









Last update on 2025-02-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

There are lots of Nesco pressure cooker reviews on the internet, but I’ll assure you this one is special. Today’s article will cover the topic from the basics, giving you the possibility to choose what is best for yourself.
I’ll tell you about what a pressure cooker is and how it works, how to use them correctly and what types are out there. In the last section, we’ll go through some technical details before entering the product review. To close the article, I’ll do an electric pressure cooker comparison to see what’s best. Wasn’t this one of those nesco pressure cooker reviews? Not really. We’re much more than that.
But are these pressure cookers like the ones that my grandmother used to have? Yes, but now they also run with electricity. And there are many more types with lots of new features. They’ll ease your life so much, so we better get started.
What is a Pressure Cooker and How Does it Work?
Your friend told you about his new awesome acquisition, he got the best affordable pressure cooker. His life is now sensational, living to the fullest. Maybe not so much, but got better for sure. Or maybe you’ve seen one of those digital pressure cooker reviews that your grandmother posted on social media. You just can’t forget those sensational images. What about them you may say, what are their special powers? What have they done to my mind?
Well, this is a (not) magic pot that simply exploits the power of steam. You’ll pour some water in a recipient and raise the temperature as much as you need. While the pot goes heating up, steam will be released and controlled with a valve inside the vessel.
All of this steam inside our pot will increasingly raise the pressure. This will help to cook the everyday meals, but faster. High pressure is our magic spell. The boiling point of water (212ºF) will be increased up to 40 degrees. This is thanks to the trapped steam, the high-pressure spell.
This results in a temperature much higher than conventional cooking. Actually, pressure cookers can speed up the cooking time up to 70%. For someone in a rush this is in fact the definition of efficiency. Additionally, it’s surely the most outstanding feature of pressure cookers.
How to Use a Pressure Cooker
First of all you should try out your new kitchen appliance with the water tests. If you are getting to know your pressure cooker, it will help you get familiarized with it. So this consists of adding some cups of water in the inner pot. Lock the lid, and use short cooking adjustments. Or maybe even start getting to know the manual configurations. Overall, make sure it is correctly sealed and enjoy the show.
After this you will have a much better intuition about how it really works. Automatic settings tend to be incredibly precise, so I wholeheartedly recommend you to use them. But if you want to do it yourself, bear in mind that the times are much faster than cooking in traditional boiling water. It shouldn’t take long to befriend it.
Pressure Cooker Types
As I’ve already said, there are several types of pressure cookers. The first pressure cookers come from centuries ago, so we can find different generations of this kitchen appliance. The most common ones nowadays are the following:
Electric pressure cookers
These are the most sold, actually positioned in the top 10 of the Kitchen & Cooking appliance category. An electrical heat source in the base regulates temperature in order to control the pressure inside the vessel. The valve configuration helps to regulate the amount of pressure, and can be configured along with a timer. They also have pressure sensors with release systems that make them automatically safe.
Aluminum pressure cookers
The last are the old-type pressure cookers. They hold both pros and cons, as will the latter. The aluminium pressure cooker is very lightweight and cost-effective. Some can control the pressure and others are one setting only. They use traditional heat sources, and can’t be used on induction cooktops. Aluminium is an excellent heat conductor, so this provides a very even heating.
Stainless steel pressure cookers
The stainless steel pressure cookers are prone to higher costs than aluminium ones. This is due to the excellent durability that they have. They withstand very high temperatures and don’t warp. It’s also very difficult to see them worn out, at least in the short term. They also use traditional heat sources, and they are compatible with induction cooktops. In the last part of this article, we’ll see some stainless steel electric pressure cooker reviews.
Things to consider before buying a pressure cooker:
So that was the foundation of the topic. Maybe you’ve read other digital pressure cooker reviews and you already knew all of that. But now I’ll tell you some of the juicy details of the pressure cooker. These things might be a bit technical, but I’ll promise that you’ll be rewarded for it… When buying… later, and by yourself.
Pressure Regulator
This is their gold-feature. It’s a basic, rather small gadget that indicates the amount of pressure. It also enables the control of it, to provide a personalized setting. When buying, search for maximum 15 psi, that is the standard. Most of the pressure cookers can be configured between 11 to 15 psi. Even so, always try to stay lower than the standard, to ensure fast cooking times.
Weighted Valve
It’s placed on the top of the lid, upside the vent pipe. The weighted valve helps the excessive amount of steam to escape from within through the vent pipe. The rocking movement of the valve will indicate the beginning of the cooking time.
Modified Weighted Valve
The best affordable pressure cooker reviews tend to highlight its presence. This piece is directly connected to the cooker and releases steam in order to maintain the 15 psi. The cooking bell is the first steam burst.
Spring Valve
The counterpart of the modified weighted valve. Tends to be present in the more expensive pressure cookers. Controllable valve can set it to 5, 10 or 15 psi. There is no cooking bell in this one, so you should be quite attentive to your food.
Pressure Release
There are two main pressure release methods: the instant pressure release or the natural one. The first one is done manually, changing the release handle to venting position. When the cooker is depressurized, the float valve will drop. Afterwards, you’ll be able to open the lid. The second one will automatically release the steam when the food is prêt-à-servir. Even if you don’t have to do anything, the system is much slower.
Cover Interlock Mechanism
This feature is vastly important. It won’t allow pressure to build up until the cover is locked and sealed. Furthermore, it will also lock it until the amount of pressure is safe enough to open again.
Material
The aforesaid materials are the predominant within the pressure cookers market. Most pieces out there are from aluminium or stainless steel. The choice is yours, but I would always recommend stainless steel pots. Despite them being a bit more expensive, they are prone to last much longer.
Handles
The tendency is to have 3 handles. I would even say you shouldn’t buy anything with less than that. The cover and the body handles match for a firm grip, and the helper handle will allow you to manipulate the pot safely. Safety and comfort features are always important when buying appliances that you might use daily.
Warranty
Most renowned companies will offer at least a warranty of 10 years. This is important as it will help you to solve any possible drawback. Good companies care for their customers.
Top 3 Nesco Pressure Cooker Reviews
So I’ll go over some of the most sold products in this pressure cooker world. We’ll do a nesco pressure cooker reviews, as in my view they’re the best choice. Even so, you’ll read about other brands. And yes, stainless steel electric pressure cooker reviews are included. You’ll decide your best option because now you know how they work and more.
1.NESCO American Harvest RA42445, 11-quart
Last update on 2025-02-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This pressure cooker will probably modify your cooking habits. Beautiful design, a matte silver with black interface. It has an 11 liter capacity, where you’ll be able to cook for a big family meeting. There’s also the 8 liter option that will still fulfill most needs. It’s very common to read about it in electric pressure cooker reviews as it’s one of the best pieces available. The product includes a measuring cup, spoon and condensation drip cup. You also have several settings that will make cooking look easy. These settings include options such as the ‘Keep warm’, the ‘Slow Cook’ or the ‘Saute/Brown’. It includes the pressure excess control sensors, so it’s as safe as they come.
Pros:
- Versatile
- Silent cooking
- Easy to clean
- 10 and 15 psi (Low/High Pressure settings)
Cons:
- Might be too big for a couple
- Small handles
2. NESCO Smart Pressure Cooker NPC-9, 9.5-quart
Last update on 2025-02-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
One of Nesco’s classic. This electric pressure cooker has the standard of 9.5 quarts capacity. Done in aluminium, it’s lightweight enough for a toddler. Includes a multi-functional digital display that works with a timer. It’s the best choice for pressure canning. Bears several built-in safety features, and ‘Low/High Pressure’ settings. Another of the most seen in electric pressure cooker reviews.
Pros:
- Highly configurable
- Cost-effective
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Not the most aesthetic display
- Nor colors
3. NESCO American Harvest PC6-13, 6-quart
Last update on 2025-02-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This one is the little sister of them all. A 6-quart capacity, it’s ideal for cooking for 5-7 family members or friends. Enjoy your meals with guests, even if you are not the best cook. Also it’s one that received much attention in nesco pressure cooker reviews. With the pressure cooker everyone is now capable of cooking great plates. It’s really easy. Besides, as it’s multi-functional you’ll be able to choose from a wide variety of options. Pressure cooking, sauteing, slow cooking, steaming or rice cooking? There’re a lot of options.
Pros:
- Slow cook for almost 10 hours
- Cooking times reduced up to 70%
- All of the safety features
Cons:
- Not that big as the previous ones
- Uncomfortable handling
4. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-one Electric Pressure Cooker, 3-quart
Last update on 2025-02-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another market star. I’ve included the 3-quart version to provide you different sizes, but there are also 6 and 8 qt options. With this stainless steel do-it-all, you’ll have 11 one-touch programs to cook. It’s small and the best pick for couples without children. You’ll have a pressure cooker, a slow cooker, a rice cooker, a steamer, a saute, a yogurt maker and a warmer in one piece.
Pros:
- Monitors pressure
- Adjusts heating intensity
- Resistant material
Cons:
- Might be still too small for big families
- No handles
5. Ninja OS301 Foodi 10-in1, 6.5-quart
Last update on 2025-02-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
An option similar to the previous one, but a little more extreme. So this is a 10 appliance in one, just imagine. There are several sizes and capacities to choose from, but I recommend this one as it has standard measures. Black and a stainless steel finish. The pots and plates are dishwashers are both dishwashers safe and non-stick.
Pros:
- Great design
- Accessories included
- (Very) Versatile
Cons:
- Jack of all trades, master of none.
- Not very easy to use
Final Thoughts
We’ve wandered through all pressure cooker lands. I’ve written about the foundations of the topic, what they are and how they are used. I’ve also written about the most common types: electric, stainless steel and aluminium. To complement all of this, we’ve seen several technicalities that I consider fundamental for the buying process. These were the pressure regulator, the pressure release and the cover interlock mechanism. Furthermore the materials, the handles and the warranty are important.
In the top product pick part we’ve done a small electric pressure cooker comparison. We’ve seen the famous Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes Free App with over 1900 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 3 Quart and the Ninja OS301 Foodi 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer with Nesting Broil Rack, 6.5 Quart, Stainless Steel. These both have several shared features, as it is their multi-functionality. They both come in several sizes so you should pick following your needs.
For a Nesco pressure cooker reviews, I’d say that the NESCO PC6-13 Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart, Silver/Black is the best for couples and small families. The NESCO NPC-9 Smart Electric Pressure Cooker and Canner, 9.5 Quart, Stainless Steel is excellent for most people. But the NESCO RA42445 11-Quart Pressure Cooker, 11 Liter, Black is definitely my favorite one. Sleek and elegant design, bears the capacity to cook for an entire town. It’s silent while cooking and builds up steam very fast. Although it has multiple complex settings it’s very easy to use. So what are you waiting for?