Pressure Cookers
Pressure cookers have been around for centuries, but it wasn’t until the 20th century that they gained widespread popularity. These handy kitchen appliances work by trapping steam inside the pot, creating high pressure that cooks food faster and at a higher boiling point.
This not only saves time, but also helps to retain nutrients and flavor in the food. Prestige pressure cookers have quite a place in the market and we dig deep into this segment for our beloved readers.
The pressure cookers we love and use come in all forms and shapes. We generally love those that we can cook at home or by cooking meat with a campfire pressure cooker. Such as a juicy Mississippi Roast over the campfire.
Related: How Do Pressure Cookers Work
List of Inventor of Pressure Cooker
The earliest known pressure cookers were used by the ancient Greeks and Romans, who used clay pots sealed with wax or pitch to cook food over hot coals. These primitive pressure cookers were effective, but not very practical for everyday use.
It wasn’t until the 17th century that the modern day pressure cooker was invented, when French physicist Denis Papin designed a steam-based cooking appliance that he called the “Digester.”
Related: List Of Inventor of Pressure Cooker
Denis Papin invention was met with skepticism and never caught on, but it laid the foundation for the development of the pressure cooker we know today. In the late 19th century, several inventors began experimenting with pressure-based cooking techniques, including the American engineer Nathaniel Wales and the French engineer Marcel Vallette.
They both designed steam-powered pressure cookers that were used primarily in industrial settings, but they were too expensive and cumbersome for home use.
It wasn’t until the 20th century that the pressure cooker truly gained popularity, thanks to the efforts of companies like Fissler pressure cooker and Presto pressure cooker parts.
In 1922, Fissler introduced the first pressure cooker for home use, which featured a weight-regulated valve that released steam as needed to maintain a consistent pressure. This allowed for more precise cooking and made the appliance safer to use.
In 1939, Presto introduced its own version of the pressure cooker, which featured a spring-loaded valve that was easier to use and maintain. This marked the beginning of the modern pressure cooker as we know it, and these two companies have been the main players in the market ever since.
Food For Thought from 1949
If your a vintage connoisseur like us then the above food for thought video from 1949 will be a pleasure!
Related: Presto Pressure Cooker Parts
As pressure cookers became more widely available, they quickly gained popularity among home cooks. The time-saving benefits were especially appealing to working mothers, who could use the pressure cooker to prepare healthy meals in a fraction of the time.
The appliances were also popular during World War II, when rationing made it difficult to find fresh ingredients. New appliances available to Americans after World War 2. Pressure cookers allowed people to cook with less expensive cuts of meat, making them more budget-friendly.
Pressure Cookers Evolvement
In the decades since, pressure cookers have evolved to meet the changing needs of home cooks especially safety given dangerous products such as the power pressure cooker xl.
Today, there are many different models available, ranging from simple stovetop versions to sophisticated electric models with multiple cooking functions. Some pressure cookers even come with built-in scales and recipe apps, making them a true one-stop shop for home cooks.
Despite the many advancements in pressure cooker technology, the basic principles of the appliance remain the same. A pressure cooker is essentially a pot with a sealed lid that traps steam inside, creating high pressure that cooks food faster and at a higher boiling point.
This high pressure also helps to tenderize tougher cuts of meat, making them more flavorful and easier to chew.
Related: Best Way To Tenderize Tough Cuts Of Meat
There are two main types of pressure cookers: electric and stovetop. Electric pressure cookers are more convenient to use, as they have built-in cooking programs and a countdown timer. Stovetop models, on the other hand, require manual heat adjustment and have adjustable pressure settings. Both types of pressure cookers work well, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget.
So, why should you consider adding a pressure cooker to your kitchen? For one, pressure cookers can save you a lot of time in the kitchen. Because they cook food faster and at a higher boiling point, you can get dinner on the table in a fraction of the time it would take using a traditional.
Top 10 Favorite Pressure Cooker
1. Instant Pot Duo 7-in1 Electric Pressure Cooker
| Brand | Instant Pot |
| Capacity | 3 Quarts |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Closure Type | Outer Lid, Inner Lid |
| Color | Stainless Steel/Black |
| Finish Type | Chrome, Matte |
| Special Feature | Dishwasher Safe |
| Wattage | 700 watts |
| Product Dimensions | 11.2″D x 11.4″W x 10″H |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
Pros:
3 sizes: 3QT, 6QT, 8QT
2 Styles: Duo & Crisp
Well known brand
Cons:
No Discounts
Limited to 3 people or smaller
Product Description
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cooker, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan and food warmer.
- QUICK ONE-TOUCH COOKING: 13 customizable Smart Programs for pressure cooking ribs, soups, beans, rice, poultry, yogurt, desserts and more.
- COOK FAST OR SLOW: Pressure cook delicious one-pot meals up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods or slow cook your favorite traditional recipes – just like grandma used to make.
- QUICK AND EASY CLEAN UP: Finger-print resistant, stainless-steel sides and dishwasher-safe lid, inner pot, and accessories.
- SAFETY FEATURES: Includes over 10 safety features, plus overheat protection and safe-locking lid
- PERFECT SIZE: Cook for up to 3 people – perfect for smaller families, or meal prepping and batch cooking for singles.
- VERSATILE INNER COOKING POT: We use food-grade stainless-steel, a tri-ply bottom for more even cooking and perfect for sautéing
- DISCOVER AMAZING RECIPES: Download our free Instant Pot app, so you can create quick new favorites and prepare delicious meals, available iOS and Android.
2. CHEF iQ Smart Pressure Cooker (-31%!)
| Brand | CHEF iQ |
| Capacity | 6 Quarts |
| Material | Aluminum / ABS & PP plastic |
| Closure Type | Outer Lid |
| Finish Type | Matte |
| Special Feature | Programmable |
| Wattage | 1000 watts |
| Product Dimensions | 13″D x 13″W x 13″H |
| Voltage | 120 |
| Item Weight | 10.4 Pounds |
Pros:
Aesthetically beautiful
31% Discount on Amazon NOW!
ChefIQ App
Included Accessories
Cons:
Pricier than Instant Pot
Product Description
- THE CHEF iQ APP: Connect your Smart Cooker to the CHEF iQ App via WiFi and Bluetooth. Access 600+ Guided Cooking recipes and culinary how-to videos, control and monitor your Smart Cooker, and access the Cooking Calculator for precise cooking parameters for every ingredient
- BUILT-IN SCALE: Use the precise built-in scale to easily measure ingredients and cook by weight, simplifying both prep and cleanup-no measuring cups needed. Four integrated smart sensors measure ingredients accurately and tell you exactly how much liquid is needed to cook meals to perfection
- AUTO PRESSURE RELEASE: Automatically releases steam at the end of pressure cooking for increased safety and convenience. Programmed with 3 pressure release methods: quick, pulse, and natural
- GUIDED COOKING: Guided Cooking recipes provide step-by-step video cooking instructions and enable you to send precise cooking parameters to your Smart Cooker for every step, no need to enter time and temp settings or set any timers. Plus, five additional recipes are added to the app each week
- COOKING PRESETS: 1000+ presets are stored on the Smart Cooker and 1000+ presets are built into the Cooking Calculator in the CHEF iQ App. Simply input your ingredient and we’ll provide exact cooking time and temp settings
- WIRELESS UPDATES: Receive wireless firmware updates on your Smart Cooker via the CHEF iQ App. Your Smart Cooker will gain additional features and improve its cooking algorithms while sitting on your countertop
- INCLUDED ACESSORIES: This all-in-one cooker includes a convenient steam rack and steam basket, and more Smart Cooking essentials. Use the steam rack to perfectly steam larger food items like fish, chicken, and whole vegetables, above the liquid. The steam basket, when paired with the steam rack, allows users to steam smaller pieces of food, like chopped vegetables and meat.
3. Wolf Gourmet Programmable 6-in-1 Multi Cooker
| Brand | WOLF GOURMET |
| Capacity | 7 Quarts |
| Product Dimensions | 14.5″D x 19.75″W x 17.88″H |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Color | Red Knob |
Pros:
Chef Celebrity: WolfGang Puck
Multi-use
15% Discount on Amazon NOW
Cons:
Definitely pricey!
Product Description
- PROGRAM: Select one or two heat settings and cooking times for customized cooking, or insert the temperature probe into the food and set the temperature to your preferred doneness
- RICE: Cook 6-18 cups of white or brown rice
- SAUTÉ & SEAR: Precise sautéing and searing on low, medium, and high temperature settings
- SOUS VIDE: Gently bring foods to a precise temperature in a warm water bath using the probe
- 5-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: Wolf Gourmet warrants appliances to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for a period of five (5) years from the date of original purchase.
4. Ninja 12-in-1 Deluxe XL 8QT Pressure Cooker (-20%)
| Brand | Ninja |
| Capacity | 8 Quarts |
| Material | Plastic |
| Closure Type | Outer Lid, Inner Lid |
| Color | Silver |
| Finish Type | Chrome |
| Special Feature | Programmable |
| Wattage | 1760 watts |
| Product Dimensions | 14.57″D x 16.1″W x 14.2″H |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
Pros:
12 in 1 Deluxe XL
20% Discount on AMAZON
Size Variation: 8QT, 5QT, 6.5QT
Deluxe Pressure that also Crisps!
PTFE PFOA Free
Cons:
Small size, best for up to 2 people
Air Fryer is known to be a nuisance
Product Description
- THE NINJA FOODI DELUXE XL: The deluxe pressure cooker that also crisps.
- TENDERCRISP TECHNOLOGY: Quickly pressure cook ingredients to lock in juices, then give them a crispy, golden air-fryer finish.
- COOK FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY: With an extra-large capacity 8-quart ceramic-coated pot that is nonstick, PTFE PFOA free, and easy to hand-wash.
- XL AIR FRYING CAPACITY: With a family-sized 5-quart cook & crisp ceramic-coated basket that holds up to a 7-lb. chicken to feed your whole family. Basket is PTFE PFOA-free, nonstick, and dishwasher safe.
- DELUXE REVERSIBLE RACK: Steam and broil, as well as TenderCrisp up to 8 chicken breasts at once or add servings to layered 360.
- 12-IN-1 VERSATILITY: Utilize 12 programmable cooking functions to Pressure Cook, Air Fry/Air Crisp, Steam, Slow Cook, Yogurt, Sear/Sauté, Bake, Roast, Broil, Dehydrate, Sous Vide & Keep Warm.
- 45 RECIPES: Inspiration guide featuring delicious recipes to get you started in your Ninja Foodi Deluxe.
- 14 SAFETY FEATURES: Rigorous safety testing to give you peace of mind while you cook.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker, Crisping Lid, Pressure Lid, 8 qt. Ceramic Coated Pot, 5 qt. Ceramic Coated Cook & Crisp Basket, Stainless Steel Deluxe Reversible Rack & 45 Recipe Chef-Inspired Cookbook.
5. COMFEE 6 Quart Pressure Cooker 12-in-1
| Brand | COMFEE’ |
| Capacity | 6 Quarts |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Closure Type | Outer Lid, Inner Lid |
| Color | Black |
| Finish Type | Chrome |
| Special Feature | Programmable |
| Wattage | 1000 watts |
| Product Dimensions | 12″D x 13″W x 13″H |
| Voltage | 110 Volts |
Pros:
Great Price
12 in 1 One Touch
9-in-1 Appliance
Cons:
Lid does not have manual unlock button
Product Description
- Quick One Touch Kick Start with 12 Preset Smart Programs: Pressure cook, sauté, bake, stew, steam, oatmeal, slow cook, sauté, soup/ broth, egg, rice, bean/chili, yogurt.
- 9 Appliances In 1- Replaces 9 common kitchen appliances: pressure cooker, slow cooker, sauté pan, rice cooker, yogurt maker, cake maker, egg cooker, seamer, food warmer.
- Electronic Customized Recipes- Our recipes are customized for a young & fashion mother, who enjoys a busy life of working, entertaining, and dating and can easily deal with her whole day need. You can DOWNLOAD the recipes on the Amazon product page under Product guides and documents.
- Advanced Safety Protection with 9-in-1 Safety Features- Lid lock, anti-block cover, pressure limiting valve, automatic pressure and temperature control, overheat protection and more. UL certified.
- Healthy Non-Stick Inner Pot- Easy to use and clean with dishwasher safe. Cooks for up to 6 people. All components in contact with food are BPA free materials.
- Easy To Use and Read Panel- LED Display make it easy to read from a distance. The control panel design includes DIY manual setting, dedicated Start/Cancel button, Menu button to choose 12 Preset Programs and Keep Warm function.
6. Crock-pot Express Pressure Cooker - 6 Quart Stainless Steel (-15%!)
| Brand | Crock-Pot |
| Capacity | 6 Quarts |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Closure Type | Outer Lid, Inner Lid |
| Color | Stainless Steel |
| Finish Type | Chrome |
| Special Feature | Manual |
| Product Dimensions | 17″D x 17″W x 14″H |
| Item Weight | 1 Pounds |
| Operation Mode | Automatic |
Pros:
15% Discount on Amazon!
One hand easy fit Lid
PTFE & PFOA Free
Cons:
Oval shaped, quite wide
Only hold 7 small jars (small batch canning)
Product Description
- Oval Shaped Pot: Easily fits large cuts of meat and allows for more even sautéing and searing. No more stacking and slicing!
- One-Hand Easy-Fit Lid: Align the lid without having to twist & turn.
- Quick Clean Function: For a fast way to remove odors and discoloration from the gasket and pot.
7. Breville Fast Slow Pro Slow Cooker
| Brand | Breville |
| Color | Silver |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Product Dimensions | 12.5″D x 13.5″W x 14″H |
| Capacity | 6 Quarts |
| Item Weight | 14 Pounds |
| Is Dishwasher Safe | No |
| Voltage | 220 Volts |
| Shape | Round |
| Number of settings | 11 |
Pros:
Well known brand!
PTFE & PFOA Free
Feedback LCD Display
Cons:
No discount 🙁
Product Description
- Color changing LCD tells you when the cooker is pressurizing, cooking or releasing steam
- 3 Way Safety System/Safety locking lid, automatic hands free steam release, safety valve
- 11 pressure cook settings plus a custom setting to suit your favorite recipes
- Keep Warm function turns on after cooking so food is ready to serve when you are
- Removable cooking bowl with PTFE and PFOA free ceramic coating
- Capacity : 6 quart – 4.5 qt (MAX), 1 quart (MIN).Dimensions:12.5 x 13.5 x 14 inches
- Full feedback LCD display tells you what is going on inside the pot with a pressure indicator, temperature and countdown timer and steam release indicator. 8 pressure levels range from 1.5 psi to 12 psi.
8. Blue Diamond Ceramic Nonstick 16-in-1 6Qt (-25%)
| Brand | Blue Diamond Pressure Cooker |
| Capacity | 6 Quarts |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Closure Type | Outer Lid, Inner Lid |
| Color | Blue |
| Finish Type | Ceramic Nonstick |
| Special Feature | Programmable |
| Wattage | 1000 watts |
| Product Dimensions | 12.64″D x 12.72″W x 13.78″H |
| Control Method | Touch |
Product Description
- 16 ways to cook: Quick Release, Delay Start, Smart Release, Slow Cook, Soup/Broth, Bean/Chili, Meat/Stew, Poultry, Multigrains, Oatmeal, Yogurt, Sterilize, Sauté, Steam, Cake, Rice
- NEW Diamond Deluxe Ceramic Nonstick: Our exclusive, allnew ceramic nonstick coating is specially formulated to stay nonstick under pressure and it’s still free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium
- Metal utensil safe, Blue Diamond’s diamond infused coating is 5x harder and 10x longer lasting than traditional nonstick
- OneTouch Cooking: Our easy-to-use presets are designed to make a whole meal with the touch of a button
- The Smart Release feature automatically customizes pressure to make your meal more flavorful
- Quick Release: Safely release pressure instantly from the control panel—no knobs or levers
- Large easy view display with quick touch functions
- Easy on/off lid with locking safety valve
- Huge 6QT Capacity—perfect for family meals
- Dishwasher safe removable pot