Disclaimer: There are affiliate links in this post. At no cost to you, I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

What Size Electric Pressure Cooker Do I Need?

Electric pressure cookers are an excellent way to prepare delicious meals quickly and easily. More home cooks are employing them with the rise in popularity of Instant Pot, Ninja, Presto, Go Wise, Power Pressure Cooker XL, and other multicookers. 

You may have received a multicooker as a gift or searched for the best multicooker. Are you unfamiliar with electric pressure cooking and unsure where to begin? You enjoy using your Instant Pot but are interested in the best electric pressure cookers. This information will help you answer these questions and many others! 

What Is an Electric Pressure Cooker? 

In 1679, the first known pressure cooker was invented. A sealed pot with a great deal of steam inside is utilized to generate high pressure. This simulates the effects of lengthy braising or simmering but in much less time. 

Traditional pressure cookers are stovetop appliances, whereas electric pressure cookers use electricity to generate high or low pressure inside the cooker. Stovetop pressure cookers boil water using heat, then trap the steam inside to increase pressure. Less expensive stovetop pressure cookers require more attention and are less customizable. Broadly appealing about electric pressure cookers is the ability to program desired pressure and cooking time without monitoring. 

In other words, an electric pressure cooker allows you to place the ingredients in the inner pot, set the pressure-cooking time, and voila! The pressure cooker does the rest. 

Why Do You Need an Electric Pressure Cooker? 

A pressure cooker’s functions can be accomplished with traditional cooking methods but having one will certainly make life easier. Electric pressure cookers significantly reduce cooking times, bringing chili from dry beans to bubbling and warm in less than an hour. 

Moreover, modern electric pressure cookers offer more than just pressure cooking. Popular models include slow cooking, rice cooking, air frying, sautéing, steaming, and searing. Some even produce bread and yogurt. 

Suppose you want to reduce the amount of time you spend in the kitchen preparing stews, soups, and other labor-intensive dishes. In that case, we believe you will appreciate owning an electric pressure cooker. 

What Size Electric Pressure Cooker Do I Need? 

If you are looking to upgrade your kitchen with a modern pressure cooker, one of the first things you will notice is that all models, regardless of the brand, are available in many sizes. 

Now, while you can cook smaller quantities of food in larger pressure cookers, it is not safe to cook large amounts of food in a small pressure cooker. You will find models with capacities ranging from two to over ten quarters. 

As one size does not fit all in this convenient kitchen appliance, there are a few factors to consider selecting the best size for your kitchen, family, and lifestyle. 

So, what size pressure cooker should I purchase? This entirely depends on the size of your family and whether you prefer to cook larger meals for leftovers. Please refer to the following chart for a more comprehensive reference. 

2-4 Quart Perfect for 1 individual who eats alone. 
5 Quarts or Less Perfect for 1-2 people or a small family. 
5-7 Quarts Perfect for 3-5 people & provides flexibility. 
7-10 Quarts Great for 6+ people or a large family. 
10+ Quarts Great for 8-15 people. This size is often used for canning purposes. 

Even though these are the suggested values, you may need to upgrade to a larger pressure cooker if these recommendations are not sufficient for your needs. 

A larger pressure cooker will be ideal if you plan to can food, attend a lot of potlucks, or cook for large groups of people regularly. A smaller pressure cooker will do the trick as a practical gift for a college student or a first apartment. 

Best Electric Pressure Cooker For Every Size

👉 2-4 Quarts

👉 5-7 Quarts

👉 7-10 Quarts

👉 10+ Quarts

Does The Size Of An Electric Pressure Cooker really Matter? 

When discussing the size of a pressure cooker, we refer solely to the volume or the amount of food it can hold. We are not debating the appliance’s casing, weight, or aesthetics. The size of a pressure cooker directly affects the amount of food that can be cooked at once. 

In addition, size matters because overfilling the pressure cooker can cause serious problems, and if the pressure cooker is too large for your needs, you will waste a great deal of energy. 

However, the essential rule is that a larger pressure cooker is never the better option; you should choose the smallest size that meets your needs. 

The Issues With Purchasing An Oversized Electric Pressure Cooker 

  • You will lose a great deal of energy and heat efficiency. If you frequently only fill your pressure cooker by a third or half, you heat a great deal of unused space, which drives up your electricity bill. 
  • You may end up limiting the available cooking methods. Why? A larger pressure cooker will require a greater minimum water level. If you have too much liquid, you may not be able to braise meat. This would need you to boil or partially cook your food. 
  • The larger the pressure cooker, the greater the amount of cleanup required. There is no point in putting yourself through this if it is not necessary. 

Calculating a ratio is a rule of thumb for pressure cookers. This is typically one quarter/one liter per person in the home. Anything below four quarters will suffice if you have a family of two. Six quarts are sufficient for three to five people, while eight quarts are sufficient for six or more people. 

What Size Electric Pressure Cooker Do I Need - FAQs

The standard size for pressure cookers is between five and seven quarters. Why? You can cook for an average-sized family while retaining culinary versatility. Three to five people can be served with an individual use of this size. 

In addition, it is ideal for those who enjoy leftovers or who wish to prepare extra food for meal prepping. A four-quart pressure cooker would suit a single person or a couple. 

Additionally, it is ideal for those who enjoy leftovers or who wish to prepare extra food for meal prepping. A four-quart pressure cooker is sufficient for a single individual or a couple. 

If you intend to engage in extensive food preservation, you will require a larger pressure cooker. Although the minor pressure cooker size that can be considered for canning purposes is 10 quarts, it is common to see sizes ranging from 12 to 25 quarts. 

The USDA deems any pressure cooker that cannot hold at least four-quart jars of food unsafe, as not enough heat may be delivered during the pressurizing and cooling processes. 

As with pressure cooking, size matters when pressure canning, and it is possible to go too big. If you have a large canner, you will expend a great deal of energy, resulting in a significant loss of efficiency. 

This will increase your per-jar energy costs and carbon footprint. If you desire flexibility and have been completely bitten by the pressure canning bug, you can purchase two different sizes. 

For residential use, a ten- or sixteen-quart capacity is ideal for smaller loads, whereas a twenty-five-quart or larger capacity is ideal for large loads. 

While the answer to this question depends entirely on the chicken you purchase, a ten-quart pressure cooker is typically recommended. Some individuals can now cook a two- to five-pound chicken in a six-quart Instant Pot pressure cooker. 

The general rule is to cook chicken for six minutes per pound using the natural release method for twenty minutes. 

A family of one or two people can use a pressure cooker for between two and five quarters. The larger the pressure cooker, the greater the versatility with single dishes. You will need a six- or seven-quart pressure cooker for a family of three to five. 

You will be able to cook complete meals with a six- or seven-quart pressure cooker, have various cooking method options, and store the pressure cooker with relative ease. 

Conclusion

By now you should have a clever idea of what size electric pressure cooker you need for your household. If you are still not sure, consider the number of people in your family and how often you cook. You can also think about whether you want a unit that has multiple functions or if you just want a simple cooker that will get the job done. No matter what, there is an electric pressure cooker out there that is perfect for you and your family. Thanks for reading! 

Related Posts

Why Trust Us

You will find what you are looking for at Jody's Bakery. From classic to luxury brands, you'll find both. We will help you to select appliances that fit your needs, budget and lifestyle. Whether you want to stop by to learn more — or plan to make a major purchase — we’ll treat you like family and assist you every step of the way. Shop with us today to receive friendly and experienced help along the way.

Tags:

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

      Leave a reply

      Best Deals For You

      Best price
      Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker Pro
      SaveSavedRemoved 0

      Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker Pro

      20

      The Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker Pro has truly elevated my cooking experience. With its precise water circulation at the exact temperature needed, I've achieved perfect results every time, eliminating the risk of over or undercooking my meals. Sous vide cooking with this device has proven to be ...

      $290.00 $399.00 Buy It Now
      Best seller
      Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet
      SaveSavedRemoved 0

      Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet

      20

      The Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet is a versatile and durable kitchen essential, perfect for beginners, home cooks, and chefs alike. Crafted in America with iron and oil, this skillet is designed to handle any kitchen cooktop, oven, grill, or open flame. One of the standout features of Lodge cast ...

      $19.90 $34.25 Buy It Now
      Best seller
      Tovolo Vented Collapsible Medium Microwave Cover
      SaveSavedRemoved 0

      Tovolo Vented Collapsible Medium Microwave Cover

      10

      The Tovolo Vented Collapsible Medium Microwave Cover is a versatile and practical kitchen accessory designed to enhance your microwave cooking experience. This cover features perforated lids that protect your microwave from splatters and spots. Crafted from BPA-free plastic and silicone, the topper covers food to ...

      Best value
      Nostalgia MyMini Personal Electric Skillet
      SaveSavedRemoved 0

      Nostalgia MyMini Personal Electric Skillet

      50

      The Nostalgia MyMini Personal Electric Skillet is a versatile and convenient appliance for on-the-go meals. It offers a quick and healthier way to cook a variety of dishes, including ramen noodles, pasta, mac and cheese, steamed rice, stir fry, omelets, hard-boiled eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausage, hashbrowns, cookies, ...

      Best seller
      Elite Gourmet EG6207 Fry Pan
      SaveSavedRemoved 0

      Elite Gourmet EG6207 Fry Pan

      10

      The Elite Gourmet EG6207 Fry Pan is a versatile and convenient addition to any kitchen. With its 10.5-inch size, it allows you to expand your cooking capabilities without the need for remodeling. The non-stick marble stone coating and cast-in heating element make cooking and clean-up a breeze. Whether you're whipping ...

      Braun MQ7035X 3-in-1 Immersion Hand
      SaveSavedRemoved 0

      Braun MQ7035X 3-in-1 Immersion Hand

      40

      The Braun MQ7035X 3-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender stands out with its innovative features and versatile functionality. The Easy SmartSpeed technology allows for single-hand operation with no predefined speed settings. Simply follow your intuition by pushing gently for roughly chopped results and increasing the ...

      $79.96 $109.95 Buy It Now
      Editor choice
      Breville the Barista Pro Espresso Machine
      SaveSavedRemoved 0

      Breville the Barista Pro Espresso Machine

      30

      The Breville the Barista Pro Espresso Machine offers a barista-quality performance with a user-friendly interface, making it easy to create third wave specialty coffee in the comfort of your home. The integrated grinder ensures that the right amount of freshly ground coffee is delivered on demand, resulting in a rich ...

      $699.99 Buy It Now
      Editor choice
      Cuisinart PRS-50 Pasta Roller & Cutter Attachment
      SaveSavedRemoved 0

      Cuisinart PRS-50 Pasta Roller & Cutter Attachment

      90

      Cuisinart PRS-50 Pasta Roller & Cutter Attachment is a perfect addition to your Precision Master Stand Mixer, allowing you to create a variety of homemade fresh pasta with ease. This attachment includes both spaghetti and fettuccine cutters, as well as a pasta roller, offering versatility in pasta shapes and ...

      $169.95 $179.95 Buy It Now
      Editor choice
      Instant Stand Mixer Pro
      SaveSavedRemoved 0

      Instant Stand Mixer Pro

      40

      Instant Stand Mixer Pro delivers powerful performance with its 600-watt motor, making it a versatile kitchen companion for a variety of culinary tasks. From whipping smooth meringues to kneading yeast dough, this stand mixer handles it all with ease. Featuring a digital interface, the mixer offers 10 speed ...

      $199.95 $299.99 Buy It Now
      Editor choice
      Koolatron 6 Bottle Wine Cooler
      SaveSavedRemoved 0

      Koolatron 6 Bottle Wine Cooler

      80

      The Koolatron 6 Bottle Wine Cooler offers an affordable and elegant solution for wine enthusiasts, providing a stylish and compact freestanding design that accommodates up to 6 standard-sized wine bottles. This wine fridge is a perfect addition to any table or countertop, allowing you to enjoy your favorite vintages ...

      Editor choice
      Hamilton Beach 2 Slice Extra Wide Slot Toaster
      SaveSavedRemoved 0

      Hamilton Beach 2 Slice Extra Wide Slot Toaster

      60

      Hamilton Beach 2 Slice Extra Wide Slot Toaster is a versatile and user-friendly appliance designed to make toasting a breeze. With slots wider than those on many 2-slice toasters, this toaster accommodates thicker breads, bagels, and other specialty bread items effortlessly. The extra-wide slots ensure a perfect ...

      Best value
      Hamilton Beach Blender Combo
      SaveSavedRemoved 0

      Hamilton Beach Blender Combo

      40

      The Hamilton Beach Blender for Shakes and Smoothies & Food Processor Combo offers impressive 3-in-1 versatility, making it a powerhouse in the kitchen. This combo includes a 40 oz. glass blending jar for larger servings, a 20 oz. blend-in personal blender travel jar for on-the-go convenience, and a 3-cup ...

      $68.65 $74.99 Buy It Now
      Show next
      Jody's Bakery
      Logo
      Compare items
      • Total (0)
      Compare
      0
      Shopping cart