Simple Electric Pressure Cooker Sizes Guide

Last Updated on May 2, 2022 by Share My Kitchen

How to Choose the Size of an Electric Pressure Cooker

The size of the pressure cooker you’ll need depends on who you’ll be cooking for, and how often. Always keep the recommendation in mind: “While even the largest pressure cooker is capable of cooking the smallest amounts of food, large amounts cannot be cooked in a small one.” All pressure cooker sizes indicate their full liquid capacity, but in reality, only half to two-thirds can be really used to cook. Never fill the pot more than two-thirds of its capacity, as pressure cooking involves frothing and bubbling, which may block the steam valves when the pot is too full.

Under 5 liters

This is good for singles or couples, as whole meals can be cooked for two here. It will also do for one course to serve a small family.

5-7 liters

This is a normal pressure cooker size for an average family with 3-5 members. It can accommodate a full meal recipe but is not too bulky to store.

7.5 – 10 liters

The ideal pressure cooker size for large families with more than 6 members, or if you often cook for large groups of people, or like to freeze food.

Over 10 liters

These larger ones are generally used for pressure cooking large amounts of food that you want to store in jars or pints, for catering purposes, or any other semi-commercial venture that requires you to cook for more than 15 people at a time.