Best Electric Pressure Cookers (2026): 6 Instant Pot, Ninja and Breville Multicookers
Six electric pressure cookers and multicookers compared on functions, size and extras like air frying, plus a size guide.
Best overall: Instant Pot Duo. Best upgrade: Instant Pot Pro. Best with air fryer: Instant Pot Duo Crisp. Best premium: Breville Fast Slow Pro.
An electric pressure cooker makes stews, beans, rice and tender meat in a fraction of the time, and most double as slow cookers, steamers and yogurt makers.
For most homes, the Instant Pot Duo: the classic 7-in-1 that most recipes are written for. Want more control? The Instant Pot Pro. Want air frying too? The Duo Crisp or the one-lid Ninja Foodi SmartLid. For precise settings, the Breville Fast Slow Pro.
Quick Picks: The Best Electric Pressure Cookers
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Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Qt
The best-selling multicooker: pressure cook, slow cook, rice, steam, sauté and yogurt.
Check Instant Pot Duo Price →Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker, 6 Qt
An upgraded Instant Pot with customizable programs and a sturdier inner pot.
Check Instant Pot Pro Price →Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate 13-in-1 Pressure Cooker + Air Fryer, 6.5 Qt
A pressure cooker with a second lid that air fries, bakes and broils.
Check Instant Pot Duo Crisp Price →Breville Fast Slow Pro Multi Cooker
A premium multicooker with precise temperature and pressure settings.
Check Breville Fast Slow Pro Price →Electric Pressure Cooker Comparison Chart
All six side by side. Tap any name to see today’s price on Amazon.
| Pressure cooker | Size | Key feature | Highlights | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Qt | 6 qt | 7 functions | Yogurt setting | $$ |
| Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker, 6 Qt | 6 qt | 10 functions | Custom programs | $$$ |
| Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1, 6 Qt | 6 qt | 9 functions | Sous vide | $$ |
| Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate 13-in-1 Pressure Cooker + Air Fryer, 6.5 Qt | 6.5 qt | 13 functions | Air fryer lid | $$$ |
| Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 SmartLid Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer | Large pot | 14 functions | SmartLid | $$$ |
| Breville Fast Slow Pro Multi Cooker | 6 qt | Precise pressure | Premium | $$$$ |
Specs as stated by each brand. Price tiers are a rough guide and change often, especially around Black Friday: $$ under $120 · $$$ $120–220 · $$$$ over $220.
The 6 Best Electric Pressure Cookers, Reviewed
Instant Pot models first, then air-fryer combos and a premium Breville.
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Qt
The Instant Pot Duo is the multicooker most recipes are written for, and for good reason: it pressure cooks, slow cooks, makes rice and yogurt, steams and sautés in one pot. The 6-quart size feeds most families.
- Huge recipe library
- Simple controls
- Great value
- Basic display
- No air fryer lid
Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker, 6 Qt
The Pro is for enthusiasts: save your own custom programs, use an inner pot with handles that can go on the stovetop, and enjoy quieter, gentler steam release.
- Custom settings
- Better inner pot
- Quieter steam release
- Higher price
- More buttons to learn
Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1, 6 Qt
The Duo Plus keeps everything people love about the Duo and adds sous vide and sterilizer settings, handy for steak, eggs and baby bottles.
- More functions for a little more
- Sous vide built in
- Easy display
- Sous vide is basic
- No air fryer
Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate 13-in-1 Pressure Cooker + Air Fryer, 6.5 Qt
Pressure cook a whole chicken, then swap to the air fryer lid to crisp the skin in the same pot. The Duo Crisp replaces two appliances on the counter.
- Two appliances in one
- Crispy finishes
- Bake and dehydrate too
- Extra lid to store
- Bulkier
Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 SmartLid Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer
Ninja’s SmartLid solves the two-lid problem: one lid slides between pressure cooking, air frying and steam-crisping, which gives juicy insides and crisp outsides.
- One lid, no swapping
- Steam-crisp cooking
- Big capacity
- Large footprint
- Heavy
Breville Fast Slow Pro Multi Cooker
Breville’s Fast Slow Pro lets you set the exact pressure and temperature, with sensors at the top and bottom of the pot for consistent results. It is the premium choice for cooks who like control.
- Precise settings
- Auto steam release
- Premium finish
- Top price tier
- Fewer recipes written for it
What Size Pressure Cooker Do You Need?
| Size | Serves | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 3 qt | 1 to 2 | Singles, side dishes, rice |
| 6 qt | 3 to 5 | Most families; most recipes |
| 8 qt | 6 or more | Batch cooking, big roasts |
Start with this Instant Pot lentil soup, taco soup or turkey breast.
Pressure Cooker Safety Tips
Don’t overfill
Stay under the max line, and half full for beans and grains that foam.
Check the seal
Keep the sealing ring clean and replace it when it cracks or smells.
Release carefully
Keep hands and face away from the steam valve during quick release.
Standard multicookers are not designed for pressure canning; see the best electric pressure canners.
How to Choose an Electric Pressure Cooker
Six things to check before you buy.
6 quarts for most
Six quarts fits most families and most recipes.
What you will use
Slow cook, rice and yogurt are the most used extras.
Lid or no lid
Combo cookers replace an air fryer on the counter.
Stainless steel
Stainless pots sear well and last longer than coated pots.
Auto or manual
Gentle or automatic release keeps steam away from hands.
Community support
Instant Pot has the biggest recipe library online.
Prefer stovetop? See the best stovetop pressure cookers. Deciding on rice? Read rice cooker vs pressure cooker.
Electric Pressure Cooker FAQs
What is the best electric pressure cooker?▼
The Instant Pot Duo for most homes: simple, versatile and the size most recipes use.
Is an Instant Pot a pressure cooker?▼
Yes. It is an electric pressure cooker that also slow cooks, steams and more.
What size Instant Pot should I buy?▼
6 quarts for most families; 3 quarts for one or two, 8 for batch cooking.
Electric or stovetop pressure cooker?▼
Electric is hands-off; stovetop reaches pressure faster and lasts longer.
Can a pressure cooker air fry?▼
Only combo models like the Duo Crisp and Ninja Foodi.
Can I make yogurt in an Instant Pot?▼
Yes, on models with a yogurt setting like the Duo.
Can I can food in an Instant Pot?▼
Standard multicookers are not designed for pressure canning; use a dedicated canner.
How long does an Instant Pot take to reach pressure?▼
Usually about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how full it is.
How often should I replace the sealing ring?▼
Often every 12 to 18 months, or sooner if it cracks or holds odors.
Is pressure cooking safe?▼
Yes with modern safety features, when you follow the manual and fill lines.
Can I put frozen meat in a pressure cooker?▼
Yes, with extra cooking time; check the internal temperature.
Instant Pot Duo or Pro?▼
Duo for value; Pro for custom programs and a better inner pot.
The Bottom Line
- Best overall: Instant Pot Duo; upgrade: Instant Pot Pro.
- Extra settings: Instant Pot Duo Plus.
- Air fryer combos: Instant Pot Duo Crisp or Ninja Foodi SmartLid.
- Premium: Breville Fast Slow Pro.
A 6-quart Instant Pot covers most kitchens; add an air fryer lid only if you will use it. Watch for Instant Pot Black Friday deals.