Best Electric Pressure Cooker

All-in-one functionality can't outperform a cooker with a proven track record

If you frequently prepare large meals by using all eyes on the stove, an electric pressure cooker may be a good option to free up some space. It's also a good choice if you're a multitasker and would like to leave the machine unattended. But they do have their downsides. For example, they're bulkier than stovetop units, requiring more storage space. They also don't reach and maintain pressure as well; cooking inserts often spin inside the base when foods are stirred, and many reviewers say they don't brown as well. However, cooks new to pressure-cooking may appreciate that the machine can essentially be set and left alone, and for the investment, electric cookers also have other functions, like browning and steaming.

With all that said, professionals and owners do recommend some top models, including the best-reviewed Cuisinart CPC-600 Pressure Cooker (*Est. $100) . It offers two pressure settings, a built-in thermostat, automatic pressure release and programmable timer. Professional testers find that the CPC-600 makes good-tasting foods, and Good Housekeeping editors say it browns comparatively well. However, it does turn itself off during cooking if enough water isn't used. While good intentioned, this safety feature can be a real nuisance, as considerably less water is used when cooking large cuts of meat.

Though it gets less attention, the Instant Pot IP-LUX60 (*Est. $160) has a lot in common with the CPC-600, but offers a few more functionalities. The IP-LUX60 also works as a slow cooker, steamer and rice cooker. For an electric pressure cooker, the Instant Pot performs exceptionally well according to Amazon reviewers. Like the CPC-600, one major downside of this cooker is that it's relatively likely to turn itself off (which it does if the lid isn't properly secured, preventing the cooker from reaching pressure within a certain amount of time). Though this model does a bit more than the CPC-600, it's also more expensive and doesn't have as many positive reviews, which is why the CPC-600 is the top-rated model.

We did see a number of owner reviews for the Wolfgang Puck 5-Quart Electric Pressure Cooker (*Est. $120) , but the inconsistency of owner reviews and lack of professional input mean we cannot recommend this model.