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Finding the best pressure cooker under $50 is challenging, but we did the research and found the best in this price range. Despite the low price, you can expect robust features along with quality construction and fast cooking. It took some time, but we even managed to find an Instant Pot under $50 that fit right into your requirements.
These electric pressure cookers will stand up to your cooking demands and will deliver delicious food for you and the whole family. Plus, there are numerous cooking modes to switch from, so you can enjoy using an air fryer, slow cooker, and more all from one convenient appliance. If you’re looking to make ribs, then our ribs pressure cooker guide might have the right model for you.
Instant Pot Duo Nova – Best Electric Pressure Cooker
- Size: 6 Quart
- Materials: Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker
- Features: Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Yogurt Maker, Rice Cooker, Food Warmer, Steamer, Saute Pan
The best for beginners, this unit is large enough to cook for six people and easy enough to be your first multicooker. The Duo Nova line uses a microprocessor that adjusts temperature and pressure to ensure consistent and delicious cooking. Plus, pressure cooking is 70% faster than most other cooking methods.
The EasySeal lid tightly and automatically seals so you never have to worry about the lid coming off while cooking. The food-grade stainless steel cooking pot is durable and dishwasher safe. You’ll find the control panel is simple to use. Just push whichever cooking function you want, set the time, and you’re good to go. Curious about Instant Pot? We answered some of the top questions about this brand.
Instant Pot is recognized as one of the best brands around. If you’re looking to see how the others stack up, then read our article on Instant Pot vs Ninja Foodi vs Crock Pot. This is the best pressure cooker under $50 if you want many functions, simple cooking, and durable construction. We highly suggest this model as the best appliance overall.
Gourmia Multi-Mode SmartPot – Best Value Pressure Cooker
- Size: 6 Quart
- Materials: Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker
- Features: Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Soup, Meat, Poultry, Steamer, Saute, Dessert, Beans, Porridge, Rice, Food Warmer
The Gourmia pressure cooker easily stands toe-to-toe with Instant Pot with its wealth of features and fast cooking. While some of the features are similar (like meat and poultry), this still gives you many cooking methods and ways to prepare your favorite meals. Not only that, but the control panel is easy to use with simple push buttons. You can also sear with this unit if you know the right searing instructions.
This features 1000 watts of power and can cook food 70% faster with pressure cooking. You can rest assured that pressure cooking is safe with the safety lock, 12-level lid that stays closed while in use. Plus, the precision thermostat regulates cooking for perfect results. There’s also a delay timer that lets you program cooking up to 24 hours in advance.
If you’re looking for an Instant Pot alternative that costs less than $50, then the Gourmia is a great choice with delicious results.
GoWise Multifunction – Best Affordable Pressure Cooker
- Size: 6 Quarts
- Materials: Ceramic Copper Pot
- Features: Rice Cooker, Pressure Cooker, Rice, Multigrain, Meat/Stew, Poultry, Seafood, Veggies, Bean/Chili, Canning, Egg Maker, Yogurt, Steamer
This is one of the more affordable pressure cookers and also one of the best pressure cookers under $50. It has 12 different cooking methods to make your favorite recipes. On top of that, the copper exterior is unique and really draws attention to the appliance. However, silver is available if you want a more conventional color.
The ceramic-coated copper pot is PTFE and PFOA free and makes it simple to cook. You also get accessories like a stainless steel basket, spoon, measuring cup, stainless steel rack, and more. Despite being one of the more affordable units here, they are going the extra mile for their customers.
If you want a powerful pressure cooker with accessories, then the GoWise model might be exactly what you’re looking for.
OMORC Programmable Pressure Cooker
- Size: 6 Quarts
- Materials: Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker
- Features: Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Saute, Steamer, Food Warmer, Yogurt Maker, Sterilizer, Cake Maker, Egg Maker
With 17 cooking presets and 10 different cooking options, the OMORC pressure cooker solidifies its place among the top pressure cookers despite its low price. Plus, you can cook for a small family with the 6 quart cooking pot. This is all about ease and it does most of the work for you.
The large LCD control panel helps you monitor and adjust pressure and cooking methods, and you can program when to start and stop cooking. The stainless steel cooking pot is dishwasher safe and has no chemical coatings. It’s an easy appliance with lots of versatility.
For an affordable electric pressure cooker, this model has lots of options and works with any recipe.
Presto Electric Pressure Cooker
- Size: 6 Quart
- Material: Stainless Steel Cooking Pot
- Features: Pressure Cooker, Rice Cooker, Multigrain, Meat, Fish, Poultry, Veggies, Beans, Soup/Stew
Here’s a basic unit that’s simple to use and has all the features you need. The high-speed pressure cooker finishes food in 70% less time, and most of the cooking is done automatically. It’s as “set it and forget it” as you can get.
The control panel has push buttons to switch between different cooking methods, and you can switch between high pressure and low pressure cooking. Whether you’re looking to cook lunch, dinner, dessert, or any other recipe, the Presto is there for you.
While it might be a little basic, it’s affordable and reliable without sacrificing performance. Give it a try and you’ll see why it’s such a popular model.
Pressure Cooker Buying Guide
- Size: You have to consider how many people you’re cooking for. Nearly all of the best pressure cookers under $50 are 6-quart, which should be enough for 4-8 people.
- Material: Cooking pots are made from many materials. Stainless steel is considered the best overall, but copper and nonstick can be good as well. Just make sure they have safe coatings.
- Cooking Methods: While they’re called “pressure cookers”, most electric models have numerous cooking methods like slow cooking, soups, stews, and more.
- Safety: You’re dealing with hot contents under pressure, so you want good safety features. You’ll want to ensure the lid locks securely and there are heat-resistant handles so that you can easily carry the appliance.
- Price: You’re looking for an affordable units with lots of power. However, if you want even more features and power, then you may want to consider a model closer to $100. In either case, you can find great models at any price point.
FAQ
How Pressure Cooker Works?
This will focus on the pressure cooker aspect itself and not the other cooking methods (air frying, slow cooking, etc). The cooker will expel all the air from unit while trapping the steam. This builds pressure while cooking the food very quickly.
Are Pressure Cookers Safe?
They work under high pressures and this is an understandable question. As long as you lock the lid properly and allow the appliance to fully decompress when finished, then yes, electric pressure cookers are safe.
How Much Water Pressure Cooker?
This depends largely on your recipe. At the very minimum you’ll need 1-2 cups of water. That’s true even if you’re making a cake pressure cooker. Some recipes call for more. Never fill the water more than ⅔ of the full capacity and check the owner’s manual to see exactly how much water is needed.
Where to Buy Pressure Cooker?
There are plenty of stores like Target, Wal-Mart, and Kohls that sell these appliance. However, buying online gives you access to more units and better prices. Consider buying your unit from Amazon for the best selection and convenience.
Can Pressure Cooker Cook Rice?
As long as there is a rice feature (which is common), then yes, it can cook rice. Speaking of which, check our guide on the best pressure cookers for rice if you’re interested.
Final Thoughts
There are many options for the best pressure cooker under $50. If you’re looking for the best overall, then the Instant Pot definitely wins. It’s the most reliable and has a lot of useful features. If you want something a little more affordable, then the Gourmia is an excellent choice that rivals Instant Pot.