Cuisinart CPC-600 Pressure Cooker

Reviewers and owners agree the Cuisinart Electric Pressure Cooker CPC-600 cooks as well as stovetop models, while conveniently sitting on your countertop. Plus, it has the added benefit of electronic features not available on stovetop pressure cookers, such as a thermostat, timer and programmable settings for browning, sautéing, simmering or warming. It also has two pressure settings and an automatic pressure release; however, you can't check on a dish's progress or add ingredients once the lid is sealed. The Cuisinart Electric Pressure Cooker costs more than comparable stovetop models and has a shorter, three-year warranty. It is only available in a 6-quart capacity, while stovetop models come in a range of sizes. Reviewers note that the dishwasher-safe cooking pot is easy to clean, but all the crevices in the lid and exterior housing are not. Some owners experience problems with the electric component and report poor customer service from Cuisinart. If you want to spend less, reviews point to the Fagor Duo 8-Quart (*Est. $90), a stovetop pressure cooker that comes with a 10-year warranty.

Choice magazine reviews the Cuisinart Electric Pressure Cooker CPC-600 among eight stovetop pressure cookers in 2009. Editors compare cooking performance and ease of use. We also turned to Amazon.com, Cooking.com and Macy's website to gauge owner opinion. We found more than 60 reviews at Amazon.com, but the fewer reviews at Cooking.com and the Macy's website are also insightful.