Our Guide To The Most Affordable Pressure Cookers On The Market

Can you buy a pressure cooker without breaking the bank? Absolutely. We’re going to show you how to buy the best rated pressure cooker at a price you can afford. There are great models in the lower price ranges that will still help you cook delectable foods.

Presto 01264 6-Quart Aluminum Pressure Cooker	Our favorite for 2020
Presto 01362 6-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker	A very close runner-up
Tayama TMC-60XL 6 quart 8-in-1 Multi-Function Pressure Cooker	An affordable and programable option

Pressure cooking is a sustainable way to cook, and it allows you to cook food 70% faster without losing taste in the process.

And when you cook with a pressure cooker, you’ll also be cooking in a much more energy-friendly manner that helps the environment, too.

We’re going to discuss a few of the top pressure cookers on the market in 2020, but before we do, it’s important to know how to compare these pressure cookers:

• Aluminum vs Stainless Steel: There are aluminum and stainless steel models, and it gets confusing on which to pick. Aluminum is a great conductor of heat, while stainless steel doesn’t disperse or conduct heat with the same efficiency as aluminum. But, the stainless steel models with triclad or special bottoms conduct heat well and are more durable, too.
• Oven Requirements: There are requirements for the type of oven that a pressure cooker can be used on safely. You’ll find that most models don’t work well with induction ovens, so this is something to keep in mind when making your decision on which pressure cooker to buy.
• Pressure Indicator: A pressure indicator ensures that a pressure cooker’s internal pressure levels are easily monitored. These indicators are also used to keep lids on tight if the pressure is so high it poses a risk of injury if removed.

Reviews of the Best, Cheap Pressure Cookers

Presto 01264 6-Quart – The Presto 01264 is a 6-quart pressure cooker that is ideal for cooking your favorite foods fast: fish, chicken, veggies and other forms of meat. A strong gauge aluminum is used in the cooker’s construction to ensure durability and longevity while promoting even heating.

Designed for smooth-top and regular stoves, this model has a pressure regulator designed to monitor the internal pressure rating.

The cover lock also shows if the interior of the cooker is pressurized helping keep users safe. And the unit’s cover won’t release until the pressure level is at a safe level. A special rack is included that allows you to cook several foods at one time.

Presto 01362 6-Quart – The 01362 is very similar in design to the previous model on our list, but this model features a beautiful stainless steel design. A pressure regulator is built into the cooker to help users monitor pressure while the lid only opens when pressure levels are safely reduced.

A 64-page recipe book helps users get started cooking faster, and the unit features dishwasher safe parts for fast cleanup.

The 12-year warranty allows the pressure cooker to be a lifelong investment with confidence.  A sealing ring ensures pressure stays inside of the pressure cooker allowing for rapid temperature increases to begin cooking your favorite foods as soon as you put the unit on your regular or stove-top oven.

Tamaya TMC-60XL – The Tamaya TMC is a 6-quart, non stick pressure cooker featuring an electric function. Healthier, flavorful foods are cooked evenly in the Tamaya thanks to the internal pressure sensors, and flavor infusion technology traps liquid and moisture into the food.

Tender and delicious, you can cook everything from meats and veggies to rice inside of this steamer.

A safe lock lid is present that won’t open under pressure. The unit’s display allows for touch operation with an easy method to switch between the TMC-60XL’s  8-in-1 features: pressure cooker, canner, warmer, rice cooker, steamer and more.

This is a great cooker for new cooks that need a little more features to get started pressure cooking faster.

Prestige Deluxe 3-Liter – The Prestige Deluxe is a high-end model at a cheap price with a small capacity. This model can hold just 3 liters, and it comes with a flat induction base to provide optimal heat distribution along the base of the cooker.

Comfortable handles and a controlled GRS are accompanied by a pressure indicator for maximum control over your cooking.

Aluminum, this pressure cooker weighs just 3 pounds and offers an automatic locking system to keep forgetful cooks from potential injuries when using their pressure cooker. Not dishwasher safe, this cooker is a great travel option thanks to its small design an cheap price.

This is a great pressure cooker for smaller families.

T-fal P25107 – T-fal offers a 6.3-quart pressure cooker that comes designed with stainless steel and is PTFE- and PFOA-free. This model is also cadmium-free to ensure no harmful chemicals leach into your food.

A variable pressure valve allows you to refine your cooking between 10 and 15 PSI.

Designed to be suitable for all surfaces, this is one of the rare pressure cookers that can be used on an induction cooktop. A built-in steam release valve allows you to safely remove steam while the lid locks tight during cooking.

Two stay-cool handles are featured that allow for easy lid and base removal.

Easy and safe to use, this is a great pressure cooker for large families.

Buyer’s Guide –  How To Choose The Right Budget Pressure Cooker For You

You’ve finally made the leap and want to try this exciting way of cooking, but you’re stuck. There’s a lot of different makes and models to pick among, and you want to make sure you get the most bang for your buck.

How can you make sure you’ve made a smart investment?

A few tips that I recommend are considering:

• Size: The size of the pressure cooker becomes vital when cooking for a lot of people. If you’re a cook for the entire household, you may need a larger pressure cooker that can accommodate large amounts of food.
• Type: There are electric and stove-top pressure cookers, and the right one for you depends on your needs. The electric models are a bit more expensive, but they also come with an abundance of features, such as LCD displays, timers and programs to help speed up your cooking.
• Multi-function: If you lack counter space or just moved into your first home, you’ll know the hardship of trying to purchase a plethora of appliances to help you be a better cook. Electric models often include multi-function options that allow the pressure cooker to act as a steamer, canner, rice cooker and so much more.
• Safety: Pressurized cooking poses a serious safety risk, but a lot of manufacturers now offer safety options built-in to ensure cooks don’t get hurt when cooking. Pressure indicators and pressure locking lids are two of the main safety mechanisms that you need to look for in a pressure cooker.

If you use the recommendations above, I am sure you’ll find the right pressure cooker for you.