A pressure cooker is an invaluable kitchen appliance for any home cook. It can quickly cook foods that usually take much longer to prepare, saving you time and effort in the kitchen. However, quality pressure cookers can be quite an investment. So when is the best time to purchase one to get the features you want at a price you’ll love?

Why Buy a Pressure Cooker?

Faster Cooking Times
A pressure cooker cooks food much faster than normal cooking methods. The airtight lid and internal pressure allow food to cook up to 70% faster by raising the boiling point of liquids. Meals that usually require slow braising or simmering for hours can be on your table in minutes.

More Nutrients & Flavor
The quick cooking process helps lock in nutrients and seals in flavor that is usually lost with slower cooking. Your food will be more nutritious and taste better when pressure cooked.

Energy Efficient
Because food cooks faster, you’ll use less energy than oven roasting or simmering on the stovetop for long periods. This makes the pressure cooker a more energy efficient option.

Versatile
From soups and stews to rice, meat, beans, and more – almost anything you’d simmer, boil, or braise can be made in a pressure cooker. It’s also great for home canning.

Factors to Consider When Buying

Before deciding when to purchase, consider what features and size you need:

Stovetop or Electric
Stovetop pressure cookers offer more versatility and control but require monitoring during cooking. Electric models have more safety features and are hands-off but can be pricier.

Capacity
Pressure cookers range from 4-8 quarts for small households up to 10+ quarts for large families or batch cooking. Buy one sized for your needs.

Settings & Features
Consider convenient one-touch programs, delay timers, keep warm functions, and other bonus features that suit your cooking style.

Budget
Quality stainless steel pressure cookers range from $50-$300+ depending on brand, features, and capacity. Be realistic about how much you can spend.

The Best Shopping Seasons

Knowing when stores and brands offer the best discounts can help you score a great deal:

Holiday Weekends

Major holiday weekends like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day mean major sales at most national retailers. You’ll find discounts on premium cookware brands like Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi, and Cuisinart around these three-day weekends. Department stores like Kohl’s and bed and bath stores like Bed Bath & Beyond also tend to host good sales during these times.

Amazon Prime Day

Amazon’s biggest sale is like Black Friday in July for Prime members. The multi-day event has become famous for deep discounts across all categories, including pressure cookers. You can snag deals on top models like the Instant Pot Duo and specialty appliances like the Mealthy MultiPot for 30-50% off or more. It’s the perfect time to buy if you have Amazon Prime.

Post-Holiday Clearance

Just after the holidays from December through February, retailers are eager to clear out inventory to make room for new products. This makes it an opportune time to get discounts on smaller kitchen appliances like pressure cookers. Check major retailers for sales on last season’s models or lightly discounted newer releases after Christmas into January.

Back to School Season

July through September when students head back to school may seem an unlikely time for a pressure cooker sale. But this busy shopping season actually sees lots of discounts on smaller kitchen gadgets. Retailers want to attract shoppers any way they can, so keep an eye out for deals during back to school sales events both in-store and online.

Black Friday & Cyber Monday

Of course, the biggest sales of the year happen in late November around Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Pretty much every store has deals going on everything from clothes to appliances. You can expect to find some of the absolute lowest prices of the year on pressure cookers from all the top brands during this prime shopping weekend. Retailers also often offer their best price match guarantees and extended return periods to encourage more sales, so it’s a great risk-free time to buy.

Where to Find the Best Deals

Check these retailers for the hottest pressure cooker deals during major sales:

Amazon: Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi, Mealthy, Cosori

Walmart: Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi, CrockPot

Target: Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi, Mueller

Kohl’s: Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi

Bed Bath & Beyond: Instant Pot, Cuisinart

Macy’s: Instant Pot, KitchenAid, Elite Platinum

Sur La Table: All-Clad, WMF, Kuhn Rikon

Williams Sonoma: Kuhn Rikon, WMF, Cristel

Brand Websites: Instant Pot, Ninja, CrockPot, Cosori

Choosing the Right Model

With so many options, it can be tricky to select the best pressure cooker for your needs and budget.

Best Overall: Instant Pot

The Instant Pot is the most popular multi-cooker on the market for its reliability, versatility, and array of presets and sizes. Models like the Duo Plus and Max offer ample cooking functions and capacity for most households.

Best Splurge: All-Clad

For a luxury option with gorgeous polished steel, All-Clad makes exceptional pressure cookers designed to last decades. They have high 4.5+ star ratings but with premium pricing.

Best Budget: Mueller Austria

Mueller pressure cookers consistently impress buyers with quality and features that rival pricier brands. They offer excellent value for more limited budgets.

Best Large Capacity: Ninja Foodi

The Ninja Foodi pressure cooker line is ideal for big families or meal prepping with extra-large 8-quart, 10-quart, and even 14-quart models available.

Safety Tips for Pressure Cooking

While very safe when used properly, pressure cookers do require special care and caution:

– Read your manual thoroughly to understand safety release valves, proper locking, and pressure limits before use. Follow all manufacturer guidelines.

– Double check the lid is securely sealed & locked before pressurizing food. Listen for the audible click.

– Don’t overfill your cooker – pressure requires room for expansion. Stay under 2/3 full.

– Release pressure properly using quick or natural release per recipe instructions. Forcing the lid open can lead to burns.

– Ensure the gasket & valves are clean – buildup can prevent proper sealing and pressure regulation.

– Don’t leave a pressurized cooker unattended. Stay nearby in case quick venting is needed.

– Don’t use if damaged. Check for dents, cracks, leaking valves or other defects before cooking.

Cleaning & Maintenance

With regular care, your pressure cooker should provide many years of service:

– Wash gaskets, valves & accessories in hot soapy water after each use. Air or towel dry thoroughly.

– Check gaskets & seals frequently and replace if cracked, stiff or misshapen. Lubricate with cooking oil if sticky.

– Descale interior & exterior with distilled white vinegar every 1-2 months to prevent mineral buildup.

– Polish exterior with non-abrasive cleaners and soft cloths to maintain the finish. Avoid harsh scouring pads.

– Store lid upside down or slightly ajar – never fully sealed. This preserves the gasket and valves.

– Replace key parts like gaskets every 1-2 years depending on usage. Order from the manufacturer.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Won’t pressurize: Check lid is securely sealed in the locked position. Examine rim and gasket for obstructions. Clean valves. Don’t overfill.

Won’t open when pressure released: Gaskets may be stuck from mineral deposits or food residue. Wipe rims & reseat lid. Don’t force. Contact manufacturer if issue persists.

Food burns or undercooks: Adjust cooking time, liquid amount or heat level per recipe. Use natural release method. Make sure working valves prevent excess pressure.

Leaking from valves or lid: Clean valve openings & gasket rim thoroughly. Replace worn gasket. Check for lid warping. Contact manufacturer if leaks continue.

Difficult to close or open: Lubricate gasket with oil. Clean rim to remove food stuck between lid and pot. Store lid upside down. Replace gasket if stiff.

FAQs

What size pressure cooker is best?

For most households, a 6 or 8-quart cooker is ideal. Get a 4-quart mini for singles/couples or 8+ quarts for larger families or batch cooking.

Are cheaper pressure cookers safe?

Affordable brands can be safe if UL certified and made from stainless steel. Check reviews and stick to reputable manufacturers. Proper usage is also key.

How long should a pressure cooker last?

A good stainless steel pressure cooker should provide 15-20 years of service with proper maintenance like gasket/seal replacement every 1-2 years.

Can you use a pressure cooker on any stove?

Stovetop pressure cookers are very versatile and work on electric, gas, induction, ceramic, halogen and solid fuel stoves. Check your manual to confirm.

What can you not cook in a pressure cooker?

Avoid recipes with little liquid that could burn or foam overflow like deep frying. Most grains, beans, meat, veggies and more are fine.

Key Takeaways:

• Look for deals during major holiday weekends, Prime Day, and post-holiday clearances
• Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer some of the absolute best prices
• Carefully consider size, features, and budget when selecting a model
• Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi and Mueller Austria offer excellent quality and value
• Follow all safety precautions – understand proper use before cooking
• Maintain gaskets, valves and other parts for longevity

Investing in a good pressure cooker that fits your lifestyle is well worth the convenience, quality and enjoyment it will provide for years to come! Taking advantage of seasonal sales lets you get more for your money.