Best Pressure Cooker Deal for 1 Person?

Grazz989 on 30/06/2022 - 11:23
Last edited 01/07/2022 - 12:45

As per title, I'm looking for an electric pressure cooker so I can make stuff like pulled pork, brisket, curries, stews etc. Not sure what capacity is best, but I am cooking just for one person.

I know slow cooking is generally better for some things (and I do want that function) but I'm time-poor especially in the mornings, so mostly concerned with the pressure cook modes.

Taking a look via staticice, it seems that Kogan has by far and away the cheapest pressure cookers, but are they any good? I'd rather go with an alternative if possible. I feel like a lot of the models out there are probably just marked up rebrands of each other….

https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/kogan-6l-9-1-multifunction-pres…
https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/advwin-advwin-6l-electric-stain…
https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/kogan-8l-12-1-multifunction-pre…
https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/power-pack-6l-digilex-stainless… (e.g. this last one looks to be the exact same as the 'Healthy Choice' model at Myer for dozens of dollars less).

Edit: a couple people have also suggested the following airfryer/pressure cooker combo units on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com.au/MASTERPRO-Ultimate-Airfryer-Stainl…
https://www.amazon.com.au/Healthy-Pressure-pre-set-cooking-p…

Any suggestions for something better without needlessly overspending?

Electrical & Electronics Pressure Cooker

Comments

  • Master Bates on 30/06/2022 - 11:32
    +15

    You know the rule about buying from Kogan?

    Don't.

    • jv on 30/06/2022 - 11:58
      +1

      I got some really cheap Hue lights from them not long ago…

      • Master Bates on 30/06/2022 - 12:15
        +2

        Who is this imposter posting from jv's account? There is no bold text in that sentence.

        I too have had success with buying from Kogan. The problem comes when you need aftersales support.

        • jv on 30/06/2022 - 12:48
          +7

          There is no bold text in that sentence.

          I'm running low on ink.

    • Grazz989 on 30/06/2022 - 13:40

      Well, that's why I'm asking for alternatives :)

  • SF3 on 30/06/2022 - 11:36
    +4

    Instant pot 3L

  • jv on 30/06/2022 - 11:56
    +5

    Best Pressure Cooker Deal for 1 Person?

    I'm interested too, so maybe change the title to '2 People'…

    • randomusername2017 on 30/06/2022 - 12:28
      +2

      Cute couple ❤️

    • freefall101 on 30/06/2022 - 13:09
      +2

      Best deal is buy one for 6 people and split the cost 6 ways.

      • Grazz989 on 30/06/2022 - 13:42
        +5

        Classic OzBargain hot tips: Become polyamorous to save money on small appliances ;)

  • BewareOfThe Dog on 30/06/2022 - 12:40

    I want one of these.

  • freefall101 on 30/06/2022 - 13:16

    Pressure cooker is one of those things where I worry about why it's cheap. They're a bomb waiting to happen if the release valve gets clogged or there's not enough liquid in there.

    I was so scared of my cheap one I got rid of it and moved to a slow cooker instead. Plus IMO I prefer it, since I generally use cheap cuts of beef and it does a better job giving a tender result.

    • Grazz989 on 30/06/2022 - 13:44

      I 100% agree in principle but like … For example the one I linked at the end there is the exact same model that Myer has with different branding for significantly more dosh:

      https://www.myer.com.au/p/healthy-choice-healthy-choice-6l-e…

      Surely at least that one would be safe, then?

      • freefall101 on 30/06/2022 - 14:53

        All comes down to components, might look the same and even be made in the same factory but could have cheaper components to get the price down.

        I'm no pressure cooker expert though, I'm just wary of things that can explode 😂

    • BewareOfThe Dog on 30/06/2022 - 14:59

      Yes there have been a few recalls in the past.

    • Lastchancetosee on 01/07/2022 - 14:49

      Agreed that it's better to buy good quality. No need to be afraid of them though, millions of people use them in the world. Almost every household in France has them to save time and make the weekly soup.
      https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/pressure-cooker-mark…

  • Luminary on 30/06/2022 - 13:18

    I have a Ninja Foodi Multi Cooker and it's great. A little bit expensive but there's like 8 different cooking functions including a pressure cooker. I'd feel a bit iffy about going cheap on a pressure cooker.

    • Grazz989 on 30/06/2022 - 13:45

      Wait what? You can air fry and pressure cook at the same time? Tell me more :)

  • Joanneso on 30/06/2022 - 13:54

    https://www.amazon.com.au/MASTERPRO-Ultimate-Airfryer-Stainl… check and read other website reviews on other sites - they are mostly good. I bought this when it was more expensive $180 ish so I'm guttered ofc and back then there wasn't any reviews and I waited over a year to get it as it was a relatively new product. Currently on Amazon for $119 which is an absolute steal! I use mine about a 1-3 times a week depending and ended up gifting 2 away to close friends.

    • Grazz989 on 30/06/2022 - 14:50
      +1

      Wow! That actually does look good. Does it seem to build up a decent amount of pressure?

      Edit: There's a slightly similar model that I was also considering: https://www.amazon.com.au/Healthy-Pressure-pre-set-cooking-p…

      • Joanneso on 30/06/2022 - 15:20

        For me it does and it's quite decent and I like it a lot, design is quite useful you can take off the lid. I did notice that brand that you linked not sure about reviews but that wasn't available for me back when I was covetedly looking for a new kitchen appliance. My friend had 1 year warranty on it and had to do a simple return was easy enough (bought via catch tho).

        I find it doesn't cook rice the best like a rice cooker does but add a little extra oil before you cook the rice and stir it is not a big deal. It cooks it really fast too and I have used it for hotpot and yogurt making etc :) if in doubt you can always use the instant pot recipes and compare against it it should be very similar. A little different to use at first but you'll get use to it ! My friend loves this multicooker also which is nice!

        If you buy it I hope you also end up liking it !

  • Exprise on 30/06/2022 - 23:30

    I just got a crock pot CPE200 for $99.
    Good guys we able to price match Amazon's $100

  • soan papdi on 30/06/2022 - 23:31
    +1

    Something from the Instapot range or the clone from Breville.

    • Joanneso on 01/07/2022 - 08:47

      Everyone loves instapot :'( I hope to upgrade mine later on

      • try2bhelpful on 01/07/2022 - 09:06
        +1

        I like the stainless steel pot.

      • soan papdi on 01/07/2022 - 09:26

        You get a basic instapot as cheap as $120. They're good for the long term. Avoid Kogan at all costs.

        EDIT: Just noticed you're not OP. oops

    • Grazz989 on 01/07/2022 - 12:44

      What's the clone called?

      The instapot kinda looks exactly the same as all the other options half the price.

      • soan papdi on 01/07/2022 - 12:56

        https://www.breville.com/au/en/products/cookers.html
        I have an older version of the Fast Slow Pro, it's excellent. Hasn't skipped a beat in 6-7 years.

        • try2bhelpful on 01/07/2022 - 13:15

          The two problems I had with the Fast Slow Pro was the lid didn’t always seal properly and the lid being, permanently, attached was a PITA. However some of the programming elements are better than the Instant Pot. Particularly the automatic/pulse steam release options.

          • soan papdi on 01/07/2022 - 13:21

            @try2bhelpful: Wasn't aware the lid is permanently attached in some models. Mine comes off like a real lid, much easier to clean.

            • try2bhelpful on 01/07/2022 - 13:47

              @soan papdi: Not permanently attached, just need to be unscrewed to be removed for cleaning.

  • lilbudgie on 01/07/2022 - 08:50
    +1

    I also got the crockpot CPE200 and also an ancient slow cooker. I use both but tend to stick to the old slow cooker most often. You can prep and leave in a covered bowl (not the slow cooker bowl) in the fridge the night before then just upend the bowl into the slowcooker in the morning. Just don't put the slowcooker bowl itself in the fridge else when turned on the cold bowl might crack. As an aside I never prebrown anything anymore. I went through a stage of going to that trouble and now that I don't I can't tell the difference so I haven't bothered for years. The pressure cooker still takes some time because of it having to get to pressure and then release time etc although it still makes nice tender food I just love the simplicity of the slow cooker. One of the great benefits of the pressure cooker is that you can cook meat from frozen which of course takes longer but great if you forget to defrost dinner. Of course I know I can use the pressure cooker as a slow cooker also but I just can't move away from my old faithful. Also if you are only cooking for one have you thought of freezing the leftovers?

  • try2bhelpful on 01/07/2022 - 09:17
    +2

    I wouldn’t cheap out on a pressure cooker. If something goes wrong they could be lethal.

    I’ve had a few multicookers and I’m happy with my Instant pot. I like the stainless steel pot rather than a non stick coating. The sauté/pressure cooker/slow cooker combo covers a fair bit of ground.

    Costco has an SV version of the Instant Pot that goes on special, reasonably, regularly. If you are a member, or have a mate who is a member, you could keep an eye out.

    I would do some Googling around and look at reviews. Even though you are single I would look at a mid range size because you can batch cook stews, soups, etc.

    Best of luck on getting what you want.

    • Grazz989 on 01/07/2022 - 11:59

      Cheers!

      As it happens, I've narrowed down to two choices … One with an SS pot and the other with 'nonstick aluminium'. Why do you prefer the SS?

      • try2bhelpful on 01/07/2022 - 12:53
        +3

        I worry about the non stick stuff peeling off and the smell getting trapped in the bowl. This is a problem with these beasties. If you do strong smelling stuff like curries, or corned beef, it is hard to get the smell out. The Instant Pots, also, came with a couple of seals, which can be good if you do smelly stuff and not so smelly stuff. Although we haven’t seen a lot of transference of taste.

        • H E B on 01/07/2022 - 17:17
          +2

          We ended up getting both. It's like a decent fry pan sometimes you just want a non stick but most days of the week I'd prefer a SS.

          Another bonus, SS no need to worry about scratches nearly as much. Non stick, if you're using sharp tools, the coating won't last!!

        • Grazz989 on 01/07/2022 - 17:19
          +2

          Cheers!

  • LFO on 01/07/2022 - 11:37

    Any suggestions for something better without needlessly overspending?

    I don't know where to buy them but, as pressure cooking is as old as humanity (exaggeration here!), there are pots specifically made to put on a stove and heat up and get pressurized and so to cook. Cannot get simpler than that. Maybe not as practical as the electric variety but simplicity plus. Price should be also lower as they are mono-function

    Grandmother had one of those pots. Very popular cooking in the ~1930's. There are books and all about that.

    • try2bhelpful on 01/07/2022 - 12:55

      I’ve got an old fashioned one I haven’t used for years. The electric one I use a few times a week. A lot less pfaffing around. You press the buttons, select the settings then wait for it to tell you it is time to release the pressure.

  • 2026 on 01/07/2022 - 19:01
    +4

    I have 20yrs experience here starting with slow-cooker (Breville), then stove pressure cooker (Fagor), then Cook4me (Tefal electric pressure cooker) - and now own an Instant Pot. I did a lot of research before upgrading to Instant Pot. I regularly do ribs, stews, soups, curries, lamb shanks, chuck-steak type recipes. It is not overspending if you use your machine several times week - I use mine 4-5 times - you're actually saving money.

    Here are a few considerations:-
    - Ease of cleaning is essential - I decided on stainless steel IP for that reason and turned out to be correct. At first it sounds like 'non-stick/teflon' is better - and at first it's great, but after a while it does start to wear off. I always tried to handwash - but one day you'll be tempted to use the dishwasher, then your bowl will never recover. Stainless steel has been great - just reheat again with some water for a minute and it's almost wipe off.
    - Don't consider any device that doesn't have a saute/brown sear function. You need this to start off any stew. That was the downside of the slowcookers - more washing up of the pan you used to brown.
    - Even though you are one person, if you have the room - get the bigger pot. You might want to cook a whole chicken or do a bigger batch. You can always put less in the pot, but not more.
    - I chose Instant Pot because it had an 'air fryer' model - you just change lids, then you have a device that can grill, fry. The capacity is quite small - if you have a family you need an oven for enough chips, but this could be handy for you.
    - I also chose Instant Pot because apparently it's the most popular brand in the US so has the benefit of having a ton of websites that have recipes that are designed specifically for this device. My cooking repertoire has actually expanded - check out https://www.pressurecookrecipes.com/ - lot of extensive testing by Amy Jacky and I've never had a failure. I did consider other brands, but I thought I would rather have a machine where I know stuff will turn out as close as possible to the recipe because all the settings are the same. Also, there's a ton of Youtube videos for different recipes.
    - If you need spare parts, they're easy to get.
    - Realise that your machine can replace other devices - I use it as a rice cooker (and I'm chinese and fussy).
    - The Kogan one will probably do the job (this is not new technology here), but I definitely get a lot of enjoyment from using my IP and seeing a bunch of different recipes designed just for it (lasagne, who knew?).
    - If you are really hesitant, check Gumtree / FB marketplace - the Tefal Cook4me often comes up (some people not into it) - and it was a good machine.
    - Look out for the sales - I bought my IP from Myer which price-matched Target's online store. I do realise that the IP is more than double the price, but if you use it more double the amount, it would be worth it. Mine is permanently on kitchen bench.
    Good luck.

    • H E B on 04/07/2022 - 00:19
      +1

      +1 for the amy + jacky test recipes! The Mister loves my pressure cooker dishes a lot of credit to them when I first started out :)

  • H E B on 04/07/2022 - 00:18
    +1

    Just to add to this, a bigger pot = versatility but a HEAP more time to build pressure (this is what newbies forget) you could pressure a cook for 5 minutes but it could take 15minutes to build to pressure which requires more planning to your otherwise 'instant' and convenient pressure cooker.

  • try2bhelpful on 05/07/2022 - 12:19
    +1

    Costco
    $139.99 Instant Pot Duo Gourmet Pressure Cooker 5.7L

    • 2026 on 06/07/2022 - 15:06

      That looks like a pretty good deal, the only downside is that this model does not feature the 'airfryer' lid (if that's a feature you want).
      The only model where you can bake/grill/airfry is Duo™ Crisp + Air Fryer 8L - which is a bigger unit and at least $100 more. Depends on what you want.

      • try2bhelpful on 06/07/2022 - 16:10

        Certainly the air fryer one is worth the look too.

  • outlander on 09/07/2022 - 21:02

    Myer has one heavily discounted. Plus there's a 20% cashback until 10pm
    https://www.myer.com.au/p/kalorik-6l-digital-pressure-coker-…

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