The best pressure cookers to help you serve delicious food faster

Best for: speeding up your mid-week meals

This pressure cooker is designed to save up to 70% on typical cooking times and can be used on all stovetops, including induction. It’s got four cooking settings and a Traffic Light control valve for easy use, as well as a steamer insert and pressure-free steaming option. It also has a sleek, satin finish exterior and polished steel interior.

Key features:

• 18cm diameter with 2.5 litre capacity
• Traffic Light control valve with 4 cooking settings and depressurising control
• Energy-efficient Fissler Cookstar base for optimal heat distribution
• 15-year warranty
• Suitable for all cooktops, including induction

Best for: when you want to cook a lot

This Tefal pressure cooker is a great example of a classic design that’s been refined over time. It’s made of stainless steel, with triple-layer base and a lid with automatic locking and controlled steam release for safety. It also has two cooking programmes on the valve that you can select to cook meat, fish, vegetables or fruit at the optimal temperature.

Key features:

• Stainless steel pot with 8-litre capacity, steam basket and lid
• Two cooking programmes you can select on the lid’s valve
• The pot and steamer are dishwasher safe
• 10-year guarantee on the pot
• Suitable for all cooktops, including induction

Best for: when you want all-in-one cooking

A pressure cooker-slow cooker hybrid, this electric Breville model is fully programmable with set-and-forget safety features and a six-litre capacity. The different cooking functions also mean you can save on dishes by pre-cooking onion, garlic and other ingredients before setting the meal to pressure cook or slow cook. Perfect for wintry nights or when you have unexpected dinner guests.

Key features:

• 6-litre capacity
• Five cooking functions: Sauté/sear, slow cook, pressure cook, pressure steam and keep warm
• Countdown timer
• Non-stick cooking bowl that can be removed for serving
• 1-year warranty

Best for: showing off your high-tech cooking skills

This Tefal multicooker is much more than a pressure cooker, combining cutting-edge technology and intuitive design for just about any recipe you want to make. It features hundreds of pre-programmed recipes, an advanced touch interface, and Wi-Fi connectivity. You can also use it as an air fryer, which means one less item you need in your kitchen.

Key features:

• 6-litre bowl capacity and 4-litre usable capacity
• Large touch screen
• Pre-programmed recipes with step-by-step instructions, images and video tips
• Extra Crisp Lid for air frying
• 1-year warranty

Best for: feeding your whole family

Master of all, this Phillips multicooker features a ceramic pot, nine safety protection systems, 16 smart programs (including pressure cook and slow cook) and keeps food warm up to 12 hours. A true asset to the countertop.

Key features:

• 6-litre capacity
• ProCeramic-coated pot for even heating and easy cleaning
• Automatic keep warm function for up to 12 hours
• 16 smart programs, including 7 pressure cooking modes
• 2-year warranty

What to check before buying a pressure cooker

A pressure cooker in Australia could cost less than $100 or more than $800 depending on the design and brand. So it’s important to choose one that suits your cooking style and budget. Some of the most important details to check before you buy a pressure cooker include:

• The cooking capacity. This is typically listed in litres and will help you decide if the pot is big enough for your household. When you’re comparing pressure cooker models, keep in mind that the total capacity is more than the usable capacity – you can’t really fill it all the way to the top.
• The locking mechanisms for the lid. Pressure cooker lids need to lock securely to work properly. It’s also important for safety, so you’ll typically find details on lid features for all the quality models.
• The pressure settings and release valve. Some pressure cookers have manual settings, while others have digital options. This can be helpful for checking the level of pressure, and adjusting it as needed with the release valve.
• The size of the cooker. If you want an electric pressure cooker, check the dimensions to make sure you have space on your benchtop. For both electric and cooktop pressure cookers, it’s also a good idea to check the size based on where you’ll store it.
• The material used (and how easy it will be to clean). Most cooktop pressure cookers are made from stainless steel, while multicookers may include a ceramic or non-stick pot. If you have a preference for your cooking surface, checking these details can help you choose a pressure cooker. And on a practical level, it means you’ll know what can and can’t be put in a dishwasher.
• The warranty and price. Manufacturer warranties can range from one year to 10 years or more for parts of a pressure cooker. This can help you decide on a design and a price that suits your budget.