The best pressure cookers to buy in Canada 2023

Dec 24, 2023

Options ideal for most homes

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For those that don't have much time to cook or want to reduce prep time, pressure cookers are a great kitchen tool to include in your repertoire. It can tenderize meats, make soup and stews, rice, beans and much more. By cooking food under steamed pressure, a pressure cooker can reduce your cooking times for pot roasts, side dishes and even desserts.

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The great thing about these machines is that they have multiple presets and functions to handle slow cooking, steaming and sauteing. Many come with features that cook a wide range of foods. Several different makes and models are sure to meet your needs.

Best overall: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure CookerMost versatile: Instant Pot Pro Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure CookerBest safety features: Breville The Fast Slow Pro Multi-CookerBest stovetop cooker: Kuhn Rikon 3044 Duromatic 8-1/2-Quart StockpotMost affordable: T-fal Clipso 6-litre Stainless Steel Pressure CookerBest tech features: Ninja OL601 Foodi XL 8 Qt. Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer with SmartLid

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

Key specs

Why buy: It's one of the market's best and most recognized pressure cookers. This machine does everything from pressure-cooking tough meats to steaming, sautéing, sterilizing and sous vide. It's made from stainless steel and has a sturdy lid to properly seal the pressurized steam safely inside. For beans, veggies, or dessert, the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is a great buy for parents, corporate professionals and foodies.

Price: $119.98

Where to buy: Amazon, Best Buy

Instant Pot Pro Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker

Key specs

Why buy: The Instant Pot Pro Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker is 11 kitchen appliances in one. Name pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, sauté pan, food warmer, sous vide, air fryer, roaster, mini oven, broiler and dehydrator among them. The air fryer function is the standout feature of this device. Most pressure cookers don't have that function, and it unlocks a panoply of new recipes to try out if you’re pressed for time.

It has a customizable range from 70 degrees Fahrenheit to 450, so you can cook low and slow or fast and quick, depending on the dish. What's more, the pressure cooker has advanced heat protection and upholds safety standards customers have come to love with Instant Pot pressure cookers.

Price: $469.99Where to buy: Amazon

Breville The Fast Slow Pro Multi-Cooker

Key specs

Why buy: A combination of pressure and slow cooker, this Breville machine has a three-way safety system that includes a safety locking lid, hands-free auto steam release and safety valve. The device automatically sets the correct release method for quick, pulse or natural for the best results. The removable lid is also dishwasher safe.

As for the dimensions, it's a six-quart pressure cooker that cooks meat, vegetables, seafood, and much more. Furthermore, it comes with accessories, an interactive LCD screen and pressure cook, slow cook, steam, reduce, sauté and sear with the press of a button.

Price: $429.99Where to buy: Amazon, The Bay

Kuhn Rikon 3044 Duromatic 8-1/2-Quart Stockpot

Key specs

Why buy: Kuhn Rikon, based in Switzerland, has been producing Duromatic pressure cookers since 1949, and the latest iterations boast a streamlined appearance with modern safety features. Because the 8.4-quart "family-style" version has a broader base than many pressure cookers, it's our top pick for braises and stews.

The broad base aids in browning a large chunk of meat at high temperatures and then evenly cooking it under pressure. When the lid is removed at the end, the wide surface area allows you to swiftly minimize the residual cooking liquid. The pot's small edges make lifting a roast or full bird in and out simple.

The company claims the device can save 70 per cent of the gas or electricity normally used in conventional cooking.

Price: $466.70Where to buy: Amazon

T-fal Clipso 6-litre Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker

Key specs

Why buy: The T-fal Clipso is a great pressure cooker for the price and can make your life easier without breaking the bank. Within 10 minutes, you can cook ingredients like vegetables, meat and fish. Moreover, it comes with a book of 60 recipes. Featuring safe closing, safe opening, pressure-controlled valve, safety valve and gasket leakage features for exceptional safety, the T-fal is a solid choice for cooking stews, beans, meats and more.

Price: $129.99Where to buy: Amazon

Ninja OL601 Foodi XL 8 Qt. Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer with SmartLid

Key specs

Why buy: From ribs to a whole chicken, the Ninja Foodi XL features a steam crisp technology function that uses heated steam and rapid cyclonic air to air fry and bakes your foods to perfection. With 14 cooking functions, the device has a variety of applications for meats, desserts, fries, vegetables and much more. For large gatherings, its eight-quart capacity is enough to feed your guests, and it has three cooking modes to expedite the process if need be.

The one downside with this machine is that the lid doesn't have a handle. But it's great for pressure cooking, steaming, crisping, baking, dehydrating, sous vide and more.

Price: $433.99Where to buy: Amazon

If this is your first time using a pressure cooker, don't fret. They are pretty easy to use, come with presets and have safety features to prevent accidents. That said, it's important to collect as much information as you can about these devices so you can use them to the best of your ability. Here are a few questions to ask yourself when you’re in the market for a pressure cooker:

What do I need to be mindful of with a pressure cooker?

Only fill the cooker halfway. Most manufacturers advocate avoiding filling the container more than two-thirds full to allow for expansion and to keep food from clogging the valves. Avoid foamy foods such as pasta, split peas, muesli, apple or cranberry sauce. These can clog steam valves and pressure-release vents, causing issues.

How often do you have to release pressure from a pressure cooker?

Open the pressure valve slightly to release pressure slowly or in 10-second bursts. After 10 minutes, open the valve to discharge any leftover pressure. If the pressure goes down faster than 10 minutes, do not remove the lid until the timer goes off.

How long can I leave a pressure cooker on?

The ‘Keep Warm’ setting can be set for up to 99 hours and 50 minutes (manually) or a maximum of 10 hours (if it starts automatically).

Can you cook too long in a pressure cooker?

Unfortunately, once a piece of meat has been overcooked in the pressure cooker, there is no turning back. Be sure to follow the pre-set temperatures and cooking instructions associated with your meal, whether it's meat or seafood. No amount of pressure cooking can restore the moisture to the meat. Keep this in mind when cooking.

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Options ideal for most homes