Would you like to save this recipe?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
If you had to pick one pressure cooker, what would it be?
I get this question a lot, and, frankly, it’s tough to answer. My response to "Which pressure cooker should I buy?" is "I only get one?" I own four five pressure cookers right now; they're that useful. But if I could only have one...
There can be only one
If I could only have one pressure cooker, I would choose…
The Instant Pot IP-Duo Plus 60 electric pressure cooker.
(I know, having a picture of an Instant Pot at the top of the post kind of gives it away.)
Now, this is a change for me. I used to recommend stove top pressure cookers. Nowadays, I reach for the electric pressure cooker first. Set it and forget it cooking is just too convenient. Once I lock the lid and set the timer, the electric PC takes it from there, and I can focus on the rest of dinner. The electric PC brings itself up to high pressure, levels off, maintains high pressure until the end of cooking, and then turns itself to a warming mode and lets the pressure start to come down naturally.
Why the Instant Pot? I prefer the durable, easy to clean stainless steel insert - I’m always worried about scratching the nonstick lining on my other pots. The bracket that holds the Instant Pot silicone gasket is built into the lid, making it easy to install and remove, and the silicone gasket is dishwasher safe. My favorite feature is a simple one - the lid holder in the handle on the body Set the tab on the lid in the slot on the handle. If I could keep only one pressure cooker, the Instant Pot would stay.
The IP-Duo Plus 60 is the latest in the Instant Pot line. I used the IP-Duo for years, and the IP-Lux 60 for a few years before that. The Duo Plus has an easier to understand electronics panel (a "Pressure Cook" button - hooray!) and a convenient handle/lid holder design. If you have an IP-Lux 60 or IP-DUO 60, it's not worth upgrading...but if you are getting a new for a new pot, get the IP-Duo 60 Plus. Also, for more questions and answers about Instant Pots, check out my Instant Pot Frequently Asked Questions.
Choices, Choices
Now for the nuanced answer. I don’t have to restrict myself to one cooker, thank goodness. I own a few of them; different pressure cookers have different strengths.
My wife would be happier if I had only one…but the same can be said of fry pans, grills, chef’s knives, and the countless kitchen gadgets overrunning our house. Yes, I have a problem.
What kind of pressure cooker should *you* buy? Read on, and pick the one that sounds best to you.
Electric Pressure Cookers
Advantages of electric pressure cookers:
- More automated - set the time and it will beep when it is done
- More convenient
- Did I mention set it and forget it?
Disadvantages of electric pressure cookers:
- Large electric pressure cookers (8 quart or larger) are less common
- Lower pressure - Most top out at 11 or 12 PSI, so add 20% to the cooking time under pressure for published recipes
- Confusing controls - read the f(ine) manual to figure them out
- Only way to quick release pressure is to open pressure valve and live with hissing steam for a few minutes
As I said earlier, electric pressure cookers have one advantage, but it’s a big one. Set it and forget it cooking. Once the lid is locked and the timer is set, the cooker takes care of everything else, and beeps at you when it is done.
Recommended electric pressure cookers
- Instant Pot IP-DUO60 Plus
- Instant Pot IP-DUO80
- Zavor Lux 6 Quart
- Zavor Lux 8 Quart
- Instant Pot IP-DUO60
- Instant Pot IP-LUX60
IP-DUO80: We already talked about the Instant Pot IP-DUO60 Plus. If it sounds good, get it. You won’t regret it. Now, let's talk size. I said "bigger is better" above in the stovetop pressure cooker section - but I still recommend the 6 quart IP-DUO60 Plus over the 8 quart IP-DUO80. The 6 quart is large enough for 95% of my cooking for a family of five. If you're cooking for larger crowds on a regular basis, go with the 8 quart IP-DUO80 - the two cookers are very similar. Also, if you want a second pressure cooker, I'd get the big one. I use the IP-DUO80 as my backup pressure cooker, and I love knowing I have it available if I need the extra space.
Zavor Lux: If you don't want to buy an Instant Pot, I recommend the Zavor Lux line of cookers, available in a 6 quart and an 8 quart model. I like the Zavors, but they aren't quite as convenient as the Instant Pot. That integrated lid holder in the Instant Pot is a killer feature. (Note: These cookers used to be from Fagor; Zavor America rose from the ashes of the Fagor bankrupcy, saving these pressure cookers from an untimely death.)
Cheaper Options: If you are looking for the lowest cost possible, check out the Instant Pot IP-LUX60. It's the older model of the instant pot. It doesn't have the lid holder that the IP-DUO line has, but you can usually save about $30 by going with the IP-LUX.
If you want to save a few dollars, but want that lid holder, the older Instant Pot IP-DUO 60 is still a fine cooker, and one that I used for years. But, since the Plus is available, that's the one I recommend - the front controls are better, and if you're going to try to save money, the IP-LUX60 is cheaper. The IP-DUO is fine, but I'd go higher priced or lower priced, depending on what you're looking for.
(I use my pressure cooker many times a week, so I happily paid extra for the conveniences in the IP-DUO Plus. But, your judgement of value may be different.)
Bluetooth Instant Pot IP-SMART60: The IP-SMART60 is the same cooker as the IP-DUO, but with Bluetooth connectivity. I’m a gadget hound, so I bought one, but I don’t use the Bluetooth connectivity; it’s just an extra expensive IP-DUO60 to me. Get the IP-DUO60 Plus instead.
Instant Pot on sale at Amazon: Keep an eye out around "big purchase" holidays, like Black Friday, Christmas, and Amazon Prime Day in Mid-July. Amazon will almost always have a great deal on an Instant Pot - most years a 6 quart model, sometimes the 8 quart model. You can get a fantastic price if you wait for the holiday.
General advice: buy from a dedicated pressure cooker manufacturer
Regardless of what type of cooker you get, buy from a company that you can count on. Pressure cooker parts wear out, especially the sealing gaskets. Don’t get stuck with a pot that you can’t get fixed ten years down the road. I buy from companies that are dedicated to pressure cookers, companies that make it obvious how to get spare parts.
I check for two things. Can I find spare parts on Amazon? Or, can I order them directly from the company’s website? If the only support they give is “call our 800 number or email us,” I get suspicious; if they don’t respond to emails asking about how to get spare parts, I move on to the next brand.
Stove top Pressure Cookers
 |
| [Image via Amazon.com] |
Stove top cooker advantages
- High pressure is 15PSI - slightly faster cooking times
- Also - most published recipes assume 15 PSI
- Wider pots (on some models) make browning easier
- Quicker to heat up (on a powerful stove)
- Quick pressure release - cold water pressure release is quicker (and quieter) than opening pressure valve
- Can double as a regular pot
Stove top cooker disadvantages
- Manual timing - the cook has to watch the pot, start the timer when the cooker reaches high pressure, and turn off the heat when cooking time is done
- Manual heat maintenance - the cook has to adjust the burners on the stove to maintain pressure, and this can vary depending on how full the cooker is.
Recommended stove top cookers
For years, these were my only pressure cookers - first the Fagor (now Zavor), then the Kuhn Rikon. The K-R has a better pressure valve - no steam is released when it is at high pressure; it only vents when it is seriously over pressure. Also, the K-R is huge. Bigger is better with pressure cookers - you have to leave ⅓rd of the pot empty so there’s enough airspace to build up pressure. A larger pot gives you room to cook more.
The Zavor's advantage? At 10 quarts it is bigger than most pressure cookers, and it costs about a third of the K-R price. The Kuhn Rikon and Zavor are also wide for pressure cookers - most cookers are narrow (about 9 inches diameter), but the K-R and Zavor are wider. A wider pot has more room to brown meat and saute aromatics before pressure cooking. (Note - if you don't want the extra size of these cookers, the 8 quart models are also very good.)
So, which should you get? If you can afford the best, get the Kuhn Rikon. I’ve never regretted switching to it. If cost matters, get the Zavor; it is the best value in pressure cookers, giving the most space for the least amount of money.
Other stove top cookers to consider
Some people swear by pressure skillets. (This includes Lorna Sass, author of my pressure cooking bible, Pressure Perfect). They’re low, wide cookers that are best for smaller braises. I’m always pushing the “max fill” line on my 6 quart cookers, so I’ve never been into pressure skillets, but if you’re interested, these are the models I recommend:
- Zavor Duo 4.2 Quart
- Zavor Duo 6.3 Quart
- Zavor Duo 8.4 Quart
- Kuhn Rikon Duromatic 2.5 quart
- Kuhn Rikoon Family Style Pressure Braiser 5 quart - the short version of my favorite 12 quart; every bit as wide, almost as expensive
I need a really inexpensive stove top pressure cooker
If price is a big issue for you, this inexpensive Presto 6 quart PC is recommended by people I trust:
Street price is about $45. I’d save up and get an 8 or 10 quart model, but for such a low price, this cooker is a deal.
FCC Notice
I paid for all these pressure cookers with my own money - except for the Kuhn Rikon, which I was given as a review model years ago. I've used almost all the pots mentioned in my own kitchen, or a very similar model. None of these comments were paid for - I'm on my own. I get a small sales commission if you buy something through my links to Amazon. (And, if you do, thank you for your support!)
What do you think?
Questions? Other ideas? Leave them in the comments section below.
Related Posts
Instant Pot FAQ - where I try to answer all the Instant Pot questions that I can
Pressure Cooker Recipe Index
Things I Love: Pressure Cookers
Things I Love: Cuisinart Electric Pressure Cooker
Review: Kuhn-Rikon 12 Quart Family Stockpot Pressure Cooker
Instant Pot IP-DUO80: First Look and Longer Term Testing Notes
Enjoyed this post? Want to help out DadCooksDinner? Subscribe to DadCooksDinner via eMail or RSS reader, recommend DadCooksDinner to your friends, buy something from Amazon.com through the links on this site, or donate through my tip jar. Thank you.
Mary P. says
Mike, I love your website. And thank you for all your information. This morning, you came to my aid. I have the Instant Pot IP-LUX which I LOVE. I made an awesome chicken in it last night and I was going to make broth this morning. However, I realized I have too much liquid in the pot. I used the saute mode to cook off some liquid, but it was starting to bubble over. THEN I learned from you that the saute mode is adjustable. Seriously?!? I am now using the low saute mode to reduce the broth level before I pressure cook it. THANK YOU!
Susan says
I am one of the many trying to decide between an 8 quart and a 6 quart version. We are a 2 person household, but one of us is Vegan so lots of beans and veggie stock cooking....Also I know you can't Pressure Can but could I water bath can? Sometimes I just want to do a few jars as opposed to a whole water bath canner full. Would this work? Would I still use the pressure part to seal the jars? Looking at lids on line and the 8 qt sealer ring and glass lid, they are quite a bit more expensive than the smaller versions. Leaning towards the 8 qt but don't want to over buy either. Your comments?
Mike Vrobel says
For 2 people, get the 6 quart. It can do water bath canning, but only just barely fit pint jars height wise.
Linda Deweese says
I really enjoyed your comments and happy I found this site. I recently purchased a
Cuisinart because it had good reviews and the only one I found with a 3 year warranty.
How important is the warranty? I haven't used it yet and am considering taking it back and exchanging it for an Instant Pot as it seems a little easier to use with the extra settings. Your thoughts, please.
Mike Vrobel says
I've never had to use the warranty with any of my pressure cookers. My experience with electronics is you either have "doesn't work when I take it out of the box" or "works fine for years and years". So, I personally am not too worried about the warranty. Like I say above, I prefer the instant pot, but I used the Cuisinart for years and it is a good cooker too.
Peggy says
I have the Fagor duo 8 quart stoveto which works well I also have a Stellar 4 qt stovetop which I bought years ago in England. Do you know if Stellar are still in business. I can find their cookware but not pressure cookers. I need a new valve and gasket
Thanks
Mike V says
Sorry, I've never heard of Stellar before - maybe try a Google search?
Rick says
Any thoughts about the IP duo80... larger sibling of the 60. in theory seems it would be better for stocks and soups and browning... I'll be using it for set and forget curries, wots, and irish stews. Any thoughts?
Mike V says
Perfect timing - I posted my thoughts on the differences today: https://www.dadcooksdinner.com/longer-term-testing-notes-instant-pot-duo60-vs-duo80/
Jessica says
I bought the Cuisinart CPC-600 before I knew about Instant Pot's stainless pot. I love my PC but was bummed about it not being stainless! But, I found a stainless replacement pot for $30! It's by Secura and can be purchased from Amazon; I'll not drop the link in hopes anyone looking will go through your link and find it.
The photos don't do it justice; it's a heavy duty and well made pot. I broke it in with your Senate Navy Bean Soup, and it's perfect!
Jocelyne says
Hello.... seems this is an old post, but I would like to purchase the Duo60... I will be buying it from Wal-mart and they offer an extra $14.00 protection option. Do you think that is necessary? Walmart does take back there products pretty readily... thanks.
Mike V says
I don't think you need the protection option. Instant Pot has good customer support, and if you have an issue, you should be able to contact them for a repair.
Celia says
Hi Mike. What about the Bluetooth model. ... Any thoughts on thst
Mike V says
I have one, and like it, but it doesn't have any extra functions that I use. (I don't use the Bluetooth). If you want to make sure you have the newest model, go ahead and get it, but the Duo is almost exactly the same for less money.
Laura H. says
Hi,
I'm about to take the plunge and replace my slow cooker with a multi-cooker - I'm very attached to my stovetop pressure cooker and would love a set it and forget it option! I was leaning towards the Fagor Lux because it seems to have the best reviews, but after reading your comments I'm thinking I should consider the the One Pot (I'm also ambivalent about non-stick, though for the rice cooker this might be a plus). Do you have any experience with the Fagor LUX? Also, since I generally cook for 2, I'm torn about whether to get a 4 or 6 quart model. I'd like to have the option of cooking for a crowd but not sure if there are drawbacks to using a larger cooker at less that capacity on a regular basis.
Mike V says
I am testing a Fagor LUX right now - the 8 quart model - and it's a nice cooker. But, I still prefer the InstantPot. It is more convenient to use, and you won't have to pay extra for the stainless steel pot. (That said, if you go with the Fagor LUX, you won't be disappointed.)
Get a 6 quart cooker. There are no drawbacks to using a 6 quart vs a 4 quart for smaller amounts of food.
Laura H. says
Thanks for confirming my instincts. I went ahead and bought the 6 quart instant pot and am vary happy with it!
Mike V says
Laura, great! I love that cooker, and I'm glad it is working for you.
Raydar1788 says
Anxiously awaiting your review on the Fagor Lux. Leaning that way only because I can walk into a local store that carries them. I can't find the Instant Pot local anywhere.
Mike V says
So far: Lux is not a bad choice, works fine. But the Instant Pot is better, more convenient. I only pull out the Lux when I have to have the extra space the 8 quart pot gives - which means only to make turkey stock.
Kevin M says
Great site and info. Thanks for all the real experience-based advice. I've been wanting an electric pressure cooker for years and have finally justified a decision to buy one. Interestingly enough, I had narrowed my short list down to the Cuisinart, the Instant Pot, and a Fagor; so it was good to see 2 out of 3 of those are on your list too.
My primary question is:
Is there anything the Instant Pot can do that the Cuisinart can't do? More specifically: what do the extra functions/modes (rice vs meat vs beans, etc) actually do? Do they merely suggest a time (and perhaps pressure)? Or does using one of these modes cause the cooker to adjust something during the cooking process?
My other question is:
Is the only reason for your preference for the Instant Pot vs the Cuisinart just the stainless steel insert? Or are there other advantages?
Thanks,
Kevin
Mike V says
I believe the extra modes change the time and temperature curves in the pressure cooker - less heat for rice, say - but I never use them, so I can't say for sure.
Other than the stainless pot, I find the Instant Pot easier to use than the cuisinart. The silicone gasket holder integrated into the lid is easier to use, and the lid holder built into the handles on the pot is a genius feature. They are very similar in how they cook in the end, but I reach for my instant pot every time over the cuisinart.
Brian E says
If you needed a larger capacity, would you buy a second Instant Pot or opt for a larger stove top model?
Thanks!
Mike V says
I have a family of 5, and my instant pot is big enough 90% of the time. The only time it isn't is when I'm making a big batch of stock, or chili for a crowd. If that is your use case as well, then I'd suggest the instant pot with the Fagor 10 quart as a backup for the times you need the large pot. (It costs about the same as an instant pot).
If you need the bigger pot all the time, spend the extra to get the Kuhn Rikon family stockpot. It is nicer than the Fagor, and, while not as convenient as the instant pot, it is easy to use.
Jeff C. says
I recently bought the Fagor LUX Multi Cooker 8 qt. model. The good news: the controls are very intuitive so it's easy to use; it feels solid and substantially built; everything worked as designed (but see below); it did everything well and although the pot has a ceramic non-stick coating, it did not show any signs of use from the 15 times I used it; the 8 qt. pot made making soup a breeze. By first pressure cooking with most of the ingredients and half the liquid in the pot then adding quick-cooking stuff like tomatoes and spinach and the rest of the stock to within 3/4" of the rim I was able to make 7 quarts of soup. The bad news: 29 days after I ordered it my Fagor Lux died while I was browning country ribs. The symptoms (no heat, no lights) suggest a fuse but fortunately I could return it to Amazon so that's what I did. I've had good luck with Fagor stovetop pressure cookers and so far I'm the only Amazon buyer to comment about a failure so don't know if this will prove to be a fluke or a real issue. I really liked the Fagor Lux and considered buying another one but decided to switch rather than fight.
I bought an Instant Pot that arrived three days ago so I'm just learning to use it. This cooker is smaller and seems a bit more lightly constructed. The controls are less intuitive but I'll likely do most things using Manual/Time so no matter. I do like the stainless pot with the triple-layer bottom. Time will tell if the 6 qt. capacity proves limiting.