Best Pressure Cookers Worth Buying in 2023

Introduction 

Pressure cookers have been around for centuries, but they have become more popular and versatile in recent years. They work by creating a sealed environment where steam builds up and increases the pressure and temperature inside the pot. This allows food to cook much faster than normal, and also infuses it with moisture and flavour. Pressure cookers can be electric or stovetop, and they come in different sizes and features. Some pressure cookers also have other functions, such as slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, or air frying. To help you choose the best pressure cooker for your kitchen, we have reviewed and compared the top 8 models available in the UK for 2023.

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Instant Pot Duo Plus 8-Quart Multi-Use Pressure Cooker. This is the ultimate pressure cooker that can do it all. It has 10 functions, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice, yogurt, steaming, sautéing, sterilizing, sous vide, and keeping food warm. It also has 25 preset programs for different dishes, and a manual mode for custom settings. It has a large 8-quart capacity, a stainless steel pot, a clear display, and 11 safety features. It cooks food fast and evenly, and is easy to clean.
2. Best Budget: Presto Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker. This is a simple but effective stovetop pressure cooker that won’t break the bank. It has a 4-litre capacity, a stainless steel body, a locking lid, a pressure regulator, and an overpressure plug. It can be used on any stovetop, including induction. It cooks food quickly and tenderly, and is suitable for soups, stews, meats, vegetables, and more.
3. Best Compact: Pressure King Pro. This is a small but powerful electric pressure cooker that can fit in any kitchen. It has a 3-litre capacity, a non-stick pot, a digital display, and 8 preset programs for different foods. It can also slow cook, steam, sauté, or keep food warm. It cooks food up to 90% faster than conventional methods, and preserves more nutrients and flavour.

Buying Guide

If you are looking for a way to cook delicious meals in less time, you might want to consider getting a pressure cooker. A pressure cooker is a device that uses high pressure and steam to cook food faster and more evenly than conventional methods. Pressure cookers can also save energy, preserve nutrients, and enhance flavors.

But how do you choose the best pressure cooker for your needs? There are a few things to consider before buying one. Here are some of them:

• Size: Pressure cookers come in different sizes, ranging from 2 quarts to 12 quarts or more. You should choose a size that suits your family size and cooking habits. Generally, a 4-quart pressure cooker is good for singles or couples, a 6-quart pressure cooker is ideal for most families, and an 8-quart pressure cooker is great for large batches or canning.
• Material: Pressure cookers are made of either aluminum or stainless steel. Aluminum pressure cookers are cheaper, lighter, and heat up faster, but they can also warp, stain, and react with acidic foods. Stainless steel pressure cookers are more durable, non-reactive, and easy to clean, but they are also more expensive and heavier. Some stainless steel pressure cookers have an aluminum base or disc to improve heat distribution and prevent hot spots.
• Safety: Pressure cookers are safe to use as long as they have proper safety features and are used correctly. Some of the safety features to look for are a locking lid, a pressure indicator, a pressure release valve, and a safety fuse. You should also follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recipes carefully and never overfill or underfill the pressure cooker.

FAQs

1. How do I use a pressure cooker?

To use a pressure cooker, you need to add some liquid (usually water or broth) and the food you want to cook to the pot. Then you lock the lid and bring the pressure cooker to high pressure over high heat. Once the pressure is reached, you lower the heat and maintain the pressure for the required cooking time. When the time is up, you release the pressure either naturally (by letting the pot cool down) or quickly (by using the valve or running cold water over the lid).

2. What can I cook in a pressure cooker?

You can cook almost anything in a pressure cooker, from soups and stews to meats and vegetables. Pressure cooking is especially good for tough cuts of meat, beans, grains, and hardy greens. You can also make desserts, jams, stocks, and sauces in a pressure cooker. However, you should avoid cooking delicate foods like fish, eggs, pasta, or dairy products in a pressure cooker as they can overcook easily.

3. How do I clean a pressure cooker?

To clean a pressure cooker, you need to wash the pot and the lid with warm soapy water and a sponge or cloth. You should also remove and clean the gasket, the valve, and any other removable parts according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You should never use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads on your pressure cooker as they can damage the surface. You should also dry your pressure cooker thoroughly before storing it.

Conclusion

A pressure cooker is a versatile and convenient kitchen appliance that can help you prepare tasty meals in a fraction of the time. To find the best pressure cooker for your needs, you should consider the size, material, and safety features of different models. You should also learn how to use, cook with, and clean your pressure cooker properly. With a little practice and experimentation, you can enjoy the benefits of pressure cooking every day.