Ever feel like there’s just not enough hours in the day to get a proper, home-cooked meal on the table? I’ve been there more times than I can count. That’s why I was so eager to test out the cooks essentials electric pressure cooker. This little countertop appliance promises to be a total game-changer for busy weeknights, slashing cooking times for everything from stews to desserts. It seemed to good to be true, so I had to put it through its paces.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve used it for quick family dinners, meal prep, and even trying some new recipes. I wanted to see if it really lives up to the hype about being easy, fast, and reliable. In this review, I’ll share my honest experience—the good, the not-so-good, and whether this cooker deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Cooks Essentials Electric Pressure Cooker
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Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker,…
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9.5 |
Read Review |
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Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker,…
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9.3 |
Read Review |
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Instant Pot 4QT RIO Mini 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker, Pressure Cooker,…
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9.1 |
Read Review |
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Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker, Pressure Cooker, Slow…
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9.0 |
Read Review |
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CARORI 1200W 12-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker 8Qt, Stainless Steel…
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8.8 |
Read Review |
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CAREY DPC-9SS Smart Electric Pressure Cooker and Canner, Stainless…
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8.6 |
Read Review |
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Fullwill Electric Pressure Cooker Lite, Slow Cooker, Rice, Sauté,…
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8.4 |
Read Review |
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Midea 12-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 8 Quarts, 12 Presets,…
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8.3 |
Read Review |
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Simple Deluxe 16-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 8QT Stainless Steel…
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8.1 |
Read Review |
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Electric Pressure Cooker 6 Qt, 9 Functions Programmable Instant…
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7.9 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 Cooks Essentials Electric Pressure Cooker
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quart
The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is a versatile kitchen appliance designed to simplify your cooking routine. It consolidates seven essential functions into a single countertop device. You can pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, make rice, yogurt, or keep food warm without needing multiple pots and machines. This consolidation saves you both storage space and time. A key advantage is it’s ability to significantly speed up meal preparation.
By using pressure cooking, it can cook food up to 70% faster than traditional slow cooking methods. You can prepare a pot roast or a batch of beans in a fraction of the usual time. The 13 one-touch smart programs are there to help. They provide customized settings for everything from soups and stews to cakes and yogurt, taking the guesswork out of cooking different dishes. An included app offers over 800 recipes for further inspiration. Safety and ease of use are central to it’s design.
It incorporates over 10 built-in safety mechanisms, including overheat protection and a lid lock, for secure operation. The easy-release steam switch allows for quick and safe pressure release after cooking. Cleanup is also straightforward. The stainless steel inner cooking pot and the lid are both dishwasher-safe, making post-meal cleanup minimal. The 6-quart capacity is well-suited for families or anyone who enjoys meal prepping.
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App with Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 8 Quart
The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is designed to simplify your kitchen routine. It replaces seven separate appliances, saving you both counter space and the hassle of storing multiple gadgets. You can pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, make rice, yogurt, or simply keep food warm—all with this single unit. This versatility means you can sear meat directly in the pot, then add liquids and switch to pressure cooking without dirtying another pan.
One of it’s biggest advantages is time. The pressure cooking function can cook meals up to 70% faster than traditional slow cooking methods. A pot roast that usually takes hours can be ready in under an hour. The 13 one-touch smart programs take the guesswork out of cooking different dishes, whether you’re making soup, chili, or even a cake. The companion app, with over 800 recipes, provides endless inspiration for weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Safety and ease of use are central to its design. It incorporates over 10 built-in safety mechanisms, including overheat protection and a lid lock, so you can cook with confidence. The easy-release steam switch allows for quick, safe pressure release when your meal is done. Cleanup is straightforward, too. The stainless steel inner pot and the lid are both dishwasher-safe, making post-dinner chores much quicker. The 8-quart capacity is ideal for families or anyone who likes to meal prep.
Instant Pot 4QT RIO Mini 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker, Pressure Cooker, Slow cook, Sauté, Steam, Rice Maker, Yogurt, & Warmer, Black, 4 Quarts
The Instant Pot 4QT RIO Mini 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker is a compact kitchen powerhouse designed for smaller households. If you’re a student, live alone, or have a small family, this 4-quart appliance is built to fit your life. It’s size is deceptively small, offering the same cooking surface as an 8-inch pan, so it won’t dominate your countertop but still makes perfect portions for up to four servings.
Despite it’s mini footprint, it packs a serious punch with 800 watts of power.
This single device consolidates seven essential cooking functions. You can pressure cook meals up to 70% faster than traditional slow cooking. It slow cooks soups and stews, sautés vegetables or meat directly in the pot, steams seafood and veggies, cooks rice, makes homemade yogurt, and keeps your food warm until you’re ready to eat.
That means you can brown your ingredients and then switch to pressure or slow cooking without using another pan, which simplifies everything.
Usability is a key focus. The progress indicator lets you monitor your cooking status at a glance. An anti-spin design keeps the inner pot steady for safe, effortless stirring when you’re using the sauté function. The modern Rosewater finish adds a cheerful splash of color to your kitchen decor.
Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker, Pressure Cooker, Slow Cook, Rice Maker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quarts
The Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker is designed to be a central, time-saving appliance in your kitchen. It consolidates nine essential cooking functions into a single, streamlined unit. This means you can pressure cook a weeknight chili, slow cook a Sunday roast, sauté vegetables, make perfect rice, steam fish, create homemade yogurt, sterilize baby gear, and keep food warm—all without needing to pull out multiple pots and appliances.
It’s a significant step toward decluttering your countertop and simplifying your cooking routine. Its operation is built around ease and clarity. The front panel features an easy-to-read display with dedicated indicators for time, temperature, and pressure, giving you real-time updates on your cook. Fifteen one-touch smart programs handle the guesswork for common dishes like soup, cake, or eggs, while still offering full manual control for when you want to customize.
The detachable power cord is a thoughtful touch that makes storage much simpler when your not using it daily. Safety and durability are foundational to its design. The unit incorporates over ten built-in safety mechanisms, including overheat protection and a lid lock, for genuine peace of mind. The Easy-Steam release switch allows for fast, safe steam venting. At the heart of it is a professional-grade, 18/8 stainless steel cooking pot.
CARORI 1200W 12-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker 8Qt, Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker, Slow Cook Rice Cooker Steamer Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer with Recipe, Safer Venting Design, Black
The CARORI 1200W 12-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker 8Qt is designed to be a central, simplifying appliance in your kitchen. Think of it as your main cooking pot that handles jobs you’d normally need several gadgets for. It pressure cooks, slow cooks, steams, sautés, makes yogurt, and even works as a food warmer. This 12-in-1 versatility means you can clear cabinet space and streamline your routine, using just one pot for a huge range of meals.
With 1200 watts of power and the ability to reach up to 70 kPa of pressure, this cooker significantly cuts down cooking time. It can prepare foods up to 70% faster than conventional methods, which is a major benefit for busy weeknights. The high pressure also helps lock in flavors and nutrients, so your quick meals don’t sacrifice taste or health. You get 14 one-touch smart programs for things like ribs, soup, rice, beans, and yogurt, making the process straightforward—just select and start.
Safety is a core focus here, with over 16 built-in features to give you confidence. It includes a safer venting design, a lid lock, overheat protection, and a leak-proof system. These features address common concerns about pressure cooking, allowing you to use it without worry. The inner pot is also crafted from a premium ceramic material.
CAREY DPC-9SS Smart Electric Pressure Cooker and Canner, Stainless Steel, 9.5 Qt
The CAREY DPC-9SS Smart Electric Pressure Cooker and Canner, Stainless Steel, 9.5 Qt, is a versatile kitchen appliance designed to handle a wide range of tasks. Its core purpose is to simplify both everyday cooking and the process of home food preservation, all within a single, sturdy stainless steel unit. This model is truly multi-functional.
It’s built for pressure canning, which is a significant feature for anyone interested in putting up their own garden harvests, jams, pickles, and salsas safely. Beyond that, it also functions as a full-featured pressure cooker for speeding up meals, a steamer for vegetables and fish, and a slow cooker for hands-off simmering. This versatility means it can replace several other appliances on your counter, saving you space and money. You’ll appriciate the thoughtful digital interface.
The display includes a clear timer and several preset programs. These presets help take the guesswork out of different cooking and canning processes, aiming for consistent results each time you use it. For canning specifically, the inclusion of both standard and high altitude limiting valves (for 10 PSI and 15 PSI) is crucial. It ensures you can achieve and maintain the correct pressure for safe food preservation, no matter where you live. Safety is clearly a priority with this cooker.
Fullwill Electric Pressure Cooker Lite, Slow Cooker, Rice, Sauté, Warmer, Olla de Presion Nonstick Pot 3 Quarts
The Fullwill Electric Pressure Cooker Lite is a compact, all-in-one kitchen appliance designed to make cooking simpler and more efficient, especially for smaller households. With its 3-quart capacity, it’s the perfect size for one or two people, or for making side dishes in a larger family. This size means you can prepare meals without a lot of leftovers, helping to reduce food waste.
It also takes up much less space on your counter or in your cabinets compared to standard 6 or 8-quart models, which is a big plus for kitchens with limited room.
This cooker truly consolidates your gadgets by offering seven key functions in a single unit. You can use it as a pressure cooker to speed up cooking times dramatically, or as a slow cooker for those recipes that benefit from long, gentle heat.
The sauté function lets you brown meat or soften onions right in the pot before pressure or slow cooking, building flavor in one container. It also has dedicated settings for cooking rice, making stew, and even keeping your meal warm after it’s done. It’s designed to replace several seperate appliances, saving you both money and storage space.
Cleanup is often the least enjoyable part of cooking, and Fullwill addresses this with its ceramic non-stick inner pot.
Midea 12-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 8 Quarts, 12 Presets, Multi-Functional Programmable Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté Pan, Yogurt Maker, and More, Stainless Steel
The Midea 12-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is designed to be a central, versatile appliance in your kitchen. It consolidates the functions of many single-use gadgets into one reliable unit, helping you declutter your counter space. With its 8-quart capacity, it’s built to handle meal prep for larger families or for making substantial batches for leftovers.
At its core, this is a true multi-cooker.
The 12-in-1 functionality means it can pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, and even make yogurt. You can prepare a wide variety of dishes, from hearty soups and stews to perfect rice and tender steamed vegetables, all in the same pot. This versatility makes it a practical choice for everyday cooking, simplifying the process from start to finish.
Cooking with it is straightforward, thanks to the 12 preset smart cooking programs.
These one-touch modes take the guesswork out of preparing different foods, which is great for anyone still learning their way around the kitchen. The large digital display and simple controls help you set it and focus on other tasks. And a key benefit is speed; pressure cooking can be significantly faster than conventional methods, saving you valuable time on busy evenings.
Safety is a major focus with the integrated REALSAFE SYSTEM.
Simple Deluxe 16-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 8QT Stainless Steel & Non-Stick Multi Cooker for Slow Cook, Meat Stew, Cake, Porridge, Multigrain, Dishwasher Safe, Silver
The Simple Deluxe 16-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 8QT is designed to be a central, reliable appliance in your kitchen. It combines the speed of pressure cooking with the versatility of a multi-cooker, all built into a family-sized 8-quart capacity. This means it can handle large batches for meal prep, gatherings, or simply feeding a hungry family without needing multiple pots and pans.
Its core construction uses high-quality stainless steel, giving it a sleek, modern look that’s also built to resist everyday wear. This durability means it’s an appliance you can count on for years of regular use. The real workhorse inside is the non-stick inner pot. It makes cooking and, more importantly, cleaning much simpler. Food releases easily, and when you’re done, both the pot and lid are dishwasher-safe.
Just pop them in for a truly hassle-free cleanup, saving you time and effort after the meal is over. The “16-in-1” name isn’t an exaggeration. This unit goes far beyond just pressure cooking. It functions as a slow cooker for tender stews, a steamer for vegetables, a sauté pan for browning meats, and even a dedicated setting for rice, porridge, or cake. It effectively replaces several single-use appliances.
Electric Pressure Cooker 6 Qt, 9 Functions Programmable Instant Pot with IMD Touchscreen, Rice Cook, Slow Cook, Steam, Sauté, Warm, 16+ Safety Features, 1000W Silver
The Electric Pressure Cooker 6 Qt 9-Function Programmable Instant Pot is designed to simplify your time in the kitchen. It consolidates nine different appliances into a single, countertop-friendly unit. This means you can use it as a pressure cooker, a slow cooker, a rice maker, a steamer, and even for sautéing ingredients.
It’s built to handle a wide variety of cooking tasks without requiring multiple pots and gadgets cluttering your shelves.
At the heart of the device is an intuitive IMD touchscreen panel. This interface provides twelve one-touch presets for common dishes, making it straightforward to begin cooking with minimal setup. You can also adjust settings manually for more control. The 24-hour delay start function adds flexibility, allowing you to plan meals in advance.
You can load the pot in the morning and have it start cooking so a fresh meal is ready exactly when you need it.
With a 1000-watt heating system, this cooker works significantly faster than traditional stovetop methods, potentially reducing cooking time by up to seventy percent. The sealed pressure cooking environment is efficient at retaining the vitamins and minerals in your food, which can be lost through other methods.
Cooks Essentials Electric Pressure Cooker Buying Guide
An electric pressure cooker is a real time-saver for busy kitchens. It cooks food fast using steam and pressure, making everything from tough cuts of meat to weeknight rice much quicker. The Cooks Essentials electric pressure cooker is one popular model that packs a lot of handy features into a single pot. Here’s what to look for when you’re considering one.
Capacity and Size
Think about how many people you usually cook for. A 6-quart model is teh most versatile for families of four, but if you often batch cook or have a bigger household, an 8-quart might be better. Just remember, a larger cooker takes up more counter space, so check your kitchen real estate first.
Control Panel and Presets
Some cookers have simple manual buttons, while others offer digital screens with one-touch programs for things like soup, beans, or yogurt. Presets are super convenient, but a manual model gives you more control if you like to tweak settings. Choose based on whether you prefer simplicity or specific, automated functions.
Safety Features
This is non-negotiable. A good pressure cooker must have multiple safety locks, a pressure release valve, and an automatic shut-off. These features prevent the lid from opening under pressure and manage excess steam safely. Always check that these mechanisms are robust and well-reviewed.
Ease of Cleaning
You’ll use it more if it’s easy to clean. A removable inner pot that’s dishwasher-safe is a huge plus. Check if the lid’s sealing ring can be taken out for washing, as it can trap odors over time. Stainless steel pots generally clean up easier than non-stick, though non-stick can be handy for rice.
Additional Functions
Many models, including some from Cooks Essentials, are multi-cookers. They might also saute, slow cook, steam, or make yogurt. Consider if you’d use these extra jobs. If you already have a slow cooker, a pressure cooker that also slow cooks could free up a cabinet by replacing two appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooks Essentials Electric Pressure Cooker
What can I actually cook in it?
You can cook a huge variety of meals. It’s fantastic for tough cuts of meat that become tender, like pot roast. It cooks dried beans and chickpeas quickly from scratch. You can make soups, stews, rice, yogurt, and even hard-boiled eggs. It’s a very versatile kitchen tool.
Is it safe to use?
Yes, modern electric pressure cookers like this one have many safety features. They have locking lids and pressure release valves. The cooker won’t let you open it until teh pressure is safely reduced. It’s much safer than old stovetop models.
How is it different from an Instant Pot?
Cooks Essentials is a brand that makes electric pressure cookers, similar to the popular Instant Pot brand. They function in much the same way. The main differences often come down to specific features, button layouts, and sometimes price. It’s a good alternative to consider.
Does it take a long time to learn?
Not at all. There’s a bit of a learning curve for timing, but it’s simple. You just choose a setting, set the time, and it starts. The manual has helpful cooking charts. Most people feel comfortable after just a few tries.
What’s the benefit over a slow cooker?
Speed is the biggest advantage. A pressure cooker can cook meals in a fraction of the time. A dish that takes 8 hours in a slow cooker might be done in 45 minutes. It also does a better job at infusing flavors quickly.
How do I clean it?
Cleaning is straightforward. The inner pot is removable and is usually dishwasher safe. The lid seals and valves need to be washed by hand. Just make sure to clean the sealing ring regularly to prevent odors from sticking around.
Can I use it for canning?
No, you should not use this electric pressure cooker for home canning. It is not designed or tested for that purpose. Canning requires a specific type of pressure canner that reaches and maintains precise pressures for food safety.
What size should I get?
For most families of 2 to 4 people, a 6-quart model is perfect. It’s the most common and versatile size. If you often cook for larger groups or like to make big batches for leftovers, an 8-quart might be a better fit for you.
One Last Look
So, is an electric pressure cooker right for your kitchen? It really comes down to how you like to cook. If you want to get meals on the table faster, it’s a fantastic helper. It simplifies busy weeknights. You can make a lot of food with very little fuss. It’s also great for things like beans and tough cuts of meat that usually take hours. The cleanup is often easier than using multiple pots and pans, too.
When you’re ready to choose one, think about what size you need and which features matter most to you. A model like the cooks essentials electric pressure cooker offers a good balance of simplicity and function. Just read the manual when you get it, and start with a simple recipe. You’ll quickly see how it fits into your routine. It’s a handy tool that can make cooking feel a bit more manageable on those hectic days, and that’s a win for anyone.