The Best Electric Pressure Cookers

Size matters more than it seems. Expert advice is that large cookers can struggle with small amounts and overcook or boil dry, so a compact model suits one or two people.

• 3 quarts: side dishes and small households. The Instant Pot Duo Mini is about 11 inches across and fits in almost any cabinet.
• 6 to 6.5 quarts: the middle option. The Ninja's 6.5-quart pot fits a 4-lb chicken or 5-lb roast, per its listing.
• 8 quarts and up: better for groups or meal prep, but expect to give up serious storage room. One 8-quart model in a review weighed nearly 20 pounds before any food went in.

• A lid that seals easily. Experts call the lid the most important part of a pressure cooker, so check how simply it locks.
• Steam release options. Electric cookers should ideally offer quick, pulse and natural release. The Breville and CHEF iQ pick one for you automatically.
• Presets that match how you cook. Electric models suit people who like programs and presets. Too many settings can overwhelm a beginner, and the top-end models may not be worth the price for casual cooks.
• Electric or stovetop? Stovetop cookers can get much hotter and sear better, while electric ones are the easier, more versatile choice. If you plan to can, the sources point to a stovetop canner.

Most of our picks have a dishwasher-safe lid. The Breville's lid is removable and its ceramic-coated bowl doubles as a serving dish. The Duo Mini's lid and stainless pot both go in the dishwasher, and the Cosori's lid and accessories do as well. Expert advice is to replace the silicone ring on an electric model about every two years, because it can wear and stop sealing airtight. Many electric cookers also double as yogurt makers and rice cookers, which adds to their value.