Should I get an electric or stovetop pressure cooker?
Both electric and stovetop pressure cookers can save time and energy, but the best option for you depends on how you like to cook, your budget and how confident you feel using the hob.
Electric pressure cookers
Electric pressure cookers are usually multi-functional appliances, making a versatile choice for your kitchen. With features including keep warm, delay timers and LED displays, they’re quick and convenient in a busy family home - but they can be costly,
Stovetop pressure cookers
Stovetop models look more like a traditional pan and are usually cheaper to buy. Once they’re up to pressure, they can be very fast and effective – and because they have fewer electronic parts, there’s less to go wrong over time.
If you’re nervous about using the hob or want more built-in safety features and presets, though, an electric pressure cooker is likely to feel more reassuring.
How much does it cost to run a pressure cooker?
Exact costs will depend on your energy tariff, how powerful your cooker is and how long you use it for, but you can work out the rough cost quite easily.
In Great Britain, electricity is currently around 26 to 28p per kWh on a standard variable tariff (before standing charges). Most of the electric pressure cookers in this guide are between 1,000W and 1,500W.
As a rough guide, a 1,000W pressure cooker costs about 13p for 30 minutes or 26p for an hour. A 1,500W model is closer to 20p for 30 minutes and just under 40p for an hour, assuming a unit rate of around 26p per kWh.
By comparison, a standard electric oven is often 2 to 3kW and usually needs longer to cook the same meal, plus preheating time.
If you’re trying to keep energy bills down, you might also like our guides to energy-saving gadgets like the best air fryer microwave combos and best multi cookers.
What’s the best pressure cooker size for families?
For everyday cooking for families of four to six people, a five to six-litre pressure cooker is the best capacity. This size pressure cooker can cook substantial portions of stews and casseroles, while also accommodating whole chickens or meat on the bone.
As a rough guide:
3 litres – good for one or two people, side dishes or sauces
4 litres – suits two adults or a couple with a young child
5 to 6 litres – ideal for families of four to six, or anyone who likes leftovers
7 litres and above – best for larger families, entertaining or serious batch cooking
What’s the best pressure cooker for two people?
For couples or even smaller families, the four litre capacity Sage the Fast Slow Pro Cooker is a versatile choice. It’s large enough to prepare main meals with a little leftover for lunch, but not so big that you’re always cooking half-empty batches.
How do you clean a pressure cooker?
You should always let your pressure cooker cool completely before cleaning. In most cases, the inner pot should be washed in warm, soapy water, while most lids are dishwasher safe.
Avoid abrasive scourers, which can damage nonstick coatings.
Are pressure cookers safe?
Modern pressure cookers are designed with safety in mind and are generally very safe to use, as long as you follow the instructions and don’t try to rush the process. They’re a long way from the rattling, whistling pots some of us remember from childhood.
If you’re nervous because of older stories about pressure cookers, an electric model with clear controls, multiple safety systems and a locking lid can be a very reassuring place to start.