Top-Rated Electric Pressure Cookers for Beginner Cooks

Electric pressure cookers are an excellent choice for beginners in the kitchen, offering a wide array of cooking functions, ease of use, and the ability to cook meals in a fraction of the time it would normally take. If you're just starting your cooking journey and want an appliance that is simple yet versatile, an electric pressure cooker could become your new best friend.

In this guide, we'll explore the top-rated electric pressure cookers for beginner cooks. Whether you're a total novice or someone looking to streamline your cooking, these models offer user-friendly features, excellent value for money, and a smooth transition into the world of pressure cooking.

Why Choose an Electric Pressure Cooker as a Beginner?

If you're new to cooking, the idea of using a pressure cooker might seem intimidating. However, electric pressure cookers are designed to be safe, easy to use, and incredibly helpful for those with little experience in the kitchen. Here's why they are ideal for beginners:

1. User-Friendly Interface

Electric pressure cookers are designed with simple controls and preset programs, so even if you're unfamiliar with cooking, you can still make delicious meals without fuss. The easy-to-navigate panels take the guesswork out of cooking.

2. Faster Cooking

One of the biggest advantages of electric pressure cookers is the speed. Cooking times are drastically reduced, allowing you to prepare meals in 30 minutes to an hour instead of hours. This is perfect for beginners who might struggle with long cooking times or complex recipes.

3. Safety Features

Modern electric pressure cookers come equipped with multiple safety features, including lid locks, pressure release valves, and automatic shut-offs. These features ensure that your cooking experience is safe and hassle-free, which is especially important when you're just starting out.

4. Multifunctionality

An electric pressure cooker can do much more than just pressure cook. Most models also include slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, rice cooking, and even making yogurt. This versatility allows you to experiment with a variety of recipes and cooking techniques, giving you more options as you build your skills.

Top Electric Pressure Cookers for Beginner Cooks

1. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

The Instant Pot Duo is a top choice for anyone new to cooking. Instant Pot has gained a reputation for being reliable, easy to use, and efficient, and the Duo model is no exception. It offers a range of cooking functions that will help you create a variety of dishes, from soups to stews to rice.

Key Features:

• 7-in-1 Functionality: Includes pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, yogurt making, sautéing, steaming, and keeping food warm.
• Preset Cooking Programs: Pre-programmed settings for easy meal preparation, ensuring even beginners can make complex meals with just a few button presses.
• Fast Cooking Times: Dishes that would normally take hours on the stovetop can be prepared in as little as 30 minutes.
• Safety Features: Equipped with overheat protection, safety lid locks, and a pressure release valve for secure cooking.

Why It's Great for Beginners:

The Instant Pot Duo is intuitive and forgiving for novice cooks, with preset programs that make it nearly foolproof. Its versatility also means you can grow into more advanced cooking techniques over time.

2. Crock-Pot Express 6-Quart Pressure Cooker

The Crock-Pot Express 6-quart pressure cooker is another excellent option for beginner cooks. Known for its reputation in slow cooking, Crock-Pot also brings the ease and convenience of electric pressure cooking to the table with this model.

Key Features:

• Pressure Cooking & Slow Cooking: Combines both methods in one appliance, allowing you to switch from quick pressure cooking to long, slow cooking based on your needs.
• One-Touch Cooking Programs: Offers preset cooking programs for dishes like rice, soup, stew, and more, making it easier for beginners to follow.
• Large Capacity: The 6-quart size is ideal for cooking meals for a small family or preparing leftovers.
• Easy Clean-Up: The removable non-stick pot is dishwasher safe, ensuring easy clean-up after cooking.

Why It's Great for Beginners:

The Crock-Pot Express is an easy-to-use and affordable option for those starting out in the kitchen. The simple control panel and one-touch buttons eliminate the need for complicated cooking techniques.

3. Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 Pressure Cooker & Air Fryer

The Ninja Foodi offers even more versatility for beginner cooks, combining pressure cooking, slow cooking, air frying, and several other cooking modes in one appliance. If you want to expand your culinary horizons beyond basic pressure cooking, this is an excellent option.

Key Features:

• 9-in-1 Functionality: Includes pressure cooking, slow cooking, air frying, baking, sautéing, steaming, roasting, and more.
• TenderCrisp Technology: After pressure cooking, you can crisp your food using the air fryer function, perfect for beginners who want to add a crispy finish to their dishes.
• Large Capacity: This model offers a large cooking pot, making it ideal for families or meal prepping.
• Easy to Use: Simple controls and preset cooking functions make it easy to start cooking, even for beginners.

Why It's Great for Beginners:

The Ninja Foodi is designed to be easy to use while still offering multiple cooking techniques. It's perfect for beginners who want to explore more advanced dishes without feeling overwhelmed.

4. GoWISE USA 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker

For those on a budget but still looking for a reliable and functional pressure cooker, the GoWISE USA 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker is a great choice. It offers multiple cooking functions and a simple interface that's ideal for novice cooks.

Key Features:

• 7-in-1 Functionality: Includes pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, rice cooking, yogurt making, and cake making.
• Preset Programs: Offers one-touch cooking options for various dishes, making it easy for beginners to cook without guesswork.
• Affordable Price: One of the more budget-friendly electric pressure cookers, offering great value for money.
• Safety Features: Equipped with overheat protection and a safety lock for added peace of mind.

Why It's Great for Beginners:

The GoWISE USA 7-in-1 is straightforward and simple to use, with preset programs that eliminate the need to adjust cooking times or settings. It's perfect for someone looking to start with basic dishes and gradually explore more advanced cooking options.

5. Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Programmable Pressure Cooker

The Hamilton Beach 6-quart programmable pressure cooker is a fantastic entry-level appliance for beginner cooks. It's easy to operate and allows you to cook meals quickly without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Key Features:

• Pressure Cooking & Slow Cooking: Offers both fast pressure cooking and slower, more traditional cooking options.
• Programmable Settings: Includes multiple preset programs for common dishes like beans, chicken, soup, and rice.
• Simple Control Panel: The easy-to-read digital display and one-touch cooking make it ideal for beginners.
• Affordable: Provides great value without compromising on quality or performance.

Why It's Great for Beginners:

The Hamilton Beach model is simple to use, and its affordability makes it a great starting point for anyone just getting into cooking. Its programmable settings allow beginners to cook complex meals without the stress.

Final Thoughts

For beginner cooks, the right electric pressure cooker can serve as an invaluable kitchen tool, helping you create a wide variety of delicious dishes with ease. Models like the Instant Pot Duo , Crock-Pot Express , and GoWISE USA 7-in-1 provide the versatility, simplicity, and safety features that make cooking easier and more enjoyable for novices. Whether you're looking to pressure cook, slow cook, or even air fry, these appliances will help you build confidence in the kitchen while producing great results in less time.