It feels like there’s a new kitchen appliance popping up at every turn; and while some make great investments, others don’t. But one appliance that stands the test of time? The pressure cooker.
Believe it or not, pressure cookers have been around in some form for a long time. Yes, going even beyond your grandmother’s very vintage device, this appliance has been making cooking an absolute breeze for many, many years. In saying that, they have come a long way from their humble beginnings!
Pressure cooking is exactly as it sounds – cooking food at high pressure by using water or stock. The beauty of pressure cooking is that the best ingredients for it are the cheap kind; low-grade cuts of meat and simple vegetables. Plus, with many offering multi-cook options like sauté, sear, cook rice and even make yoghurt, there’s a lot of variety to be had.
Ready to make the investment? Here are some of the best pressure cookers you can get your hands on in Australia right now.
The 6 best pressure cookers in Australia 2024
Instant Pot 9-in-1 duo plus electric pressure cooker
$169 (usually $299) at Amazon
Listed as Amazon’s Choice, the pressure cooker from Instant Pot is a big time and energy saver in busy lifestyles. Sauté vegetables in five minutes, and a whole chicken in 20 minutes!
Key features:
- Capacity: 8L
- Features 13 smart programs
- 24-hour start delay and 10-hour keep warm features
- Instant Brands Connect app offering hundreds of recipes
Philips viva collection all-in-one multicooker
$148 (usually $249) at Amazon
This cooker is top-rated for good reason. With its speedy heat-up time (25 per cent faster than the previous model) and durable pot; it’s a great mid-range option. Offering high and low slow cook, sauté, sear, various pressure cook options and multi cook, you’ll get all the bells and whistles and be well on your way to an easy (delicious) meal.
Key features:
- Seven pressure cooking modes
- Automatic keep warm for 12-hours
- Nine safety protection systems
Tefal cook4me+ one-pot digital pressure cooker
$441.40 at Amazon
This one is for the serious pressure cooker fans! With smart tech on the rise, it was only a matter of time before pressure cookers joined the bandwagon. This super easy device offers a huge touch screen that guides you step-by-step through over 100 inbuilt recipes and ingredient programs, whose cooking times are pre-programmed. If that’s not the ultimate kitchen companion, what is?
Key features:
- Capacity: 6L
- 100 built-in recipes and pressure cooking function
- Tefal app – access over 200 additional recipes
- Set and forget – automatic pressure release and keep warm function
Crock Pot Crock-Pot Express multicooker
$179 at The Good Guys
You’ve likely heard the brand name “Crock-Pot” floating around; many often use it to refer to a particular appliance rather than a brand itself, which actually hit the market in the ’70s. This 5 in 1 cooker offers the option to steam, slow cook, sauté or pressure cook, has 7 “one-touch” meal options, and is dishwasher safe. Plus, it’s very achievable budget-wise!
Key features:
- Capacity: 5.7L
- Five cooking functions
- One-year warranty
the Fast Slow Cooker
$189.95 at Amazon
True to its name, this smart device produces slow cooker meals, fast! The multi-function cooking lets you sauté, sear, slow cook, pressure cook, pressure steam, and keep warm with a countdown timer. Set, forget and enjoy!
Key features:
- Capacity: 6L
- LCD display with integrated timer
- Six cooking functions
Ninja foodi max smartlid multi-cooker
$399 at Amazon
The best thing about this cooker is its versatility. Serving as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yoghurt maker, food warmer, and sauté/searing pan, there’s not much this miracle worker can’t do.
Key features:
- Capacity: 5.7L
- 14 cooking functions
- Dishwasher safe parts
What are the benefits of a pressure cooker?
Preparing week night meals can be a tumultuous task after a long day at work or a busy afternoon, so that’s where the pressure cooker comes in. Serve up quick and healthy meals under 30-minutes with the many functions integrated in the cooker.
Looking to save money on pressure cookers? Check out our coupon codes for Bing Lee, The Good Guys and more.
Related articles:
- 10 best slow cookers for winter cooking
- 10 slow-cooked recipes to get you through winter
- One pot winners