Best Manual Pressure Cookers of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 4, 2025

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Manual pressure cookers are a versatile kitchen tool that can help make cooking easier and faster. They work by trapping steam inside the pot, which increases the pressure and temperature, resulting in faster cooking times. These cookers are perfect for making soups, stews, and even rice. They come in a variety of sizes and materials, from stainless steel to aluminum, and can be used on gas or electric stovetops. The manual control allows for precise cooking times and pressure levels, making it easy to achieve perfect results every time. With their durability and efficiency, manual pressure cookers are a must-have for any home cook.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

NESCO 24 Quart Pressure Canner Cover #TOP 1
NESCO 24 Quart Pressure Canner
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Hawkins CXT50 Pressure Cooker Cover #TOP 2
Hawkins CXT50 Pressure Cooker
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Nesco 16.9 QT Pressure Canner Cover #TOP 3
Nesco 16.9 QT Pressure Canner
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 4 Manual Pressure Cookers

#TOP 1

NESCO 24 Quart Pressure Canner

MPC-24QT
Metallic
24 Quarts
NESCO 24 Quart Pressure Canner Cover
NESCO 24 Quart Manual Pressure Canner, Pressure Cooker, with pressure guage, locking lid, and removing canning rack

The NESCO Pressure Canner is a versatile kitchen appliance designed for both canning and cooking. Made from heavy-duty, rust-proof aluminum, it ensures durability and works seamlessly on various heat sources, including gas and electric stoves. The built-in pressure valve allows you to monitor cooking pressure accurately, giving you peace of mind. For added safety, the lid locks securely, preventing accidental openings while in use. With a reliable sealing ring, you can trust that your food will be preserved effectively, making this canner a great addition to your culinary toolkit.

What We Like
Durable aluminum construction
Accurate pressure monitoring
Secure locking lid
Reliable sealing performance

Hawkins CXT50 Pressure Cooker

CXT50
Black
5.3 Quarts
Hawkins CXT50 Pressure Cooker Cover
Hawkins CXT50 Contura Hard Anodized Induction Compatible Extra Thick Base Pressure Cooker, Black, 5L, 5 L

The Hawkins Pressure Cooker is a versatile and efficient kitchen appliance suitable for all domestic gas, electric, halogen, ceramic and induction cooktops. The Extra Thick base is a standout feature that heats quickly and retains heat well, making cooking fast and easy. The cooker's Permanently attached magnetic stainless steel plate ensures Induction Compatibility. The metallic rim of the cooker body provides additional safety, while the stainless steel lid keeps your food safe and secure. The unique body with rounded sides makes stirring and food removal easier, while offering better visibility. Included with the cooker are a manual, gasket, and vent weight.

What We Like
Efficient heating
Induction compatible
Safe metallic rim
#TOP 3

Nesco 16.9 QT Pressure Canner

MPC-16QT
Metallic
16.9 Quarts
Nesco 16.9 QT Pressure Canner Cover
NESCO 16.9 QT MANUAL PRESSURE CANNER, PRESSURE COOKER WITH PRESSURE GUAGE, LOCKING LID, AND REMOVABLE BLOCKAGE GUARD

The Nesco Pressure Canner is designed for versatility and safety in the kitchen. Its heavy-duty aluminum construction ensures durability and is suitable for various heat sources, including gas and electric stoves. You can use it both as a pressure canner and a pressure cooker, making it a great addition for preserving food or preparing meals quickly. The built-in pressure valve allows you to easily monitor the pressure, while the locking lid provides extra safety during cooking. With a reliable sealing ring, you can trust that your meals will be cooked thoroughly and efficiently.

What We Like
Durable aluminum construction
Versatile for canning and cooking
Built-in pressure monitoring
Locking lid for safety
#TOP 4

Zavor EZLock Stove Top Pressure Cooker 7 Quart

ZCWEZ03
Stainless Steel
7.4 Quarts
Zavor EZLock Stove Top Pressure Cooker 7 Quart Cover
Zavor EZLock Stove Top Pressure Cooker 7 Quart - Stainless Steel, Multi Pressure Levels, Easy Locking, Induction Ready, Digital Cookbook & Steamer Basket | Olla de Presion Acero Inoxidable

The Zavor EZLock Stove Top Pressure Cooker 7 Quart is a versatile and reliable pressure cooker that prepares food 3x faster than any other cooking tool. With pressure settings ranging from HIGH Pressure at 15 PSI to LOW Pressure at 10 PSI, it provides the flexibility to cook even the most delicate dishes. It features an easy and safe locking mechanism that makes it convenient to use. Additionally, it is built to last with high-quality stainless steel and compatible with all domestic stoves.

What We Like
Prepares food 3x faster than any other cooking tool
Features pressure settings ranging from HIGH Pressure at 15 PSI to LOW Pressure at 10 PSI
Easy and safe locking mechanism
Built to last with high-quality stainless steel
Compatible with all domestic stoves including gas, electric, ceramic, and induction
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does manual mean on a pressure cooker?

“Pressure Cook” or “Manual” Button: Depending on which Instant Pot model you own, the Pressure Cook button is sometimes labeled “Manual” and sometimes “Pressure Cook.” This is the button that you will press to start a pressure cooking cycle.

2. What is the difference between a pressure cooker and an instant cooker?

The biggest difference between a traditional pressure cooker and an Instant Pot is the level of PSI or pressure that can be reached. A traditional pressure cooker can reach a PSI of 15 on the stove top, while most Instant Pot models (except the most expensive Max model), can only reach a PSI of 12.

3. Why we should not use pressure cooker?

The bad news is, when starchy foods are pressure cooked, they form acrylamide, a harmful chemical that, when consumed on a regular basis may lead to health issues like cancer, infertility, and neurological disorders.

4. Which type pressure cooker is best?

Best Pressure Cooker. Butterfly Cordial Induction Base Aluminium Pressure Cooker.Prestige Nakshatra Plus Hard Anodised Inner Lid Aluminium Pressure Handi.Prestige Nakshatra Alpha Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker.Hawkins Futura Pressure Cooker with Induction Base.Butterfly Curve Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker.

Editor's Notes

During our manual pressure cooker research, we found 24 manual pressure cooker products and shortlisted 4 quality products. We collected and analyzed 83,688 customer reviews through our big data system to write the manual pressure cookers list. We found that most customers choose manual pressure cookers with an average price of $87.44.

The manual pressure cookers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of manual pressure cookers, including Nesco, HAWKINS, ZAVOR. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.