Pressure cookers are becoming a major trend in the world of kitchen appliances, especially with the advent of the Instant Pot and regular electric pressure cookers. These super-fast and super functional appliances are making a comeback from their old roots.
But even with all the amazing, technologically advanced electric models currently on the market, nothing beats a classic stovetop pressure cooker. They’re simple, efficient, and sleek, a difficult combination to find in any kitchen appliance. So, without further ado, here are the best of 2020!
Top 6 Best Stovetop Pressure Cookers 2020
1. Fissler Vitaquick Pressure Cooker – Best Overall
Fissler produced a great product with its Vitaquick Pressure Cooker. This is one of the larger stovetop cooker models on this list with a 10 quart capacity. But there are also smaller versions with 2 quart, 4 quart, 6 quart, and 8 quart capacities available for people with all different needs.
The Vitaquick pressure cooker is made of stainless steel, making it yet another one of the super high quality stovetop cookers on the market for 2020. It has a Cookstar base that allows for efficient, fast, and even heating that makes cooking quick and easy.
This pressure cooker is one of the most expensive on this list, so as such it’s also the one with the highest quality materials. This cookware piece has a nonstick interior that makes for easy cleaning, and it’s dishwasher safe to save you even more time in the kitchen.
This stovetop pressure cooker features a large indicator with an easy to use and understand steam release valve. A super thermic base ensures even heat distribution as well as heat retention and fast heating for more efficiency.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Nonstick interior
- Comes with glass lid top
- Works with all stovetop types
- Super thermic base
- High tech safety features
- Easily managed steam release function
- Large indicator
- Multiple sizes (2 quart, 4 quart, 6 quart, and 8 quart)
Cons
- Expensive
- Customers complained the product can with missing parts
2. Presto 01730 Pressure Cooker – Best Value for a Low Price
Presto is another trustworthy brand in the cooking and kitchen world, and this 8 quart stovetop pressure cooker again reinforces the brand name. The size of this pressure cooker is quite reasonable, as is the price.
The Presto stovetop pressure cooker is made from stainless steel construction. Stainless steel is the best material on the market, so this is a major plus. The construction of this cooker means that it’s more durable, better looking, and better at heat retention than other models.
The bottom section of the cooker is triple layered with a layer of aluminum sandwiched between layers of high quality stainless steel. This aluminum helps the cooker heat up faster and also helps evenly distribute heat for perfectly cooked food.
A quality pressure regulator is built into the Presto stovetop pressure cooker. This pressure regulator ensures that the pressure in the cooker is properly and safely maintained during the cooking process. A steam release valve is also included for the fast and easy release of steam.
Pros
- Medium-size capacity (8 quarts)
- Stainless steel construction
- Triple-clad base with aluminum and stainless steel
- Pressure regulator built in
- Easy-to-use steam release valve
- Cooking rack included to cook multiple foods
Cons
- Some people may find it difficult to open and close the lid
- Not big enough for canning
3. T-Fal 12 PSI Pressure Cooker – Best for Budget
T-Fal is a reliable brand name when it comes to kitchen appliances and tools. With a reputation for producing tough and high quality kitchen items, T-Fal is a great brand to consider for a pressure cooker. The 12 PSI T-Fal pressure cooker is by far one of the best of 2020.
One of the best things about this stovetop pressure cooker model is that it’s quite affordable as well as being easy to use and effective. With a 12 PSI reading and a built in pressure indicator and pressure locking system, it’s simple to maintain pressure during the cooking process.
The T-Fal stovetop pressure cooker has a capacity of 6 quarts, making it a good choice for medium-size families or people who like to cook for small groups. It is made of a strong aluminum construction that’s durable and long-lasting.
Some of the extra features included with this T-Fal appliance include ergonomically designed handles, a stylish black and red design, and a limited lifetime warranty. The T-Fal pressure cooker has an automatic locking lid, so it’s a safe cooker for both beginners and experts.
Pros
- Affordable price
- 6-quart capacity
- Heats quickly
- Long-lasting
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Stylish design
- Ergonomic handles
Cons
- Aluminum may discolor easily
- Interior may develop leaks over time
4. Zavor Duo Pressure Cooker – Easiest to Use
Zavor may not be well known, but it makes up for its lesser known brand status with simplicity and elegance in the products it creates. The Duo Pressure Cooker is stylish and effective while being high functioning and easy to use. Without a doubt, it’s a top contender.
The Zavor Duo cooker has the advantage of ease of use. Instead of overcomplicated controls and buttons and dials, this pressure cooker simplifies by having clear instructions on the pressure release valve (High, Low, Release, Clean) and an obvious way of locking the lid.
The Zavor Duo Pressure Cooker comes in different sizes for different needs, including a 4 quart size all the way up to a canning-ready 10 quart version. In addition, this pressure cooker has extra elements included to make it super easy to cook any meal right from the beginning.
This pressure cooker is a bit more pricey than other models, but it’s an excellent choice for people who have the available budget. Best of all, the Zavor Duo is made of 18/10 stainless steel, which is the ideal type of steel for a pressure cooker!
Pros
- Multiple sizes available
- Extras included
- Made of 18/10 stainless steel
- Super easy to use
- 15 PSI (higher than average)
- Automatic locking handle
- Stylish design
Cons
- Loud when in use
- Steam isn’t well directed; take care to avoid the path of the steam while the unit is on
5. Culina One-Touch Pressure Cooker – Safest and Healthiest
Culina produces beautiful and highly functional kitchen appliances for the modern chef. This one-touch pressure cooker takes the guesswork out of pressure cooking and makes your time in the kitchen a real breeze.
This particular stovetop pressure cooker model comes equipped with some spectacular safety features, 6 to be exact! For instance, a red indicator indicates when the pot is pressurized, and the lid will remain locked in place until all the pressure and steam has been released.
Besides having safety features, the Culina stovetop pressure cooker also has some other cool features. An ergonomic handle design makes it easy for home cooks to handle this cookware piece, and the inclusion of a steam basket to make it possible to dive into all those recipes.
The Culina One-Touch Pressure Cooker is made of the highest quality 18/10 stainless steel. The cooker is completely dishwasher safe, and with an encapsulated aluminum base this Culina cookware heats evenly and quickly so you can get cooking faster.
Pros
- Attractive piece
- Ergonomic design
- Comes with steam basket and tempered glass lid
- Made of 18/10 stainless steel
- Dishwasher safe
- Six different advanced safety features
- Lid locking design
- BPA free
- Can be used on induction cooktops
Cons
- Smaller size (6 quarts)
- Less well-known brand name
6. Magefesa Practika Plus Stainless Steel – Best for Single or Couple
The Magefesa Practika Plus cooker is well-built with a nice design. It would make an excellent addition to any kitchen. This particular stovetop pressure cooker comes in 4 different sizes of 3 quarts, 4 quarts, 6 quarts, and 8 quarts.
This cooker is dishwasher safe, a huge advantage among pressure cookers as not all are designed to be washed in a dishwasher. The 18/10 stainless steel construction means that this unit will last a long time and be extraordinarily durable while keeping its shine.
The Magefesa Practika Plus has 2 different cooking levels: fast cooking, which uses 8 PSI, and super-fast cooking, which uses 15 PSI. This makes this pressure cooker one of the more customizable units. Cooks who enjoy customizing while cooking will enjoy this model.
This stovetop pressure cooker has a taller, narrower design than some other cookers. This makes it so the pressure builds quickly, leading to faster cooking times and a more efficient finish. One final unique feature is the long 10 year warranty placed on this cooker.
Pros
- Different sizes available (3 quarts, 4 quarts, 6 quarts, and 8 quarts)
- Dishwasher safe
- Made of 18/10 stainless steel
- Long lasting and durable
- Up to 15 PSI
- 2 cooking levels available
- Tall, narrow design speeds up cooking times
Cons
- Customers reported that handle(s) came loose or fell off after some use
- More expensive
Things to Look for When Buying
1. Materials
Stovetop pressure cookers are made from a few different materials, but there are certain materials that are popular. Depending on how you plan to use your pressure cooker and on your budget, some materials may be better than others.
One of the most popular stovetop pressure cooker materials is stainless steel. Stovetop pressure cookers made of stainless steel are non-reactive, meaning that you won’t have any problems using your pressure cooker for foods like tomatoes or foods with lemon.
Stainless steel is also good because it’s extremely durable and lasts a long time. And, stainless steel will work on all cooktops! The best kind of stainless steel to look for is an 18/10 combination, which has 18% chromium and 10% nickel.
Aluminum is the next most popular material for stovetop pressure cookers. It heats quickly and is able to distribute heat evenly, making it a top contender for the best pressure cooker material. Plus, it’s more affordable than stainless steel, so it’s good for people on a budget.
2. Capacity and Shape
Different pressure cookers have different capacities and shapes and choosing the right one is important to ensuring the model you buy will work for all your needs. Pressure cookers range in size from 4 quarts all the way up to 10 quarts and come in wide and tall sizes.
Small 4 quart pressure cookers are perfect for single people and couples who plan on only cooking for themselves. These small pressure cookers are ideal for small pressure cooking jobs, and they take up a minimal amount of space in the kitchen.
If you’re a family of 3-5 people, a pressure cooker with a 5-7 quart capacity is what you need. To cook a well-sized meal for a group of people this size, a slightly larger cooker is needed. But, if you’re a larger family and you prefer to have some food leftover, consider getting a larger size.
Larger pressure cooker models of 7-10 quarts are best for very large families or for people who enjoy entertaining large groups for parties or gatherings. This size is still relatively small and easy to store, but it’s great for cooking for many people.
Larger pressure cookers of 10 quarts and up are the best for cooking for very large groups (such as for church or club meetings). And, larger is recommended size for canning. If you plan to use your pressure cooker for canning, make sure to get this size!
3. Pressure and the Pressure Regulation
The pressure regulator controls how quickly (or slowly) steam is released from the pressure cooker. Because the steam pressure is what cooks the food, being able to successfully manage the pressure in the cooker is crucial to successfully pressure cooker use.
Look for how much pressure can be created before buying. This will be indicated with the term PSI, which stands for Pounds per Square Inch. Generally, the maximum and most common PSI is 15. The higher the number, the more efficient and faster the cooking time.
Pressure cookers have different pressure settings available. Check on the possibility of creating a lower PSI value using pressure regulators before investing in a stovetop pressure cooker. Sometimes, it’s necessary to have a lower PSI in order to cook foods in a particular way.
One of the most important things, both before and after buying, is to look at the instructions and indications of use for the appliance to see if it’s possible to adequately adjust the pressure in the cooker to achieve different results.
4. Safety Features
Pressure cookers are generally safe, but they do require a bit of care to ensure their safe use. Today, a lot of pressure cookers include extra safety features to support the proper use of the cooker, and it’s important to get a cooker that is well-equipped.
One of the most important safety features is a locking lid. The lock should not release until all the pressure in the cooker has gone down, thus preventing the chance of accidental explosions. Other important features involve the release of steam.
A good pressure cooker will have a primary and a secondary steam release valve. This is to make sure that if the primary fails, there’s a secondary to take its place. Plus, there should be a lip lid vent available just in case both the primary and the secondary stop working.
Stovetop Pressure Cooker FAQs
Q: Are stovetop pressure cookers safe?
In the old days, pressure cookers were somewhat scary appliances. They didn’t have a lot of safety features and their processes weren’t highly refined, so using a pressure cooker required great care and focus to use it properly, and even then the safety was debatable.
But, luckily, today the story is different. Pressure cookers have evolved since their first iterations, and now they come fully equipped with safety features like a lid lock and even steam release valves that can easily and safely be adjusted.
Of course, there are still some safety considerations to consider when using a stovetop pressure cooker, but in general, stovetop pressure cookers are quite safe. They’re highly efficient, effective appliances that deserve to have a home in every kitchen.
Q: I’ve never used a pressure cooker. Can I start learning using a stovetop pressure cooker first?
Yes! Stovetop pressure cookers are the original pressure cooker style, so there’s no problem learning on these particular appliances. The best thing to do is read the instructions well and find a few recipes to try, and you’ll be on your way to becoming a Pressure Cooker Expert!
Q: What are the differences between electric pressure cookers and stovetop pressure cookers?
Electric pressure cookers and stovetop pressure cookers work in much the same way. The basic concept of how they cook food is exactly the same, but the way they must be used is a bit different and may require some learning if you’re switching from one appliance to the other.
Stovetop pressure cookers tend to be more affordable than their electric counterparts, making them a good choice for people on a budget. Plus, they last a long time, so you get a lot for your money. Stovetop cookers heat and cook food faster and they’re less complicated to learn.
Electric pressure cookers, in contrast, are highly functional and usually come with special settings built in for different cooking methods. It’s possible to turn these units on and leave them unattended until the food is done, so it’s good for busy people.
Stovetop pressure cookers, although they’re excellent, tend to require more supervision than electric pressure cookers. Electric pressure cookers, though, are usually more difficult to learn and have complex instructions, and they take longer to heat and cook food.
Conclusion
There are a huge number of great stovetop pressure cookers on the market, and these are only a few of the very best for this year. The pressure cooker has come a long way since its invention, and it’s only getting better!
Investing in a stovetop pressure cooker is an excellent choice. They’re incredibly versatile instruments with a wide range of uses, and better yet, they’re time-saving and energy saving as well. Stovetop pressure cookers are amazing, and they’ll shine in your kitchen!