SG) certified

SENSORS

Pressure indicator

Warranty

10 years warranty on all plastic and removable parts (except sealing ring)

PROS

Equipped with a super convenient lid that can be opened and closed with one hand, the item has a five-step security system for the utmost comfort of use. The lid locks during the unit's operation; the pressure release is easy to control.

CONS

It might not be so easy to replace the sealing gasket after cleaning.

OUR VERDICT

This functional stainless steel pressure cooker is equipped with a steam basket and stand for multi-level cooking. The unit is compatible with all cooking surfaces, including induction cooktops. It can be cleaned in a dishwasher.

detailed parameters
TYPE AND POWER

Stovetop, power depends on the stove

СAPACITY

6.3 Qt

COOKING MODES

Steaming and immersion cooking, canning

MATERIAL

Stainless steel pot and lid with brushed stainless steel finish

WEIGHT

10 lbs

SEALING

Sealing ring

SAFETY

Variable steam-release valve, One-hand opening/closing system, Pressure indicator, Side handles

SENSORS

Pressure indicator

Warranty

1 year

PROS

A stainless steel steaming basket will allow you to cook two dishes simultaneously without flavor intermingling. To inspire culinary experiments, the package includes a 64-page booklet with comprehensive instructions and delicious recipes. 

CONS

The handles could be of better quality.

OUR VERDICT

Thoughtfully designed and highly efficient, the Presto 01370 pressure cooker will serve you for years to come. A special tri-clad base will ensure uniform heating and a cover lock indicator will let you know when the pot is under high pressure and it's better to refrain from opening the lid. The model is certainly a good value for the money. 

detailed parameters
TYPE AND POWER

Stovetop, power depends on stove

СAPACITY

8 Qt

COOKING MODES

Steaming and immersion cooking, canning

MATERIAL

Stainless steel pot and lid

WEIGHT

7.55 lbs

SEALING

Sealing ring

SAFETY

Pressure regulator/steam release system 

SENSORS

Pressure indicator, Cover lock indicator

Warranty

12 years warranty on defects in material or workmanship

PROS

Owing to the exclusive metal-to-metal sealing system (the cover is secured with handy clamping locks), no gaskets are needed, so the lid is super easy to open and close. The unit is equipped with a large stay-cool handle and an ergonomic steam gauge.

CONS

This item is a bit bulky.

OUR VERDICT

The All American 921 pressure cooker is a heavy-duty kitchen appliance, offering ample space to cook and can a variety of foods. What's more important, it's equipped with 2 automatic vents, which helps prevent burns and ensure safety of use. If 21.5Qt is too much for you, other size options are also available. 

detailed parameters
TYPE AND POWER

Stovetop, power depends on the stove

СAPACITY

21.5 Qt

COOKING MODES

Steaming and immersion cooking, canning

MATERIAL

Durable cast aluminum pot and lid with smooth satin finish

WEIGHT

20 lbs

SEALING

Metal-to-metal sealing system

SAFETY

Stay-cool bakelite handle on the lid, Safety control valve, Overpressure plug

SENSORS

Pressure dial gauge

Warranty

1 year

PROS

This innovative unit features two pressure settings. So, you can choose between 10 and 15 PSI to follow recipes more carefully and create perfect meals to pamper yourself and your family. 

CONS

Some users are not quite happy with the provided gasket. 

OUR VERDICT

This induction-compatible pressure cooker from T-fal is made from high-quality stainless steel and has a durable triple-layer base. The item is equipped with all necessary safety features including an automatic lid-locking. And the pot is dishwasher-safe for no-hassle maintenance.  

detailed parameters
TYPE AND POWER

Stovetop, power depends on stove

СAPACITY

6 Qt (6.3, 22 Quarts available)

COOKING MODES

Steaming and immersion cooking, canning

MATERIAL

18/10 stainless steel pot and lid

WEIGHT

8 lbs

SEALING

Silicone gasket

SAFETY

5 safety devices, Secure locking lid

SENSORS

Pressure indicator

Warranty

2 years limited

For Cooking and Canning

Even the fastest cooking method can be more effective thanks to innovative materials. Made of BUFFALO Clad, this pressure cooker model has a multilayered bottom to deliver excellent heat conductivity. As a result, your meals will be cooked quickly and evenly. It is amazing how fast you can cook with this wonderful pressure cooker at hand. Toothsome whole potatoes will be ready in just 8 minutes, and a bow of red bean soup in just half an hour.

Meanwhile, it is even heat conductivity that makes this 21-Quart unit one of the best pressure cookers for canning. The unit will let you preserve meat, seafood, poultry, seasonal vegetables, and fruit sealing all the precious natural juices and nutrients.

The cookware is pretty lightweight for a stainless steel pot of this size. With that, it is large enough to hold 16 x 16 oz jars (placed in two tiers) or 5 x 32 oz jars (in a single tier). In other words, you will be able to sterilize and can more jars at a time in an energy-wise manner. By the way, the cookware is compatible with all stovetop types including gas, electric, induction, and ceramic models.

Ideal for super-fast cooking and efficient canning, the item is built with the user in mind. ISO 9001 : 2000 and Safety Goods certified, the pressure cooker boats multiple safety features including three safety valves, a vent filter, a safety vent, and a safety lock. Meanwhile, the German-designed interlock will ensure easy opening and closing of the lid.

Quality That Will Last

The Buffalo QCP420 unit is not only safe in use but also health-friendly, thanks to the premium-grade materials it is made of. To deliver a perfectly scratch-resistant and durable inner surface, the manufacturer has applied a unique buffing technology with no coatings or enamels. That way, no hazardous or toxic materials will come in contact with foods even after years of use.

When it comes to maintenance, the cooker is a breeze to clean. It has a special interior design with no hard-to-clean corners and features a removable gasket that is simple to rinse. If the sealing ring wears over time, it can easily be replaced to keep your pressure cooker function like a new one.

Summing up, the Buffalo QCP420 21-quart pressure cooker is a perfect choice for large families. It will help you cook and can big batches of food with minimum time and effort requiried. Easy to clean and made to last, this multi-use premium-quality pressure cooker will become your reliable kitchen helper for years to come.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $459.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B019B1X2EO

Safety Comes First

A pressure cooker is excellent cookware for making healthy meals in a matter of minutes. However, when it comes to such powerful devices, safety is the key feature to look for. The T-fal P45009 is one of the safest pressure cookers on the market. It is also one of the most convenient models out there. In fact, the unit is equipped with temperature-resistant handles. Next, it has a steam release valve that will let the excess steam out automatically. If you notice there is too much or too little steam, you can reduce or increase the stovetop heat to maintain the desired pressure level.

What makes the T-fal P45009 incredibly convenient in use is a specially designed lid. The unique Clipso system will allow you to open and close the lid with only one hand. At the same time, to ensure the user's safety, it cannot be opened while you are cooking or the pressure is not released. This model features both slow and fast steam release systems; please carefully follow the manufacturer's recommendations when using both methods. An ergonomic pressure indicator will let you know when the pot is no longer under pressure.

Steaming Basket Included

The T-fal P45009 can be used on all cooking surfaces, including induction cooktops. It comes with a steaming basket enabling you to cook more than one delicious healthy dish at a time. Along with the purchase, you will get a book that includes over 60 wholesome recipes so you will never run out of cooking ideas. Featuring a 6.3 qt capacity, the cookware is perfect for both cooking family meals and canning. The item is easy to clean with a sponge and some mild liquid detergent. You can even place it in a dishwasher, just do not forget to remove the pressure valve and gasket before washing. Please, make sure that the valve is clean each time before you use the pressure cooker.

This pressure cooker is made of high-quality stainless steel so it will serve you (and look like new) for years. Besides, some accessories, including a valve, handles, and a gasket, can be bought separately if you need any of them to be replaced. It is recommended to change the seal once a year or so if it is damaged, so it makes sense to always have a spare one.

To put it in a nutshell, the T-fal P45009 is a durable and reliable pressure cooker that has all the necessary features to ensure safe and comfortable use.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $147.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B01C8DZI8K

Good Value for the Money

This 8-quart multi-use pressure cooker from Presto is a great choice for family kitchens and avid home cooks. At a reasonable price, it offers decent versatility and really good quality. It will help you cook wholesome and delicious meals and tenderize cheaper cuts of meat in no time at all. Moreover, the package includes a stainless steel steaming basket to give you an opportunity to cook two different dishes simultaneously.

One of the keys to a pressure cooker efficiency is the body material. To ensure fast and uniform heating, this model has a tri-cad base with a layer of aluminum trapped between two stainless steel layers. Another essential parameter is the unit's safety features that make it both safe and easy to use. The cookware has an ergonomic pressure regulator that will automatically maintain the cooking pressure and a cover lock indicator that will show you when the pressure is released and the lid can be opened with no risk of burns.

As for the stovetop compatibility, this cookware can be used on gas, electric coil, induction, and ceramic glass cooktops. Just keep in mind that it is recommended to lift the cookware (instead of sliding it) to prevent scratching and damaging the smooth cooking surface.

Easy to Use and Clean

Though this model has a user-friendly design, it is still important to carefully follow the instructions to ensure the safe use of the unit. Before using the cookware, make sure the vent pipe is not blocked and the cover handles are just above the main body handles. When the pressure builds up inside the cooker, the air vent/cover lock slides up and will go down only when the pressure is released letting you know that the lid can be opened.

Though hand wash is recommended, cleaning the unit is quite simple. The item is fully immersible except for the pressure regulator that you can wipe clean with a damp cloth. It is advisable to remove the sealing ring after use to thoroughly clean the inside of the lid. You can also remove an air vent/cover lock and wash it (as well as the gasket) in warm soapy water. A vent pipe is easy to clean with a pipe cleaner or a small brush. Please, note that an overpressure plug (also removable) and a sealing ring are to be replaced every two years. If necessary, the outside surface of the pot can be cleaned with a fine non-abrasive polish.

Finally, the Presto 01370 comes with a comprehensive user manual/recipe booklet that will help you quickly prepare healthy filling dishes like a beef pot roast, a whole chicken, and many other yummies.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $79.90
Stock In stock
ASIN B0000Z6JIW

All About Quality

If you are looking for a kitchen appliance that can cook healthy food and do it quickly, look no further. The All American 21.5 Quart pressure cooker is perfect for you! Designed for use by large families, this pressure cooker offers ample space to cook large amounts of your favorite food and can be used for canning as well.

The All American 921 is made of high-quality hand-cast aluminum and features a safe and effective metal-to-metal sealing system. To ensure the durability of the device and leak-free performance, all connection points are double thick. This eliminates the need for any additional silicone or rubber rings, as well as makes it easier to open and close the lid.

However, take note that because this pressure cooker is so big, it is also rather heavy, especially when filled with food. Therefore, before placing it on a glass/ceramic cooking hob, be sure to check your stove manufacturer's recommendations to avoid damaging it. Other than that, the canner is safe to use on both electric and gas stoves.

Simple and Safe

When it comes to the operation, it is simple and intuitive. All you need to do is put food ingredients into the pot and place it on the stove. You can further adjust the cooking speed by changing the heat output. The process of cooking is maintained with the help of a geared steam gauge and a safety control valve. Once you select the desired pressure level, (5, 10 or 15 psi), the device will do the rest for you. The All American 921 has a heat-resistant cool-touch handle to avoid burns when the cooking is done and you open the lid.

As we have mentioned above, this pressure cooker features a metal-to-metal sealing system. To align the lid with the base and ensure a steam-tight seal, the unit is equipped with six positive action clamping locks. Each lock has a stay-cool grip for safe and comfortable opening and closing of the cover.

Made of high-quality aluminum, the All American crock pot has a smooth satin finish, which is easy to clean after each use. The purchase includes a cooking/canning rack, plus an easy-to-follow instruction book with pressure cooking recipes.

In a word, offering a great cooking capacity, user-friendly design, and outstanding safety features, the All American 921 pressure cooker is an excellent choice for home canning.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $279.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B00004S88Z

What customers say about this product

Size & Weight(4.8)

In today's world of marketing BS where the product is all hype, this is one of most quality pieces of cookware that I have seen in a long time. It is well built out of good material and I believe will last many, many years.

Key Specs(4.6)

Since I see so many people commenting on the capacity I will state for the record that it does indeed, hold 10 regular pint jars! As wide-mouth pints are larger in diameter, it will only hold 8 of those.

Control(4.2)

Handles and knobs are built well also, not cheap crap plastic, but good Bakelite.

Features(5)

As you would expect for the price compared to similar foreign-made options; this is a very high quality, heirloom-potential, USA-made pressure canner that will last for decades, properly cared for.

Dual Pressure Setting

Designed to give you more cooking options, the T-fal P25107 has two pressure settings (10 and 15 PSI). A variable control valve will allow you to adjust the pressure level according to the recipe. Meanwhile, in the user manual, you will find a table with the recommended cooking time, cooking method (steaming or immersion cooking), and pressure level to achieve delicious results with whatever you are about to cook. And, despite a fairly compact size that makes it convenient to store and a 6-quart capacity, the unit is big enough to toss off a family dinner.

The pressure cooker is made of 18/10 stainless steel, which is a durable, hygienic, and corrosion-resistant food-grade material. To provide optimal heating, the model boasts a triple-thickness base that also prevents warping. This high-quality stainless steel cookware works with all heat sources, including induction cooktops.

To ensure safe and comfortable use, the item is equipped with ergonomic stay-cool bakelite handles. Please, note that it is recommended to use both handles when you move the hot unit. In the meantime, a steamer basket and a stand are included to enable you to cook even more healthy meals for yourself and your nearest and dearest.

Functional and Safe in Use

This T-fal pressure cooker is equipped with a reliable security system that will guarantee maximum safe use. The safety features include an operating valve, a pressure indicator, a safety valve, an auto-lock system, and a lid gasket. Thanks to the secure locking mechanism, you can safely open and close the unit. If the cooker is not closed properly, the pressure will not build up. On the other hand, you will not be able to activate an opening knob if the unit is still under pressure. The safety valve and the gasket will let the steam escape in case the excess pressure builds up inside the cookware. If this happens, it is necessary to turn off the heat, let the pot cool down completely, and carefully check and clean the valves and the gasket.

To prolong the unit's service life and ensure safe use, please follow the manufacturer's recommendations. For example, it is not recommended to put the lid in a dishwasher and even soak it in water, though the pot itself is dishwasher-safe. It is also important to replace the sealing gasket every year. The user manual includes a detailed troubleshooting guide you can refer to if any issues occur.

Simply put, the T-fal P25107 is safe-in-use and versatile cookware with adjustable pressure settings that will help you optimize your cooking time.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $66.13
Stock In stock
ASIN B00EXLOW38

VIDEO

What Is a Pressure Cooker?

In layman's terms, a pressure cooker is a sealed pot with a lid that allows for cooking under high pressure. The process of cooking is quite simple: as the liquid (water or stew) reaches the boiling point, pressure rises - as result, cooking takes much less time, a lot quicker than cooking in a conventional pot on the stove.

Aside from faster performance, pressure cooker offers health benefits too. Thus not only do they require very little oil but also they preserve almost all nutrients in the food. So you can cook faster and eat healthier too.

Finally, pressure cookers are also suitable for canning, which makes them a versatile kitchen appliance many households can benefit from.

On this page, we've gathered five top models available so you can compare their features and select the device that will be the most suitable for you.

Also, you may be interested in taking a look at our selection of slow cookers, special kitchen appliances used for cooking soups, meat, fish, porridge, jam at low heating settings for a prolonged period of time. And if you're a fan of rice dishes, we recommend checking out our rice cookers review.

What Features to Compare

You might have come across pressure cooker reviews online but they have not been informative enough if you are still looking for this appliance. That is why we have made our comparison as simple as possible and picked 5 best pressure cookers for you and compared them by the most important criteria.

Capacity and Power

The first thing you need to consider when choosing a pressure cooker is its capacity and power. And here you must know that there are 2 types of pressure cookers: electric pressure cookers and stovetop pressure cookers. No need to say, an electric pressure cooker requires electricity whereas a stovetop cooker is basically a metal pot you put right on top of your stove (no matter gas or electric). Any electric pressure cooker has the certain power - make sure it is at least 1000 Watts which is a standard for this kind of kitchen appliances. When you are done with this choice, go to the capacity that shows you how much food you are able to prepare. If you have a common family, you can choose a typical 6-Quart cooker, but if you need this appliance for professional use (for a restaurant, for example) or for feeding a lot of people - make sure to choose a bigger pressure cooker.

Material

If you want to use a pressure cooker for many years without any troubles you should pay attention to the material it is made from. As usual, there are cookers made of stainless steel (both electric or stovetop) and aluminum. Aluminum pressure cookers are usually more affordable but less health-friendly due to the peculiarities of this material. Aluminum cookers look like pots with a multi-layer bottom for even heat distribution; a lid firmly adjoins the pot thanks to a sealing method that most often includes a silicone or rubber ring (though some models have an all-metal sealing system). As usual, a silicone sealing ring is more durable compared to a rubber one. Keep in mind that you will have to change the sealing ring from time to time. The lid usually has a couple of valves to release excessive pressure and one of the valves automatically does it when the pressure becomes dangerously high. Of course, you can set up the maximal pressure level. Stainless steel pressure cookers are more expensive but safer for health. If you choose an electric pressure cooker, you will be able to clean the inner pot in a dishwasher. When you are done with choosing a material, check what weight it has. No need to say, aluminum is lighter than stainless steel.

Cooking Modes

Next, the last yet really important issue to take into account is the cooking modes by which we mean what kind of food you can use a pressure cooker for and what pre-set programs the appliance offers. For example, a stovetop pressure cooker is most often used for canning and stewing whereas an automatic electric pressure cooker is a multifunctional appliance that can serve as a rice cooker, slow cooker, and so on. Therefore, choosing an electric pressure cooker pot allows you to save up the money and get an awesome kitchen helper. And those who want to preserve food need a large canner crock pot.

Safety Features

Finally, you need to be sure the pressure cooker will not blow up and that is why make sure to check the safety and sensors. All pressure cooking pots have a lid lock which ensures the safe position of a lid and prevents its accidental opening. Also, every good crock pot has an overpressure release - if the pressure inside gets too high a special vent (or valve) will get rid of the excess. Electric pressure cookers are totally automatic, while on crock pots you need to set the max. pressure level manually. Sold stovetop crock pots have a sophisticated manual locking system - you just manually do all the locking so the accidental opening is impossible. Also, pay attention to Sensors every pressure cooker has: as usual, electric ones have an LED display that shows the operation modes and a thermal sensor that controls the temperature inside a pot, whereas most stovetop crock pots have just a pressure gauge.

Canning Tips and Tricks

  • Always choose tempered-glass jars made for canning. Inspect them carefully to make sure there are no cracks or other defects.

  • Use water bath canning for high-acid products such as acidic fruits and tomatoes and pressure canning for low-acid foods such as meat, seafood, and some vegetables.

  • Your chosen boiling-water canner should be two inches taller (at least) than the largest jar you are going to use for canning.
  • It is known that you need to sterilize jars for at least 10 minutes (at up to 1,000 feet elevation). However, you do not need to pre-sterilize jars in case the canning time is over ten minutes as they will be sterilized during the process (do not forget to add one minute for each next 1,000 feet of elevation). Just clean the jars in warm soapy water and rinse them thoroughly. Having said that, it is still recommended to keep jars in simmering water before canning to avoid the thermal shock that could cause glass cracking.
  • Make sure your selected pressure cooker comes with a cooking/canning rack. Allowing you to prepare two dishes simultaneously, it will also come in useful for canning. For even heating of your jars, it is important that they do not touch the bottom of the pot. Some units include a couple of racks; you can place one of them on the cooker's bottom while using the other to double stack the jars. It is also advisable to get a spare sealing ring and pressure valve - this will save you a lot of time and nerves if it happens that you need to replace these parts right in the middle of the canning process.
  • You can use frozen fruits to make jams and frozen tomatoes to make tomato sauce. If you have no time to process some fruit at its season, you can easily do it later, just put it in a freezer for now. However, we would not recommend refrigerating such foods: you need either fresh or freshly frozen berries and fruits to get delicious and wholesome jams

  • It is important not to overfill the jars - there should always be some space between the product and lid to ensure a good vacuum seal. Unless your recipe says otherwise, this headspace should be 1/4 inch for jams and jellies, 1/2 inch for pickles, tomatoes, and fruits, and 1 inch for low-acid foods.
  • After filling the jars with produce, it is important to get rid of air bubbles trapped between pieces of food. Use a narrow plastic spatula to let the air out; if the content level drops, add some more to get the recommended level.
  • Always follow the recommendations as for the necessary canning time (it varies on the food acidity). Luckily, most pressure cookers/canners come with comprehensive recipe books that include all the necessary information.

Sources:

1. LAURA PAZZAGLIA The Pressure Cooker Buying Guide, Hip Pressure Cooking. November 1, 2015.

2. Alan Henry What to Look for in a Pressure Cooker, lifehacker. November 2, 2013.

3. THERESA CROUSE How To Choose A Good Pressure Cooker, SURVIVOPEDIA. March 5, 2017.

4. Sara Bir How to Buy Your First Pressure Cooker, Paste. April 13, 2015.

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