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There was a time when the pressure cooker hissed in the corner like a suspicious alchemist’s cauldron. Today, it stands tall and stainless, a culinary time machine that bends hours into minutes and turns tough cuts tender with the quiet confidence of steam under control. If your kitchen were a kingdom, the pressure cooker would be the wizard in residence.
In this post, we will explore why every modern kitchen deserves one, then dive deep into seven standout models that have reshaped weeknight cooking, meal prep, and even yogurt-making. Finally, we will help you decide which one belongs on your counter.
Why You Need a Pressure Cooker in Your Kitchen
Time Compression Without Compromise
Pressure cooking works by trapping steam, increasing internal pressure, and raising the boiling point of water. That means food cooks faster. Much faster. A stew that once required three contemplative hours now bows in under forty minutes. Dried beans skip the overnight soak. Tough cuts soften into silk.
It is not about rushing. It is about reclaiming time.
Flavor Amplification
Because the pot is sealed, aromas do not escape into the ether. They circulate, mingle, and intensify. The result is deeply infused flavor that tastes like it has been tended by a patient grandmother, even if it was you on a Tuesday night.
Energy Efficiency
Less cooking time means less energy consumption. Pressure cookers are surprisingly eco-friendly companions. They waste less heat than an oven and less patience than a stovetop simmer.
Nutrient Preservation
Shorter cooking times and minimal water help retain nutrients. Vegetables emerge vibrant instead of faded. Lentils keep their earthy soul.
Multi-Function Magic
Modern electric pressure cookers are not just pressure cookers. They sauté, slow cook, steam, make yogurt, sterilize, and sometimes even sous vide. One appliance can replace a small army.
Seven Recommended Brands
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker 6 Quart
Description:
The 6-quart Instant Pot Duo is the household classic. If pressure cookers had a bestseller list, this would live at the top. It combines seven functions: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and warmer.
- Duo, the number 1 selling multi-cooker, combines 7 kitchen appliances in 1, Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, S…
- Features 14 Smart Programs – Soup, Meat/Stew, Bean/Chili, Poultry, Sauté/Simmer, Rice, Multigrain, Porridge, Steam, Slow…
- Healthy, stainless steel (18/8) inner cooking pot made from food grade 304, no chemical coating, 3-ply bottom for even h…
Key Features:
- Duo, the number 1 selling multi-cooker, combines 7 kitchen appliances in 1, Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Marker and Warmer, prepares dishes up to 70% faster to support your busy lifestyle.
- At 6 quarts, it is the sweet spot for families of four to six. Large enough for chili night. Manageable enough for countertop living. The stainless steel inner pot is durable, easy to clean, and resistant to odd flavor absorption.
- Features 14 Smart Programs – Soup, Meat/Stew, Bean/Chili, Poultry, Sauté/Simmer, Rice, Multigrain, Porridge, Steam, Slow Cook, Keep Warm, Yogurt, Manual, and Pressure Cook. Now, your favorite dishes are as easy as pressing a button. The power cord is 35 inches long.
- Healthy, stainless steel (18/8) inner cooking pot made from food grade 304, no chemical coating, 3-ply bottom for even heat distribution, fully sealed environment traps the flavors, nutrients and aromas within the food.
- Built with the latest 3rd generation technology, the microprocessor monitors pressure, temperature, keeps time, and adjusts heating intensity and duration to achieve your desired results every time.
- Conditioner collector will be attached to the back of unit not inside. UL and ULC certified with 10 safety mechanisms to provide you with added assurance, designed to eliminate many common errors.
Customer Reviews:
- Many customers praise this Instant Pot model for its versatility and consistent performance. With thousands of user ratings averaging around 4.5 to 4.6 out of 5, people report that it truly replaces multiple kitchen appliances, saving space and cutting down on cleanup. It’s noted for cooking meals quickly and reliably, whether it’s stews, rice, soups, or even homemade yogurt. Reviewers highlight that once you get the hang of it, the functions deliver tasty results with less effort than traditional methods.
What Users Like:
- Fans consistently rave about how the Instant Pot reduces cooking time and simplifies weeknight meals.
- Many mention that dishes come out flavorful and tender, and that the unit’s multiple built-in settings make it approachable for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
- Users also love the stainless-steel inner pot for easy cleaning and durability, and some especially appreciate the access to hundreds of recipes via the companion app. For busy households, the ability to “set it and forget it” is a big win.
What Users Dislike:
- That said, not all feedback is sunshine and slow-cooked ribs. A few users point out a learning curve, with the manual and button layout feeling overwhelming at first — especially if you’re new to electric pressure cookers. Some mention that steam release can be loud, and a handful have raised concerns about the seal retaining odors after certain kinds of meals (notably beans).
- There are also occasional grumbles about parts like the silicone gasket needing replacement over time.
Final Verdict:
- Overall, this Instant Pot model earns strong marks as a practical and versatile kitchen workhorse. It’s particularly popular with people who want to streamline meal prep and cook healthy, flavorful food faster, without mastering a bunch of gadgets. While there’s a slight adjustment period and some minor quirks, for most cooks it’s a worthwhile investment that delivers consistent results at a reasonable price point.
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker 3 Quart
Description:
Think of this as the compact sibling. Same 7-in-1 versatility. Smaller footprint.
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan and food warmer.
- QUICK ONE-TOUCH COOKING: 13 customizable Smart Programs for pressure cooking ribs, soups, beans, rice, poultry, yogurt, …
- COOK FAST OR SLOW: Pressure cook delicious one-pot meals up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods or slow cook …
Key Features:
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan and food warmer.
- QUICK ONE-TOUCH COOKING: 13 customizable Smart Programs for pressure cooking ribs, soups, beans, rice, poultry, yogurt, desserts and more.
- COOK FAST OR SLOW: Pressure cook delicious one-pot meals up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods or slow cook your favorite traditional recipes : just like grandma used to make.
- QUICK AND EASY CLEAN UP: Finger-print resistant, stainless-steel sides and dishwasher-safe lid, inner pot, and accessories.
- PROVEN SAFETY FEATURES: Includes over 10 safety features, plus overheat protection and safe-locking lid.
- PERFECT SIZE: Cook for up to 3 people : perfect for smaller families, or meal prepping and batch cooking for singles.
- VERSATILE INNER COOKING POT: food-grade stainless-steel, a tri-ply bottom for more even cooking and perfect for sautéing.
- DISCOVER AMAZING RECIPES: Download free Instant Pot app (iOS and Android) so you can discover new favorites and prepare delicious meals. PFOA/PTFE-free cooking.
Customer Reviews:
- Many owners describe this compact 7-in-1 cooker as a tiny kitchen workhorse that multitasks with grace. With functions for pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, sautéing, rice making, yogurt, warming, and more all in one device, it’s often touted as a space-saving solution for small households, couples, dorms, or side dishes. Overall star ratings cluster in the high-4s out of 5 on major retail sites, showing strong satisfaction among most buyers.
What Users Like:
- Fans love how easy the unit is to operate right out of the box, even if you’re new to electric pressure cookers.
- Many reviewers highlight how it cuts down cooking time dramatically compared with traditional methods, and praise its versatility — from making yogurt and rice to soups and stews with very little babysitting.
- Owners with limited counter space especially appreciate the modest three-quart size that still delivers hearty results.
- Ease of cleanup, intuitive controls, and solid performance across multiple cooking modes all come up consistently.
What Users Dislike:
- Some buyers point out the obvious limitation of the 3-quart capacity — it’s simply too small for bigger families or larger batches, meaning it’s best suited to one or two people. A few people mention the manual could be clearer and that certain parts like the steam valve or little accessories can be tricky to clean without a brush.
- There are occasional remarks online about mixed review authenticity on third-party sites, though these don’t speak to the product quality itself.
Final Verdict:
- For what it aims to be — a compact, versatile, and user-friendly multicooker — the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 3-quart model earns solid marks from customers. It shines in everyday convenience and impresses users with how much it can do for its size, especially in small kitchens. Just be mindful that its smaller capacity naturally means it’s not a fit for larger families or high-volume meal prepping. Overall, it’s widely regarded as a valuable and fun addition to the kitchen arsenal when your cooking needs match its scale.
Starfrit Electric Pressure Cooker 8L
Description:
Starfrit brings capacity into the spotlight with an 8-liter pot and 11 preset functions. This is feast territory. Think holiday roasts, large soups, batch cooking for the week, or feeding extended family. With 11 presets, it simplifies cooking decisions. Rice, poultry, soup, beans, and more are accessible at the press of a button.
- The Starfrit Electric Multifunctional Pressure Cooker offers a large 8.5 Qt / 8 L capacity, ideal for family-sized meals…
- Equipped with 11 preset cooking functions, it provides versatility for a variety of dishes.
- It features a cooking progress display to help monitor and visualize each stage of the cooking process.
Key Features:
- The Starfrit Electric Multifunctional Pressure Cooker offers a large 8.5 Qt / 8 L capacity, ideal for family-sized meals.
- Equipped with 11 preset cooking functions, it provides versatility for a variety of dishes.
- It features a cooking progress display to help monitor and visualize each stage of the cooking process.
- Designed with built-in safety mechanisms for peace of mind.
- The digital display panel enhances user interaction and ease of use.
- Integrated side and top handles ensure safe and easy handling of the appliance.
- Efficiently cooks meals faster using less energy compared to conventional cooking methods.
Customer Reviews:
- Many users rave that this 8-liter cooker handles family-sized meals with ease and saves serious time compared with stovetop cooking. People frequently mention that dishes that used to take all afternoon now finish in under an hour thanks to the 11 preset functions and 1200 W power, making it a solid everyday appliance for soups, meats, rice, and beans alike. Across dozens of user comments and retailer ratings, most buyers say this model delivers steady, reliable performance at an attractive price point.
What Users Like:
- Fans of this pressure cooker highlight its ease of use and versatility right out of the box. The digital panel and presets make it simple even for kitchen newbies to choose functions like pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, or steaming without fuss.
- Several reviewers note that food turns out tender and flavorful, with large capacity handy for meal-prepping or feeding a household. Included accessories (steam tray, measuring cup, spatula) and the automatic keep-warm feature add to the convenience.
- A number of buyers also appreciate how much quicker it cooks compared to older slow cookers, and some mention lower energy usage since meals finish faster.
What Users Dislike:
- Not everything’s perfect. A minority of reviewers point out that the inner pot’s non-stick coating can be scratch-prone, and some wish the cooker had a stainless-steel insert instead. Others mention the lid can feel a bit finicky to secure or that the preset-only controls limit fine-tuning for certain recipes.
- A handful of comments from more critical sources about the overall Starfrit brand note mixed experiences with customer service and durability on unrelated products, which may influence expectations, though most pressure-cooker comments themselves lean positive.
Final Verdict:
- Overall, buyers tend to feel that this Starfrit electric pressure cooker punches above its price class. It’s widely regarded as easy to operate, capable of cooking a broad range of dishes, and big enough to handle generous portions. While a few users mention minor downsides like the non-stick pot and preset limitations, the strong majority of real customer feedback leans toward satisfaction and recommendation. For families or anyone wanting a versatile, no-nonsense cooker that gets meals done faster, it’s often described as a worthwhile addition to the kitchen.
COSORI Electric Pressure Cooker 6 qt 9-in-1
Description:
COSORI enters with a safety-forward design and 9-in-1 versatility. The venting system is designed to reduce direct steam release risk. For those wary of pressure cookers, this is reassuring. Beyond standard functions, it includes sous vide. That opens doors to precise temperature cooking, steak perfection, and custard wizardry. Strong heating performance ensures efficient pressure build-up and consistent cooking. Great for safety-conscious cooks and also food enthusiasts wanting sous vide without buying separate equipment.
- 9 Machines in 1: Pressure Cook, Rice, Steam, Sterilize, Oatmeal/Porridge, Stew/Broth, Bean/Grain, Meat/Poultry, Slow Coo…
- Safer Venting Design: The Seal/Vent button away from the steam release value, and the 30° backward-angled steam release …
- Easy to Clean: Stainless steel, fingerprint-resistant housing, the 0.5-inch widened pot gap, and the dishwasher-safe lid…
Key Features:
- 9 Machines in 1: Pressure Cook, Rice, Steam, Sterilize, Oatmeal/Porridge, Stew/Broth, Bean/Grain, Meat/Poultry, Slow Cook, Sauté, Ferment, Sous Vide, Keep Warm.
- Safer Venting Design: The Seal/Vent button away from the steam release value, and the 30° backward-angled steam release design, make a safer and easier venting.
- Easy to Clean: Stainless steel, fingerprint-resistant housing, the 0.5-inch widened pot gap, and the dishwasher-safe lid, inner pot, and accessories make cleanup a breeze.
- Easy Lid Locking: To close and secure the lid, align the orange dot on the lid with the orange dot on the pressure cooker base and twist clockwise.
- 12 Safety Features: The pressure cooker is designed with a double-layer anti-scalding lid and overheat protection to keep cooking safe.
- Real-time Progress Bar: Monitor cooking at a glance with a progress bar on the display.
- High-quality Materials: The aluminum cooking pot has a ceramic, hard, nonstick coating, which is BPA-Free for food contact materials.
Customer Reviews:
- Many users describe this COSORI multicooker as a versatile and reliable kitchen workhorse that replaces several appliances with one. Owners appreciate its 9-in-1 functionality — from pressure cooking and slow cooking to rice making and even sous vide — and find it especially helpful for weeknight meals, meal prep, and family dinners. The 6-quart size suits households of around 4–6 people, and most reviewers note it delivers consistent, well-cooked results whether you’re whipping up soups, grains, or tender meats. Overall satisfaction tends to skew positive, with a solid majority of buyers recommending it as a budget-friendly multifunction cooker.
What Users Like:
- Fans of this COSORI model rave about how fast and versatile it is, often praising how it streamlines cooking with one unit instead of multiple devices.
- The improved venting system is frequently highlighted as a safer design compared to older electric cookers, with many saying they feel more confident using it thanks to thoughtful safety features.
- The ceramic non-stick inner pot earns particular accolades for making clean-up easy and sticking less, even after pressure-cooking starchy foods.
- Beginners and experienced cooks alike tend to enjoy the intuitive controls and presets that take the guesswork out of cooking common dishes.
What Users Dislike:
- On the flip side, several customers mention a learning curve when first exploring all nine functions — especially with things like sous vide or manual temperature settings — which can be confusing without clear guidance. A handful of reviewers also point out that the unit is a bit large and bulky for smaller kitchens and that it doesn’t include some conveniences found on more expensive brands (like an integrated lid holder or Wi-Fi app control).
- While not widespread, some users report occasional difficulties getting a perfect seal or aligning the lid properly, which can lead to longer cooking times if troubleshooting is needed.
Final Verdict:
- Overall, customers tend to agree that the COSORI pressure cooker delivers great value for money by combining many cooking modes into a single, capable appliance. It’s particularly well-liked by those who want to simplify their kitchen setup without paying premium prices for high-end models. While it may take some practice to master all its features and has a few minor design trade-offs, most owners find it a reliable and time-saving addition to their home kitchen that handles everyday cooking tasks with ease.
Ninja MC1001C Foodi PossibleCooker PRO 8.5 Quart
Description:
The Ninja PossibleCooker PRO stretches the concept of a pressure cooker into multi-cooker territory. This is culinary real estate. Big enough for braises, casseroles, and even oven-finishing up to 500°F. The pot can go from countertop to oven. That means crisping the top of a baked pasta without transferring dishes. It leans heavily into slow cooking and Dutch oven style cooking.
- REPLACES 14 COOKING TOOLS & APPLIANCES: This cooker replaces the need for a slow cooker, steam oven, food warmer, nonsti…
- SEAR & SAUTÉ DIRECTLY IN THE POT: Using the bottom heating elements, you are able to sear proteins and sauté vegetables …
- OVEN SAFE TO 500°F: Removable cooking pot is oven safe up to 500°F, so you can finish your meal in the oven for a crispy…
Key Features:
- REPLACES 14 COOKING TOOLS & APPLIANCES: This cooker replaces the need for a slow cooker, steam oven, food warmer, nonstick pot, sauté pan, cast iron skillet, saucier, steamer, saucepan, stock pot, Dutch oven, roasting pan, bread maker, and utensil.
- SEAR & SAUTÉ DIRECTLY IN THE POT: Using the bottom heating elements, you are able to sear proteins and sauté vegetables right in the cooking pot—no need to transfer to the stovetop.
- OVEN SAFE TO 500°F: Removable cooking pot is oven safe up to 500°F, so you can finish your meal in the oven for a crispy top.
- TRIPLE FUSION HEAT TECHNOLOGY: Cook up to 30% faster than conventional ovens by combining bottom, side, and steam heat. More heat, more possibilities. Tested on 6-lb chickens.
Customer Reviews:
- Many owners describe this multi-cooker as a robust kitchen workhorse that replaces several appliances at once, from slow cooker and Dutch oven to steamer and bake pot. Its large 8.5-quart capacity makes it ideal for family meals or batch cooking, and the Sea Salt Grey finish tends to look sleek on countertops. A big part of the appeal is the plug-and-play experience: intuitive controls, a generous recipe guide, and versatile cooking functions mean users quickly feel comfortable exploring different dishes without cluttering the kitchen. Reviews on retailer sites show a strong overall rating and high recommendation rate from buyers.
What Users Like:
- Fans consistently praise the Ninja’s ease of use and multi-purpose nature. You can sear, sauté, steam, slow cook, bake, and even sous vide all in one pot, which reviewers say streamlines meal prep and reduces cleanup.
- The nonstick pot cleans easily, and the oven-safe design (up to high temperatures) allows finishing touches without tossing food into separate bakeware.
- Its generous size has been highlighted as perfect for soups, roasts, or big batches of sauces, with heat distributed evenly thanks to its design.
- Many users also appreciate little thoughtful touches like the integrated spoon rest in the lid. Overall, the cooker often feels like a space-saving upgrade to owning multiple separate appliances.
What Users Dislike:
- Not all feedback is glowing. Some users report that the slow cook settings, especially on “low,” can run cooler or less evenly than expected, leading to tougher meats or longer cook times compared with traditional slow cookers. Others have encountered durability concerns, such as nonstick coating chipping after relatively few uses or problems with the slow cooker function failing entirely, requiring warranty support.
- A few find the unit bulky and heavy for smaller kitchens, and there are isolated complaints about shipping damage or quality control hiccups.
Final Verdict:
- Overall, many customers feel the Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker PRO delivers impressive versatility and convenience for everyday cooking, especially if you enjoy experimenting with different techniques and want to consolidate appliances. It’s a strong choice for families and frequent home cooks who value multifunctionality and capacity. However, if your priority is a traditional slow cooker with perfect low-and-slow performance every time, or if you’re sensitive to device longevity, some caution is warranted — this model’s strengths shine brightest when you’re willing to learn its quirks and treat the pot with some care.
Instant Pot RIO 7-in-1 Electric Multi-Cooker 6 Quart
Description:
The Instant Pot RIO is a refined evolution of the Duo line. It has Sleeker interface and improved display. It feels contemporary and intuitive. Suitable for pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice, steaming, sauté, yogurt, warming. It Includes over 800 recipes, guiding beginners from timid to triumphant.
- 7 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, make rice, yogurt, or simply keep your meal warm—all in one…
- Customizable Smart Programs: Tackle every recipe with 13 one-touch options, from hearty soups to decadent cakes
- Safe & Easy Steam Release: Easy-Release ensures fast, safe, and simple steam release every time.
Key Features:
- 7 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, make rice, yogurt, or simply keep your meal warm—all in one appliance.
- Customizable Smart Programs: Tackle every recipe with 13 one-touch options, from hearty soups to decadent cakes.
- Safe & Easy Steam Release: Easy-Release ensures fast, safe, and simple steam release every time.
- Good Food Done Faster: Cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods.
- Sturdy Anti-Spin Pot: Stainless steel (18/8) pot with a tri-ply bottom that stays in place for seamless sautéing.
- Family-Sized Capacity: The 6-quart capacity is perfect for up to 6 servings—ideal for families, meal prep, and batch cooking.
- Quick Cleanup: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot make clean-up a breeze.
Customer Reviews:
- Many users describe the Instant Pot RIO as a reliable and versatile kitchen workhorse that simplifies meal-making with its combo of pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté, yogurt maker, and warmer functions. Owners appreciate its intuitive controls and the fact that a single appliance can replace many traditional tools, cutting down prep time and counter clutter. On retailer sites and review collections, the overall sentiment skews positive, often around four stars or higher. Many buyers report regularly using it for weeknight dinners, batch cooking, and even homemade yogurt with regularly satisfying results.
What Users Like:
- Fans of the RIO frequently highlight how easy it is to use right out of the box, especially when paired with recipe suggestions from the included app with over 800 recipes.
- The pressure cooking function earns praise for quickly producing tender meats and grains, while the larger capacity suits families or people who meal-prep.
- Users also mention that the stainless-steel inner pot cleans up well and that the quieter steam release is a nice improvement over older models.
- Many reviews note that functions like rice cooking and steaming deliver consistent results and free up stovetop space during busy cooking routines.
What Users Dislike:
- Not all feedback is rosy. Some users point out a bit of a learning curve when first using the RIO’s various modes, especially if they’re new to multicookers. A few reviewers say that the slow cooker function doesn’t always hit high heat as effectively as standalone slow cookers, and some wished for more included accessories like extra sealing rings or a glass lid for non-pressure cooking.
- A handful of less positive reviews mention shipping mistakes or issues with missing parts, which can sour the experience early.
Final Verdict:
- Overall, the Instant Pot RIO tends to be recommended by many everyday cooks who are looking for an all-in-one solution that simplifies home cooking with dependable performance and plenty of versatility. While it isn’t perfect — with a handful of users noting room for improvement in accessories and certain function nuances — the positives generally outweigh the negatives for most buyers looking to cook faster and more efficiently. For families, busy households, or anyone who enjoys one-pot meal convenience, it’s considered a good value pick among electric multicookers.
CHEF iQ Smart Pressure Cooker 6 Quart
Description:
This is the smart kitchen ambassador. Yes, a scale inside the cooker. It measures ingredients directly. Less guesswork. Fewer measuring cups. Guided recipes adjust cooking time automatically based on input. It feels like the pot is thinking with you. Pressure cook, slow cook, rice, yogurt, and more, with guided precision.
- THE CHEF iQ APP: Connect to our free app via WiFi and Bluetooth and access hundreds of Guided Cooking recipes and culina…
- BUILT-IN SCALE: Easily measure ingredients and cook by weight, simplifying prep and cleanup: no measuring cups needed Fo…
- AUTO PRESSURE RELEASE: Automatically releases steam at the end of pressure cooking for increased safety and convenience….
Key Features:
- THE CHEF iQ APP: Connect to our free app via WiFi and Bluetooth and access hundreds of Guided Cooking recipes and culinary how-to videos, control and monitor your Smart Cooker, and access hundreds of presets for almost any ingredient.
- BUILT-IN SCALE: Easily measure ingredients and cook by weight, simplifying prep and cleanup: no measuring cups needed Four smart sensors measure ingredients accurately and tell you how much liquid is needed to cook to perfection.
- AUTO PRESSURE RELEASE: Automatically releases steam at the end of pressure cooking for increased safety and convenience. Programmed with 3 pressure release methods: quick, pulse, and natural.
- HUNDREDS OF VIDEO-GUDIED RECIPES: Guided Cooking recipes provide step-by-step video instructions and enable you to send precise cooking parameters to your Smart Cooker for every step.
- GUESS-FREE COOKING: Access hundreds of presets on the Smart Cooker or in the CHEF iQ App. Simply input your ingredient and they will provide exact cook settings and recommended cooking functions for easy one-pot meals.
- WIRELESS UPDATES: Receive wireless firmware updates on your Smart Cooker via the CHEF iQ App. Your Smart Cooker will gain additional features and improve its cooking algorithms while sitting on your countertop.
- INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: This smart multicooker includes a steamer rack and basket. The rack by itself is perfect for larger items like fish, chicken, or whole vegetables while the basket is ideal for chopped veggies or dumplings.
Customer Reviews:
- Many home cooks find the CHEF iQ Smart Pressure Cooker to be a feature-rich upgrade from basic multicookers. Users frequently mention that it’s versatile, combining pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, sautéing and more into one unit, and the built-in scale and guided recipe library make meal prep feel more precise and fun. The overall rating tends to be strongly positive, with lots of five-star feedback highlighting its ability to handle everything from family meals to experimental dishes with ease.
What Users Like:
- Fans of the cooker rave about how intuitive it feels once it’s set up. The built-in scale simplifies measuring ingredients without extra bowls, and the companion app unlocks hundreds of guided recipes that many say take the guesswork out of complicated dishes.
- Several reviewers noted that their food turned out reliably well — juicy meats, well-seasoned stews and fluffy grains — and that the unit’s safety features and auto steam release give them peace of mind.
- Users also appreciate the non-stick pot and dishwasher-safe parts for easier cleanup.
What Users Dislike:
- Not all feedback is glowing. Some owners find the smart features overly dependent on a stable Wi-Fi or app connection, and a few people get frustrated by app bugs or occasional connectivity drops. There’s also a learning curve — newcomers to the chef-y tech can feel overwhelmed by all the steps or taps required to navigate guided recipes.
- A handful of reviewers point out that the six-quart size might be small for larger households, and the non-stick interior scratches more easily than stainless steel alternatives.
Final Verdict:
- Overall, the CHEF iQ Smart Cooker earns high marks from many real users for bringing a blend of smart tech and practical cooking to the countertop. It shines for folks who want a connected, guided cooking experience and enjoy experimenting with new recipes, though it may challenge those who prefer simplicity or occasional cookery without needing an app. If you appreciate precision features like the built-in scale and don’t mind spending a bit more for connectivity and guidance, most reviewers say it’s a worthwhile kitchen investment.
Which One Should You Buy?
- If you are feeding a medium-sized family and want the most balanced, widely supported option, choose the 6-quart Instant Pot Duo.
- If you cook for one or two and value space efficiency, the 3-quart Instant Pot Duo is ideal.
- If you batch cook or host frequently, the Starfrit 8L offers generous capacity.
- If safety features and sous vide intrigue you, the COSORI 9-in-1 is compelling.
- If you entertain often and want oven-safe flexibility, the Ninja Cooker PRO is powerful.
- If you want a refreshed design with familiar features, the Instant Pot RIO is a modern pick.
- If you love smart tech and guided cooking precision, the CHEF iQ Smart Pressure Cooker is the most advanced choice.
Steam Is the New Superpower
A pressure cooker is not just an appliance. It is a transformation engine. It collapses time, concentrates flavor, reduces effort, and expands culinary confidence. Whether you are a beginner boiling rice or a food enthusiast crafting bone broth, there is a model designed for your rhythm.
Once you experience the quiet authority of sealed steam turning raw ingredients into comfort, you will wonder how your kitchen ever functioned without it. The pressure cooker does not shout. It simply performs.