A pressure cooker turns the slowest dishes in a Mexican kitchen into weeknight food. Dried pinto beans for frijoles de la olla, beef cheek or chuck for barbacoa, pork shoulder for chile verde, hominy and pork for pozole: each one wants hours of gentle simmering on a regular stove, and each one cooks far faster when the pot is sealed and the boiling point rises.
You can do it two ways. An electric multicooker, the kind most people call an Instant Pot, plugs in, runs on a timer and keeps food warm afterward. A stovetop pressure cooker sits on a burner, gets hotter and is built to last for decades. This guide covers both, seven cookers in all, using what each maker states, the Amazon listings and America’s Test Kitchen’s reviews of multicookers and stovetop pressure cookers.
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Quick verdict: which pressure cooker to buy
If you want an electric model, the best pressure cooker for most homes is the Cosori 6-Quart, America’s Test Kitchen’s Best Buy multicooker, which ATK found excelled at both pressure and slow cooking and which has a vent button placed away from the steam. If you would rather cook on the stove, buy the Fissler Vitaquick Premium 8.5-Quart, ATK’s stovetop winner and the only one in its test to reach 250°F at high pressure. The Presto 6-Quart Stainless is the low-cost stovetop choice, and for an electric cooker with a stainless pot, the Instant Pot Duo Plus 6-Quart.
Not sure you need speed at all? Slow braising has its place, and our guide to Mexican cooking methods explains where each one fits.
Five pressure cookers at a glance
Our five standout picks, one for each kind of cook, with the type, capacity and pot each maker or listing states. All seven cookers are reviewed in full below.
| Pressure cooker | Best for | Type and capacity | Pot and safety | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cosori 6-Quart Pressure CookerBest electric
|
Pressure and slow cooking, good value | Electric multicooker, 6 quarts | Nonstick pot; vent button away from steam | View on Amazon |
Fissler Vitaquick Premium 8.5-Quart SetBest stovetop
|
Highest heat, cookware that lasts | Stovetop, 8.5 quarts plus 4.2-quart skillet | 18/10 stainless; three-level safety system | View on Amazon |
Instant Pot Duo Plus 6-QuartBest stainless electric
|
Beans and pozole in a stainless pot | Electric multicooker, 6 quarts | Stainless, tri-ply bottom; safety lid lock | View on Amazon |
Presto 6-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure CookerBudget stovetop
|
A first stovetop cooker | Stovetop, 6 quarts | Stainless, tri-clad base; cover lock indicator | View on Amazon |
Kuhn Rikon Duromatic 8.45-Quart WideBest wide stovetop
|
Browning meat before braising | Stovetop, 8.45 quarts, 11-inch wide | 18/10 stainless; automatic locking, spring valve | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Capacities and features are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best pressure cooker
The seven cookers below split between electric multicookers, which most home cooks reach for, and stovetop models, which run hotter and have fewer parts to fail. Each pick lists the pressure the maker states where it states one, the pot material and the safety features, with one honest reason to skip it.
1. Cosori 6-Quart Pressure Cooker – Good at Pressure and Slow Cooking
Slow cooking is where many multicookers fall short, and that is what makes the Cosori stand out. America’s Test Kitchen named this exact model, the CMC-CO601-SUS, its Best Buy multicooker and wrote that it “excelled in both pressure and slow cooking tests.” For a cook who wants one appliance that can pressure-cook beans on a weeknight and slow-cook barbacoa on a Saturday, that combination is rare.
Cosori states a working pressure of 9.4 to 12.3 psi on high and 5.1 to 8 psi on low. The listing names 13 programs, including bean/grain, meat, stew, rice, sauté, slow cook and sous vide. The seal/vent button sits away from the steam release, which is angled backward, and Cosori lists a double-layer anti-scalding lid, overheat protection and a lid lock that will not open under pressure.
The trade-off is the pot. It has a nonstick ceramic coating, and ATK notes that nonstick “won’t last forever”; it also has a smaller cooking surface than the Instant Pot Pro and no automatic quick-release button. Cosori says the pot, lid and rack can go on the top rack of the dishwasher but may wear faster.
Why we like it
- ATK’s Best Buy multicooker, Highly Recommended
- Strong at both pressure and slow cooking, per ATK
- Vent button placed away from the steam
- 2-year limited warranty
Key specifications
| Model | CMC-CO601-SUS |
|---|---|
| Type | Electric multicooker, 1100 W |
| Capacity | 6 quarts (5.7 L) |
| Max pressure (as stated) | 9.4–12.3 psi high; 5.1–8 psi low |
| Inner pot | Nonstick, ceramic coating |
| Functions | Pressure, rice, bean/grain, stew, sauté, slow cook, sous vide and more |
| Safety features | Anti-scalding lid, overheat protection, lid lock under pressure |
| Warranty | 2-year limited |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want one budget-friendly machine that does both fast and slow cooking well.
Skip it if you want a pot that will last as long as the base; the nonstick coating wears over time, and a stainless pot does not.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Good slow cooking for a multicooker
- Stated pressure range
- Thoughtful venting design
Cons
- Nonstick pot wears
- Smaller cooking surface
- No automatic quick release
2. Fissler Vitaquick Premium 8.5-Quart Set – The Hottest Pot in ATK’s Test
In America’s Test Kitchen’s stovetop review, the Fissler Vitaquick Premium 8.5-quart was “the only cooker to reach 250 degrees at high pressure,” measuring 253°F, and ATK writes that “it cooked food to perfection.” It also had the thickest base in the test at 7.24 millimeters and a wide 9-inch cooking surface, and it lost almost no liquid to evaporation.
The in-stock Amazon listing is a three-piece set: the 8.5-quart cooker with a steamer insert and tripod, a 4.2-quart pressure skillet that uses the same lid, and a glass lid. Fissler gives it two pressure settings, a gentle one and a fast one, and an 18/10 stainless body with a Superthermic base that works on gas, electric, ceramic and induction.
For a pot of pinto beans or beef for barbacoa, that steady, high heat is the point. Fissler describes a three-level safety system: automatic pressure control, integrated steam release and a self-sealing gasket, and ATK notes its automatic locking lid. The body goes in the dishwasher, the removable parts do not, and Fissler recommends replacing the sealing ring every 400 uses or two years.
Why we like it
- ATK’s stovetop winner, Highly Recommended
- Reached 253°F at high pressure in ATK’s test
- Thick, wide base for browning
- Works on induction and all stovetops
- 10-year warranty, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 602-810-11-0900 (set) |
|---|---|
| Type | Stovetop |
| Capacity | 8.5-quart cooker and 4.2-quart skillet |
| Max pressure (as stated) | Two settings; psi not stated (253°F measured by ATK) |
| Inner pot | 18/10 stainless steel, Superthermic base |
| Functions | Pressure cooking, steaming; glass lid for regular cooking |
| Safety features | Automatic pressure control, steam release, self-sealing gasket, locking lid |
| Warranty | 10 years |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want the fastest, hottest cooking and cookware you can keep for decades, and you are comfortable adjusting a burner.
Skip it if you want to walk away while it cooks; a stovetop cooker needs you nearby, and at about 9 pounds by ATK’s measure it is heavy.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Best performance in ATK’s review
- Two pots share one lid
- All stovetops including induction
Cons
- Heavy
- No timer or keep-warm
- Gasket needs periodic replacement
3. Instant Pot Duo Plus 6-Quart – A Stainless Pot for Beans and Pozole
The two other electric picks here have coated pots; this one is stainless steel, which will not wear the way a nonstick coating does. This is the 6-quart, WhisperQuiet version of Instant’s long-running Duo Plus, which the listing says makes up to six servings. America’s Test Kitchen recommends 8 quarts for most home cooks because you can never fill a pressure cooker to the top, and Instant makes this cooker in an 8-quart size too, but that size was not in stock when we last checked; for a family-size pot of pozole or a week of beans, mind the two-thirds fill line.
It is a 9-in-1 cooker: pressure cook, slow cook, steam, sauté, sous vide, rice, yogurt, cake and keep warm, set with a dial and 25 recipe presets with step-by-step instructions. The angled control panel shows messages and a progress bar so you can see which stage a cook has reached, and the steam release is a one-touch button that Instant says keeps venting quiet. The inner pot is 18/8 stainless steel with a tri-ply bottom and an anti-spin design, so it stays put while you brown pork or stir a sofrito. The lid and inner pot are dishwasher safe, and the box includes a steam rack and two extra sealing rings, according to the listing.
ATK did not review this exact model. It did review the older Duo 8-quart, which pressure-cooked well but took longer than other models and was harder to clean, so treat this as a pick backed by Instant’s specifications rather than by a test. It is rated at 1000 watts, according to the listing.
Why we like it
- Stainless pot rather than a nonstick coating
- Stainless pot with tri-ply bottom and anti-spin design
- 25 recipe presets with guided steps
- Dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot
Key specifications
| Model | 112-0169-01 (6 qt, WhisperQuiet) |
|---|---|
| Type | Electric multicooker; 1000 W, 120 V |
| Capacity | 6 quarts (up to 6 servings) |
| Max pressure (as stated) | Not stated in listing |
| Inner pot | Stainless steel, tri-ply bottom, anti-spin |
| Functions | 9, incl. pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, sous vide, rice, yogurt; 25 presets |
| Safety features | Over 10, incl. overheat protection and a safety lid lock |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you cook for a small household (the listing says up to six servings) and want a durable stainless pot rather than a coated one.
Skip it if you regularly cook for a crowd; at 6 quarts, the two-thirds fill limit leaves less room than ATK’s recommended 8 quarts.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Stainless pot will not lose a coating
- Steam rack and two spare sealing rings included
- Quiet one-touch steam release
Cons
- Not reviewed by ATK
- Smaller than ATK’s recommended 8 quarts
- Pressure not stated in the listing
4. Presto 6-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker – A Simple Stovetop Start
This 6-quart stainless model from Presto is the plainest way into stovetop cooking. Presto describes a tri-clad base, a layer of aluminum between two layers of stainless steel, for even heating, and rates it for gas, electric, smooth-top and induction ranges.
A pressure regulator on the vent pipe maintains the cooking pressure automatically, and a cover lock indicator shows when there is pressure inside and, according to the listing, keeps the cover from being opened until the pressure is safely down. A helper handle makes a full pot easier to lift. With the sealing ring and over-pressure plug removed, the whole cooker goes in the dishwasher, and Presto backs it with a 12-year limited warranty and a 64-page recipe book.
America’s Test Kitchen’s Best Buy stovetop cooker was Presto’s larger 8-quart stainless model, which reached 249°F at high pressure but had a recessed pressure indicator that was hard to monitor and bulging sides that encouraged scorching. That 8-quart was out of stock when we checked; this 6-quart is a different, smaller model that ATK did not test. Keep in mind that a 6-quart cooker can be filled only about two-thirds full.
Why we like it
- Tri-clad base for even heating
- Works on induction and all ranges
- Cover lock indicator
- 12-year limited warranty
Key specifications
| Model | 01362 |
|---|---|
| Type | Stovetop |
| Capacity | 6 quarts |
| Max pressure (as stated) | Not stated; regulator maintains pressure automatically |
| Inner pot | Stainless steel, tri-clad aluminum-core base |
| Functions | Pressure cooking; rack included |
| Safety features | Cover lock indicator, over-pressure plug |
| Warranty | 12-year limited |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want to try stovetop pressure cooking without a big outlay, for beans and stews for four.
Skip it if you cook large batches; 6 quarts fills up fast once you respect the two-thirds line.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Simple, few parts
- Long warranty
- Dishwasher safe once gasket is out
Cons
- This size not tested by ATK
- Single pressure setting
- Smaller capacity
5. Kuhn Rikon Duromatic 8.45-Quart Wide Pressure Cooker – Wide Base for Browning
Kuhn Rikon’s Duromatic is a Swiss-made stovetop cooker, and this 8.45-quart model is the wide version: an 11-inch pot that the listing describes as having a wide base for better braising. Browning a batch of beef for barbacoa or pork for chile colorado goes faster when the pieces are not crowded.
The body is 18/10 stainless steel with a solid thermal aluminum sandwich in the base. It has a spring-loaded valve rather than an old-style jiggle weight, an integrated automatic locking system and, according to the listing, five over-pressure safety systems; it is UL listed. Kuhn Rikon’s own guidance gives two settings: the first red ring at 5.8 psi for foods that foam, such as rice and lentils, and the second red ring at 11.6 psi for beans, meat and root vegetables. Kuhn Rikon backs it with a 10-year warranty on non-replaceable parts.
America’s Test Kitchen reviewed a different, narrower Duromatic, the 8½-quart saucepan model, and rated it Recommended with Reservations because its small base disk caused scorching and it reached 240°F at high pressure. The wide model’s larger base addresses the crowding, but we found no independent test of it.
Why we like it
- Wide 11-inch base for searing and braising
- Spring-loaded precision valve
- Automatic locking and five over-pressure systems
- 10-year warranty on non-replaceable parts
Key specifications
| Model | 30331 |
|---|---|
| Type | Stovetop |
| Capacity | 8.45 quarts, 11-inch wide |
| Max pressure (as stated) | 11.6 psi (second red ring); 5.8 psi (first) |
| Inner pot | 18/10 stainless steel, aluminum sandwich base |
| Functions | Pressure cooking, braising |
| Safety features | Automatic locking, five over-pressure safety systems, UL listed |
| Warranty | 10 years on non-replaceable parts |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you brown a lot of meat before pressure cooking and want a wide, shallow stovetop pot built to last.
Skip it if you want the hottest cooker; Kuhn Rikon states 11.6 psi for its high setting (it advises using that setting for older recipes written for 15 psi), and the narrower Duromatic ATK tested scorched.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Wide cooking surface
- Quiet spring valve
- Swiss-made, long warranty
Cons
- Not independently tested in this size
- Needs a large burner
- Lower stated high pressure
6. T-fal Secure 6.3-Quart Stainless Pressure Cooker – A Lid That Clicks When It Locks
The part of a stovetop pressure cooker that puts people off is the lid: lining up a heavy lid over a hot pot and wondering whether it is really sealed. T-fal’s Secure uses a rotating open-and-close mechanism that, according to T-fal, clicks audibly when the lid is locked and sealed, so you know the cooker is ready to come up to pressure. The listing also mentions a sliding handle.
It is 6.3 quarts of stainless steel, rated for all cooktops including induction, and comes with a steam basket. T-fal gives it two cooking settings, one meant for vegetables and one for meat, which suits a kitchen that steams calabacitas one night and braises beef for barbacoa the next. T-fal lists a five-point safety system, the body is dishwasher safe and the cooker carries a limited lifetime warranty.
T-fal’s listing does not state the pressure in psi, and we found no independent review of this model from the sources we read, so this pick rests on the design and T-fal’s specifications. For beans and braises for four, the clearly signaled lid is the reason to choose it.
Why we like it
- Lid clicks audibly when locked and sealed
- Two cooking settings, for vegetables and meat
- Works on induction and all cooktops
- Steam basket included
- Limited lifetime warranty
Key specifications
| Model | P2510737 (listing model 7114000441) |
|---|---|
| Type | Stovetop |
| Capacity | 6.3 quarts |
| Max pressure (as stated) | Not stated; two cooking settings |
| Inner pot | Stainless steel |
| Functions | Pressure cooking, steaming |
| Safety features | Five-point safety system, audible locking lid |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if uncertainty about whether the lid is sealed is what has kept you from stovetop pressure cooking.
Skip it if you want a stated pressure figure or an independent test behind your pick; the Fissler has both.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Clear lock signal
- Two settings
- Dishwasher-safe body
Cons
- Pressure not stated
- Not in the reviews we read
- Mid-size capacity
7. Breville Fast Slow Pro 6-Quart – Releases Its Own Steam
Breville’s Fast Slow Pro is the most automated cooker here. Sensors at the top and bottom of the pot monitor temperature and pressure, and at the end of a cook it releases steam on its own, choosing a quick, pulse or natural release, so you never reach over the valve. The LCD shows the pressure, temperature, countdown and release status.
It offers 11 pressure-cooking settings and slow cooking from low to high, with eight pressure levels that the listing gives as 1.5 to 12 psi. The 6-quart bowl has a ceramic coating and doubles as a serving bowl, the hinged lid comes off and goes in the dishwasher, and Breville describes a three-way safety system. A steamer basket, rack and 41-recipe book are included.
America’s Test Kitchen rated it Recommended with Reservations: it “was harder to use than other models,” and bumping the lid sometimes triggered a safety mechanism that turned the cooker off. A note on recalls: in 2015 Breville recalled its earlier Fast Slow Cooker, model BPR600XL, over a sealing gasket that could be fitted upside down. This Fast Slow Pro (BPR700) is a different model, and we found no recall for it.
Why we like it
- Automatic, hands-free steam release
- Eight pressure levels, 1.5 to 12 psi
- Dual sensors for temperature and pressure
- Removable, dishwasher-safe lid
Key specifications
| Model | BPR700BSS |
|---|---|
| Type | Electric multicooker, 1100 W |
| Capacity | 6 quarts |
| Max pressure (as stated) | 12 psi (8 levels from 1.5 psi) |
| Inner pot | Ceramic-coated bowl |
| Functions | 11 pressure settings, slow cook, sauté, steam |
| Safety features | Three-way safety lid, automatic steam release |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if releasing steam by hand makes you nervous and you want the cooker to handle it.
Skip it if you want the simplest or most reliable controls; ATK found it harder to use than other models, and the Cosori, ATK’s Best Buy, does the job with simpler controls.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Hands-free steam release
- Fine pressure control
- Clear LCD feedback
Cons
- Harder to use, per ATK
- Lid bumps can stop the cook
- Coated bowl will wear
How to choose a pressure cooker for beans and braises
Decide first whether you want to set it and walk away, or stand at the stove and get more heat.
1. Electric or stovetop
America’s Test Kitchen sums up the trade-off: stovetop models reach slightly higher pressure and give you direct control of the heat, while multicookers are easier, less intimidating and do more jobs. Most electric models, ATK notes, do not reach temperatures and pressures quite as high as stovetop cookers, but they still cook much faster than a regular pot.
2. Pressure and temperature
The traditional high-pressure target is 15 psi, at which water boils at about 250°F, according to ATK. Only the Fissler reached it in ATK’s stovetop test. Makers state their figures differently, so where a listing gives no psi we say so rather than guess. Lower pressure simply means somewhat longer cooking times.
3. Capacity
Never fill a pressure cooker more than two-thirds full, ATK reminds readers, so a 6-quart cooker holds less than it sounds. ATK recommends 8 quarts for most home cooks and 6 quarts if space or budget is tight. Beans foam and expand, so give them more room still.
4. The pot
ATK prefers stainless steel inner pots on multicookers because they are much more durable than nonstick, and stainless over aluminum for stovetop cookers. On stovetop models, look for a thick, broad base disk; ATK found bases over 7 millimeters held pressure more steadily and a small disk caused scorching.
5. Safety features and recalls
Every modern cooker here has a lid that locks under pressure and backup pressure release. Look for a steam-release control placed away from the vent and a pressure indicator you can read from across the kitchen. Check recalls before buying secondhand: the CPSC has recalled the Crock-Pot 6-Quart Express Crock multicooker, the Insignia multi-function pressure cookers sold by Best Buy and Ninja Foodi OP300-series cookers over lid and burn hazards. None of those is recommended here.
6. Canning is a separate job
Some multicookers have a canning button. Penn State Extension does not recommend using the canning feature of electric multi-cookers, and the National Center for Home Food Preservation does not support USDA canning processes in them, recommending pressure canners that hold four or more quart jars. Cook in a pressure cooker; preserve in a pressure canner.
How we picked these seven pressure cookers
We began with America’s Test Kitchen’s multicooker review, which named the Instant Pot Pro 8-quart its winner and the Cosori 6-quart its Best Buy, and its stovetop pressure cooker review, which named the Fissler Vitaquick Premium 8.5-quart its winner and Presto’s 8-quart stainless its Best Buy. Instant’s Pro models and Presto’s 8-quart were not in stock on Amazon when we checked, so they are not picks; for Presto we chose the closest in-stock model, for Instant the 6-quart Duo Plus, and each pick says so. We added stovetop and electric models from established makers to cover wider pots, easier lids and bigger capacities, taking pot materials, pressures and safety features from each listing and maker; where a figure was missing we wrote “Not stated.”
We checked every pick against the CPSC recall database. Beyond the recalls listed above, we found Breville’s 2015 recall of its earlier BPR600XL Fast Slow Cooker and older Instant Pot recalls of the Smart model (2015) and Gem 65 multicooker (2018), none of which is a pick. We left out Ninja pressure cookers because of the OP300-series lid recall and because Ninja’s newer models were not in the reviews we read. We have not used these cookers ourselves, and we did not read Serious Eats, Wirecutter, Consumer Reports, Good Housekeeping or The New York Times for this guide, so we do not quote them.
Pressure cooker questions, answered
What is the best pressure cooker brand?
For electric models, Instant made ATK’s top multicooker and Cosori its Best Buy. For stovetop models, Fissler made ATK’s winner and Presto its Best Buy. Kuhn Rikon and T-fal also make long-standing stovetop cookers.
Which pressure cooker does America’s Test Kitchen recommend?
ATK’s multicooker winner is the Instant Pot Pro 8Qt, with the Cosori 6.0-Quart as Best Buy; the Instant Pot Pro was not in stock on Amazon when we checked, which is why the Cosori leads our list. Its stovetop winner is the Fissler Vitaquick Premium 8.5 Qt, with the Presto 8-Quart Stainless Steel (01370) as Best Buy.
Is a stovetop or electric pressure cooker better for home use?
For most homes, electric, because it times itself, switches to warm and does not need watching. A stovetop cooker is better if you want maximum heat, fewer electronics and cookware that lasts decades.
What size pressure cooker should I buy?
Eight quarts for most families, per ATK, or 6 quarts for one to three people or small kitchens. Remember the two-thirds fill limit, and less for beans.
Can I cook dried beans in a pressure cooker without soaking?
It depends on the cooker and the recipe, so follow your manual for times and fill levels; beans foam. Kuhn Rikon, for example, recommends its lower setting for foods that foam. For the difference between whole beans in broth and refried beans, see our guide to charro beans and refried beans, and for blending a pot of beans smooth, the best immersion blender.
Our final pick for faster beans and braises
Buy the Cosori if you want an electric cooker that ATK found strong at both pressure and slow cooking, or the Instant Pot Duo Plus 6-Quart if you want an electric cooker with a stainless pot. Choose the Fissler Vitaquick for the best stovetop performance, the Presto for a simple first stovetop cooker, and the Kuhn Rikon Duromatic when you want a wide base for browning.
More countertop cookers we’ve covered: slow cookers, rice cookers, sous vide circulators, air fryers, deep fryers, electric skillets.
More specific guides: the best pressure canners and the best stainless steel pressure cookers.
On a budget? See our guide to the best affordable pressure cookers.
Cooking for a crowd? See our guide to the best large pressure cookers.
Related guide: Best instant pot accessories.
Related guide: Best instant pot cookbook.
Related guide: Best 6 quart pressure cooker.
Related guide: Best bean cookbook.
Related guide: Best multi cooker.
Related guide: Best presto kitchen appliances.
Related guide: Pressure cooker vs slow cooker.
For the dish people most often buy a pressure cooker to speed up, read what barbacoa is and how it is made. And when you would rather not cook at all, see our menu or call to order.