Choosing the right electric pressure cooker can be overwhelming with so many options on the market. While brand features and specifications matter, nothing beats honest feedback from real users who have tested these appliances in their kitchens.
In this blog, we’ve gathered insights from helpful customer reviews to highlight the best electric pressure cookers based on performance, convenience, and reliability. Whether you’re looking for a versatile all-in-one cooker, a model with advanced features, or simply the best value for your money, these real-world experiences will help you make the best choice.
1. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker
Helpful Review: I use this for everything! How did I live without this before??? I live in a Sprinter van full-time and was using an induction burner for cooking, but since I’ve gotten this little gem, I haven’t used the induction burner once!
This is so easy to use, and it’s the perfect size for one or two people. I’ve been making a lot of stews, and I’ll saute the onions, carrots, and meat (if I’m using meat) then add everything else, seal it, and set it for 7 minutes on high pressure. I let it release naturally and have a perfectly cooked, tasty meal every time. This gives me enough for 4 or 5 servings. I also quick soaked beans the other day by covering them with water, hitting pressure for 5 min. then letting it release naturally and let it sit (not on keep warm) for a couple of hours.
I’ll often make dinner right after I reheat my lunch, and make sure the keep warm function is on. I’m able to drive with it in my sink and have a hot, healthy, delicious meal waiting for me when I’m done driving. I’ve even baked banana bread in it!!! So exciting, because I don’t have an oven. It turned out SO good! I used one of the containers and the lid from my To-Go Ware stainless steel lunch container to bake it in on the rack.
Because this cooks so quickly, it is very easy on my solar system. I can reheat leftovers on saute in 4 minutes, and it’s only drawing 67a while it’s on. I did have a VitaClay, that I absolutely loved for making beans, and especially bone broth, but it takes much longer to cook and is heavier. So, more battery drain, more storage space, and more weight as compared to the Instant Pot Mini and the Mini wins on each count!
2. COSORI 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
Helpful Review: I’ve always wanted to use a pressure cooker, but was afraid they’d blow up. I had a stove-top pressure cooker than I never used. Just didn’t want the thing to explode.
However, this cooker is a whole other deal. I feel much more comfortable about using it. It’s got safety features that would (I suppose) cause the cooker to stop or turn off if something went wrong. It has some pressure relief feature that, in the last resort, would allow steam to escape before any rupture could happen. I feel much safer with this.
I am delighted at how this works. I can cook all sorts of things quickly now, that would otherwise have taken me hours. Beans, for example. I use dry beans, so first I have to soak them overnight, then boil them for an hour or two. That’s fine if you’re not in a hurry, and especially if it’s winter and you can warm up the kitchen. But most of the time I don’t care to wait around for my beans to cook. Now I don’t have to.
I also like the other features, such as rice cooking, stew, oatmeal, soup, sauté, and so on. I like that I can put on some rice, say, and let the cooker do its thing. I get decently cooked rice without having to hover over the pot. When it’s done, it will automatically keep the food warm.
It’s got a slow-cooker function. I really like that, because I often make stew. This lets me set it up and let it go. I don’t have to worry about it scorching the food. It switches to keeping it warm once the elapsed time is up. It is not altogether easy to clean. The inner pot is OK; it’s got a non-stick surface and you can get it clean without too much effort. The rest of the pot doesn’t really get much dirt, so it’s also easy to clean.
The problem is the top. This contains a silicone seal to keep the pressure in. This seal is replaceable, so it’s a little loose in the lid. It is difficult to get in there to clean. There is a tendency for the odor of the last meal to linger. It requires a bit of extra scrubbing. All in all I’m pleased with this product. If I had to do it again, I’d buy it, or probably one that’s a bit fancier. But this one is fine as it is, and I use it often. Definitely would recommend to others.
3. COMFEE’ 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
Helpful Review: This is not my first pressure cooker, but it is the first from this particular brand. I was hesitant in the beginning to try a different brand than the one I had been using for years, thinking that it would be difficult to use or get used to. Now that I’ve received and used this cooker a few times, I’m glad I ordered it. It is so simple to use that I did not even read the instructions. This pressure cooker came with a 6 quart nonstick pot that was the same size as the ones I already had, so I could use my old pots in this new cooker. In addition to the pressure cooker, the box included a spatula, ladle, measuring cup, steaming rack, and an instruction manual. Unfortunately, it did not include a recipe book. Two other things were included: A dripping cup which must be attached to the back to collect the dripping water, as well as a silicone ring to attach to the inside of the lid, as the lid will not seal properly without it. The steam release valve is large, making it easy to handle.
The cooker has 12 presets, which can be selected by repeatedly pressing the menu button. In addition, there is a “keep warm” preset that keeps the food warm for 10 hours. The pot and lid are dishwasher safe, but I prefer to hand wash them because they are easy to clean. My tile countertop is very smooth and slippery, but the four rubber feet on the bottom of this pressure cooker are non-slip, so it stays in place. So far, I’ve cooked my favorite soup with the soup preset and a pot roast with the slow cook preset, and the results were excellent in less time than it would have taken with my old pressure cooker. For the price of $71.99 at the time of my order, I think it is a great deal.
4. Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
Helpful Review: I upgraded from the Instant Pot Duo to the Pro, and the built-in handles alone make a huge difference. Removing the inner pot while hot was a hassle on the Duo, but the Pro’s handles make it easy. The Pro’s inner pot also has a heavy-bottomed stainless steel design, allowing it to work on both the Instant Pot base and a regular stovetop. If you’re unsure about size, the 6-quart fits most needs for a 1-4 person household (or even 6). It may not hold a whole large chicken, but breaking one down is simple with a quick video.
As a professional cook, the Instant Pot is the best home appliance I own. It drastically cuts cooking time—dried beans in a fraction of the time, fresh stock without an 8-hour stovetop wait, and perfect stews, gumbos, chilies, and braises in just 1-2 hours instead of 5. It even saved a dinner party when my sous chef dropped braised short ribs two hours before plating.
It’s an investment, but if you regularly cook beans, legumes, or use stock/broth, it will save you both time and money while producing better quality than store-bought options. Homemade beans and stock freeze well, and you can repurpose veggie scraps and leftover bones to make stock essentially for free. It’s also great for meal prep—load ingredients in the morning, and dinner is ready when you get home.
If you cook often or want to cook more at home, the Instant Pot makes it incredibly easy with the press of a button. The Pro version has convenient features (again, the HANDLES!) that make life simpler. Once you get one, you’ll wonder why you waited so long. As someone with late nights and early mornings, this appliance gives me more time and keeps me from eating out.
Rice Cooker Note: The Instant Pot works well for rice but takes slightly longer (30-35 min vs. 20 min for a dedicated rice cooker). Short-grain rice tends to stick more to the stainless steel pot, requiring extra cleaning. If you eat rice frequently and want speed, a separate rice cooker may be better. But if you want to reduce kitchen clutter, the Instant Pot does everything a rice cooker can—plus much more.
5. Midea 12-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
Helpful Review: Just Buy It! I’ve had this pressure cooker for about a week, and it is amazing. My favorite features are the larger, wider design—I can fit a whole chicken and easily turn it around, which I love! The all-in-one functionality is incredible. I can brown meat, sauté vegetables, add dry pasta and water, and have a meal ready in just minutes—all in one pot. It also has so many cooking functions: pressure cooker, slow cooker, sauté pan, rice cooker, yogurt maker, oven, egg cooker, steamer, and food warmer. Soooo wonderful! I hope this helps if you’re thinking about trying this pot.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What size electric pressure cooker should I get?
The 6-quart size is the most versatile and works well for households of 1-4 people (or even up to 6). If you regularly cook large batches or whole chickens, consider the 8-quart model.
2. Can I cook a whole chicken in an electric pressure cooker?
Yes, but the size matters. A 6-quart model may not fit a large whole chicken, but you can break it down into pieces. The 8-quart model can usually fit a whole chicken comfortably.
3. Can I use the inner pot on a stovetop?
Some models, like the Instant Pot Pro, come with a heavy-bottomed stainless steel inner pot that can be used on a stovetop. Always check your specific model’s manual to confirm.
4. What can I cook in an electric pressure cooker?
You can cook a wide variety of foods, including beans, rice, stews, soups, stocks, braised meats, pasta, yogurt, eggs, and even desserts. Many models also function as slow cookers, steamers, and sauté pans.
5. How does an electric pressure cooker compare to a slow cooker?
An electric pressure cooker drastically reduces cooking time. Dishes that take 6-8 hours in a slow cooker can be done in 1-2 hours in a pressure cooker, often with similar or better results.
6. Does an electric pressure cooker replace a rice cooker?
It can, but rice cookers are faster and sometimes produce better texture, especially for short-grain or sushi rice. If space is limited, an electric pressure cooker works well as a rice cooker alternative.
7. Is it safe to leave the pressure cooker unattended?
Yes, electric pressure cookers are designed with multiple safety features. However, it’s best to be nearby when using pressure cooking mode for the first time to get familiar with how it works.
8. Can I cook frozen meat in an electric pressure cooker?
Yes! An electric pressure cooker can cook frozen meats without defrosting, but it may take longer to reach pressure. Always ensure the meat reaches a safe internal temperature.
9. Is homemade stock/broth better in a pressure cooker?
Yes! A pressure cooker extracts more flavor and nutrients in a fraction of the time compared to traditional stovetop simmering. You can make rich, gelatinous stock in about an hour.
10. How do I clean the inner pot and lid?
The stainless steel inner pot is usually dishwasher-safe. The lid should be hand-washed, and the silicone sealing ring should be removed and cleaned separately to prevent odors.
