4 Best Pressure Cookers for Beans 2025
Let’s face it: soaking and simmering beans can be a real time-suck. But what if we told you there was a faster, easier way to enjoy perfectly tender beans every time? Enter the pressure cooker, your new secret weapon for bean nirvana! We’ve tested and tasted our way through a sea of options, and we’re ready to share the top 4 pressure cookers that will transform your bean game. Get ready to say goodbye to long cooking times and hello to flavorful, fluffy beans in a fraction of the time.
4. COSORI Pressure Cooker Electric 6 qt, Safer Venting
The COSORI Pressure Cooker Electric 6 qt, 9-in-1 Instant Multi Kitchen Appliances is a sleek and powerful addition to any kitchen. While it’s not quite the reigning champion, it definitely holds its own, boasting an impressive array of functions. You can pressure cook, rice cook, steam, sterilize, cook oatmeal, prepare stews and broths, cook beans and grains, slow cook, sauté, ferment, and even sous vide. That’s a lot of versatility packed into one appliance, making it a potential space-saver for smaller kitchens.
The COSORI’s standout feature is its safety design. The Sealed/Vent button is conveniently placed away from the steam release valve, and the 30-degree backward-angled design ensures a smoother, safer venting experience. The double-layer anti-scalding lid and overheat protection provide further peace of mind. Cleaning is a breeze thanks to the stainless steel, fingerprint-resistant housing, the widened pot gap, and the dishwasher-safe lid, inner pot, and accessories.
However, while it’s lauded for its safety features, the COSORI’s performance isn’t always flawless. The pressure release mechanism can be a bit fiddly at times, requiring a few tries to get it just right. And while the included recipe book and VeSync app offer a plethora of ideas, some recipes require a bit of tweaking for optimal results.
Overall, the COSORI Pressure Cooker Electric 6 qt is a solid option for those seeking a multi-functional appliance with a focus on safety. Its ease of cleaning and intuitive touchscreen controls are definite plus points. However, those seeking a pressure cooker that excels in every aspect, especially in terms of cooking precision and consistency, might want to explore other options. The COSORI offers good value for money, but its performance doesn’t quite reach the top tier.
3. COMFEE’ 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
The COMFEE’ 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is a versatile appliance that aims to simplify your cooking routine. It boasts a commendable 9 functions, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, sautéing, yogurt making, cake making, egg cooking, and food warming. This makes it a potential all-in-one solution for many kitchen needs. With 14 programmable presets, it takes the guesswork out of cooking various dishes like meat, broth, beans, and oatmeal.
In terms of safety, the COMFEE’ Pressure Cooker incorporates 10 safety features, including overheat protection, auto pressure release, and a lid-safety lock system. This provides a sense of security during operation. The 24-hour delay timer is a handy feature for scheduling meals in advance. However, I found the user interface to be somewhat clunky and less intuitive than some competitors.
While the 6-quart capacity is generous, I found that some of the smaller functions, like the egg cooker or yogurt maker, might be better suited for dedicated appliances. The non-stick pot is a welcome addition for easy cleaning, but I did observe some minor sticking after cooking certain foods.
Overall, the COMFEE’ 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker offers a good range of functionalities at a competitive price point. It’s a solid option for those looking for a multi-functional appliance. However, its slightly less user-friendly interface and some limitations in smaller functions might make it less appealing to those who prioritize ease of use or specialized cooking needs.
2. CHEF iQ Smart Pressure Cooker 10 Functions, Built-in Scale
The CHEF iQ Smart Pressure Cooker boasts an impressive array of features, aiming to revolutionize your cooking experience. With 10 cooking functions and 18 features, including a built-in scale and a whopping 1000+ preprogrammed cooking settings, it promises to simplify meal preparation. The star attraction is undoubtedly the CHEF iQ app, which connects via WiFi and Bluetooth, offering 600+ guided cooking recipes with video instructions and precise cooking parameters.
While the app is a brilliant addition, I found the user interface somewhat clunky. Navigating through the various menus and settings took a bit of getting used to, and I often found myself having to refer back to the manual. The built-in scale is a welcome convenience, eliminating the need for separate measuring cups. However, I did notice some slight inaccuracies in its measurements, particularly with smaller quantities.
The pressure release system is a major safety feature, automatically releasing steam at the end of the cooking cycle. You can choose from three release methods: quick, pulse, or natural, depending on the desired outcome. The guided cooking feature is truly innovative, providing step-by-step video instructions and automatically adjusting the cooker’s settings. This takes the guesswork out of cooking, especially for beginners.
Overall, the CHEF iQ Smart Pressure Cooker offers a compelling package with its extensive features and guided cooking capabilities. However, the somewhat unintuitive app interface and occasional measurement inaccuracies detract from the user experience. While it’s undoubtedly a powerful tool, it might not be the most straightforward to use for everyone.
1. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
This Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is a true kitchen game-changer. As a frequent cook, I can honestly say it’s become my go-to appliance. The 7-in-1 functionality is incredible – pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, yogurt making, steaming, sautéing, and even warming up leftovers are all at your fingertips. This means fewer appliances cluttering up my counter and more time to actually enjoy cooking.
What really impressed me is the ease of use. The 13 Smart Programs are incredibly convenient. Whether I’m making a quick weeknight meal like pressure-cooked chicken and rice or a slow-cooked pot roast for Sunday dinner, the Instant Pot takes care of everything. The pre-programmed settings take the guesswork out of cooking, and the time savings are remarkable. I’ve definitely noticed a difference in my cooking time, especially with recipes that traditionally take hours.
Another huge plus is the cleanup. The stainless steel exterior is fingerprint-resistant, which is a lifesaver with a busy household. And the dishwasher-safe lid, inner pot, and accessories make cleaning a breeze. The only minor drawback is that the sauté function isn’t quite as powerful as a dedicated skillet, but it’s still perfectly adequate for browning meats or sauteing vegetables.
The Instant Pot Duo comes with the free Instant Brands Connect App, which is a treasure trove of recipes. With over 800 options, I’m constantly discovering new dishes to try. The app also allows you to control the Instant Pot remotely and set up timers, which is super helpful for busy days. Overall, the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 is an excellent value for the price. It’s versatile, easy to use, and a time-saver in the kitchen. If you’re looking for a reliable and convenient appliance that can do it all, I highly recommend this one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size pressure cooker is best for cooking beans?
Answer:
While you can technically cook beans in any size pressure cooker, a 6-quart or 8-quart model is generally recommended. This size provides ample space for beans to cook evenly without overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking and mushy beans.
What features should I look for in a pressure cooker for beans?
Answer:
Look for a pressure cooker with the following features for optimal bean cooking:
* Intuitive controls: Simple pressure settings and timer functions make the cooking process straightforward.
* Sauté function: This allows you to sauté onions and aromatics before pressure cooking, adding depth of flavor to your beans.
* Delayed start timer: This is helpful for starting your beans early in the day and having them ready when you get home.
* Removable inner pot: This makes it easy to transfer beans to a serving dish or store leftovers.
Can I cook dried beans directly in a pressure cooker?
Answer:
Yes! One of the biggest advantages of pressure cooking beans is the ability to cook them from dried form. Simply rinse your dried beans, add them to the pressure cooker with water and your desired seasonings, close the lid, and let it do its magic. This significantly reduces the cooking time compared to traditional methods. Be sure to check the pressure cooker’s manual for specific instructions on cooking times for different types of beans.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect pressure cooker for beans can seem daunting, but with our guide, you’re well-equipped to make an informed decision. Whether you prioritize ease of use, budget-friendliness, or advanced features, there’s a pressure cooker out there to elevate your bean game. Happy cooking!
