It’s easy to think that larger is better when it comes to a pressure cooker, and to a certain degree it’s true. However, there are several reasons why you might want to choose a smaller pressure cooker – the first of which being price. Plus, small pressure cookers are designed to take up less space, meaning that you’ll be able to store it easier.
The size of the pressure cooker is also important to consider when it comes down to cooking. A smaller pressure cooker requires less liquid and will reach pressure faster – all of which are good things to consider if you want to save as much time as possible. Additionally, needing fewer liquids to cook provides you with more options when it comes down to the cooking technique that you use.
Most electric pressure cookers have a limited variation in sizes; this is because most of them come in 6-quart sizes. However, there are a few electric pressure cookers that are smaller in size that you can find on the market today.
GoWise Stainless Steel 6-in-1 Pressure Cooker
At 3-quarts, this GoWise pressure cooker is the smallest unit on this list, and it’s not very expensive. This is a perfect choice for someone who only needs a small pressure cooker, for instance, someone living alone. Even with its small size, this pressure cooker still offers most of the functions that larger pressure cookers offer, including the ability to warm, brown, and slow cook food.
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Fagor LUX Multi-Cooker
Fagor has a great reputation in terms of pressure cookers, and this particular model is one of their best products. This pressure cooker offers a variety of functions, including being able to be a rice maker. This pressure cooker is also offered in a variety of sizes, from 4 quarts to 8 quarts, they’ve got you covered. However, it is rather expensive for the size that you’re getting.
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Instant Pot 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker
This electric pressure cooker made by Instant Pot is a great option for anyone who wants to start using a pressure cooker because it’s offered in a wide variety of sizes. This particular model is by far the most popular for Instant Pot. You can purchase this pressure cooker in a 5 quart or 6-quart size, either are perfect for small families. While this pot might be expensive, it is one of the most reliable pressure cookers on the market. It offers seven different cooking features, including a rice cooker and steamer.
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Gourmia Smart Pot Pressure Cooker
Gourmia is a lesser-known brand in the pressure cooker world, but this is still a great pressure cooker to consider. This pressure cooker is an excellent substitute for a smaller pressure cooker, plus the price isn’t too bad. The cooking functions on this pot are similar to the other ones that you can find on this list; it just doesn’t make yogurt. This pressure cooker does have a non-stick pot, which means that you need to be careful when you wash this cooker.
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CORSORI Pressure Cooker
This pressure cooker is an 8-in-1 kitchen appliance, which helps eliminate the need for multiple cooking pots that you’ll have to clean up afterward. There are 17 smart programs available on this unit to help you make all of your favorite dishes, including fish and soup. Another great feature that this pressure cooker offers is the use of ETL approved components that get in contact with the food. The components are made from stainless steel, and the inner pot and bottom are made from this same material. Once the lid detects pressure inside the cooker, it keeps the lid from opening until all the pressure is gone.
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Picking the Best Electric Pressure Cooker
Safety Features
When you’re using a pressure cooker, safety should be of the utmost importance. Pressure cookers are designed to become incredibly hot and hold high-pressure superheated steam inside the pot – if anything were to go wrong, you’d end up with severe burns.
Therefore, you should always find a pressure cooker that has enough safety features in place to keep you safe when using the unit. Look for things like pressure indicators, release vents, and secure lock lids.
Construction Materials
Two materials are used to make pressure cookers: aluminum and stainless steel. Aluminum pressure cookers are often cheaper and less durable than stainless steel ones. However, stainless steel pressure cookers are the best option because it distributes heat more evenly and is much more durable.
Features
When searching for the best small pressure cooker for yourself, you should always make sure to take your time to research the units to make sure that they offer the features that you want. For example, if you wanted to purchase a pressure cooker to both pressure cook your food and also be used as a rice cooker, then you want to make sure that the pot you find offers that feature.