Spice It Up: The Best Pressure Cookers for Quick, Flavorful Curries at Home

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If you love spicy food, or can't stop but indulge in a rich curry at the closest Indian restaurant, you'll be pleased to know they're quick and easy to make at home — and don't require multiple hours. How is that possible? One appliance, the pressure cooker. There’s not an Indian household out there that does not own or use a pressure cooker as it delivers delicious tender meat curries in half the time a slow cooker would. Pressure cookers also help you cook in stages, which makes it a great recommendation for Indian cooking. If you’re ready to start making some easy curries at home, here are a few pressure cooker options that will help you get there.

How to pick a pressure cooker 2025
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Capacity: Options on this list range from 6-quart all the way to 22-quart, depending on how large your family is and how many people you’re cooking for. Note: while the links might point to 6-quart options, it is highlighted in each blurb whether a cooker is available in a larger size.

Dishwasher safe: If a pressure cooker is dishwasher safe we’ve highlighted it below. Even with dishwasher-safe options, you’ll want to make sure you don’t put the pressure plug or a sealing ring (if applicable) in your dishwasher.

Build: Stainless steel and aluminum are the two most common builds for pressure cookers. Stainless steel is generally more durable and offers even heat retention. It’s also safe on all cooking tops. That said, its durability usually makes it slightly pricier than aluminum options.

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Best Pressure Cookers 2025

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1) Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker : $99.99 (9% off)

‍Most households in India would use a traditional pressure cooker, according to my mom. But after she tried the Instant Pot Duo, she was sold on this electric pressure cooker. This easy-to-use appliance has multiple presets, making it easy to cook your meals at the touch of a button. Whether you’re making rice, yogurt, stews, or curries, this one gadget can handle it all. It cooks 70 percent faster than a traditional slow cooker, and its six-quart capacity means you’re getting hefty meals for the whole family — without having to compromise on portions. The inner pot which will hold your meals is also dishwasher safe, saving you the hassle of messy cleanup.

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2) Presto 01362 6-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker: $74.99 (32% off)

Available in two sizes 4 and 6-quart (though we suggest sizing up for more leftovers), this traditional pressure cooker works well on both stovetop and induction ranges. This option automatically regulates the pressure to make sure your meat stays tender, and its tri-clad base also ensures even heating, so you never have to worry about uneven cooking over time. Like most pressure cookers, the ergonomic handle also stays cool to the touch, and this stainless steel option is even dishwasher safe — just make sure not to put the sealing ring and pressure plug in the dishwasher.

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3) Barton 6Qt Pressure Canner: $43.95

‍Available in sizes up to 22 quarts, this hefty pressure cooker features a 4.6-star rating from nearly 5,000 Amazon shoppers. Its no-frills aluminum design is strong and smooth, delivering even heating for larger cuts of meat. The design also features silicone seals for better safety performance. The seal also makes sure your meat is moist and evenly cooked, no matter how thick or lean the cut is. Like other options on this list, Barton uses a built-in pressure valve that adjusts cooking pressure.

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4) Hawkins 6.5 Litre Contura Black Pressure Cooker: $45 (31% off)

‍With over 37,000 reviews, this is one of Amazon’s most popular picks. This option is ideal for singles or couples who want a smaller-sized, more compact pressure cooker. Sizes range from 1.5 quarts to 6.9 quarts, and a couple sizes are actually on sale right now for a limited time. The cooker itself has an aluminum build for faster heating. That said, the lid has a stainless steel build for added durability. There’s also a safety seal, though reviewers say to read the instruction manual fully before using this cooker — as many make a mistake when placing the lid on.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the healthiest for a pressure cooker?
Stainless steel is the best if you’re okay paying a slightly higher price point. Stainless steel is non-reactive to both acidic and salty food items, making it a better pick for your health.

What mistakes do people make when using a pressure cooker?
Some common mistakes include not installing the pressure valve correctly, failing to double-check that the lid is correctly on, or skipping reading the manual altogether. If you’ve never used a pressure cooker before, read the manual before you start cooking.

What should you use a pressure cooker for?
Like the title suggests, pressure cookers are great for making Indian curries, soups, and stews. You can also use it to cook pieces of meat for longer periods of time (think pulled pork).

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