Best Pressure Cookers to Prepare Healthy and Tasty Meals in no Time in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 13, 2024
The pressurised steam is used not only in the industry but also in a kitchen because it helps reduce the cooking time immensely. ...Read more
PROS

This Tefal appliance is extremely safe owing to its 5 built-in security systems. The cooker design features the systems preventing an inner pressure rising in case of untight lid closing.

CONS
The marking on the safety valve may get wiped away after some time.
OUR VERDICT

Just about any individual will be able to put the Tefal Secure 5 Neo to good use. Fitted with two programs and a six-litre pot, you'll be able to use this cookware piece for making a variety of healthy, delicious recipes.

detailed parameters
TYPE AND POWER

Stovetop, power depends on the stove

CAPACITY
6 L
COOKING MODES
Pre-installed programs for pressure cooking (vegetables or delicate foods / meat or frozen foods), steaming
MATERIAL
Three-layer base pot and a stainless steel lid
WEIGHT
4.1 kg
SEALING
Gasket
SAFETY

Five safety features, including an auto-lock system for closing and opening, Pressure-controlled valve, Safety valve

SENSORS
Pressure indicator
WARRANTY

2 years

PROS

Thanks to the high dome lid, you will be able to engage in some extra capacity cooking. Using the perforated separator, you'll have the option to spice up your usual routine by separating different food items.

CONS

The valve loses its grip after some time. 

OUR VERDICT

The Prestige Hi Dome pressure cooker is great for any family on a strict budget. It is devoid of some of the more fancy cooking modes but the construction makes up for it, making it a good choice for those who like to prepare larger servings.

detailed parameters
TYPE AND POWER

Stovetop, power depends on the stove

CAPACITY

6 L

COOKING MODES

Pressure cooking: brown, boil, steam, braise, stew, and roast

MATERIAL

Polished aluminium

WEIGHT

3.2 kg

SEALING

Gasket

SAFETY

Prestige Pressure Cookers are safe and conform to British Safety Standards, Safety valve

SENSORS

N/A

WARRANTY

Prestige Lifetime Guarantee

PROS

The steamer basket, equipped with perforated platforms, produces enough gentle yet, at the same time, humid steam to prepare meat, vegetables, and other foods. Generally speaking, the basket will take no more than three minutes to make you tender yet firm vegetables.

CONS

The sealing gasket can be difficult to put back in place. 

OUR VERDICT

There are no bells and whistles here. The Tower T80244 Pressure Cooker locks in the vitamins and nutrients as good as the next cooker. With this cooker, you'll have no issues following a healthy diet. Plus, it will give you a healthier way to enjoy some of your most favourite meals.

detailed parameters
TYPE AND POWER

Stovetop, power depends on the stove

CAPACITY

6 L

COOKING MODES

Pressure cooking: brown, boil, steam, braise, stew and roast

MATERIAL

Stainless steel cooker body and lid, Aluminium and steel encapsulated base, Phenolic handle

WEIGHT

2.65 kg

SEALING

Gasket

SAFETY

One-button pressure-releasing mechanism, Pressure-controlled valve

SENSORS

Pressure indicator

WARRANTY

1 year 

PROS

In addition to your usual cooking modes, the model can simmer and sauté your food. It is even capable of making desserts in the steaming basket. Tefal's very own one-handed opening system makes it a real breeze to open and close the lid. 

CONS

The maximum pressure is limited to12 pounds per square inch.

OUR VERDICT

If you do not feel like slaving over a hot stove but you'd still like to treat yourself and your family members to wholesome homemade meals, the Tefal Clipso Minut Easy is a pressure cooker for you. It'll fit a student learning the ropes just as well as an experienced chef looking to showcase his cooking skills.

detailed parameters
TYPE AND POWER

Stovetop, power depends on the stove

CAPACITY

6 L

COOKING MODES

Pressure cooking: simmers, stews, browns, boils, sautés, meat, fish and other, even desserts in the steaming basket

MATERIAL

Mirror polished stainless steel

WEIGHT

2.2 kg

SEALING

Gasket

SAFETY

Five safety features: Visual pressure indicator, Safe opening and closing system, Gasket to release pressure, Safety valve

SENSORS

Visual pressure indicator

WARRANTY

2 years

10 years on the body

PROS

The Superthermic® base adopts this waved/corrugated profile that works wonders securing stability and providing high distortion resistance. The base also provides uniform/even heat distribution. There are multiple steam release back-up systems that are able to offset excess pressure. 

CONS

The product could use a longer handle on one side. 

OUR VERDICT

The Kuhn Rikon Duromatic Pressure Cooker will let you quickly prepare casseroles, various soups, rice, curries, pulses, potatoes, and more. The six-litre capacity will enable you to prepare huge servings. The cooker uses less energy and retains flavours and nutrients better than most alternatives.

detailed parameters
TYPE AND POWER

Stovetop, power depends on the stove

CAPACITY

6 L

COOKING MODES

Pressure cooking: brown, boil, steam, braise, stew, and roast

MATERIAL

18/10 stainless steel cooker body and lid, aluminium Superthermic® sandwich base, plastic handles

WEIGHT

3.7 kg

SEALING

Gasket

SAFETY

Advanced spring-loaded valve, Automatic locking system, Multiple steam release back-up systems

SENSORS

Pressure indicator

WARRANTY

10 years

Excellent Value

The Tefal Secure 5 Neo Pressure Cooker can be a valuable purchase for anyone. It offers plenty of advantages and will especially benefit those who stick to a healthy lifestyle.

Right off the bat, what makes the Tefal Secure 5 Neo Pressure Cooker special is that it is perfectly compatible with all types of stoves common for households in the UK, whether it be a gas stove, electric cooker or even induction cooktop. So you will be able to take it along with you when travelling, for example, or when moving should you be renting a flat or living in a dorm room.

Secondly, the Tefal Secure 5 Neo Pressure Cooker is pretty huge. With its 6-litre cooking pot, you'll be able to cook in it big family-sized meals that will be enough to feed 3-5 people without added refilling.

Furthermore, the Tefal Secure 5 Neo Pressure Cooker boasts a well-thought-out construction typical of products made by Tefal brand. It is featured with a heating surface that combined with high-power pressure notably speeds up the cooking process, making sure the device consumes less energy and you can save some money on energy costs.

Speaking of materials, the Tefal Secure 5 Neo Pressure Cooker screams quality. Both the pot and the lid of the device are made of durable and resistant stainless steel that will ensure the long service life of the unit as well as provide you with peace of mind regarding its performance.

Inside the Tefal Secure 5 Neo Pressure Cooker is featured a three-layered bottom: it ensures an even food heating and effective utilisation of thermal energy. All the parts of the cooker are made dishwasher safe so that maintaining it requires neither much effort nor time. The long ergonomic handle is made of heat-resistant material. You can easily grip it during cooking without worrying about getting burnt.

Safe and Versatile

The Neo Pressure Cooker is a surprisingly versatile cooking appliance. It makes you a master in steaming, simmering, braising, boiling, baking, sautéing, poaching, and frying. Due to the availability of 2 ingredients-dependent cooking programs you will be able to cook both meat and vegetable dishes quickly while saving about 70% of the heat as compared to conventional stove cooking. The Steaming basket, which is included in the supply package, enables you to cook extraordinarily tasty and healthy dishes.

This is one of the best pressure cookers by Tefal that was designed with safety in mind. It totally prevents a user injury by steam or heat during its use. The 5 integrated security-oriented systems, including the Auto-lock system for the lid closing and opening, ensure that the cooker does not start cooking if the lid is misaligned or not sealed tightly. The pressure control valve, safety valve, and the gasket will not allow steam to get out of the pot and hurt you.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £60.89
Stock In stock
ASIN B00RHK1A8W

VIDEO

Family-Friendly

The Prestige Hi Dome pressure cooker is a good option for a family on a budget or for any individual who would like to eat healthily but has neither the time nor the financial means for some of the more expensive or complicated cookware. But the former will definitely appreciate this cooking appliance more than anyone else.

With 6-litre capacity, you'll be able to use this model to feed an entire family in one sitting. There'll be no need to refill the pot quite as often. And, again, unless you're planning on using this pressure cooker for commercial purposes, like in a restaurant or any other type of food service facility, 6 litres will be more than enough.

People have all kinds of stovetops. But, other than induction cooktops, the model in question is suitable for all of those hobs. The more or less standard size of 28.6 x 41.4 x 25.2 centimetres in overall dimensions and 3.2 kilograms of weight make the Prestige Hi Dome about as practical as the next cooker.

Polished Look

Any piece of cookware, once you buy it, also becomes a piece of your kitchen décor. And while this thing doesn't look particularly high-tech, we can't say we don't like the rather slick look of the model. The body is made of high-quality polished aluminium, the biggest contributor to that sleek design. The material in question is also responsible for the robust construction of this cooker.

Other than that, the model comes equipped with black phenolic fittings that do a pretty good job complimenting the overall visual aspect of this product. There's the usual safety valve that gets rid of the access pressure. And even though it doesn't include any sensors or visual indicators, this pressure cooker conforms to British Safety Standards, so there isn't much here that you should be worried about.

Now, most of what we've been saying so far is true for the majority of pressure cookers. And that's because this isn't the most cutting-edge model out there and more of your basic cooker. But it does have a few things going for it.

First, there's the titular high dome lid, a seemingly small change that will allow you to prepare large servings. Then, there's a perforated separator that, as you might imagine, can prove to be quite useful in terms of separating different food items.

Other than that, the model is capable of your standard pressure cooking techniques, including browning, boiling, steaming, braising, stewing, and roasting. Some of the more high-end pressure cookers might offer a bit more than that. But even with that variety, you're unlikely to run out of options any time in the near future.

To rephrase our earlier point, we would recommend the Prestige Hi Dome pressure cooker to a family on a slightly more strict budget than usual. It is devoid of some of the more fancy cooking modes but the construction makes up for it, making it a good choice for those who like to prepare larger servings.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £52.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B0007U94U0

The Stainless Steel Approach

The Tower T80244 Pressure Cooker doesn't necessarily tower above its more expensive competition but, at the very least, the cooker is able to tussle with them and even come out ahead in certain categories.

To start off, this cookware piece looks pretty good. The stainless steel body is as sleek as they come. Plus, as it is usually the case with quality stainless steel, the metal's pretty much immune against rust and corrosion. You won't have to worry about oxidation too.

The aluminium and steel encapsulated base is fairly sturdy too. At the same time, the base provides even heat distribution and rapid cooking, making sure that the meals always come out quick and delicious.

The phenolic handle remains cold to the touch, so you won't have to worry about accidentally burning your fingers.

Also, the massive handle makes the cooker especially easy to carry, which is nice because this cookware piece measures 25.5 x 41 x 23 centimetres and weighs 2.65 kilograms. Now, these are fairly standard numbers as far as pressure cookers are concerned but still enough to make you feel the weight.

Because the main pan is completely dishwasher safe, you'll have no maintenance issues. Plus, the dirt traps are fairly easy to access here. The sealing gasket can be sometimes difficult to put back in place though.

Steamer Basket Too

There are no bells and whistles here. The cooker sticks to the basics. Its more than generous 6-litre capacity will let you cook for the entire family.

At the same time, the supplied steamer basket will enable you to prepare the food quickly, consistently, and much more efficiently than without the basket. Its perforated platforms produce enough gentle yet, at the same time, humid steam to prepare meat, vegetables, and other foods. Generally speaking, the basket will take no more than three minutes to make you tender yet firm vegetables.

The pressure cooker works with all hob types. Design-wise, the lid incorporates these handy arrows that let you fit the lid with ease, locking into place with practically no effort. There's also this two-step pressure setting valve that lets you tailor the cooking process to the ingredients, so you'll be able to control the pressure that you cook with.

In closing, the Tower T80244 Pressure Cooker locks in the vitamins and nutrients as good as the next cooker. With this cooker, you'll have no issues following a healthy diet. Plus, it will give you a healthier way to enjoy some of your most favourite meals.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £44.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01E4KGXWK

Showcase Your Skills

The Tefal Clipso Minut Easy may still be just a pressure cooker but it will do so much more for you than the average model. Sure, not unlike the majority of these cookers, it will boil, brown, stew, bake, and prepare all kinds of meat and fish in a variety of different ways. But this model is also capable of simmering and sautéing your food. Heck, it is even capable of making desserts in the steaming basket. So, as far as one appliance goes, this is more diversity than you could ask for.

Not necessarily as much of a huge detail but another advantage of this product that most people notice right away is the lightweight construction. The folk at Tefal have been able to reduce the weight of the previous version of this model by 30%, making the Clipso Minut Easy weigh just 2.2 kilograms. Aside from the obvious advantages of its light weight, the model in question also comes equipped with two fixed handles. They'll make it easier than ever to lift the cooker and to handle the whole thing.

Times When Simple is Better

While we're still on the subject of handles and operation, we would probably be remiss not to mention Tefal's very own one-handed opening system. It may not sound revolutionary but the system makes it a real breeze to open and close the lid. Simply lifting the handle unlocks the lid and lowering said handle locks it back again, and that's about as convenient of a system as it gets.

The Tefal Clipso Minut Easy comes with a three-ply base. A base like that ensures outstanding heat distribution, the most important aspect of even cooking. Plus, it is compatible with all heat sources, so it will fit your stove regardless of the company behind it and its type.

As Safe as it Gets

Like most pressure cookers nowadays, the model from Tefal has a 6-litre capacity, so you'll be able to prepare meals for an entire family without having to refill the pot. The said pot is dishwasher safe, meaning that cleaning it won't present much of a challenge either.

We've been rambling about how intricate this appliance is for quite some time now. So some people might get the impression that this is a complicated appliance designed strictly for experienced chefs. But that isn't the case here.

Aside from the aforementioned opening and closing system, the model includes 3 additional safety features: a gasket that releases pressure, a visual pressure indicator, and the usual safety valve. So you can cook with confidence and without worrying about any accidents happening in your kitchen.

In short, if you do not feel like slaving over a hot stove but you'd like to treat yourself and your family members to wholesome homemade meals, the Tefal Clipso Minut Easy is a pressure cooker for you. It'll fit a student learning the ropes just as well as an experienced chef looking to showcase his or her cooking skills.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £158.24
Stock In stock
ASIN B06XJMVH4V

Eliminating Guesswork

The Kuhn Rikon Duromatic Pressure Cooker is good enough to put most pressure cookers to shame. Generally speaking, these pots don't differ that much from each other but that's not the case here. There's enough separating this cookware piece from its peers to make the product relatively unique within its price bracket.

First, the pot is built to last. The 18/10 stainless steel cooker body and lid make this container look the part and play the port. The polished finish adds aesthetics points, making the product appear about as elegant and refined as these pots get. At the same time, the high-quality stainless steel makes the pot pretty much immune from rust, corrosion, and chipping.

Meanwhile, the Superthermic® aluminium sandwich base enables rapid absorption and even heat distribution, so you'll be able to prepare delicious, evenly-cooked meals time after time. Also, the base is more than compatible with all standard stovetops, including induction 'tops.

Setting the construction aside, the pot comes equipped with an advanced spring-loaded valve. The valve eliminates unnecessary noise and removes the guesswork from the equation, letting you cook with precision without wasting any time.

To elaborate, the advanced valve accurately reflects the internal pressure within the pot, enabling precise cooking times and making sure the food never ends up spoiled and inedible. There are two red rings that tell you the food's temperature and let you know when it is time to turn off the stove.

Uniform Heat Distribution

Going back to the aforementioned Superthermic® aluminium sandwich base, we would be remiss not to also mention its waved/corrugated profile that not only secures high stability and distortion resistance but also guarantees uniform heat distribution.

Other than that, there's also the company's automatic lid-locking system that makes sure you cannot remove the lid when any pressure at all exists within the pot.

Last but not least, there are multiple steam release back-up systems that work wonders offsetting excess/unwanted pressure rises.

As far as we're concerned, the product's only downside is the plastic handles. Sure, these handles remain cool to the touch. But at least one of them could've been made longer to aid pouring/emptying the pot.

Apart from that, the Kuhn Rikon Duromatic Pressure Cooker is an excellent cooker, and we couldn't recommend this product highly enough to most who enjoy realising various healthy recipes.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £168.08
Stock In stock
ASIN B00009A9XT

What Is a Pressure Cooker?

If you are always in a hurry but don’t want to put up with eating fast-food, you need a pressure cooker. This kitchen gadget will do a great job preparing mouth-watering and healthy meals and do that quicker than a conventional stovetop.

Pressure cookers look very like much conventional pots with the only difference being that the former incorporate this sealed construction that does an excellent job preventing leakage and allowing for cooking under high pressure. This method of cooking allows the food to preserve all of its nutrients and is ideal for the whole family, including little kids. Today pressure cookers are widely used not only at home but also in restaurants and cafes. Their popularity is immense!

You may also be interested in reading our other comprehensive review on slow cookers which are used to prepare soups, meat, fish, jam but in a slower way, or rice cookers which are irreplaceable for cooking delicious rice.

What Features to Compare

Capacity and Power

When choosing a pressure cooker, first things first, consider its capacity and power. However, before you do that, make sure to decide which type suits you better: electric or stovetop. As it's easy to guess, electric models require electricity, whereas stovetop models are basic units designed to be put right on a stove (gas or electric). When it comes to electric pressure cookers, the power output of the unit should be no lower than 1000 Watts - that's the optimal performance for this type of devices. The capacity of the cooking pot is important too. If you have a large family, we recommend choosing from models with 5-6L pots. This is the average capacity that will allow you to prepare a family-sized dinner. For professional use though, say, you work in a restaurant, make sure to choose pressure cookers with a more capacious pot.

Materials

It is also essential to make sure the device is made of high-quality materials to serve you for a long time. More often than not, pressure cookers (both electric and stovetop models) are designed either from stainless steel or aluminium. Aluminium cookers are usually more affordable; they are designed in the shape of a pot and feature a multi-layer bottom for uniform/heat distribution. A lid usually adjoins the pot using a silicone or rubber ring ensuring excellent leak-free sealing. As far as stainless steel models are concerned, they are more expensive compared to aluminium cookers, but they also are more reliable and durable and if you take good care of the appliance will likely serve you a lifetime. Besides the materials, you might want to consider the weight. This can be important if you want a portable device that can be easily moved or carried with you.

Cooking Modes

Furthermore, consider the number of cooking modes. The majority of electric pressure cookers offered today feature multiple programs allowing them to serve up as a multi cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker and many other appliances. This not only makes them more versatile but also allows you to save money on buying additional kitchen gear. In addition to cooking modes, it's important to make sure the device can be adapted by time and temperature to allow you to customise your recipes.

Safety and Sensors

Finally, check out the extras. By these, we mean all little things that can make the handling of the device safer and more convenient. For example, the lid-locking system ensures leak-free cooking experience and prevents the device from opening while cooking, while the valve (or pressure gauge) in the lid allows getting rid of excess/unwanted pressure to ensure uniform heating. What is also important is whether the controls of the device are straightforward and easy to use. Most electric pressure cookers come with LED displays to show you what mode's currently used. When it comes to stovetop models, these usually feature an easy-to-use mechanical mechanism, providing a quick switch between cooking programmes. Other than that, a pressure cooker's supposed to have some kind of thermal control so you can be sure the temperature in the pot doesn't exceed the set/pre-programmed limit. With these simple tips in mind, choosing a pressure cooker that will be best for you should be easy!

Sources:

1. Alan Henry What to Look for in a Pressure Cooker, Lifehacker. November 2, 2013.

2. Laura Pazzaglia The Pressure Cooker Buying Guide, Hip Pressure Cooking. November 1, 2015.

3. Tabitha Alterman Choosing a Pressure Cooker, MOTHER EARTH NEWS. January 2012.

4. Jessy Ratfink How to Use a Pressure Cooker (and Choose Which One to Buy), Instructables.

5. Sara Bir How to Buy Your First Pressure Cooker, Paste. April 13, 2015.

6. Matthew Steen Pressure cooker buying guide, CHOICE. January 9, 2017.

7. Pick Your Pressure Cooker, Williams Sonoma.

8. Choosing a Pressure Cooker, Chowhound. January 27, 2015.

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