11 Best Pressure Cookers to Take the Guesswork Out of Your Meals
These top-rated appliances make tricky recipes a breeze, and we've found the best pressure cookers worthy of a spot on your countertop.
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Once feared by home cooks in the ‘60s and ‘70s, the humble pressure cooker has come a long way in recent times — and it's quickly making a name for themself as a must-have kitchen appliance for anyone short on time but big on flavour.
These days, pressure cookers are not just safe and easier to use than ever, but can cut cooking times by up to 70 per cent, all while locking in moisture, nutrients, and vibrant colour. No more slaving over a hot stove for hours on end- you can whip up tender, flavour-packed meals in minutes.
Our favourite right now is the Instant Pot Duo. This multifunctional cooker adjusts pressure and temperature automatically to suit what you're cooking and features 13 smart programs for everything from sautéing to slow cooking.
It's a hit with home cooks as well, with one reviewer saying, "It is so easy to use, and cooks to perfection. Can say that I am obsessed." Another bragged, "Dinner can be ready in 12 minutes! Saves me so much time and energy". Even cooking TikTokers like @applesauceandadhd are fans, calling it "perfect for a quick meal."
Prefer a more traditional pressure cooker? We recommend the WOLL Diamond Active Lite Low Pressure Pot with its patented one-hand glass lid which lets you keep an eye on your meal without releasing pressure.
Our Shopping Writer Rosalyn Fannin also tried out the Hawkins Contura Pressure Cooker and loved the how tender and tasty her meals turned out. She said "the results are amazing" and "you may want to sell your slow cooker or multi cooker and replace them with this."
From the traditional stovetop designs to the modern multi-cookers that offer a variety of cooking styles in the one smart machine, here’s our shortlist of the pressure cookers that deserve a spot in your kitchen.
OUR TOP PICKS
Best pressure cookers
Instant Pot Duo, $125 (down from $215) at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
Instant Pot is known for their versatile cooking appliances, and the 7-in-1 Instant Pot Duo is one of their best. Boasting 13 smart cooking programs, it can not only pressure cook, but also steam, slow cook, make rice or yogurt, saute ingredients, keep the meal warm before serving and be set with a delayed start timer.
This intuitive unit it built with a microprocessor that continually monitors the internal pressure and temperature and automatically adjusts the heat and intensity based on the amount of food it is cooking. The stainless steel inner pot has a tri-ply base to sear and saute ingredients beforehand, and it's dishwasher safe.
You can cook up to six portions to feed the family or save some leftovers. You can also pair it with the Instant Brands Connect app to access recipes and cooking tips and tricks.
It has earned plenty of fans with an average 4.5-star rating on Amazon. One reviewer says, "This has changed my life," adding "it elevates my cooking, yet it brings spaciousness into my day that I would have never thought I could cultivate. The delay start has allowed me to put everything in there, then return home from work/errands and for my lunch or dinner to be ready to enjoy. It is so easy to use, and cooks to perfection. Can say that I am obsessed".
A customer at Myer calls it the "Best kitchen gadget that I own,” and revealed, "Dinner can be ready in 12 minutes! Saves me so much time and energy." A third shopper raved, "I have cooked risotto, rice, stews and pho in a fraction of the time it usually takes."
WOLL Diamond Active Lite Low Pressure Pot, $99.95 (down from $599.95) at Amazon Australia
WOLL Diamond Active Lite Low Pressure Pot
What You Need To Know
Described as "the next generation of kitchen technology," the WOLL Diamond Active Lite Low Pressure Pot is one of the most unique pressure cooker available.
Most pressure cookers have stainless steel lids, but this one comes with a tempered glass lid that lets you see how your meal is coming along. Its patented design allows you to easily open and close it with one hand and it can be removed throughout the cooking process to add sauces, spices or seasoning.
It's compatible with most cooktops and is microwave and oven safe up to 250°C. It is also built from non-toxic materials and is one of the most aesthetically pleasing models available.
"Finally, I can cook rice and congee faster than my rice cooker when I need to whip up something quickly, and without having burnt or sticky rice at the bottom of the pot," says one Myer shopper.
"The glass lid also makes it easy for me to see when I should take it off the induction cooker and when I should turn off the gas stove to let the rice steam".
Another reviewer at Temple & Webster called it, "the best cooking product I have ever used. It makes cooking easy and quick, puts flavour back into the meals".
Best electric pressure cookers
Philips All-In-One Cooker, $140.99 (down from $199) at Amazon Australia
Philips All-In-One Cooker
What You Need To Know
The Philips Cooker has an all-in-one design that's perfect for large families or meal prep enthusiasts thanks to its multipurpose use and 6L capacity.
The sleek silver finish will look professional on your benchtop, and the ProCeramic coating on the cooker pot makes it super durable and a breeze to clean.
And while it can cook up a storm with its slow cook, warming, saute and simmer functions, it's main purpose is to pressure cook. You can choose from seven preset pressure cooker settings that take the guesswork out of cooking staples like rice, veggies, soups and risottos.
A happy reviewer left five stars and simply stated, “Easy to use. Got rid of two appliances out of my cupboard. Gorgeous recipe book. Game changer with dinners."
Breville the Fast Slow Pro Multi Cooker, $369 (down from $479) at Myer
Breville the Fast Slow Pro Multi Cooker
What You Need To Know
The Breville Fast Slow Pro might be one of the nicest-looking pressure cookers on the market, with a sleek stainless steel design that you won’t mind keeping out on your kitchen bench.
Its one press functionality allows the dual sensors to monitor and control the temperature and pressure automatically, or instead, you can manually control these settings depending on your pressure cooker recipe. This personalisation gives your precise control over the pressure levels from 1.5psi to 12.5psi.
You can also choose from 11 pressure cook settings to easily reduce, saute, sear, slow cook, steam and keep warm.
The auto steam release function will select either a quick, pulse or natural steam release to eliminate the risk of overcooking and keep hands out of harm's way, plus the full feedback LCD display tells you what’s going on inside the pot. It also comes with a stainless steamer basket, rack and recipe book with 41 meals to make, plus the hinged lid is removable and dishwasher safe.
A thrilled reviewer gave it a five-star rating, commenting, “We absolutely love this product! From slow cooking, to pressure cooking, searing to steaming, this appliance has so many functions that are perfect for us as a busy young family. It has changed our lives and saved so much time in the kitchen as we can prepare dinner at any time of the day and it is cooked perfectly!!”
Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 Multi Cooker, $279 (down from $399.99) at Amazon Australia
Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 Multi Cooker
What You Need To Know
While there are a few multi cookers on this list, one of the only ones to boast an air frying feature in addition to its pressure cooking functionalities is this Ninja Foodi cooker.
Touted as “the pressure cooker that crisps,” the Foodi’s TenderCrisp Technology allows you to achieve the quick cooking and tenderising benefits of a pressure cooker while also letting you air fry, bake, roast, and broil, so even the most tentative cook can create perfect textures and mouth-watering meals.
A reviewer gave it five-stars and wrote, “Great value for money. We use all the functions and keep finding new ways to use it”.
Another called it a “game changer” and the “most amazing product in the kitchen. Will be buying one for wedding gifts, when our boys move out of our home, will always be our go to 'essential' kitchen item”.
Other rave reviews include "lightweight and easy to click on and off," "simple to use," "excellent value for money" and "easy to adapt your own recipes.".
Tried and Tested by Georgia Mahood, Content and Social Producer for taste.com.au
This machine is like the friend that’s so good at multitasking it’s unbelievable. It has 11 different functions: slow cook, pressure cook, steam, sear, air fry, sous vide, bake, roast, grill, dehydrate and it EVEN makes yoghurt. So if you find yourself watching too much MasterChef and want to try out sous vide, have hungry kids that need dinner ASAP or forgot to buy yoghurt, then we recommend this machine.
It’s also a friend that’ll save the day when you mess up. The pressure cooker function on this cooker turns six hours into 25 minutes. Yes, meat cooked to tender perfection in under half an hour!
The Multi Cooker’s TenderCrisp Technology allows you to pressure cook (to first lock in the delicious juices in your food) then swap out the lid for a crisping lid (to finish your food to crispy perfection). Just think: A succulent roast chicken turned golden and crispy in just eight minutes.
Another reason why this appliance is your new best friend: it features a 6 litre cooking pot which is non-stick, so it’s super easy to clean. All the foods, none of the hassle – perfect!
Crock Pot Express Easy Release Multi Cooker, $199 at Amazon Australia
Crock Pot Express Easy Release Multi Cooker
What You Need To Know
When you think of a Crock Pot, a casserole dish or Dutch oven would normally come to mind. However, the brand makes a wide range of kitchen appliances, including the Express Easy Release Multi Cooker.
Boasting 13 one-touch controls and eight cooking modes, you can saute, slow cook, fry, steam and use it as a sauce pan, yoghurt maker or food warmer - and this is all on top of its pressure cooking function, which is the standout feature. Its easy release steam dial keeps your hands away from the heat, and its pre-heat and pressure status bars on the control panel make operation simple.
The cooking pot inside is non-stick and dishwasher safe which makes clean-up easier and quicker. It also comes some helpful cooking accessories including a steam rack, serving spoon and recipe guide.
And despite being one of the cheapest pressure cookers on the market, many shoppers think it's excellent value. It's earned a 4.9-star rating at Myer with some customers calling it "excellent and versatile with pressure cooker and slow cooker" and "very useful and easy to operate".
"This Crock Pot is great and has many features, so you have several options using the one pot. Love the fact that you can sauté protein and veggies before adding the stock to make a quick soup or stew in just a few minutes," one shopper raves.
A second calls it "simply amazing and can do everything I want and so easy to use. The new release of valve is even better for convenience and safety!"
Best stovetop pressure cookers
Hawkins Contura Pressure Cooker, $79 at Amazon Australia
Hawkins Contura Pressure Cooker
What You Need To Know
Available in six sizes from 1.5L (suitable for one to two people) to 6.5L (suitable for up to nine people), this traditional stovetop pressure cooker is a great one for cooks on a budget.
The retro design has functionality in mind with a 3L capacity that can make four portions. It has rounded sides for easy stirring, a durable black finish that absorbs heat faster and a food-grade stainless steel lid that ensures the highest levels of hygiene and durability.
Reviewers say it “looks splendid and works efficiently,” and noted that “before, dinner used to take one and a half hours to prepare and cook. Now it takes minutes. Beautiful flavours, meat falls off the bone, so tender.”
Tried and Tested by Rosalyn Fannin, Shopping Writer for news.com.au checkout
I had been told many horror stories by my mum of her childhood dinners sprayed across the kitchen when she was growing up thanks to a pressure cooker, so I have always been reluctant to give one a try. But then came along the Hawkins Contura Pressure Cooker, and I'm glad (and relieved) to say it was the complete opposite of that experience.
Opening the box introduced me to my new sleek black cooker. I opted for the 3L size which makes up to four servings. First you need to remove the brand label and give it a test with water before you cook your first meal to make sure it is operating appropriately.
It was a little fiddly to set up and get the hang of all the steps in this process. The lid needs to be put on at a right angle, then moved to the handle and locked in place. And when removing, you unlock it and gently move it back to the right angle. As you unlock the lid, you need to hold the handle at the bottom rather than the middle, and you need to be extra careful when releasing the lock, as the lid can easily fall into your meal.
The steam weight needs to put on as soon as steam comes out of the valve, otherwise it will get very hot when putting it on.
If you've used a pressure cooker before, you won't have an problems, but if you haven't, it's certainly not impossible but it does take a bit of patience and some trial and error. And note to beginners - the first time it steams out of the valve weight will 100 per cent give you a fright, but it is normal and means the valve is working.
Once it's all set up and working as it should, cooking was more than simple. I made a lamb ragu recipe from taste.com.au. I seared the meat prior and then added ingredients in, cooked for an hour and out came what my guests called "the best meal you've ever made". It completely fell off the bone, was unbelievably moist and tender and tasted fantastic.
Overall, if you're using a pressure cooker for the first time, this one may take a few attempts to get it perfect, but once you do, you may want to sell your slow cooker or multi cooker and replace them with this. It gets it done fast, simply and the results are amazing. It also quick to clean with a wipes and rinse with warm water and dishwashing liquid, plus the budget friendly price is the icing on the cake.
Tefal Clipso Minut' Easy Pressure Cooker, $224.95 (down from $449.99) at Amazon Australia
Tefal Clipso Minut' Easy Pressure Cooker
What You Need To Know
Built to last, the durable and stylish stainless steel Clipso Minut' Easy pressure cooker has a simple and practical design that’s easily opened and closed with its patented single hand operation. There's also two handles on either side to safely lift to and from the stove.
It comes with a steamer basket and a 7.5L capacity for big meal preppers along with a push-button locking lid for safer and easier usage. It's also super quick and can cook your food in almost half the time of what the Tefal Stewpot can. Once you're finished, you can put the cooking pot straight into the dishwasher.
If you need some cooking inspiration, a recipe guide with 50 recipes is included, and you'll get free access to Tefal's Smart&Tasty app where you'll find an additional 300 recipes.
“Great product. Easy to use and cuts down cook time, spend less time in the kitchen and more with the family. It even comes with a little cookbook with great recipes. I truly recommend,” wrote one eager reviewer.
Scanpan Pressure Cooker, $209.95 (down from $529) at Kitchen Warehouse
Scanpan Pressure Cooker
What You Need To Know
With a lid and body made from high quality stainless steel, this Scanpan Pressure Cooker is as durable and sturdy as the rest of the iconic brand’s cookware.
The cooker’s pressure levels are controlled by an operating valve which prevents any unsafe or excessive build-up of pressure so you can simply focus on creating your delicious meal.
It is a popular choice amongst home cooks, with one shopper at Kitchen Warehouse saying in their five-star review "The quality is second to none. It’s easy to use, easy to clean and cooks perfectly. I feel I won’t need to replace this one, ever".
Another happy shopper referred to it as "a valued member of the kitchen," and said it's "Good for stocks, dhal, soup, and a load of other vegetable dishes".
Best high tech pressure cooker
Tefal Cook4me Touch Multicooker, $599.95 (down from $699.95) at Tefal
What You Need To Know
If you’re up for a bit of splurge to improve your cooking, the Tefal Cook4me Multi Cooker is the one to get. Described as Tefal's "fastest pressure multi cooker," it is worth the high price tag.
In addition to pressure cooking, it can air fry, grill, roast, bake and sous vide, and it has an auto Keep Warm setting after it has finished cooking.
You can scroll through the LED screen and choose the meal you want to make from over 250 recipes, and over a hundred can be cooked in as little as 10 minutes. It will take you through your chosen recipe step-by-step, or you can adapt these preset recipes based on serving and meal size.
This fast cooking appliance connects to your home Wi-Fi so you can control it from the Cook4me app on your smartphone while you relax - gone are the days of waiting nearby your pressure cooker to keep a close eye on it.
"Easy great meals, it's without a doubt a fabulous way to cook," one happy shopper wrote on the Tefal website.
"Having made curries and casseroles with it, we'd never go back to a slow cooker or hob/oven".
Best budget pressure cooker
Healthy Choice Pressure Cooker, $99.95 (down from $129.95) at Amazon Australia
Healthy Choice Pressure Cooker
What You Need To Know
This 3-in-1 pressure, slow and rice cooker by Healthy Choice gives you the ability to steam, saute and bake in its non-stick dishwasher safe aluminum cooking pot. There are presets for different food types, including fish, red meat, chicken, rice and cake as well as steaming, making soup and cooking stews.
But it is most useful when it comes to pressure cooking. You can set the specific amount of time you want your meals to be pressure cooking from 10 to 35 minutes to best suit your recipe, portions and ingredients.
Additionally, on its digital control panel you can choose your presets and cooking method and set a 24-hour delayed timer. Once it's cooked, it will automatically switch to Keep Warm mode and reach up to 80°C.
Averaging 4.5-stars on Amazon, this is one of the best budget buys for your kitchen.
One shopper compared it to a more expensive pressure cooker on the market, and said "this one is my favourite.
"Healthy Choice wins hands down as a pressure cooker".
How we choose our products
Our dedicated team spends hours researching the best products to include in our roundups. We analyse hundreds of customer reviews, ratings and articles and where possible, try out the products for ourself. When finding the best pressure cookers on the market, we considered their size, functionality, cooking settings, safety features and price.
What to consider before buying a pressure cooker
Size: You can typically find pressure cookers with capacities ranging from 1.5L to 10L, and capable of feeding anywhere between one and 10 people. If you’re someone who has a large family or who loves to meal prep, a larger unit will serve you well; or alternatively, if you’re short on storage space or don’t have many mouths to feed, a smaller model will be able to meet your needs.
Type: The two pressure cooker types of choose from are the traditional stovetop version or a digital cooker. A stovetop model is great if you want more freedom when cooking as it often heats up faster and reaches a higher pressure level. On the other hand, a digital model is good for newbies and the kitchen-averse as all the settings are automatic, but they are bulky, usually more expensive and can take longer to build up pressure.
Material: Most pressure cookers will be made with an aluminium, ceramic or stainless steel inner pot and body. Aluminium often is quicker to heat up, but isn't as durable and can easily warp, especially when cooking with acidic foods. Ceramic is non-stick and non-toxic, and often looks more slick, but they are known to chip and can't hold the heat as well as other materials. Stainless steel is typically more durable but can cost a little bit extra.
Safety: Safety is paramount when doing anything in the kitchen, and especially when using a pressure cooker. The majority of modern pressure cookers come with a range of safety features including locking lids and pressure release steam valves. Always check what safety features are included to make you feel more comfortable cooking, and prior to using your pressure cooker for the first time ,always read the instruction manual.
Cleaning: For an easier clean, check that the main cooking pot is removable from electric pressure cookers and dishwasher safe, as this will speed up the clean-up time significantly.
Extra features: Some electric multi cookers and pressure cookers come with a huge variety of extra features to make cooking easier and more varied. They include delayed timers, keep warm settings, preset cooking programs, cool-to-touch handles and extra accessories like racks and steamer baskets. The only downside is these features can bump up the price.
Price: Stovetop pressure cookers are generally a cheaper option and are normally priced within the $50 to $100 range. But buying one of these means you'll have to sacrifice the high tech features. Alternatively, electric pressure cookers can cost several hundreds of dollars but are easier to use and are more versatile. Weigh up your budget and consider what is best for your kitchen and cooking needs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DOES A PRESSURE COOKER WORK?
Think of a pressure cooker as the antithesis of a slow cooker: where the slow cooker uses lower temperatures and longer cooking times to slowly cook meals; a pressure cooker uses hot steam and high pressures to drastically speed up the cooking process while retaining tenderness, colour, flavour and nutrients.
When cooking, steam and heat is sealed inside which dramatically speeds up the cooking process compared to ovens and other kitchen appliances by up to 70 per cent. This often creates more flavourful and tender meals. The base of the pressure cooker is similar to a standard cooking pot, so you can prep and cook in the same pot which reduces mess and potentially saves on energy costs as you’re not forced to use multiple burners for the one meal.
Once you've finished cooking, steam is released through a value mechanism to ensure it is safe to use.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MULTI COOKERS AND PRESSURE COOKERS?
Multi cookers and modern pressure cookers are often used synonymously, but there are some key differences between these appliances.
As their name suggests, pressure cookers are designed solely for pressure cooking. They are available in either the traditional stovetop version or as an electric appliance, with the latter often doubling as a multi cooker.
Most multi cookers have a pressure cooking settings, and are considered an all-in-one appliance. They can also have functions for slow cooking, rice cooking, yogurt making, baking, roasting and air frying. More advanced models may also have presets for precise pressure cooking levels.
SHOULD I BUY A STOVETOP PRESSURE COOKER OR AN ELECTRIC PRESSURE COOKER?
There are pros and cons to both stovetop and electric pressure cookers. Here's what you need to both about both versions to help you choose which one is best for you.
Electric pressure cookers
Electric pressure cookers are convenient and useful set-and-forget appliances thanks to their automated functionality. Most have multiple cooking modes and double as multi cookers to make a variety of meals.
They are often easier to use compared to stovetop pressure cookers and are great for beginners. It removes all the monitoring, temperature control and regulation needed when using a stovetop model. You just select your settings, wait until the meal is finished and pressure is reduced and serve it straight away.
The main downside is that it can take longer for pressure to build up, so it doesn't cook meals as fast. They are also usually quite large and take up more space on your countertop.
Stovetop pressure cookers
The classic stovetop pressure cooker requires more attention than an electric cooker, but can reach a higher pressure of up to 15psi which can cook your meals and get them on the table faster.
They require a bit more cooking knowledge and are not the best option for inexperienced home cooks as you need to constantly monitor and regulate the temperature and pressure.
ARE PRESSURE COOKERS DANGEROUS?
Generally, pressure cookers are not dangerous to use, but there are some risks if not used properly or if you are using an older model.
The biggest risk associated with old-fashioned pressure cookers is the lid being forced open and potentially exploding. This is caused when the pressure is too high and/or if the steam valve gets clogged. This can lead to food spraying around the kitchen and a fast steam release which can be scalding and lead to burns.
But this should not put you off using a pressure cooker, as modern versions come with plenty of safety features and inclusions such as locking mechanisms, safety valves, steam release valves, spring-loaded valves and cool-to-touch handles.
Electric pressure cookers also typically come with automatic pressure release systems and shut-off features, and some have minimum liquid quantities required before it turns on.
Before you start cooking, always read the instruction manual to use understand how to use your pressure cooker correctly as well as follow all safety guidelines to prevent any mishaps and ensure you are using it safely at all times.
WHAT ARE THE BEST MEALS AND INGREDIENTS TO COOK IN A PRESSURE COOKER?
Pressure cookers are extremely versatile appliances and are excellent at tenderising and sealing in flavour. They are best used with ingredients including tough cuts of meat like lamb, beef and chicken, beans and legumes, root vegetables, soups and stocks and whole grains like rice.
Here are some of the best meals to make:
Beef stew: The high pressure within the appliance tenderises tough cuts like chuck meat, plus the stew combination with carrots, potatoes, broth, garlic and tomato paste will create a rich and delicious flavour. If you cook with beef, it is a good idea to brown and saute it inside the cooker beforehand to further bring out the flavour.
Pulled pork: Pork shoulder will easily fall off the bone when cooked in a pressure cooker and do so much faster than in a slow cooker.
Chicken curries: Chicken cooked in a pressure cooker will stay juicy thanks to the steam inside, and it also helps absorb the flavours from the spices included in the recipe.
Rice dishes: Meals like paella and risotto using arborio rice will be creamy and don't need to be constantly stirred during the cooking process.
Bean based dishes: Dried beans used to make vegetarian meals don't need to be soaked prior to cooking in a pressure cooker as the steam helps retain moisture. When cooking with beans, always check the maximum fill line as they can foam which takes up more space within the cooker.
Soups: Pressure cookers are great when using broth and wine for soups as it helps make the flavours more intense and even brings out the nutrients from the broth and vegetables.
If you're stuck on where to start, many pressure cookers come with manuals, guides and recipe books. Or, you can visit taste.com.au to find some delicious recipes here.
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