The Best Stovetop Pressure Cooker

Stovetop pressure cookers deliver tender meats, beans, and meals quickly, but the best ones are user-friendly and durable. After extensive testing, the Fissler Vitaquick 8.5-Quart Pressure Cooker stands out with its smooth locking lid, excellent heat distribution, and simple design. It’s safe and easy to use, though electric models are an option if you prefer.

Fissler Vitaquick 8.5-Quart Pressure Cooker

The best stovetop pressure cooker

This pot provides a top-notch pressure-cooking experience for both beginners and seasoned cooks.

The Fissler Vitaquick 8.5-Quart Pressure Cooker is the top choice for quality and ease of use. Available in four sizes, it excels in even heat distribution, clear pressure settings, and a smooth-locking lid. While pricey, it’s worth it for frequent use and doubles as a stockpot without the lid.

Presto 8-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker

For novices and cooks on a budget

The Presto has one pressure setting and requires closer monitoring, but it’s an affordable option for trying pressure cooking.

If you’re new to pressure cooking and want an affordable option, the Presto 8-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker is a great starter. It has one pressure setting, sears and sautés well, and doubles as a regular pot. Though its pressure indicator is less visible, making heat control trickier, it’s a reliable choice for the price.

How we picked

A pressure cooker is a valuable kitchen tool for cutting cooking times in half. However, speed means little if the cooker is difficult to use. The best models are user-friendly, versatile, well-designed, and easy to clean and maintain. To identify the top stovetop pressure cooker for both beginners and experts, we focused on these features:

Shape and size

The ideal pressure cooker should caramelize onions, sear meats, and handle a variety of dishes. A wide, low profile is better for sautéing, while deeper pots limit browning efficiency. For most households, a 6-quart cooker suits daily meals, but an 8-quart offers versatility for larger batches or stock-making. Our top pick comes in four sizes to fit diverse needs.

Easy to use

Pressure cooking can feel daunting, so we prefer pots that simplify the process. The lid should lock smoothly and securely to avoid frustration or uncertainty. Easy-to-spot pressure indicators are key—our favorite features a bright blue spring valve with clear markers, unlike recessed indicators on cheaper models.

Even heating

All pressure cookers work similarly once sealed, but the best evenly heat for sautéing and searing without scorching. Top models feature thick, wide tri-ply disks at the base, ensuring even heat distribution and better cooking results.

Parts and warranty

Pressure cooker gaskets and valve seals wear out over time, causing longer pressurizing times and steam leaks. We prioritized models from brands with affordable, easy-to-find replacement parts. Warranties typically cover the pot and lid but exclude consumable parts like gaskets.

How we tested

Our team tested each model by cooking unsoaked black beans, brisket, and brown rice to assess cooking time and ease of use. We also sautéed onions and seared beef to evaluate heat distribution.

All pressure cookers can handle basic dishes, but the difference lies in ease of use and performance. Some models struggled with searing meat and sautéing vegetables, with flimsy lids that were hard to attach and scorched during cooking.

Our pick: Fissler Vitaquick 8.5-Quart Pressure Cooker

The Fissler Vitaquick 8.5-Quart Pressure Cooker excels with a smooth locking lid, superior browning, and two pressure levels for versatile cooking. Its tri-ply base offers the best searing without scorch marks. Though heavy, it has a helpful handle for easy transport. While pricey, it’s a top choice for serious pressure cooks.

The Fissler Vitaquick is the easiest pressure cooker to use, with a smooth-locking lid that clicks into place and an indicator window that turns green. Its pressure indicator is clearly visible, and the steam-release button is safely located on the handle. The heavy tri-ply disk ensures even heat distribution, and unlike others, it doesn’t scorch, making cleanup easier.

The Vitaquick offers the largest cooking surface among stovetop cookers, measuring 10½ inches, providing ample space for searing and sautéing. The thicker disk allows for larger flames without damaging the cooker. It’s easy to clean, with parts washable in soapy water. The warranty covers defects but not wear-and-tear parts like gaskets and valves.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The Fissler Vitaquick is an expensive pressure cooker, with replacement parts like the lid gasket costing $25, compared to $11 for the Presto. While the higher price reflects quality, it may be prohibitive for some. For a more affordable option, consider our budget pick.

Budget pick: Presto 8-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker

If you’re new to pressure cooking and want an affordable option to start with, we recommend the Presto 8-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker. It’s simple and straightforward, with modern safety features, but lacks advanced functions. Its wide shape allows decent searing in small batches, though it only has one pressure setting. The Presto performs well for stocks and beans, but for high-heat searing or complex braises, you’ll need to use a skillet or upgrade to a higher-quality cooker. The recessed pressure indicator requires close attention, so you can’t stray too far. Presto offers a 12-year limited warranty covering manufacturer defects.