I tested 11 Instant Pots and electric pressure cookers, and these 4 stood above the rest

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Whether you call them electric pressure cookers, multicookers, or Instant Pots — the name of the most popular brand — these countertop appliances have become a mainstay in American kitchens. Their popularity only soared when the coronavirus pandemic forced many people to cook at home.

Basic electric pressure cookers can pressure cook, slow cook, and brown/sear/saute. And, some of the fancier models also air fry and sous vide. Unlike their non-electric stovetop forebears, today’s electric pressure cookers have many safety mechanisms to protect you from blowing up your kitchen.

I have tested kitchen appliances for four years and have developed several objective tests to determine which models are best for specific needs. You can find details about how I test electric multicookers, other models we recommend, and common FAQs at the end of the guide.

Find out more about how Insider Reviews tests and reviews kitchen products.

The best pressure cookers in 2023

Best pressure cooker overall: Crock-Pot Express Crock XL Multicooker – See at Amazon
The Crock-Pot Express Crock XL Multicooker performed well in all of our cooking tests, and its button controls make programming it a snap.

Best pressure cooker on a budget: Instant Pot Duo Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker – See at Amazon
If you’re looking for a basic, affordable multicooker from the top name in the industry, the Instant Pot Duo Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker is your best bet.

Best smart pressure cooker: Chef iQ Smart Cooker – See at Amazon
With its hundreds of preset programs and step-by-step interactive recipes, the Chef iQ Smart Cooker is outstandingly precise.

Best multitasking pressure cooker: Instant Pot Duo Crisp Pressure Cooker – See at Amazon
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp is a pressure cooker, slow cooker, air fryer, and sous vide machine all in one, making it one of the most useful and economical small appliances we tested.