Introduction
If you love homemade food but don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen, electric pressure cookers are a great solution. These devices use steam and high pressure to cook food quickly and evenly, locking in flavor and nutrients. You can also use them for other purposes, such as browning meat, making yogurt, or keeping food warm. In this article, we will show you how to choose the best electric pressure cookers for your needs, and give you some tips on how to use them safely and efficiently. We will also share some of our favorite recipes that you can make with electric pressure cookers, from hearty soups and stews to creamy cheesecakes and puddings.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Instant Pot Duo Plus 8-Quart Multi-Use Pressure Cooker. This is a versatile and reliable electric pressure cooker that can handle a variety of tasks. It has 10 different functions, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, yogurt making, steaming, sautéing, sterilizing, sous vide cooking, and warming. It also has 25 preset programs for different foods and dishes, as well as a manual mode for custom settings. The large 8-quart capacity can feed up to eight people, and the stainless steel pot is durable and easy to clean. The LCD display shows the cooking progress and status, and the lid has a quick-release button for safety.
- Best Budget Buy: Electric Pressure Cooker 9-in-1. This is an affordable electric pressure cooker that still offers plenty of features and performance. It has seven functions: pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, browning, soup making, and warming. It also has nine preset programs for common dishes like chili, chicken, stew, and beans. The 6-quart capacity can serve up to six people, and the nonstick pot is removable and dishwasher-safe. The LED display is easy to read and operate, and the lid has a safety lock mechanism.
- Best Foodie Buy: Breville Fast Slow Pro Pressure Cooker. This is a high-end electric pressure cooker that gives you precise control over the cooking process. It has 11 functions: pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, searing, reducing, steaming, rice cooking, quinoa cooking, soup making, yogurt making, and warming. It also has a custom mode that lets you adjust the time, temperature, and pressure according to your preferences. The 6-quart capacity can serve up to six people, and the ceramic-coated pot is scratch-resistant and easy to clean. The LCD display shows the current settings and feedbacks from sensors that monitor the temperature and pressure inside the pot.
- Honorable Mention: Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer. This is a unique electric pressure cooker that also doubles as an air fryer. A reliable and functional all-in-one from a huge name in multi-cookers. It has 10 functions: pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, warming, rice cooking, cake making, yogurt making, sterilizing and ultra (customizable) mode. A high-performance electric pressure cooker that also gives you a slow cooker option. It offers 11 preset pressure cooking settings, plus a custom option, as well as a slow cooker feature. It has a PTFE and PFOA-free cooking bowl and a large LCD display
Things to Consider
If you are looking for a way to cook delicious meals in less time and with less hassle, you might want to consider getting an electric pressure cooker. Electric pressure cookers are versatile appliances that can cook a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to rice and beans. They use high pressure and steam to cook food faster and more evenly than conventional methods. They also have safety features and settings that make them easy to use and customize.
Before you buy an electric pressure cooker, there are some things you should consider, such as:
- Size: Electric pressure cookers come in different sizes, ranging from 3 to 10 quarts. You should choose a size that suits your needs and the amount of food you want to cook. Generally, a 6-quart model is enough for most families.
- Functions: Electric pressure cookers can have different functions and modes, such as sauté, slow cook, yogurt, rice, and more. Some models also have smart features that allow you to control them with your smartphone or voice assistant. You should look for a model that has the functions you need and want.
- Price: Electric pressure cookers can vary in price depending on the brand, size, and features. You can find models that cost less than $100 or more than $300. You should compare the prices and reviews of different models and choose one that fits your budget and expectations.
FAQs
Some of the frequently asked questions about electric pressure cookers are:
1. How do I use an electric pressure cooker?
To use an electric pressure cooker, you need to add water or broth, the food you want to cook, and any seasonings or spices. Then, you need to close the lid securely and select the desired pressure level and cooking time. The cooker will automatically build up pressure and start cooking. When the cooking time is over, the cooker will release the pressure either naturally or quickly, depending on the recipe. Then, you can open the lid and enjoy your meal.
2. What can I cook in an electric pressure cooker?
You can cook almost anything in an electric pressure cooker, from meats and poultry to grains and vegetables. You can also make soups, stews, curries, pasta, desserts, and more. You can follow recipes that are specifically designed for electric pressure cookers or adapt your favorite recipes by adjusting the cooking time and liquid amount.
3. Is an electric pressure cooker safe?
Yes, electric pressure cookers are safe to use as long as you follow the instructions and precautions. Electric pressure cookers have multiple safety features that prevent them from overheating, exploding, or opening under pressure. You should always check the seal, valve, and lid before using the cooker and never fill it more than two-thirds full. You should also avoid touching the hot surfaces or steam and use oven mitts or tongs to handle the cooker.
Conclusion
Electric pressure cookers are great kitchen appliances that can help you save time and energy while preparing delicious meals. They can cook food faster and more evenly than traditional methods using high pressure and steam. They also have various functions and settings that allow you to customize your cooking experience. Before you buy an electric pressure cooker, you should consider the size, functions, and price of different models and choose one that suits your needs. If you are looking for the best electric pressure cookers on the market, you can check out our reviews and recommendations below.
