Kristin Byrne, Author at Appliances Reviewed

Breville Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine

Keurig K-Cafe K-Duo Single Serve Coffee, Latte and Cappuccino Maker, Dark Charcoal

Ninja Specialty Fold-Away Frother (CM407) Coffee Maker, Single Serve to 10 Cup (50 oz.)

AeroPress Original Coffee and Espresso-style Maker, Barista Level Portable Coffee Maker with Chamber, Plunger, & Filters, Quick Coffee and Espresso Maker

Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Maker by Breville, Matte Black with Aeroccino Milk Frother

Features: 60-ounce water reservoir (6 cups capacity), 3 different brew types, cold brew option, 1-year limited warranty.

Features: 50 ounces (10 cups) capacity, 6 cup sizes, 4 different brew types, cold brew option, SCA Certified, 1-year warranty.

Features: 1-3 cups capacity, 2 brew types, BPA free plastic, 350 microfilters, 1-year warranty.

Features: 1350 watts, 40 ounces water reservoir, 5 cup sizes with 5 different brew types, 2-year warranty.

Best Overall

Features: 60-ounce water reservoir (6 cups capacity), 3 different brew types, cold brew option, 1-year limited warranty.

Best Quality

Features: 50 ounces (10 cups) capacity, 6 cup sizes, 4 different brew types, cold brew option, SCA Certified, 1-year warranty.

Best on a Budget

Features: 1-3 cups capacity, 2 brew types, BPA free plastic, 350 microfilters, 1-year warranty.

Breville Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine

Best for Espresso

Features: 1350 watts, 40 ounces water reservoir, 5 cup sizes with 5 different brew types, 2-year warranty.

Best Overall: Keurig K-Cafe Coffee Maker

The best single-serve coffee maker overall is none other than Keurig’s K-coffee maker. Keurig is the inventor of the K-cup coffee maker and a true game-changer in the industry. The K-Coffee model is a well-rounded, high-quality device that’s fully automated and very easy-to-use and maintain. It’s a smart choice for most people, both experienced coffee maker users as well as first-time buyers.

Pros:

Since coffee makers are here to offer us convenience and constantly give us delicious results, we’ll start by praising the automated functionalities of Keurig K-Cafe that make the device really attractive.

The unit has a smart start functionality, which means you don’t need to wait for the water to heat before selecting your cup size – simply turn it on, insert the k-cup pod, and select your program.

Another great functionality is that the Keurig K-Cafe is programmed to turn itself off two hours after the last brew. This feature makes the unit energy-efficient, saving you money on electrical bills.

Keurig K-Cafe also features a maintenance reminder functionality, meaning it will remind you when it’s time to descale your coffee maker. Descaling is a very important process that prevents the build-up of calcium deposits to damage the device or interfere with the coffee flavor.

Since it’s fully automated and your next coffee cup is just a touch away, the Keurig K-Cafe is a perfect device for first-time buyers and people who appreciate convenience before anything else. Plus, most parts of the unit are dishwasher safe, which means cleaning it won’t be a problem either.

Finally, the Keurig K-Cafe is great for families as well as people living alone. The unit comes with a 60 ounces removable water tank that can make approximately 6 cups before it has to be refilled.

Cons:

The Keurig K-Cafe coffee maker isn’t very versatile, as it’s only compatible with K-cup pods. It doesn’t support pods from other brands, nor K-Carafe pods, K-Mug pods, Vue pods, or Rivo pods.

Some customers have complained that they didn’t like that the device is made of plastic and feels very light, although its performance doesn’t seem to be affected by this.

The Verdict:

The K-Cafe is one of the best k-cups coffee makers from the Keurig brand as well as our choice as the best single-serve coffee maker overall. The unit is the latest brewer innovation that has incorporated some great automatic functionalities, guaranteed to make your life easier. It’s a smart choice for most people who want to enjoy a fine cup of coffee quickly, with practically no effort.

Best Quality: Ninja CM407 Specialty Coffee Maker

Our highest quality choice is the Ninja CM407, as the unit is exceptionally well thought out and will perform reliably even after years of use. The Ninja CM407 coffee maker is versatile, automated, environmentally friendly, and comes with an SCA certificate. It’s the perfect coffee maker for hard-core coffee drinkers who don’t mind spending an extra buck for the best coffee maker on the market.

Pros:

One of the best qualities of the Ninja CM407 model is that it’s highly versatile. It features 6 cup sizes (cup, XL cup, travel mug, XL multi-serve, half carafe, and full carafe), and it gives you a choice of classic, rich, over ice, & specialty brewed coffee, plus a program for making travel-mug size coffee. You only need to place your travel mug under the spout, press the button for that option, and you’re good to go.

The unit can satisfy even the biggest nitpickers, as the coffee maker offers a choice between glass or thermal carafe.

Just how perfect this unit is for home-brewing speaks the SCA certification that accompanies it. The device has earned the Golden Cup of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) for its thermal flavor extraction technology through which it delivers the highest quality home-brew standard.

Yet another great aspect of Ninja CM407 is that it’s environmentally friendly, as it doesn’t require k-pods. Using this device, you’ll cut your footprint significantly and even save up to $200 on pods annually. Plus, if you’re worried about the amount of coffee for making a perfect cup, you’ll be pleased to know there’s a measuring tool that mounts to the side of the machine, so you can make precise measurements for every coffee cup.

On hot sunny days, you can enjoy a cold brew coffee with just the touch of the button because the Ninja CM407 comes with this functionality. It also comes with a removable water reservoir and a built-in frother for turning milk into a silky froth in a matter of seconds.

Cons:

The only drawback that we noticed about the Ninja CM407 is that it doesn’t brew real espresso. Instead, it makes a coffee concentrate. Considering the fact that espresso is really hard to make right, and espresso machines are expensive, this might not be such a big deal – unless you’re a passionate espresso drinker. If this is the case, Breville Nespresso Vertuo is a much better choice.

The Verdict:

The Ninja CM407 is definitely one of the best single serve coffee makers that can be found today – the device is versatile, highly-functional, and has an amazing design. On top of that, it comes with advanced automated functionalities that will especially be appreciated by coffee aficionados.

Best on a Budget: AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker

Costing just a fraction of the price of most high-end single-serve coffee makers, the AeroPress model is a real refreshment for people who don’t want to dip into their savings but still want to enjoy a high-quality brewed coffee. We chose it as the best on a budget choice for many reasons, some of them being the device’s portability, ease of use, and travel-friendliness.

Pros:

The AeroPress is a simple and straightforward device. It’s made from BPA-free plastic and comes equipped with 350 microfilters, meaning you only need your favorite coffee blend to make the perfect coffee cup in a matter of seconds. Given that you can use your own coffee mix, you can easily adjust the coffee this machine makes to your taste.

Another thing we like about the AeroPress is that it’s very fast. It works similarly to Fresh presses but with a patented AeroPress mechanism. You can make up to three cups of American coffee in just one minute. According to the manufacturer and thousands of customer reviews, the difference is that with AeroPress you don’t have to wait for the coffee to steep, which removes the acidity and bitterness.

Best of all, you can also brew espresso-style coffee, which you can use to make lattes, cappuccinos, and other espresso-based drinks.

Cons:

Since it’s made of plastic, some users have expressed concerns about the durability of the device, especially the seal on the first unit. The good news is that you can order a replacement, but you have to contact the manufacturer directly.

The Verdict:

The AeroPress is a great manual single-serve coffee maker, that has the potential to make a lot of people really happy – especially those who can’t afford to invest in a high-end electric coffee maker, or those who want an additional machine for the office or while traveling. The unit is easy to use, easy to clean, and most importantly, makes high-quality coffee.

Best Smart Features: Breville Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine

We know how hard it can be to make espresso just right. Fortunately, the Breville Nespresso Vertuo makes this process a piece of cake. It’s the best single-serve coffee maker when espresso is the number one priority. The Breville Nespresso Vertuo follows high brewing standards and it’s versatile, fully automated, and a great choice for people who want to experiment with flavors.

Pros:

The Breville Nespresso Vertuo makes delicious espresso and other coffee styles consistent in temperature and volume every time. Thanks to its extraction technology titled Centrifusion, the unit’s capsule spins up to 7,000 rotations per minute producing creamy and intensely flavored espresso.

The machine is fully automated and everything is just a button away. You can make up to three cup sizes (14 ounces – Alto, 8 ounces – Coffee, and 1.35 ounces – Espresso) by clicking a button. The capsule for Alto and Coffee is the same size, while it uses a different capsule for espresso for better results. You can also adjust the machine for Gran Lungo (5 oz) and Double Espresso (2.7 oz).

We were especially impressed by the automatic blend recognition. The Vertuo uses an intelligent extraction system that is capable of recognizing each Grand Cru blend thanks to the barcode. Once it recognizes the blend, it adjusts its settings for delivering the best possible coffee flavor.

Finally, people who love to try out new flavors will appreciate the welcome set that’s included in the package. The device comes with 12 Nespresso Vertuo capsules containing individual aromas. You can try all of the unique flavors and know exactly what you want next time you’re buying capsules.

You can also register in a Nespresso Club through which you can order your Nespresso capsules online (24/7), receive personalized advice, and obtain technical support for your machine.

Cons:

Some customers have complained that while the taste is amazing, the coffee was always warm instead of hot. Anyone who enjoys a super hot coffee might be a little annoyed or disappointed.

Another thing that espresso virtuosos have complained about is that because the device is fully automated, there’s no control over the process whatsoever. While some might consider this an advantage, for others it’s quite frustrating.

The Verdict:

Breville Nespresso Vertuo Coffee made our list because of the brewing quality – simply put, it makes an amazing espresso. Even though the device is quite expensive, some of the reasons that can persuade you to invest in it are the automatic functionalities, great customer service, and capsules with unique flavors.

Sale

Breville Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine

Conclusion:

The Keurig K-Cafe is the best single-serve coffee maker overall as the model comes from the most influential pioneer in the industry (Keurig), offers amazing performance and functionalities, and is affordable for most people. It’s a good choice for first-time buyers as it’s easy to use and clean. At the same time, it’s a good choice for experienced coffee makers as it comes equipped with advanced automated features.

The best single-serve coffee maker for diehard coffee lovers is the Ninja CM407, as the machine is reliable, well-equipped with advanced functionalities, fully automated, and incredibly versatile. Furthermore, the unit doesn’t require k-pods, meaning it will cut your environmental footprint. It’s a great choice for people who are willing to splurge for the perfect cup of coffee.

The best single-serve coffee maker on a budget is the manual AeroPress #83R20 coffee and espresso maker. It’s an amazing device for offices, travelers, and people with small kitchens that prefer something simple. Its size shouldn’t be underestimated, though, as the device is perfectly capable of producing high-quality brew just like many high-end machines.

Finally, the Breville Nespresso Vertuo Coffee is the go-to coffee maker for espresso lovers as the unit is unbeatable at making the best espresso shots. Aside from that, the unit features some advanced automated functionalities and unique flavors that appeal to curious coffee drinkers.

Everything You Need To Know About Single-Serve Coffee Makers

If you’re not really concerned about how your coffee tastes and can drink almost any kind, then you might believe brewing coffee is a simple and straightforward process. Experienced coffee masters, however, would strongly disagree. There are many things you should consider and know to be able to make gourmet coffee.

If you’re interested in more coffee-related content, check out our more detailed articles on whether coffee goes bad, and how to make a cold brew coffee in a mason jar.

Types of Single-Serve Coffee Makers

There are four different coffee makers that make single-serve cups of coffee.

Pod Coffee Machines

Pod coffee machines, or more popularly known “k-cup coffee makers”, use pre-packed coffee pods (plastic or paper) that contain coffee grounds to make the coffee. They’re the most well-known and frequently used coffee makers nowadays. The downside of using k-cup coffee makers is that most devices use non-recyclable, single-use plastic pods, which means they’re not environmentally-friendly at all. Additionally, finding high-quality pods can be a challenge and an expensive quest.

Espresso Machines

Espresso machines are designed for making single-serve coffee since you can only make one at a time. This is because espresso is the strongest coffee containing up to 80 milligrams of caffeine in a 2 oz serving-cup. However, espresso is also considered to be the most difficult coffee to get right, so espresso machines are among the most expensive coffee makers on the market, even though many of them are manual.

Manual Machines

The term “manual machines” refers to all the coffee makers that are operated manually. While they’re not as fast as electric machines, and a little experience is required to be able to make the perfect cup of coffee, professionals and coffee-enthusiasts sometimes prefer them because they give them the opportunity to play with the coffee’s flavor. On top of that, many people enjoy the ritual of brewing coffee just as much as actually drinking it, so fully automated machines might not be that appealing to them.

Single Cup Drip Coffee Makers

Although drip coffee makers are known for brewing large quantities of coffee at once, there are variations and models designed to make single-serve coffee. These types of coffee makers represent a great balance between a fair price, high-quality customizable coffee grounds, and user-friendliness.

Cold Brew vs. Hot Brew Coffee

A hot cup of coffee feels so nice in winter, but when the temperatures rise above 80°F, you have to find an alternative. While ice-coffee sounds tempting, there are a few things you should know to make the perfect cold brew.

Since hot brew is what you get from typical and popular coffee makers (although there are specialized devices that make cold brew), there are a few brewing methods to get cold coffee.

The first method is by using room temperature water. You can make the cold brew by steeping coarsely ground coffee in room temperature water for around 12-24 hours (the longer the steeping period, the better the taste). The advantage of this method is the taste and quality of the coffee, while the downside is the brewing time, which some people don’t have.

The second method is using ice to cool a hot brew. You can pour hot water over coffee grounds or granules, and mix until the coffee is completely diluted. After this, add a few ice-cubes in your cup and the coffee will cool in just a few minutes. Unfortunately, the ice-cubes will melt in your coffee and make it taste blander. You can also place the ice in a vessel below the coffee container, and wait for five to then minutes.

Finally, the third method is to leave the hot brew in the freezer and wait for it to cool. However, this is not recommended since there’s an oxidation process happening which can make your coffee more acidic and bitter.

To find out more about cold brewing and which coffee is the best for this process, check out our article on “Best Coffee for Cold Brew.”

Tips For Brewing The Perfect Cup Of Coffee

Choosing the best coffee maker is the first step, but knowing how to brew delicious rich-in-flavor coffee is the second, equally important step. Here are a few tips that will help you on this journey.

The water you use affects the taste. Don’t use home drinking water. Instead, use filtered water at room temperature or between 195 – 205°F (never boiled or you’ll “burn” the compounds that release the taste).
Specific measurements are crucial for consistency. If you use k-cup pods you only need to find a brand you like, but if you insert coffee grounds manually, then make sure you measure how much coffee you put. Use 2 tbsp for 6 ounces of water.
Take good care of your coffee maker and make sure the filters are clean before using it.
Experiment with different brands and flavors of k-cup pods. This way you’ll get a better chance of finding what works best for you. You can check out our article on the most exotic and delicious coffee around the world for more info.
Go for drip-style single-serve coffee makers if you prefer customized coffee blends or you have a particular mixture that you already love.

How To Find the Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker?

Different types of single-serve coffee makers can satisfy different coffee needs, however, regardless of the type of coffee maker you’ve chosen, there are a few things you should keep in mind when shopping for the best single-serve coffee maker.

Brew Speed

Coffee makers are manufactured to make our life easier and help us get gourmet coffee fast. While some people might prefer a slowly brewed coffee, the truth is that for most customers speed is an important factor. To make sure your coffee maker can brew coffee quickly, look for models with a powerful heating mechanism that can brew coffee in less than a minute.

Temperature Consistency

This is probably the most important factor to look for in coffee makers, as it directly affects the coffee’s quality and flavor. Different compounds in coffee dissolve at a different temperature rate and some of them (chlorogenic acid lactones and phenylindanes) can make your coffee bitter. If you’re buying a manual machine, then you’ll control the temperature of the water, but automated single-serve coffee makers have heaters that control the temperature inside the device. Make sure you choose a machine that’s praised for its stable brew temperature.

Convenience And Ease Of Use

Coffee makers should be convenient and easy to use, but this can vary depending on the type. For example, manual machines are the least convenient and hard to figure out for complete amateurs when it comes to using coffee machines. There’s a learning curve for espresso machines, too, while single cup drip and k-cup coffee makers are beginner-friendly and incredibly convenient. They do put some restrictions on the brewing process, which professionals might dislike. If you’re confident in your coffee-making skills, go for manual and espresso machines, otherwise, look for single drip and k-cup coffee makers.

Before You Go

Coffee lovers will agree that buying a high-quality coffee maker that brews coffee to your taste is a life-changing experience, especially if you rely on caffeine to get through your day. You’ll be surprised how a simple and small device can make you feel so happy when you smell the intense aroma of your freshly brewed coffee.

Hopefully, our detailed reviews were useful in your search for the best k-cup coffee maker for your specific needs. But, if you’re still undecided, feel free to follow the links we’ve provided and check current prices, in-depth specifications, and customer reviews for each product.

Don’t forget to also visit our blog because we have many more product reviews, product guides, even delicious recipes that go hand-in-hand with a nice cup of coffee.

Want to see our favorite single serve coffee makers one more time before you go? Here they are!

Best Overall

Best Quality

Best on a Budget

Best for Espresso

Breville Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine

Features: 60-ounce water reservoir (6 cups capacity), 3 different brew types, cold brew option, 1-year limited warranty.

Features: 50 ounces (10 cups) capacity, 6 cup sizes, 4 different brew types, cold brew option, SCA Certified, 1-year warranty.

Features: 1-3 cups capacity, 2 brew types, BPA free plastic, 350 microfilters, 1-year warranty.

Features: 1350 watts, 40 ounces water reservoir, 5 cup sizes with 5 different brew types, 2-year warranty.

Best Overall

Features: 60-ounce water reservoir (6 cups capacity), 3 different brew types, cold brew option, 1-year limited warranty.

Best Quality

Features: 50 ounces (10 cups) capacity, 6 cup sizes, 4 different brew types, cold brew option, SCA Certified, 1-year warranty.

Best on a Budget

Features: 1-3 cups capacity, 2 brew types, BPA free plastic, 350 microfilters, 1-year warranty.

Breville Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine

Best for Espresso

Features: 1350 watts, 40 ounces water reservoir, 5 cup sizes with 5 different brew types, 2-year warranty.

Does Coffee Go Bad? Shelf Life, Storing Tips And Tricks

October 2, 2024 Kristin Byrne Blog

Appliances Reviewed is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The question of whether coffee goes bad is quite common, especially among irregular coffee drinkers. It’s not uncommon to find a bag of ground coffee in your kitchen drawer, but then what? Is it safe to consume it?

Passionate coffee drinkers would be strongly against that idea since freshness is a major determinant of whether coffee is good or bad. But, what does “bad” mean? Can expired coffee make you sick?

In this article, we’ll break down these questions and answer when it’s okay to consume the coffee that’s been sitting in your kitchen for quite some time. Furthermore, we share some essential tips on how to store coffee properly, to ensure you keep the fresh and intense taste as long as possible.

Can Coffee Go Bad & What Does “Bad” Really Mean?

The short answer is both yes and no, depending on what you are really asking.

If you’re asking whether coffee can make you sick, then no, coffee doesn’t go bad like some other food items (dairy products, for example). Coffee, like other dry, packaged food, has no firm expiration date, so consuming it after the expiration label stated on the package is safe – under the condition that you’ve stored it properly. Coffee is unsafe only if it comes in contact with humidity or water. In this case, throw it away without thinking much about it.

Having said that, coffee does go bad in terms of taste. Just because it’s safe to consume it, it doesn’t mean that it will be worth it. Old coffee becomes stale and most of its flavor does go away over time, so the drinking experience won’t be very pleasant.

So, how do we know whether our old coffee is drinkable?

In the next paragraph, we’ll discuss the shelf life of coffee and give you some guidelines that can help you determine whether you should drink or toss the coffee. Just keep in mind that these guidelines aren’t strict rules and, at the end of the day, a lot of different factors affect the freshness and flavor of coffee, which we’ll go over in a bit.

Shelf Life Of Coffee In Different Forms

When we talk about the expiration date of coffee, we must make a difference between coffee beans, coffee grounds granules, k-cup pods, and brewed coffee.

Can you use coffee grounds past the expiration date?

How can you extend the shelf life and freshness of your coffee at home?

Let’s break it all down and help you minimize your coffee waste.

How Long Do Coffee Beans Last?

The more processed the coffee is, the shorter its shelf life. Therefore, raw coffee beans last longer than ground coffee. If you buy coffee beans and ground them yourself, it’s best to ground only as much as you plan to drink that day and keep your coffee as whole beans. Stored in a dark and dry place, coffee beans will last for six to nine months if not opened, and around four to five months once opened.

How Long Does Ground Coffee Last?

The shelf life of ground coffee is a little shorter than whole coffee beans. Once the coffee beans are ground, the chemical compounds that make coffee what it is are much more vulnerable to environmental factors that affect the quality. Try to ground only as much coffee as you plan to drink that day or week for optimal flavor. If you buy ground coffee, try to drink it in the next two to three months.

How Long Does Instant Coffee Last?

The expiration date for instant coffee varies greatly depending on the brand, so it can last from two up to twenty years (sealed/unopened). However, once opened, the coffee in the package will generally stay at the best quality for around 12-18 months.

How Long Can Brewed Coffee Sit Out?

Finally, what happens after you prepare the coffee? How long can you leave it to sit at room temperature before becoming acidic and bitter?

According to EatByDate, you should drink brewed coffee as soon as you can, preferably on the same day, otherwise, it will become stale. You can keep it in the fridge for two or three days, but keep in mind that the flavor will slowly evaporate, and the more you wait, the staler it will be.

In What Case Can Coffee Make You Sick? – Telling The Difference Between Rotten Or Spoiled Coffee

We’ve mentioned that even if the taste is poor, expired coffee won’t harm you. Are there exceptions? This depends on how you store the coffee. While the coffee itself isn’t harmful, there is one exception where you should just throw away the package.

If the coffee package was in contact with spoiled food or moisture after opening, you shouldn’t consume the coffee. In this case, bacteria overgrowth from spoiled food might have contaminated the coffee, making it unsafe. Also, moisture aids bacteria growth which can spoil coffee as well.

Considering coffee can last a relatively long time when it’s stored properly, in the next paragraph we’ll share some tips on how to store and keep your coffee fresh.

How To Store Coffee To Last Longer?

To better understand how we can take care of our coffee beans, we should first learn what degrades the quality of the coffee.

Factors that can affect the quality of coffee:

Oxygen

Oxygen negatively affects coffee beans and ground coffee because of something called VOCs (volatile organic compounds). When oxygen comes into contact with the coffee beans, the VOCs inside the coffee become unstable and evaporate, causing the coffee to lose its aroma.

Moisture

Coffee already contains a certain amount of moisture, depending on where it comes from and how it was processed, as each coffee is different. However, it’s important that the moisture content isn’t above 12.5%. Apart from the fact it affects the taste, the problem with moisture is that high levels can cause mold, and in severe cases, fungi. The main reason why this happens is that coffee is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air.

Sunlight

Just like with oxygen, ground coffee as well as whole coffee beans are sensitive to light. Light will make the compounds in coffee unstable and prone to evaporation. This will make your drink stale.

Heat

Yet another killer of high-quality coffee is heat. Don’t expose coffee beans or coffee grounds to heat before brewing or you’ll make the coffee lose all its flavor and taste.

Tips For Extending Coffee Freshness

Follow these tips to ensure a heavy-bodied, robust coffee flavor, each time you make a new brew.

- Buy high-quality coffee beans/grounds. First things first, before you think about storing it, make sure your coffee is fresh and of good quality when you buy it. It’s a good idea to find a brand or a local merchandiser you trust.
- Transfer the coffee into a safe container. Immediately after opening the package, transfer the coffee into an airtight, non-transparent (dark) container, and store it at room temperature (in a cool location). If drinking coffee is a daily habit for you, you might want to invest in storage canisters with an airtight seal.
- Consume the coffee 15-20 minutes after brewing. To take the most out of the coffee flavor, consume it 20 minutes after brewing. The cooler it gets, the more aroma is lost.
- Never reheat coffee. Re-heating will destroy the coffee’s aroma and flavor completely.
- Only certain parts of the pantry or kitchen cabinet are good storage places. Don’t place the coffee canister in the kitchen cabinets if it’s right next to the stove or if the cabinet is exposed to sunlight. Only cool, dark, and dry places are okay.
- Don’t refrigerate brewed coffee. Although placing brewed coffee in the fridge can extend its shelf life, it will make the taste very dull and diluted.

Before You Go

Hopefully, we managed to answer all of your concerns and you can continue to enjoy your favorite coffee blend without worrying it might make you sick. To enhance the flavor and ensure you’re drinking high-quality brew, follow our advice on how to store and extend coffee freshness.

If you want to learn more about coffee, like what’s the best coffee for cold brew or the top 10 most exotic and delicious coffee beans, make sure you visit our blog. We have many other interesting articles covering food and kitchen appliances, as well as delicious recipes that will go perfectly with a cup of coffee.

The Best Turkey Fryer Reviews

Appliances Reviewed is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

If you love eating turkey but are tired of the traditional oven-baked bird, you might want to look into using a turkey fryer. Making a turkey with a turkey fryer is quick, easy, and adds a whole new twist to a conventional dinner.

But what’s all the rage about a turkey fryer, you might wonder? Well, it allows you to deep fry a turkey in minutes! It’s safer and much more convenient than attempting to fry one on the stove which is next to impossible. There are many fryers on the market these days, and most do the same job, which is frying a turkey, but models, features, performance, and price can vary greatly.

So, how do you find the best turkey fryer for your specific needs and preferences? Well, our honest reviews are here to help you out. We’ve done the research and found some of the best turkey fryers available on the market today. Keep reading to find out which product is the right match for you. And, don’t forget to check out our essential buying guide at the end of this article, where we share the most important tips when shopping for a turkey fryer.

The Best Turkey Fryers

Best Overall

Best Quality

Best on a Budget

Best For Commercial Use

Charbroil® The Big Easy® TRU-Infrared™ Cooking Technology Propane Gas Stainless Steel Oil-Less Turkey Fryer, Black - 17102065

Enterprises Turkey Deep Fryer Oversized 44 Quart Stainless Steel Big Bird Kit by Bayou Classic for Big 25 lbs Huge Turkeys Complete KIT TOP of The LINE

Bayou Classic 4225 42-qt Aluminum Grand Gobbler Turkey Features Vented Lid Heavy-Duty Riveted Handles Perforated Poultry Rack 12-in Stainless Fry Thermometer 2-oz Seasoning Injector

Masterbuilt MB23010618 Fryer, XL Stainless Steel

Features: Oil-less fryer, electric, capacity of up to 16 pounds, lifter, meat thermometer, 1-year warranty.

Features: 44-qt. stainless steel, meat thermometer, seasoning injector, commercial-grade, 1-year warranty.

Features: 30-qt. aluminum pot, thermometer, seasoning injector, 1-year warranty.

Features: Capacity of up to 20 lb. turkey, digital control panel with timer, commercial-grade, 3-months warranty.

Best Overall

Features: Oil-less fryer, electric, capacity of up to 16 pounds, lifter, meat thermometer, 1-year warranty.

Best Quality

Features: 44-qt. stainless steel, meat thermometer, seasoning injector, commercial-grade, 1-year warranty.

Best on a Budget

Features: 30-qt. aluminum pot, thermometer, seasoning injector, 1-year warranty.

Best For Commercial Use

Features: Capacity of up to 20 lb. turkey, digital control panel with timer, commercial-grade, 3-months warranty.

Best Overall: Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-less Turkey Fryer

Overall, we believe the Char-Broil Big Easy is the best turkey fryer for most people. It’s a propane-powered device meant to be used for outdoor cooking activities. The unit itself is large, fast, and cooks without oil, which is a big plus in the health department.

Pros:

One of the best higher-end features of this model is the TRU-Infrared technology that ensures a tender, yet crispy turkey each time. The fryer features 16,000 BTU propane burners, so you can expect evenly cooked meat every time.

The capacity of the unit goes up to 16 lbs of meat. You can cook a whole 16 lbs turkey, or combine smaller meats. It’s especially beneficial if versatility is important for you. Aside from turkey, you can cook chicken, pork tenderloin, beef roast, and most large cuts of meat, plus boneless and bone-in ribs.

We especially loved that the unit doesn’t need oil to fry, which automatically means healthier meals without the added calories.

Since the Char-Broil Big Easy is electric and oil-free, there’s no need to fear burns. Plus, it comes with all the essential gadgets needed for safe cooking, like a cooking thermometer, a cooking basket with a lifter, secure lid, and a quick start cooking guide, which also makes the unit beginner-friendly.

Cons:

Since it uses propane, the Char-Broil Big Easy can only be used outdoors. This means that weather and other external factors can affect your ability to cook turkey exactly when you need it.

Additionally, some customers have noted that the turkey isn’t as crispy as with some traditional oil-based devices.

The Verdict:

The Char-Broil Big Easy is a great choice for most people as it’s a propane-powered fryer that’s also user-friendly and safe. The unit is large and can satisfy the needs of every family. It’s also fast and healthy as it fries without oil. Whether you’re a turkey-master or an amateur who wants to learn how to easily prepare the perfect turkey dinner, the Char-Broil Big Easy won’t disappoint you.

Sale

Best Quality: Bayou Classic 44-Quart 'Big Bird' Kit

When you have to feed a large family with high standards, the Bayou Classic “Big Bird” turkey fryer is the way to go. This mode is one of the largest in the industry, which makes it suitable for commercial use. Therefore, if you’re a professional cook, have a large family, or you own a restaurant, buying the Bayou Classic “Big Bird” fryer would be a smart choice.

Pros:

Aside from its quality, the biggest advantage of this model is its capacity. The unit has a 44-qt. body and can easily fry up to 25 lbs of turkey. It’s definitely one of the largest devices available on the market today.

The Bayou Classic “Big Bird” model is made of high-quality aluminum and stainless steel which make the device very durable and powerful. Best of all, it distributes the temperature evenly and without a mistake – something that’s very important for large-scale devices.

The unit is very well-built, so it’s effortless to maintain and clean. The design allows you to easily disassemble it in order to clean it thoroughly. It also features two very well-designed handles and a stainless steel vented lid, so it’s easy to transport it and use it.

Just like our best overall recommendation, the unit comes with a lifter, a meat thermometer, and an insulated glove.

Cons:

The unit itself might be hard to figure out, as you need to put it together once it arrives. This might not be the best option for complete beginners as you can easily make a mistake.

The Verdict:

The Bayou Classic “Big Bird” is an amazing high-end turkey fryer that delivers outstanding performance when it comes to cooking large quantities of meat. The unit is graded for commercial-use and it would be a brilliant choice for large families.

Bayou Classic 44-Quart 'Big Bird' Kit

Best on a Budget: Bayou Classic 3025 30Qt Turkey Fryer

When you’re on a budget, the Bayou Classic 3025 has your back. It’s lightweight, yet constructed with high-quality and safety standards in mind. The unit offers some amazing features for a very low price, which is why it deserves the title as the best turkey fryer on a budget.

Pros:

The unit is incredibly lightweight and fast. The Bayou Classic 3025 can fry a whole turkey in just 45 minutes, which is quite impressive. After that, it’s very easy to transport it and store it.

Fast doesn’t mean less efficient. What we love about the Bayou Classic 3025 is that it’s made from high-quality aluminum that ensures proper circulation around all of the tank, without leaving your turkey half-burned, half-alive – even when the turkey weighs up to 20 lbs.

We also loved how versatile the unit is. Not only can you quickly fry a whole turkey, but you can also use it for cooking soup, shrimp, crabs, corn, peanuts, Low Country Boil, or gumbo.

Finally, the unit comes with all the necessary accessories for safe and comfortable cooking. It features a patented poultry rack, lift hook, thermometer, and a seasoning injector.

Cons:

Unlike the models we recommended so far, the Bayou Classic 3025 isn’t suitable for smaller chunks of meat. If you also want to use the fryer for chicken, it’s better to go for another model.

The Verdict:

If you were looking for the value for money fryer, we’re happy to tell you that you’ve found it. The most surprising aspect of the Bayou Classic 3025 turkey fryer is its price as all the other features place the device among the best of the best fryers on the market.

Best for Commercial Use: Masterbuilt Butterball 1650W XL Turkey Fryer

The Masterbuilt Butterball is a very powerful and efficient fryer for both indoor and outdoor use. The unit satisfies all standards for commercial use and comes with a large capacity that makes it a perfect choice for restaurant owners or professional cooks. The Masterbuilt Butterball is very easy to use and features advanced functionalities, which make the cooking process a piece of cake.

Pros:

The Masterbuilt Butterball Xl is certified for commercial and indoor use. The inner pot is coated with porcelain to keep the oil locked inside. This feature makes it a great choice for restaurants and small businesses, as well as families that enjoy cooking turkey quite often.

The unit uses at least 33% less oil than traditional models, which makes it a healthier option when compared with other oil-based fryers. Plus, it has an oil drain valve which makes cleaning the device a breeze.

When it comes to capacity, the Masterbuilt Butterball can fry up to 20 lbs of turkey.

The unit comes equipped with a digital control panel with a timer, which makes the device a lot easier to operate with, and the whole frying process a lot safer.

Like some of our other recommendations, the Masterbuilt Butterball XL is versatile and suitable for boiling and steaming, aside from frying foods.

Although turkey fryers are generally hard to clean, the Masterbuilt Butterball XL comes with dishwasher safe parts. You can disassemble and toss the pot, basket, lid, and drain valve right in the dishwasher without thinking too much about it.

Cons:

One concern or frustration is that the unit needs time before it reaches the desired temperature. This can prolong the cooking process, or spend more electricity.

Unfortunately, the unit has a very small cord. It’s designed that way for safety reasons, but it can be a problem finding a place on the countertop with a power outlet right beside it.

The Verdict:

Large, versatile, and easy to use and clean, the Masterbuilt Butterball Xl is a high-quality turkey fryer designed to satisfy every need. This unit is a safe bet for most people, but especially those owning a business. When frying turkey is a daily chore and the taste needs to be impeccable, the Masterbuilt Butterball is here to save the day.

Conclusion:

The Char-Broil Big Easy is our overall best pick as we believe it’s one of the best turkey fryers available on the market today. The unit represents a balance between a great price, good quality, and essential features. It will give you tender and juicy meat very fast and very conveniently – you only need to push two buttons. The unit can please a lot of families gathering for a turkey dinner.

When looking for a high-quality turkey fryer that can handle a very, very big bird, you get to the Bayou Classic “Big Bird” which is one of the best ones on the market. It’s a large-scale device, great for both personal and commercial use. The unit itself is very professionally built, having in mind the maintenance and cleaning process as well, which is especially beneficial if you work in a restaurant and have to cook a turkey on a daily basis.

The best value-for-money pick is definitely the Bayou Classic 3025, which stands out from the crowd with the high-end functionalities it offers for such a low price. The unit is large, versatile, and very well-built. You’ll also get all the essential accessories to safely make a quick and delicious turkey dinner.

Finally, our pick for a high-quality commercial-grade turkey fryer is the Masterbuilt Butterball Xl model. The unit has everything a business owner can ask for – large capacity, advanced functionalities for easy usage, versatility, high safety standards, and dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning.

Everything You Need To Know About Turkey Fryers

Turkey fryers offer a combination of convenience and flavor. Because it’s fried, the turkey skin comes out crunchy and very tasty. Inside, the meat is tender and juicy. It’s the turkey-lovers’ dream.

A Little History

Turkey fryers got a rough and rocky start. When they began to get popular, there were some serious accidents that occurred, some of which were the manufacturers’ fault, while others took place because of the carelessness of those preparing the turkey. Furthermore, frying, in general, has had a bad rep since it was discovered that food fried in grease is very unhealthy.

Health Concerns

Frying food has been a practice for hundreds of years. Our ancestors dominantly used frying as a method to make raw food safer – free from bacteria, tastier, and long-lasting. So, why have turkey fryers gotten the bad rep, and what have we learned so far?

It seems that the type of oil used to cook the food is a big factor when it comes to health. When a turkey, or any food, is fried in healthier oils that haven’t been reused and is fried at a temperature that doesn’t cause the turkey to oversaturate, the verdict is a much better one.

Safety Concerns

Ever since turkey fryers were invented, safety was one of the main concerns. There are a lot of dangers when deep-frying turkeys – turkey fryer fires are responsible for the destruction of 900 homes, and more than $15-million in property damage yearly, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

The good news is that units are much more safety-oriented now and consumers are more aware of the dangers associated with the device, which has positively affected the demand of turkey fryers in recent years. However, we caution you to always be careful and make sure you’re well informed before working with a turkey fryer.

Plus, when attempting to use any turkey fryer, it is of utmost importance to pay strict attention to safety measures. No matter what safety features the unit comes equipped with; it is imperative to take great caution in all phases of cooking. You will also be wise to have a back-up plan should something go wrong.

Types of Turkey Fryers

There are four types of turkey fryers. There are the ever-popular electric ones that use grease to heat. Then there are those that run on propane and also use grease to heat. And, last but not least, there are both propane and electric models that use air rather than grease to cook.

The type that will best fit you generally depends on what you are looking for in a turkey fryer.

If you are trying to eliminate oil from your diet, one of the air-operated units might be the smart choice.

Many, however, like the propane grease heated ones, so they can enjoy the smoky aroma in the air. Plus, there is no need for an electrical outlet.

Still, others swear by the convenience and quality of electrical grease-heated devices.

What Are the Advantages of a Turkey Fryer?

There are many advantages to owning a turkey fryer, but the first and most obvious one is the cooking time. For example, baking a turkey takes more than four hours, depending on the turkey’s weight. On the other hand, deep-frying the same turkey in a turkey fryer will take more or less an hour, depending on the model. Therefore, when time is a pressing matter, having a turkey fryer is essential.

The second advantage that comes with owning a turkey fryer is the incredible taste. It’s no secret that deep frying only amplifies the turkey’s juicy and tender meat with crispy skin. Thanksgiving dinners are iconic and the perfectly cooked turkey is at the center of this jolly tradition, which is what you’ll get when you buy the best turkey fryer.

Finally, if you choose a no-oil air-fryer, you’ll get a healthier turkey. Whether you bake or fry the turkey, you still need to use oil, which adds a massive amount of calories. On the other hand, many turkey fryers today are electric and can air-cook the turkey for the same time as propane fryers. If an air-fryer matches your needs, you’ll definitely get a healthier turkey for dinner.

How To Find the Best Turkey Fryer?

The best turkey fryer will fry up a great turkey each and every time. However, to do that, it needs to have some basic as well as special features that not every model out there has. This is why it’s important to compare devices and be certain which of the many models suits your needs. To that end, below are some of the things you’ll be wise to consider.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Turkey Fryer

The first thing you need to decide is whether you want an outdoor or indoor turkey fryer. This will affect the heating source, the safety standards, and the price. Typically, indoor turkey fryers are electric and you only need to plug them in to fry your turkey. They’re much more independent (you can leave them while frying) and can still be used outside.

On the other hand, outdoor turkey fryers work on propane, which is the main difference from the indoor turkey fryers. Outdoor turkey fryers can’t be used indoors, but they do have their advantages. Read more about the advantages and disadvantages of both types before you make a decision.

Capacity

The second consideration refers to the fryer’s capacity. Obviously, turkeys are big and you’ll need a large tank to fry the big bird comfortably. While indoor turkey fryers are designed to handle around 14 lbs, outdoor fryers can go up to 20 lbs. Consider how big the turkeys you buy or hunt are to know what tank capacity will be the right choice for your needs.

Lifters

When buying a turkey fryer, it’s important to think about the lifters as one of the most essential accessories. As the name suggests, the lifter is an attachment that allows you to pick up or lift the turkey from the fryer. Turkey fryers are deep and getting your bird out of the fryer without damaging it, burning yourself, or ruining the outermost crispy shell can be tricky.

Safety Features

Indoor turkey fryers are safer than the outdoor ones, nonetheless, you need to set up high standards when it comes to the safety features of this device. Turkey fryers are big and can easily cause damage if you don’t handle them right. Look for a thermostat, an automatic shutoff feature, or strong lid, among other things.

Before You Go

Cooking a delicious and mouthwatering turkey dinner can be easier than ever thanks to specialized turkey fryers. If you’re a turkey meat lover, then there’s nothing more to think about – buying the right turkey fryer will make your life a lot easier.

Hopefully, our reviews helped you decide on a device that will best fit your specific needs and preferences. Our practical buying advice is also here to guide you while shopping for a turkey fryer. You can use the links we provided to find out more in-depth information about each recommended product, check out current prices, and read customer reviews.

Don’t forget that we have many more product reviews and product guides and even tasty recipes on our blog, so don’t hesitate to check it out.

Want to see our favorite turkey fryers one more time before you go? Here they are!

Best Overall

Best Quality

Best on a Budget

Best For Commercial Use

Features: Oil-less fryer, electric, capacity of up to 16 pounds, lifter, meat thermometer, 1-year warranty.

Features: 44-qt. stainless steel, meat thermometer, seasoning injector, commercial-grade, 1-year warranty.

Features: 30-qt. aluminum pot, thermometer, seasoning injector, 1-year warranty.

Features: Capacity of up to 20 lb. turkey, digital control panel with timer, commercial-grade, 3-months warranty.

Best Overall

Features: Oil-less fryer, electric, capacity of up to 16 pounds, lifter, meat thermometer, 1-year warranty.

Best Quality

Features: 44-qt. stainless steel, meat thermometer, seasoning injector, commercial-grade, 1-year warranty.

Best on a Budget

Features: 30-qt. aluminum pot, thermometer, seasoning injector, 1-year warranty.

Best For Commercial Use

Features: Capacity of up to 20 lb. turkey, digital control panel with timer, commercial-grade, 3-months warranty.

The Best Sausage Stuffer Reviews

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If you are an avid hunter and want to make sausage out of your kill or if you simply prefer the taste of homemade sausage over store-bought, buying a sausage stuffer is the right move. Sausage stuffers make the difference between what could be a mundane task and a quick and easy process. And having the best sausage stuffer can make all the difference in the world.

For some people, stuffing sausages may look like an easy and straightforward job, which is true, but only if you have the right tool. For all the others that have spent countless hours trying to fill the casing only to get mediocre results and sausages that easily fall apart, we’re here to help you out.

As the market is littered with different product options, trying to find the best option for your unique needs and preferences may be a bit confusing. Luckily, we did the research so you don’t have to. This way, you’ll easily find the perfect match for making home-made sausages amongst our recommendations.

At the end of the article, we also shared some essential buying advice to help you choose the best option for your kitchen, so don’t forget to check it out. You’ll learn the main factors that you should keep in mind when shopping for your new sausage stuffer, but first, let’s start with the best sausage stuffer reviews.

The Best Sausage Stuffer

Best Overall

Best Quality

Best on a Budget

Most Versatile

STX Turboforce Classic 3000 Meat Grinder And Sausage Stuffer

LEM Products Mighty Bite Vertical Stainless Steel 5 Pound Capacity Sausage Stuffer with Plastic Stuffing Tubes

Hakka 7Lb/3L Sausage Stuffers and Vertical Sausage Makers

Sausage Stuffer Horizontal Kitchen Machine - Meat Stuffing Maker Kit With 4 Size Professional Filling Nozzles Attachment, Commercial And Household Use (5 LBS)

STX International Turboforce 3000 Heavy Duty 5-In-1 Powerful Size #12 • 3 Lb High Capacity Meat Tray • Sausage Stuffer (3 Sizes) • Kubbe Maker • Electric Burger/Slider Maker • Meat Claws

Features: Manual, vertical design, 5 lbs capacity, 3 different diameter stuffing tubes (13mm, 19mm, and 25mm), 2-year warranty.

Features: Manual, vertical design, 7 lbs/3l capacity, 2 speeds, 4 different diameter stuffing tubes (16mm, 22mm, 32mm, 38mm).

Features: Manual, horizontal design, 5 lbs capacity, 4 different stuffing tubes (14mm, 18mm, 21mm, and 25mm).

Features: Electrical, 1200 watts, 4 grinding plates, 3 stainless steel blades, 3 meat claws, 3 sausage tubes, 3-year warranty.

Best Overall

Features: Manual, vertical design, 5 lbs capacity, 3 different diameter stuffing tubes (13mm, 19mm, and 25mm), 2-year warranty.

Best Quality

Features: Manual, vertical design, 7 lbs/3l capacity, 2 speeds, 4 different diameter stuffing tubes (16mm, 22mm, 32mm, 38mm).

Best on a Budget

Features: Manual, horizontal design, 5 lbs capacity, 4 different stuffing tubes (14mm, 18mm, 21mm, and 25mm).

STX Turboforce Classic 3000 Meat Grinder And Sausage Stuffer

Most Versatile

Features: Electrical, 1200 watts, 4 grinding plates, 3 stainless steel blades, 3 meat claws, 3 sausage tubes, 3-year warranty.

Best Overall: LEM Products 5-Pound Sausage Stuffer

The sausage stuffer from LEM Product is our best overall pick as it’s a very durable and efficient device, with a decent capacity and versatile stuffing tubes. The 5-pound sausage stuffer is a well-rounded product with a reasonable price and a 2-year warranty, which is why we believe it will be a smart choice for most people.

Pros:

Thanks to the stainless steel construction, quality is guaranteed with the LEM Products sausage stuffer. The unit has highly precise carbon steel gears that are specifically designed to avoid slippage and wear. Plus, the material won’t rust or collect germs over time, which means you can use it for a very long time without wearing it out.

The 2-year warranty is another guarantee that you’ll get good use out of this sausage stuffer.

When it comes to the performance, the LEM Products sausage stuffer can hold up to 5 lbs, which means you can make most recipes in one load.

Also, because of the different diameter tube stuffers, you can stuff sausages from 13mm up to 25mm of thickness. This feature makes the unit more versatile and able to fit the needs of most people regardless of their preferences when it comes to sausage thickness.

The unit also features an air valve release, which pushes air out the top instead of into the casing, and you’re left with a tightly packed sausage without any air bubbles.

Finally, the unit is incredibly easy to operate and clean. If cleaning and maintaining hygiene at the highest level were a concern, rest assured – the LEM Products sausage stuffer can be disassembled completely. The cylinder, o-ring on the plunger, and other parts can be taken apart so you can clean them separately.

Cons:

Some customers have complained that the clamps meant to stabilize the unit on your countertop are fragile and not so sturdy. Plus, they’re small and might not fit on every kitchen countertop.

Although the main parts of the unit are made of high-quality stainless steel, the piston and nozzles are plastic, which might not be as durable as the rest of the unit.

The Verdict:

The LEM Products 5-pound sausage stuffer is a great product that has the potential to make a lot of sausage lovers very happy. The device is heavy, sturdy, and built with high-quality materials. It offers great performance and versatility as it comes with different diameter stuffing tubes. Best of all, the device is user-friendly and very easy to clean. Whether you’re just starting your journey of making sausages at home or you have some experience, the LEM Products model is a great choice.

Sale

Best Quality: Hakka 7 Lbs/3 L Sausage Stuffer

For the professionals, nitpickers, or very large families, we recommend the Hakka sausage stuffer as the best quality unit. Hakka is a real game-changer in the industry made 100% of high-quality stainless steel materials. Plus, it’s one of the most convenient and versatile units available on the market today.

Pros:

The Hakka sausage stuffer is an incredibly sturdy and durable product. The whole unit is made of food-grade, high-quality stainless steel – even the little attachable parts like the nozzles.

The fact that this sausage stuffer is not an electric device shouldn’t concern you. The Hakka model features resin bevel gears which make the unit very easy to operate with – muscle strength is minimum as working the handle is almost effortless. Plus, just like most high-end sausage stuffers, the Hakka model comes with an air valve release, so you can be sure the whole stuffing process will move flawlessly.

The Hakka sausage stuffer is even more versatile than our best overall pick. The device has 2-speed options, used for slow feeding (first speed), and quickly reversing the plunger (second option). On top of that, it has four different diameter tube stuffers (nozzles) – 16 mm, 22 mm, 32 mm, and 38 mm.

Finally, it offers a great capacity suited for large families and people who work with large quantities of meat at once. The unit can hold up to 7lbs of meat.

Cons:

One drawback of this sausage stuffer is that the crank doesn’t have a reverse lock, so it can easily spin backward if you’re not careful.

Additionally, the Hakka sausage stuffer doesn’t offer a warranty, which means you’ll have to buy an insurance package from the manufacturer that’ll serve you as a warranty in case something goes wrong.

The Verdict:

For all of those who want the best of the best, the Hakka 7-pound sausage stuffer is one of the few devices that checks all requirements for an amazing experience. It’s well-built, durable, comfortable when operating with, and quite versatile. It can easily handle heavy-duty work and deliver a large number of sausages in no time.

Sale

Hakka 7 Lbs/3 L Sausage Stuffer

Best on a Budget: Master Feng 2-Pound Sausage Stuffer

The Master Feng 2-pound sausage stuffer is the best value choice as the unit offers decent quality, great versatility, and amazing convenience. It’s compact and small, which makes it perfect for most kitchens and occasional sausage stuffers who want something simple they can easily operate with and store without blocking the kitchen space.

Pros:

The Master Feng 2-pound sausage stuffer has a horizontal design. The biggest difference from the vertical designs is that the handle is smaller and is positioned lower. This can be practical for shorter people and those who have trouble when it comes to their arm’s range of motion.

Aside from its horizontal design, the unit also features an adpot suction cup base, so you can be sure that Master Feng stays securely on your kitchen table, even if you work with tougher meat.

Just like our highest quality pick, Master Feng comes with four different food-grade plastic stuffing nozzles, so you can select the length and diameter of your sausages. The nozzles allow you to make 14mm, 18mm, 21mm, and 25mm fresh sausages.

Also, we should note that Master Feng has a variety of models available for purchase, which means for a few more bucks you can buy the 5-lbs model or one with even higher capacity (pricer).

Cons:

Unless you’re willing to pay a little more for a larger model, the Master Feng 2-pound sausage stuffer is very small and unsuited for large families.

Another drawback is that once you assemble the device, it stays put. While higher-end models can be easily disassembled for cleaning purposes, Master Feng might give you a hard time.

The Verdict:

Costing just a fraction of most high-end sausage stuffers, the Master Feng 2-pound model surprises with its performance and versatility. The horizontal design is an advantage for shorter people. It’s a great unit for people with small kitchens, people who prefer something small and simple, and basically anyone who wants a decent device without breaking the bank.

Most Versatile: STX Turboforce Classic 3000 Meat Grinder And Sausage Stuffer

As the only electrical sausage stuffer on our list, the STX Turboforce Classic 3000 outpowers the other recommendations and offers convenience on another level. The unit is well-built, efficient, versatile, and best of all – large enough to feed a whole family from one batch. It’s the perfect choice for those who have trouble operating manual sausage stuffers and who use multi-use devices.

Pros:

Basics first, the STX Turboforce Classic 3000 is made of high-quality materials, which means it’s very sturdy and durable. The unit is manufactured with food-grade cast aluminum and tempered/hardened steel.

Buying this model means laying back and letting it do the work. Regardless of how powerful gears manual models have, you’ll still have to put in some muscle work. When using the STX Turboforce Classic 3000, on the other hand, you only need to push a button and let the machine do all the work.

The unit has a 1200-watt running capacity, which means it can handle heavy-duty work without problems. No matter what kind of meat you’re using, this device will stuff it tightly without any air bubbles.

Best of all, the STX Turboforce Classic 3000 features three-speed options, so you can have full control over the whole process. Making fresh sausages will be quicker than ever.

Buying this model, you’ll also get three (304-grade stainless steel) cutting blades, three grinding plates, three sausage stuffing tubes (1/2″, 5/8″ & 3/4″), one kubbe/kibbeh making attachment, one meat pusher, two meat shredder claws, and a 3-in-1 burger-slider maker.

Cons:

The small motor heats the device easily, which means that for heavy-duty work, you might need to make a few pauses to prevent overheating the unit.

Also, the STX Turboforce Classic 3000 can’t grind animal tendons, so make sure you clean the meat thoroughly before placing it into the grinder.

The Verdict:

When convenience and versatility are important, the electric meat grinder and sausage stuffer STX Turboforce Classic 3000 delivers an amazing performance. The unit is especially beneficial for people who have arm problems and can’t operate a manual sausage stuffer. Plus, having one device for a variety of purposes is always a bonus.

STX Turboforce Classic 3000 Meat Grinder And Sausage Stuffer

Conclusion:

After going through the market and comparing current offers in detail, we picked four units as the best sausage stuffers in four different categories.

The best sausage stuffer overall is the LEM Products 5-pound model. The device is well-rounded and represents a perfect balance between quality, performance, convenience, and fair price. We believe this unit can satisfy most people’s needs, as it is a great sausage stuffer for beginners, experienced cooks, as well as hyperenthusiastic sausage gurus.

The highest quality pick is also the most popular and highest praised – the Hakka 7-pound sausage stuffer. It’s made of 100% stainless steel, including the nozzles – unlike the LEM Products model which features plastic nozzles. The Hakka sausage stuffer is also larger and more versatile, with four different diameter nozzles and 2-speed options. This unit is a great choice for professionals and large families.

When money is tight but the love for healthy and delicious sausages is strong, you can choose the horizontal sausage stuffer from Master Feng. It’s a horizontally designed sausage stuffer, great for shorter people and people with arms problems. The unit is also a smart choice for those who cook for one or two and prefer something simple above anything else. Buying this device, you’ll get a lot of versatility and stability.

Although all of our recommendations are versatile in terms of nozzle diameters, the STX Turboforce Classic 3000 takes things to the next level, as it’s a multi-use device that you can also use to grind meat. The STX Turboforce Classic 3000 is a powerful, eclectic unit that comes with an array of handy features for grinding and stuffing meat perfectly every time. If you’re someone who also prefers to grind meat at home, you might want to buy a model like the STX Turboforce and get two functionalities in one device.

Everything You Need To Know About Sausage Stuffers

Sausage stuffers offer a faster, easier, and safer way to make sausage from your favorite recipe. They provide hunters with a way to process their kill and provide those who aren’t particularly fond of grocery store sausage a new option for enjoying sausages.

A Little History

The practice of eating sausages came about when butchers used to salt organs and tissues of butchered animals in order to preserve them. It was often the bottom of the barrel of scraps and it was highly salted to help in the preservation. Then, they would stuff the meat into casings that were often made of the animals’ intestines, which provided for the cylindrical shape that we know today.

But sausages actually go back even farther. The usage of the word sausage was recorded as long ago as in the Odyssey when Homer mentions a blood sausage. The sausage was believed to be one of the Gods’ favorite foods. Not much has changed, as it remains a favorite food for most people today.

How Do Sausage Stuffers work?

What has changed is the manner in which sausages are made. While they used to be made with a grinder alone and had to manually be forced through the casing, modern devices allow you to place meat pieces in a cylinder, and the rest is child’s play as you only need to turn a handle or step on a foot pedal. The meat that’s put into the sausage stuffer is immediately processed through the casing, eliminating much of the chance for pathogenic bacteria to form in the process. The meat goes right into the casing with minimal air (higher-end devices have air release valves), saving you a lot of time and energy.

Benefits Of Preparing Your Own Sausage

Why prepare your own sausage? Some people do it because it’s a good way to preserve a kill that they got on a hunt such as elk or deer. Others do it because they love the taste and intense aroma of home-made sausages. Finally, the most important reason why most people choose to make their own sausages is that you never know what’s in a store-bought sausage. How can someone guarantee that the sausages are made from 100% clean and high-quality meat?

The truth is, people are becoming more aware of the health dangers associated with store-bought sausages because they’re made from leftover cuts as well as wheat or rice flour as a filling. Making your own home-made sausage gives you full control over the contents of the sausage and it’s a much healthier alternative.

There’s a myriad of ways to make sausage and plenty of recipes you can use. You can find a vast array of them online or you can get a cookbook. It’s also fun just to experiment and see what you come up with.

How Much Do the Best Sausage Stuffers Cost?

There are a good number of sausage stuffers on the market today. They vary greatly as do their price tags. A basic, no-frills device can run around $100, some even less. Then there are medium ones that run in the $500 range. The premium models are apt to be $1,000 or a little more and deliver professional-grade performance.

How To Find the Best Sausage Stuffer?

The best sausage stuffer should make a great, uniform sausage each and every time you run it. It should operate like clockwork and it’s beneficial to have some metal parts instead of being completely made of plastic. However, regardless of the unit’s quality, sausage stuffers come in different sizes and orientations. Which one is the best choice for you?

Here are some useful factors you should consider before making a buying decision regarding a sausage stuffer.

Manual vs. Electric

Your first decision should be between a manual or an electric sausage stuffer. In general, electric sausage stuffers have a higher price tag, but they don’t require any muscle work and make the whole process a lot faster. Some of them come with a foot pedal for greater convenience, so your hands are completely free.

On the other hand, manual sausage stuffers can be operated anywhere since they don’t require a power outlet to work. Plus, you can get them in almost any size and shape, which means they’re easier to fit on your kitchen countertop or be stored in the counter. Think about what would work best for you before making a decision.

Horizontal vs. Vertical

There are two basic types of sausage stuffers – horizontal and vertical devices. This decision is mostly subjective, depending on what’s more comfortable for you, what your habits are, and in some cases your height. People have noticed that vertical sausage stuffers are more difficult to use by short people because of the way you need to apply force. This is completely up to you and it doesn’t affect the quality of the sausage, but it does affect how efficiently you can use the device.

Cylinder And Tube Capacity

There are two parts of the sausage stuffers you need to consider when discussing the size of the device.

First, you need to consider the size of the cylinder which determines how much meat you can put in your sausage stuffer before you have to reload the unit. Sausage stuffers with larger cylinders are pricer, but they’re also more convenient as you can make a lot of sausages before you have to stop and reload the machine. To determine what’s a good cylinder capacity for you, think about the quantities of meat you stuff in one day.

Second, consider the tube size which determines the size of your sausages. Some sausage stuffers come with a variety of tubes from different sizes. If you want to have more control over the size of your sausages, look for sausage stuffers that are more versatile.

Air Release Valve

To make sausage, you need to tightly stuff the meat into a casing. The machine does this thanks to a piston that pushes meat through the tube. It’s not uncommon for air to be trapped inside the casings during this process, which can make your casings vulnerable to breaking.

The best way to avoid this is to look for sausage stuffers that feature an air release valve.

Before You Go

Stuffing sausages can be an annoying and tiresome job or a quick and easy process – it all depends on whether you find the best sausage stuffer for your specific needs.

Hopefully, by now, you have a clear idea of what you need and you may have found the perfect match among our recommendations. However, if you’re still hesitant, let us remind you that you can check out the links where you can see current prices, in-depth product specifications, and customer reviews.

You can also check out our blog because we have many more product reviews, product guides, and even delicious recipes on which to test your new kitchen appliances.

Want to see our favorite sausage stuffers one more time before you go? Here they are!

Best Overall

Best Quality

Best on a Budget

Most Versatile

STX Turboforce Classic 3000 Meat Grinder And Sausage Stuffer

Features: Manual, vertical design, 5 lbs capacity, 3 different diameter stuffing tubes (13mm, 19mm, and 25mm), 2-year warranty.

Features: Manual, vertical design, 7 lbs/3l capacity, 2 speeds, 4 different diameter stuffing tubes (16mm, 22mm, 32mm, 38mm).

Features: Manual, horizontal design, 5 lbs capacity, 4 different stuffing tubes (14mm, 18mm, 21mm, and 25mm).

Features: Electrical, 1200 watts, 4 grinding plates, 3 stainless steel blades, 3 meat claws, 3 sausage tubes, 3-year warranty.

Best Overall

Features: Manual, vertical design, 5 lbs capacity, 3 different diameter stuffing tubes (13mm, 19mm, and 25mm), 2-year warranty.

Best Quality

Features: Manual, vertical design, 7 lbs/3l capacity, 2 speeds, 4 different diameter stuffing tubes (16mm, 22mm, 32mm, 38mm).

Best on a Budget

Features: Manual, horizontal design, 5 lbs capacity, 4 different stuffing tubes (14mm, 18mm, 21mm, and 25mm).

STX Turboforce Classic 3000 Meat Grinder And Sausage Stuffer

Most Versatile

Features: Electrical, 1200 watts, 4 grinding plates, 3 stainless steel blades, 3 meat claws, 3 sausage tubes, 3-year warranty.

The Best Pressure Cooker Reviews

Appliances Reviewed is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

It seems like we all have the same problem – we want a home-cooked meal, but we don’t want to put much effort nor time. In today’s busy schedule, most of us don’t have the luxury of spending hours in the kitchen, even if we enjoy the cooking process. The obvious and smart solution to our problem is pressure cooking – the easiest way to get dinner on the table, fast.

Pressure cookers became incredibly popular in the last couple of years, so chances are you’ve already owned a pressure cooker in the past. But, even if you did, today’s pressure cookers are nothing like first or second-generation models. You should expect upgraded memory with dozens of pre-programs, one-touch functionalities that transform the pressure cooker into a slow cooker, steamer, baker, and even a yogurt maker. Best of all, you can set the timer and have a warm meal at any time of the day.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with so many functionalities and end up buying a product that will frustrate you or deliver poorly cooked meals. To avoid that, we’re sharing our top picks of the best pressure cookers available on the market today.

Additionally, we’ve composed a practical buying guide at the end of the article where you can learn about the features you need to consider when looking for the best pressure cooker.

The Best Pressure Cookers

Best Overall

Best Quality

Best on a Budget

Best Smart Features

Instant Pot Smart WiFi 8-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quart

All American 1930: 10.5qt Pressure Cooker/Canner (The 910) - Exclusive Metal-to-Metal Sealing System - Easy to Open & Close - Suitable for Gas, Electric, or Flat Top Stoves - Made in the USA

Mueller 6 Quart Pressure Cooker 10 in 1, Cook 2 Dishes at Once, Tempered Glass Lid incl, Saute, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Yogurt Maker and Much More

Instant Pot Smart Wifi 6 Quart Multi-use Electric Pressure, Slow, Rice Cooker, Yogurt, Cake Maker, Sauté, Steamer and Warmer, Silver

Features: Electric, 1000 watts, 6-quart, 7-in-1 functionalities, 14 one-touch programs, 10+ built-in safety features, 1-year warranty.

Features: Stovetop, 10,5-quart, 3 pressure settings (5 psi, 10 psi, and 15 psi), 1-year warranty.

Features: Electric, 6-quart, 10-in-1 functionalities, 15 programs, 8 built-in safety features.

Features: Electric, 1000 watts, 6-quart, 8-in-1 functionalities, 13 one-touch programs, 1,000+ pre-programmed recipes, 10+ built-in safety features, 1-year warranty.

Best Overall

Features: Electric, 1000 watts, 6-quart, 7-in-1 functionalities, 14 one-touch programs, 10+ built-in safety features, 1-year warranty.

Best Quality

Features: Stovetop, 10,5-quart, 3 pressure settings (5 psi, 10 psi, and 15 psi), 1-year warranty.

Best on a Budget

Features: Electric, 6-quart, 10-in-1 functionalities, 15 programs, 8 built-in safety features.

Instant Pot Smart WiFi 8-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

Best Smart Features

Features: Electric, 1000 watts, 6-quart, 8-in-1 functionalities, 13 one-touch programs, 1,000+ pre-programmed recipes, 10+ built-in safety features, 1-year warranty.

Best Overall: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

The most popular and widely used Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 electric pressure cooker is our top pick, too. There’s a reason why this pressure cooker is so loved. The unit is very well built and incredibly versatile. It has a wide range of advanced functionalities and more than a fair price for what it has to offer, making it America’s bestselling pressure cooker.

Pros:

The Instant Pot Duo pressure cooker is very well-built, made of high-quality stainless steel materials, and a pot that has a 3-ply bottom, which makes the unit even more durable. Since it’s completely made of stainless steel (including the inner pot), you can easily toss the inner pot in the dishwasher and clean it thoroughly without a fuss.

However, the quality is not what makes the Instant Pot Duo stand out from the crowd. People love using it due to its amazing smart features that will make your life much easier and tastier as well.

The Instant Pot Duo features 14 one-touch programs for cooking ribs, soups, beans, rice, poultry, yogurt, desserts, and more. One-touch programs mean that the optimal settings for each of the 14 meals are pre-programmed and saved, so next time you want to make a soup, you can do that with a click of a button.

When it comes to safety, the unit has more than ten built-in safety features according to the manufacturer. Some of these features include overheating protection and a safety lock which will prevent you from opening it before the pressure is released and it’s completely safe to do so.

Another great thing about the Instant Pot Duo is that it’s available in three different sizes – 3-quart, 6-quart, and 8-quart. Although the 6-quart model is the most popular and best for most people, if you have a large family you can take the 8-quart, or if you’re cooking for one or two people you can dial down and go for the 3-quart capacity.

Cons:

The only disadvantage that we could find to buying the Instant Pot Duo is the customer service. Customers have complained that although they love the device itself, they’re disappointed that they couldn’t get the support they needed from the brand.

The Verdict:

The Instant Pot Duo proudly represents the third-generation pressure cookers with a built-in microprocessor monitor pressure, temperature, time, and heating regulator. On top of that, the unit combines seven different appliances in one pot, saving you time, effort, and money. You can’t really go wrong with this unit, as it’s available in a variety of sizes, meaning it can satisfy most people regardless of their needs and preferences.

Best Quality: All American 910 Pressure Cooker/Canner

Another popular and loved pressure cooker, the All American 910 steals our highest quality spot. A lot pricier, this stovetop pressure cooker doubles as a high-quality pressure canner and raises the bar in the entire industry in terms of quality, durability, and efficiency. Even though it lacks the smart functionalities, the All American 910 is made for professionals, chefs, and hyperenthusiastic cooks who know what they’re doing.

Pros:

The All American 910 pressure cooker/canner is made of high-quality double aluminum. It’s designed in a way that the aluminum thickens on the edges to ensure that the clamps that seal the unit are strong and stable. This way reliability is no issue even with extremely high-pressure levels and long-term use.

While the other pressure cookers have a 6-quart capacity (max 8-quart), the All American 910 is available in five different sizes, starting from 10.5-quart and going up to 41.5-quarts. The unit’s smallest version, the 10.5-quart, is capable of feeding a large family and can even be overwhelming for some people, while the larger versions are better suited for canning needs or people with small businesses.

When it comes to control, with the All American 910, you can regulate the pressure and temperature yourself. The unit offers three pressure settings – 5 psi, 10 psi, and 15 psi.

The All American 910 also features a safety control valve and an overpressure plug, so you can feel confined and safe while using it.

Cons:

All American 910 doesn’t have pre-programmed settings or advanced and versatile one-touch functionalities. It can pressure cook perfectly, but that’s it. It’s not really a drawback as it’s a natural limitation due to being a stovetop pressure cooker, but we felt like we should mention it.

Additionally, because it’s meant to handle large food-quantities, the unit is not suited for those cooking for one or two people.

The Verdict:

Heavy and strong, with a thick stainless steel edge for a secure sealing mechanism, the All American 910 is one of the most efficient, large-scale pressure cookers/canners. If money is not an issue and you don’t mind investing in professional control over the cooking process we wholeheartedly recommend this incredible device. Just keep in mind that because of its type (stovetop), the All American 910 won’t come with smart display controls that are very user-friendly and make the whole cooking experience more intuitive.

Best on a Budget: Mueller UltraPot 6Q Pressure Cooker

Choosing Mueller UltraPot as the best pressure cooker on a budget was an easy task considering all the advanced functionalities this unit features. In fact, the Mueller UltraPot comes with more smart programs than all of our other recommendations. You’re also getting a safe and long-lasting pressure cooker for a fraction of the cost of some higher-end devices.

Pros:

The unit is engineered in Germany and made of high-quality materials, rubber seal, and heat-resistant handles. The interior is made of ceramic non-stick coating, the pot from stainless steel, while the outside is made of plastic that’s free from PTFE and PFOA. All these features make the Mueller UltraPot durable and safe when it comes to your health.

The device is also safe from hazards as it’s UL and ULC certified with 8 safety mechanisms.

The Mueller UltraPot is incredibly versatile as it comes equipped with 10 different functionalities and 15 smart pre-programmed settings. Some of the settings offered include oatmeal, broth/soup, poultry, yogurt, egg, beans/chili, rice, meat/stew, cake, and so much more. You can even manually input cooking times if you want a more personalized recipe.

Adding to its versatility is the stainless steel basket that’s included with the package. The steaming basket allows you to cook two different food ingredients at once, furthermore saving time and money on electricity bills.

Cons:

One drawback regarding the device is its customer service. Some customers have complained that the customer service was unresponsive when they needed to replace some parts – they were unable to.

Additionally, the instructions may feel a little vague and hard to figure out, so the device has a bit of a learning curve.

The Verdict:

The Mueller UltraPot surprised us with its performance and convenience thanks to the smart functionalities and pre-programmed settings. It comes equipped with features that you would normally find in higher-end models. However, the affordability of the Mueller UltraPot doesn’t stand in the way of its quality and safety. It’s the perfect choice for people on a budget.

Best Smart Features: Instant Pot Smart WiFi 8-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

Last but not least on our list of best pressure cookers is the futuristic Instant Pot Smart WiFI pressure cooker. Basically, you’re getting the same quality and similar functionalities as our best overall choice, but with a bunch of smart features that connect this device with your mobile phone. It’s the perfect choice for those who prefer convenience above everything and enjoy new technological advancements.

Pros:

Just like its cousin the Instant Pot Duo, the Instant Pot Smart Wifi is made of high-quality stainless steel materials and a 3-ply bottom that prolongs the life of the unit and contributes to even heating throughout the surface of the device.

The Instant Pot Smart Wifi combines eight different appliances in one pot, as you have functionalities to pressure cook, slow cook, cook rice, make yogurt, cake, saute, steam, and keep the food warm for extended periods of time.

On top of that, you’re getting 13 different pre-programmed settings for cooking ribs, soups, beans, rice, poultry.

However, the feature that really sets this model apart from the competition is its connectivity with the internet and your mobile phone. The Instant Pot Smart Wifi is compatible with Alexa, too, so you can choose to control it through Alexa with direct voice commands or an app on your mobile phone.

You’ll have access to over 1,000 pre-programmed recipes on the app, which you can use to make delicious meals, as well as receive notifications on your mobile phone for any change in the cooking process.

Cons:

Customers have complained that they’re required to share personal information and register through the company’s website if they want to use the app, which might be uncomfortable for some people.

Also, if your WiFi is down and you’re not home, you might be left halfway through the cooking process without access to your device.

The Verdict:

You know you’ve hit the jackpot when you find a device that appeals to tech enthusiasts, yet still manages to be highly intuitive and easy-to-use. In fact, you can remotely start, pause, and turn off the device by giving a voice command on your google assistant – it doesn’t get easier than that.

Instant Pot Smart WiFi 8-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

Conclusion:

After going through hundreds of pressure cookers available on the market today, we chose the Instant Pot Duo as the absolute winner. We believe the Instant Pot Duo is the best electric pressure cooker for most people as it’s very convenient, easy-to-use, incredibly versatile, and fast. Best of all, it’s in a price range that most people would find affordable. The advanced functionalities and pre-programmed settings will quickly make you wonder how you lived without it all this time.

On the other hand, a pricier, heavier, and a more professional option is the All American 910 stovetop pressure cooker, which is made for chefs and experienced cooks who need higher pressure and heat for their cooking endeavors. The unit doesn’t have one-touch pre-programmed functionalities, but you can regulate pressure levels and temperature manually. It’s the perfect choice for large families and people who handle large food-quantities daily.

When money is tight and you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on expensive devices, the Mueller UltraPot offers a similar experience and great quality that would make a lot of higher-end devices a run for their money. Buying this device, you’ll be getting a lot of versatility, convenience, and all the safety standards you need to keep your anxiety at bay.

We’re reaching the future of pressure cooking with the Instant Pot Smart Wifi model. This unit is the perfect choice for tech enthusiasts and people who want the ultimate convenience – to control their pressure cooker though their voice or a phone app. Aside from that, the device is well-built, delivers perfectly cooked meals, and it passes all the safety standards.

Everything You Need To Know About Pressure Cookers

There is a myriad of options to choose from when shopping for a pressure cooker these days. Modern-day pressure cookers, known as “third-generation”, have features such as smart programming technology, where the cooking settings, time, pressure, and temperature can all be pre-set.

“Fourth-generation” pressure cookers are even more advanced and pricier. They come with Bluetooth technology and can be controlled by tablets or smartphones. You can even purchase apps and share recipes online. It’s amazing to think about the advances made in pressure cooking in the last couple of years, but we should not forget the basics that still separate the workhorses from the wimps.

How Does Pressure Cookers Work?

Pressure cookers were invented when physicist Denis Papin came up with the idea of expelling air out of a container and then trapping steam from boiling water inside. This revolutionized cooking as we got a new, faster way to enjoy delicious meals and even preserve foods for future seasons (pressure canners).

Once you turn on the device, the lid will lock and seal. Usually, pressure cookers have valves from which the air leaves the pot. After all of the air is expelled, the valve will close, trapping steam inside the pot. This raises the internal pressure, which creates intensely high cooking temperatures, resulting in fast cooking times. Once the pressure is released, you can open the device.

Pressure cookers today are incredibly smart, and they have indicators for each process. For example, they’ll indicate when the cooking is complete, so you can turn on the “quick pressure release” option (if applicable) or wait for natural pressure release. Once it’s safe to get your food, they’ll let you know.

How Much Do The Best Pressure Cookers Cost?

You can actually get a high-quality pressure cooker online, like on Amazon, in the vicinity of $40. Of course, that is for a basic, small, no-frills device that does the job and it’s good enough for those who aren’t looking to go all out. There are also those that have all the bells and whistles and go up to the near two hundred dollar range. A lot will depend upon your intentions with the device – how much you plan to use it, and for what. As with most products, you get what you pay for, so if you want an average pressure cooker, you can get one for less than $100.

What Are the Advantages of Pressure Cookers?

A good pressure cooker will deliver a tender and delicious meal quickly – 70% faster than traditional cooking methods is the average speed. You won’t have to spend the whole day in the kitchen to receive a homemade-quality dish. Meats turn out moist and juicy while vegetables are crisp and nutritions. The convenience of being able to deliver such quality with such speed is what people find most appealing about the pressure cooker.

Another advantage of having a pressure cooker is that you’ll eat highly-nutritious, healthy meals every day. Because you can make a nutritional meal quickly and conveniently, you are much less likely to grab a bite at a fast-food chain or settle for preservative-laden instant food from the grocery store.

Pressure cookers will make you more creative in the kitchen. Eating healthy means eating a variety of different food ingredients, but we’re creatures of habit. Thankfully, pressure cookers come with booklets of amazing recipes, which will make you more creative and encourage you to experiment in your kitchen – as every recipe is super easy and fast to make.

Yet one more advantage of having a pressure cooker is that they are energy efficient. Because they cook in much less time than other methods do, they use less electricity. It’s estimated that using a pressure cooker saves up to ⅔ less of energy usage than with a conventional method.

How To Find the Best Pressure Cookers?

Electric vs. Stovetop

Whether to buy a stovetop or electric pressure cooker is one of the biggest dilemmas you’ll face when purchasing this appliance. Electric ones are usually less bulky and come with many functionalities, as they can double as rice cookers, steamers, and so on. If you need your cooker for extremely high temperatures and pressure, you may want to opt for a stovetop unit. On the other hand, if you prefer versatility and no-fuss cooking, you might be better off with an electric pressure cooker.

Capacity

After you have decided on the type of pressure cooker you want, you need to consider how big you need your pressure cooker to be. Typical pressure cookers these days come with a 6-quart capacity, which more or less means you can feed six people with one batch – although this still depends on the dish you’re preparing.

While electric pressure cookers are smaller (6-quart), stovetop pressure cookers, which double as pressure canners, can go up to 40-quarts, like our highest quality pick, the All American.

Consider your daily needs, and choose a pressure cooker that won’t be too small, nor too big.

Pre-Programs And Additional Functionalities

Like we already mentioned, pressure cookers have advanced significantly, so they come with an amazing display of one-touch programs and functionalities. While stovetop pressure cookers are superior in raising pressure and temperature, electric pressure cookers are a lot more convenient and versatile.

Here’s what you should expect from your future pressure cooker:

Cooking options: rice cooker, slow cooker, saute function, steam function, yogurt maker, etc.
Time delay – to be able to set when you want your food to be done.
Quick-pressure release – to be able to release pressure quickly, so you don’t spend time waiting for natural pressure release.
Smart programs – specifically customized pre-programs for different food ingredients, like soups, meat/stew, bean/chili, poultry, etc.
Keep warm function – keeps your food warm for hours.
Recipe memory – so you can adjust the settings for your favorite meal and save them for your future cooking needs.

Before You Go

It seems like owning a pressure cooker is like owning a stove these days – useful and indispensable, which is why you need to make sure you’re investing in the right product.

Hopefully, our reviews have helped you decide on the best pressure cooker for your needs and preferences. However, if you’re still in doubt, make sure to follow the links where you can learn more about each product – check out current prices, in-depth product specifications, and customer reviews.

You can also check out our blog because we have many more product reviews and product guides essential for any kitchen. You can even find delicious recipes that would be perfect for your new pressure cooker.

Want to see our favorite pressure cookers one more time before you go? Here they are!

Best Overall

Best Quality

Best on a Budget

Best Smart Features

Instant Pot Smart WiFi 8-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

Features: Electric, 1000 watts, 6-quart, 7-in-1 functionalities, 14 one-touch programs, 10+ built-in safety features, 1-year warranty.

Features: Stovetop, 10,5-quart, 3 pressure settings (5 psi, 10 psi, and 15 psi), 1-year warranty.

Features: Electric, 6-quart, 10-in-1 functionalities, 15 programs, 8 built-in safety features.

Features: Electric, 1000 watts, 6-quart, 8-in-1 functionalities, 13 one-touch programs, 1,000+ pre-programmed recipes, 10+ built-in safety features, 1-year warranty.

Best Overall

Features: Electric, 1000 watts, 6-quart, 7-in-1 functionalities, 14 one-touch programs, 10+ built-in safety features, 1-year warranty.

Best Quality

Features: Stovetop, 10,5-quart, 3 pressure settings (5 psi, 10 psi, and 15 psi), 1-year warranty.

Best on a Budget

Features: Electric, 6-quart, 10-in-1 functionalities, 15 programs, 8 built-in safety features.

Instant Pot Smart WiFi 8-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

Best Smart Features

Features: Electric, 1000 watts, 6-quart, 8-in-1 functionalities, 13 one-touch programs, 1,000+ pre-programmed recipes, 10+ built-in safety features, 1-year warranty.

The Best Home Deep Fryer Reviews

Appliances Reviewed is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

French fries, onion rings, buffalo wings, and calamari are just some of the things that first pop in everyone’s mind when talking about fried food. And, let’s face it – whether it’s potato or onion, everyone has their guilty pleasures when it comes to fried goods.

However, to make sure the food truly is a pleasure, you’ll want the best home deep fryer, and we’re here to help you find it. We did our research and hand-picked the best of the best home deep fryers in four different categories. Whether you’re a beginner, an experienced home cook, or you have a large family and you need something big – we have your back with our recommendations.

Most home deep fryers on the market today are fully equipped with standard features like an oil filtration system, various size capacity, and an adjustable thermostat. But, there are many advanced functionalities you should keep your eye on, as they transform the frying process and deliver impeccable results.

In our buying guide, we discuss everything you need to know (and more) so you can make the right decision, so keep reading.

The Best Home Deep Fryer

Best Overall

Best Quality

Best on a Budget

Most Versatile

T-fal 3.5L Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket, 1700W, Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts

Cuisinart CDF-170 3.4-Quart Deep Fryer, Stainless Steel

Presto 05420 FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer,Black

Presto 06006 Kitchen Kettle Multi-Cooker/Steamer, Black

Features: 1700 watts, 0.9-gallon oil capacity, 2.65-pound food capacity, two-position baskets, 1-year warranty.

Features: 1800 watts, 1-gallon oil capacity, 2.3-pound food capacity, 3-year warranty.

Features: 1200 watts, 0.25 gallons oil capacity, 1-pound food capacity, 1-year warranty.

Features: 1200 watts, 1-pound food capacity, 1-year warranty.

Best Overall

Features: 1700 watts, 0.9-gallon oil capacity, 2.65-pound food capacity, two-position baskets, 1-year warranty.

Best Quality

Features: 1800 watts, 1-gallon oil capacity, 2.3-pound food capacity, 3-year warranty.

Best on a Budget

Features: 1200 watts, 0.25 gallons oil capacity, 1-pound food capacity, 1-year warranty.

Most Versatile

Features: 1200 watts, 1-pound food capacity, 1-year warranty.

Best Overall: T-fal FR8000 Deep Fryer

Our best overall pick is the T-fal FR8000 deep fryer, as we believe this is a high-quality unit, made for every-day use. The model prides itself on the unique filtration system, high power, and easy cleanup design, which will satisfy most people who want to avoid a big mess.

Pros:

The first thing we want to praise is the T-fal FR8000’s powerful performance and large capacity. The unit has 1700 watts of heat power, which cooks around 2.5 pounds of food in 1 gallon of oil. With just one batch, you can easily prepare food for your close family or even a small gathering of friends – and you won’t spend much time in the kitchen.

The fryer’s performance speaks a lot about its reliability, too. Thanks to the immersed heating element, the T-fal FR8000 will quickly achieve its desired temperature and fry each food piece evenly.

However, the feature that truly sets T-fal FR8000 apart from the competition is the unique oil filtration system. The device comes with two-position baskets, one on top of the other, and a filter between them. On the display control, you’ll find a dial that allows you to initiate the automatic oil filtration system. Once this happens, the filter will clean the oil and empty the filtered oil into the second basket – ready for your next frying session.

When it comes to convenience and maintenance, the T-fal FR8000 model comes through with dishwasher-safe parts. All you have to do is disassemble the inner container and toss it in the dishwasher.

Cons:

Unfortunately, the device is not suitable for small kitchens, as the unit is quite big and will take up a lot of space.

Additionally, some customers have complained that T-fal doesn’t offer replacement parts for the fryer, which means that if something breaks and it’s beyond repair, you’ll have to replace the whole unit or buy a new one.

The Verdict:

The T-fal FR8000 has it all, from power and efficiency to capacity and convenience. Although it’s far from being cheap, the T-fal FR8000 has a reasonable price considering everything it has to offer, which is why we believe it will be an excellent fit for most people. The unit is great for families and people who enjoy fried food daily.

Sale

Best Quality: Cuisinart CDF-170 4-Quart Deep Fryer

Buying the best quality product means getting a sturdy, durable device with enough capacity to feed your whole family, which is everything the Cuisinart CDF-170 can offer. The unit is mighty and easy to clean, too, meaning you’ll get perfectly fried food every time without any effort.

Pros:

A little more powerful than our best overall pick, the Cuisinart CDF-170 doesn’t disappoint with its1800-watt immersion heating element. The unit heats up fast and fries food in no time. You can cook up to 2.3-pounds of food in one batch, and you’ll need around 1 gallon of oil for that.

The Cuisinart CDF-170 features a control panel that includes a digital 60-minute timer, so you can set it up to remind you when it’s time to turn it off. The control panel also consists of a temperature control dial, which means you control every aspect of the frying process. You can even watch the food being fried through a glass window positioned on the lid.

The deep fryer is well-built from durable, high-quality materials. The unit features a heavy stainless steel basket that has a cool-touch handle. You can easily operate the device without fearing burns or hot-oil splashes.

Aside from frying french fries, potatoes, onion rings, and chicken wings, you can also fry vegetables, donuts, and even seafood.

Finally, Cuisinart backs this model with a three-year warranty, which is quite impressive as it’s the longest warranty among our recommendations, and probably the whole industry.

Cons:

We don’t advise using the device in closed, not ventilated areas, as it’s not well insulated and can leave your room smelling of fried food.

Just like the T-fal unit, the Cuisinart deep fryer is big and will take up a lot of space on the kitchen counter, so keep the dimensions in mind before buying.

The Verdict:

Cuisinart did a fantastic job creating the CDF-170 deep fryer, as the unit is very well-built, durable, sturdy, and efficient. Considering its advanced functionalities, like the adjustable timing and temperature, the Cuisinart CDF-170 is, without a doubt, an appealing choice for professionals and experienced cooks.

Best on a Budget: Presto 05420 FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer

When it comes to deep fryers, Presto is one of the most reputable brands in the industry, which means their compact and inexpensive 05420 model should not be underestimated. The unit is very efficient and extremely convenient. It’s the perfect choice for smaller families, couples, students, or anyone who appreciates simplicity.

Pros:

Not only is the device affordable, but it will further save you money on oil, as it has a 4:4 oil to food ration. This means that you only need four cups of oil to make four servings of your favorite fried food.

Beginners will especially love this device as it’s very user-friendly and straightforward to operate with. In fact, there are no controls to set because the machine automatically keeps the right temperature needed for frying the food to perfection.

The whole surface of the unit is coated with a non-stick material, both inside and out. You don’t have to worry about oil stains or cleaning time, as everything will come right off with soap and warm water.

The Presto 05420 is convenient and perfect for small kitchens. The device is compact, which means it can fit on any kitchen counter, and it also features a secure snap-op lid that stores the oil inside the fryer.

Cons:

While for some people, having a convenient and small appliance can be an advantage, for others, this can be viewed as a limitation. Experienced cooks and fry foods-enthusiasts won’t like the low capacity and no temperature control.

Another drawback is that the lid and the outer surface is plastic and gets super hot while frying, which means you can burn yourself if not careful.

The Verdict:

The Presto 06006 is a great deep fryer when you’re on a budget, or you want something simple and straightforward. Since there are no fancy controls to set and cleaning up is pretty easy, there’s nothing much you need to think about when using the device. The unit is designed to make your life easier and a lot tastier.

Most Versatile: Presto 06006 Kitchen Kettle Multi-Cooker

It’s completely understandable to want a kitchen appliance that can do more than just fry food, which is why we believe the Presto 06006 can be a good fit for many cooking enthusiasts. For a reasonable price, you’re getting a versatile product that can steam, simmer, roast, cook, and fry.

Pros:

Since it’s our most versatile pick, versatility is the unit’s most important feature. You can make soups, casserole, pasta, steam vegetables, or roast beef, pork, poultry, and even fish. Some customers have even said they use it to melt wax – so the possibilities of what you can cook or do with this device are endless.

Another advantage that also contributes to the versatility and flexibility of the Presto 06006 is the “Control Master” heat control, which you can regulate to achieve the desired temperature. Not only does this give you more control over the cooking process, but it also allows you to cook stew. Simply lower the heat to a minimum, and the Presto 06006 will double as a slow cooker.

The Presto 06006 comes with a glass lid, so you can see and follow the cooking process from beginning to end. This minimizes the chances of under-fried or burned food.

Finally, the device is easy to clean as it’s entirely dishwasher safe – of course, only after the heat control is removed.

Cons:

The drawback is that while versatile, the Presto 06006 is small – it can fry up to 1-pound of food at one bach. While this might not be a big deal for most, some people with big families might find this very limiting.

Additionally, the power cord attaches weirdly and might fall apart, according to some customers.

The Verdict:

This little appliance, designed primarily as a multi-cooker, proved to be amazingly handy in the kitchen and more than efficient as a deep fryer. It’s the perfect choice for people who want something practical they can use daily for a variety of meals.

Conclusion:

According to us and thousands of customers who weren’t shy about praising the device, T-fal FR8000 is the best home deep fryer on the market these days. If you’re looking for a large capacity unit that offers a lot of power and delivers flawless results every time, you should consider the T-fal’s model.

However, when money is not an issue, and you want the best quality without any compromises, then you should consider the Cuisinart CDF-170 deep fryer. By buying this device, you’re getting a large, efficient product designed to give you control over the frying process so you can make sure every ingredient is fried to your taste.

To contrast the overwhelming controls of the Cuisinart model, we have the small and simplistic Presto 06006 as our top budget-pick option. Offering quality and the bare essentials, the Presto 06006 will fry any food you put inside and still make it easy when it’s time to clean up. It’s the smart choice for beginners, occasional friers, students, and people with small kitchens.

Another small and convenient Presto deep fryer is the Presto 06006, which is our most versatile pick. The unit rightfully deserves its title as it can steam, simmer, roast, slow cook, fry, or even melt wax. Presto 06006 includes some advanced functionalities, and is easy to use and maintain, making it a very appealing home deep fryer.

Everything You Need To Know About Home Deep Fryers

There’s no denying that fried food is delicious and addictive! However, it’s not that easy to make. The oil needs to be at the perfect temperature, not too cold and not too hot. The timing also needs to be just right. If you do it right, the food turns out nice and crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. But if it’s not done correctly, it will be soggy and oily or burned.

Home deep fryers take away the guesswork because they’re designed to create the perfect conditions for frying foods.

Frying food has been around for hundreds of years, given that our ancestors fried food as a method of preservation. The first deep-frying units were merely pots of grease in which the food could be dropped into. There were no fancy baskets to submerge and no temperature dials to control the heat of the oil. However, in recent years, a lot of things have changed. Today, a wide array of home deep fryers are available and affordable.

Types Of Deep Fryers

Typically, you can find three basic types of deep fryers.

Electric Deep Fryer

Electric deep fryers are the most popular for home use, and you’ll find a lot of different models with different functionalities. Since they’re used indoors, they’re generally smaller and more affordable than propane deep fryers. As the name suggests, the devices use electricity, which makes them safer than propane options.

Propane Deep Fryer

Chefs and fry-gurus might argue for propane deep fryers as they tend to deliver crispier and smokier results. However, they’re more complicated to operate with, and beginners should be cautious. Unfortunately, the most significant limitation when it comes to propane-type fryers is that they can’t be used indoors.

Air Fryer

Some people might not even count air fryers in the deep fryer category since they don’t use oil – which is the whole point of frying. However, their popularity grows and they represent a reliable alternative for people who like the taste of fried foods but also want a healthier option. Aside from being healthier, air fryers are more comfortable to maintain and clean, and they’re the safest fryers of all the types. On the downside, they’re a little pricier, and the taste will be different than traditional deep fryers.

Construction Quality And Functionalities

Most deep fryers are either made of cast iron or stainless steel. There are oblong versions, canister types, and skillet types as well. On the inside, some have a non-stick coating. There is usually a basket that comes with the unit, although in cheaper models, you might have to purchase it separately. Some sport a dual basket set up, which is nice for cooking more than one type of food at a time.

The upscale models generally have temperature controls, thermometers, a grease drain system, and an indicator light that lights up when the grease is hot enough to put the food in. Some have safety features such as automatic shut-offs and other helpful add-ons and certifications. Property damage caused by fryers amounts to millions each year, not to mention injuries. So safety is one consideration that should be taken into account when shopping for the best home deep fryer – but we’ll talk about safety features in detail later in the text.

Different fryers have different power capacities. There are units with higher wattage ratings that have more powerful heating elements. These tend to heat the oil quicker and bring it up to the desired temperature faster, too. This results in added convenience and better taste, in general.

While frying foods is nothing new, the use of modern home deep fryers is changing and improving all the time. The frying units your grandparents used are nothing like the fancy, luxurious ones of today, though, it’s your job to find the best one for you.

How To Find the Best Home Deep Fryer?

The expectations for the best home deep fryer are set high – you’ll want food fried to perfection every time. Some things about a home deep fryer are essential and are shared by all models regardless of their price, but there are those that have unique features as well.

When choosing a device, it’s important to compare different models to find the one that best suits your needs. Below are some things to take into consideration when doing so.

Capacity

Think about how many people you are cooking dinner for on a daily basis. Do you need a large machine that is capable of feeding a crowd with one batch, or you’re looking for something smaller? Preparing meals for a large family, gatherings, or even parties can be time-consuming and not worth it if you own a small deep fryer.

Typically, you’ll see deep fryers with labels like “4-cup”, “6-cup”, or “12-cup”, which gives you an estimate of how many servings you’ll get from one batch. For example, a 4-cup deep fryer makes approximately two servings.

Be careful, while some units may come with a smaller basket size, they offer multiple baskets settings. For example, if a unit has a 4-cup basket size, but provides two baskets, that equals an 8-cup deep fryer with one basket.

Safety Features

High-quality safety features are an essential concern, considering you’ll be operating with large quantities of scalding oil. Unfortunately, that makes deep fryers prone to starting fires, which is why you’ll want to buy a device that’s very well built and has advanced safety features like adjustable timing, oil quantities, and temperature, automatic shut-off setting, break-off cord, and so on.

Additional Features

Deep fryers have a lot of different features and functionalities. You may not even know you need them, but they’re sure nice to have. Some of those features are:

Oil Change Indicator – some fryers feature an indicator that notifies you when it’s time to change the oil.
Oil Drainage System – one of the most annoying tasks when operating a deep fryer is disposing of the oil, which is why buying a device that has an oil drainage system can genuinely make things easier.
Built-in Thermostat – so you can accurately control the temperature.
Multiple Deep Fry Baskets – if you want to fry two or more different ingredients at once, the multiple basket feature is a necessity.
Cool Touch Handles – to make sure you don’t burn yourself while frying, look for models featuring handles or covers that stay cool when touched.

Before You Go

Finding the best home deep fryer is not an easy job, but that’s why we’re here to help. Hopefully, you’ve already found your perfect match among our recommendations, but in case you’re still hesitant, don’t forget to follow the links where you can check out current prices, in-depth product specifications, and customer reviews.

Also, make sure you visit our blog because we have many more product reviews and product guides essential for any kitchen. You can even find delicious recipes that will undoubtedly enrich your cooking experience.

Want to see our favorite home deep fryers one more time before you go? Here they are!

Best Overall

Best Quality

Best on a Budget

Most Versatile

Features: 1700 watts, 0.9-gallon oil capacity, 2.65-pound food capacity, two-position baskets, 1-year warranty.

Features: 1800 watts, 1-gallon oil capacity, 2.3-pound food capacity, 3-year warranty.

Features: 1200 watts, 0.25 gallons oil capacity, 1-pound food capacity, 1-year warranty.

Features: 1200 watts, 1-pound food capacity, 1-year warranty.

Best Overall

Features: 1700 watts, 0.9-gallon oil capacity, 2.65-pound food capacity, two-position baskets, 1-year warranty.

Best Quality

Features: 1800 watts, 1-gallon oil capacity, 2.3-pound food capacity, 3-year warranty.

Best on a Budget

Features: 1200 watts, 0.25 gallons oil capacity, 1-pound food capacity, 1-year warranty.

Most Versatile

Features: 1200 watts, 1-pound food capacity, 1-year warranty.

The Best Pressure Canner Reviews

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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Preserving food and preventing food-waste as practices are becoming more and popular, which means that finding the best kitchen appliances for this purpose is a big deal in people’s lives. We’ve already covered food vacuum sealers as one method of preserving food and you can check that article out later, but in the meantime, we’re going to take a closer look at some of the best pressure canners.

Pressure canning is a safe and reliable method to preserve food while keeping all of the nutrients active. It’s a wonderful way to preserve your garden harvest or get creative and make your own homemade jams that will last throughout the seasons.

If you’ve ever seen an old-style pressure canner, you might be amazed and a little bit intimidated by the impressive machinery, but let us reassure you – operating a pressure canner is really easy once you get the hand of it. This is why we created this article – to make sure you feel confident in your shopping decisions.

To avoid confusion when trying to filter through thousands of products on the market, we hand-picked the best pressure canners in four different categories and wrote detailed reviews for each of them. On top of that, at the end of this article, you can read our practical buying guide where we share some essential information about pressure canners.

The Best Pressure Canners

Best Overall

Best Quality

Best on a Budget

Best Safety Features

Presto 01781 Pressure Canner and Cooker, 23 qt, Silver

All American 1930: 21.5qt Pressure Cooker/Canner (The 921) - Exclusive Metal-to-Metal Sealing System - Easy to Open & Close - Suitable for Gas, Electric, or Flat Top Stoves - Made in the USA

Presto 01370 8-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker

T-fal Pressure Cooker Aluminum Pressure Canner, 22 Quart, 3 PSI Settings, Cookware, Pots and Pans, Large Capacity, Cooling Racks, Recipe Booket, Canning Vegetables, Meats, Poultry, Seafood, Silver

Features: 23-Quart liquid capacity (21.8 liters), 2-in-1 pressure canner and cooker, 12-year limited warranty.

Features: 21.5-Quart liquid capacity, 5, 10, and 15 psi options, 2-in-1 pressure canner and cooker, 1-year limited warranty.

Features: 8-Quart liquid capacity, 2-in-1 pressure canner and cooker, 12-year limited warranty.

Features: 22-Quart liquid capacity, 2-in-1 pressure canner and cooker, 5, 10 or 15 psi options, 10-year limited warranty.

Best Overall

Features: 23-Quart liquid capacity (21.8 liters), 2-in-1 pressure canner and cooker, 12-year limited warranty.

Best Quality

Features: 21.5-Quart liquid capacity, 5, 10, and 15 psi options, 2-in-1 pressure canner and cooker, 1-year limited warranty.

Best on a Budget

Features: 8-Quart liquid capacity, 2-in-1 pressure canner and cooker, 12-year limited warranty.

Best Safety Features

Features: 22-Quart liquid capacity, 2-in-1 pressure canner and cooker, 5, 10 or 15 psi options, 10-year limited warranty.

Best Overall: Presto 01781 23-Quart Canner/ Pressure Cooker

Presto is one of the most reputable brands in the industry, while the 01781 23-quart model is one of their best creations. We believe this is the best pressure canner overall as it offers a large capacity, strong construction, and a guarantee from Presto that you’re getting a product that will be reliable for over a decade. The Presto 01781 would be a good fit for most people.

Pros:

Presto 01781 is built from heavy-duty aluminum and has a wrap-resistant construction which gives the product a sturdy quality and ability to heat fast and evenly.

Aside from being strong and durable, Presto 01781 comes with great safety and advanced functionality features. For example, it includes a deluxe pressure dial that is able to register all processing pressures, ensuring the process can be carried out smoothly and without problems. Thanks to this the unit is more efficient and safer.

Large families would love the capacity of the Presto 01781 23-quart. The unit can hold up to 20 pints mason jars, which is more than many higher-end units can offer.

The impressive 12-year extended warranty definitely makes the Presto 01781 stand out from the crowd. Presto as a brand is very reliable, which means you’ll easily get replacement parts if something goes wrong, too.

Finally, the unit comes with an instruction and recipe booklet with over 50 recipes, which we believe is very beneficial for beginners and first-time users, as well as experienced cooks who want to spice things up in the kitchen.

Cons:

There’s a limit on where and how you can use the Presto 01781. For example, the unit can’t be used on gas burners outdoors. If this is a problem for you, check out our next recommendation.

Another issue for Presto 01781 is the gauge dial, which is quite delicate and needs to be handled very carefully.

The Verdict:

Regardless whether you’re a professional, amateur, or you have a large family to feed, the Presto 01781 is here to satisfy every need – canning or cooking-wise. Thanks to the high-quality materials, great safety features, large capacity, and the impressive warranty, we believe that this unit will be a great addition in any kitchen. Plus, the price makes this product affordable for most people.

Sale

Best Quality: All American 921 Canner/Pressure Cooker

The All American 921 pressure canner is the top of the line in its field as probably one of the best products designed ever. The product has a large price tag, too, but well justified. We can praise its durability, amazing construction, versatility, and superior controls that give confidence even to cooks who’ve always been too scared to use a pressure canner in the past.

Pros:

All American 921 has a heavy-duty construction from double aluminum, which basically means it’s made to be used frequently. It’s designed in a way that the aluminum is double-thickened on its edges, so it ensures the clamps are stable and strong. This means you’ll get a bullet-proof seal.

When it comes to the sealing mechanism, another advantage to the All American 921 is that it features a “metal-to-metal” sealing system. It means there’s no gasket and with that, no common gasket problems. Devices that use metal-to-metal systems are far more reliable and long-lasting than devices with twist and lock mechanisms.

Safety with the All American 921 is guaranteed. The unit has an automatic pressure release safety function, which means the pressure is constantly regulated to an optimal level.

All American 921 is very versatile, too, as it’s available in five different sizes and offers three different pressure settings (5,10, and 15 psi). While you can choose between 10.5-quarts and 41.5-quarts depending on your needs and preferences, the most popular model is the 21.5-quart model. The reason behind this is that it’s not too big, nor too small and can satisfy most people. The 21.5-quart model can hold around 19 standard regular mouth pint jars or 7 standard regular mouth quart jars.

Cons:

Except that this pressure canner is well above most people’s budget, there’s nothing much left for us to criticize – the unit has all five stars on Amazon, in spite of the fact that’s reviewed from more than 3,500 people. However, from the few people that weren’t as satisfied, we found out you should only buy the All American 921 from fully-stocked and reputable sellers that will be there for you if you need something addressed or replaced.

The Verdict:

All American 921 is the best of the best pressure canners out there. Although it’s not affordable for many people, the quality, safety, and performance it offers make up for the large price tag. This unit has anything you’ll ever need, but most importantly, it makes you feel safe and confident while operating with it.

Best on a Budget: Presto 01370 8-Quart Canner/Pressure Cooker

Presto 01370 is an amazing compact pressure canner and cooker, which shines where most large-scale devices fail. The unit can satisfy people that only cook for themselves, beginners, and people that are on a tight budget, without sacrificing quality and efficiency. If you feel like large pressure canners are overkill and feel overwhelming, Presto 01370 would be the right choice for you.

Pros:

The Presto 01370 has a stainless steel construction with a special tri-clad base that allows for fast, uniform heating. It’s great for both regular and smooth-top stoves. Plus, the unit comes with a stainless steel steaming basket which you can use to cook different foods at once without intermixing the flavors.

One very beneficial safety feature is the pressure regulator that’s included, which regulates pressure, temperature, and gives you more control over the whole process. There’s also a steam release valve for a “quick cool” option when you need it.

Another safety feature is the cover lock indicator which prevents you from opening the lid before all of the pressure is released. This is especially beneficial if this is your first pressure canner and you’re just starting with the practice.

The Presto 01370 doubles as a pressure cooker, just like all of our pricier recommendations, which is quite impressive considering its price. You can easily cook chicken, fish, meat, and vegetables in just a few minutes. It’s very beneficial for people who want to get that 2-in-1 feature without spending too much.

Cons:

Unfortunately, the Presto 01370 is very small and unsuitable for people that work with large food quantities at once.

Additionally, just like other models that use a gasket, after a while sealing the device completely might be a problem.

The Verdict:

There are many reasons for choosing Presto 01370 that its affordability seems like the cherry on top for everything else. The unit is very well built from high-quality materials, offers advanced safety features and it doubles as a pressure cooker just like the pricier models. The only real disadvantage is that the unit is very small which means it’s not suitable for large families.

Sale

Best Safety Features: T-fal Pressure 22-Quart Canner/Pressure Cooker

The T-fal 22-Quart pressure canner is our top choice as the safest device. Safety is a big deal for pressure canners and T-fal offers great features that will make you trust the whole process. It’s a great choice for beginners, people that have never used a pressure canner before, or anyone that’s scared to start pressure canning food.

Pros:

Starting from the safety features, the T-fal Pressure 22-Quart Canner offers an overpressure steam release safety function, a sure-locking lid system, three PSI settings, and a deluxe pressure gauge dial.

The overpressure steam release safety function follows the pressure levels and releases pressure if it becomes too high, ensuring optimal levels at all times.

The sure-locking lid system locks the lid when the pressure is high, preventing opening the device when it’s unsafe. You can only open it after the pressure is fully released.

Depending on what food you’re canning and for how much time, the three psi settings allow you to control and adjust the pressure level.

Aside from safety, the T-fal pressure canner has a polished aluminum finish and a heavy body that’s resistant to rust.

You can choose from two size capacities (6-quart and 22-quart size) as the T-fal is available in a small and large version.

Finally, included in the packages are two racks and a recipe book for sparking the creativity in your cooking endeavors.

Cons:

The handles are very delicate and unreliable so be careful while transporting the unit as they can become loose or even break after a couple of months.

Just like other twist and lock lid types, the gasket of the unit might be a problem after a while, as it makes it very hard to properly seal the pressure canner. If you don’t want to worry about gaskets, you might consider buying a metal-to-metal type such us our All American 921 Pressure Canner.

The Verdict:

The T-fall is one of the safest pressure canners available on the market as it offers an overpressure steam release safety function, a sure-locking lid system, three PSI settings, and a deluxe pressure gauge dial. Aside from that, the unit is made from high-quality materials and offers versatility as you can use the two racks for cooking different foods in one batch without intermixing the flavors.

T-fal Pressure 22-Quart Canner/Pressure Cooker

Conclusion:

The Presto 01781 is the best pressure canner overall as it strikes just the right balance between quality, durability, safety, and affordability. Plus, all that for a unit with a very large capacity. Presto it one of the most popular brands when it comes to pressure canners, and one of the reasons for that is because they back up their products with a 12-year warranty. Getting a safe, well-built unit with advanced functionalities from a brand that guarantees you’re going to use it for 12 years is probably the best deal anyone can make.

Even though capacity is not a problem for Presto 01781, the fact that it has a gasket and you can’t use it outdoors, on gas burners, can make some people look for something more powerful. When money is not an issue and you don’t want to compromise in any aspect, you should consider the All American 921, which is truly an impressive device. The device is extra strong, durable, and features a metal-to-metal sealing mechanism which prolongs its use significantly. The unit is also versatile and available in many sizes, so you can buy the one that fits your cooking and canning needs best.

When money is tight, Presto 01370 comes through as a smart choice. It’s made from high-quality materials and offers advanced safety features which will put many customers that might be concerned about safety when buying cheaper pressure canners at ease.

Finally, we chose the T-fal as the best pressure canner with great safety features. The unit is strong, durable, and versatile, but we believe it will appeal to people that want to feel secure when pressure canning above anything else.

Everything You Need To Know About Pressure Canners

A Little History

Pressure canning has been a practice of preserving foods for hundreds of years. The act of canning allows food to be packaged under extremely high temperatures and under very high pressure in order to keep it edible for an extended period of time. This is especially important for preserving seasonal fruits and vegetables, and making jams and jellies is especially popular.

It was in 1679 that the first pressure canner was invented. The device was made of cast iron and was successful in raising the water temperature to a very hot boil, but it was certainly not effective all of the time and often led to explosions. In 1810, the first real version of a pressure canner was developed. It sealed food in tin cans, but it was not perfect, as it was common for the food to become contaminated.

In 1858, with the invention of the Mason jar, which was made of glass, the act of canning was well on its way. By the 1970s, pressure canning was quite popular and safer as well.

The safety and effectiveness of pressure canning have been a work in progress for the past decades. Today, most units are thin-walled and lightweight kettles that have lids with gaskets that turn on. Alternatively, instead of gaskets, some canners are made of heavy cast aluminum with screw-down knobs around the canner.

How Does A Pressure Canner Work?

Pressure canners work by creating a very hot boil (above (240ºF/115ºC) in order to destroy harmful bacteria that can be found on low-acid food such as most vegetables, meat, and fish.

The boiling temperature can only be achieved under extreme pressure in a sealed pressure canner. The final goal is to preserve food, which can only be achieved if the microorganisms are destroyed and the food that’s sealed is clean – otherwise bacteria growth will spur over time.

When heat is applied, pressure canners boil the water to 212ºF/100ºC which is when steam forms. The steam will then drive the remaining air out of the open vents and into the jars. Once there’s no more air in the pressure canner, the vent will close and trap steam inside the canner. Steam continues to form but it can’t be released which means the pressure increases – during this time the heat gets distributed and affects the food ingredients, destroying bacteria and other harmful microorganisms.

When the process is completed and you turn off the heat, the boiling stops, which means the temperature and the pressure slowly start to cool off. Important: The vent must stay closed during this process because the sudden release of pressure makes the steam explosive.

Safety Features And Tips

Pressure canners can be extremely dangerous, which is why it’s imperative to read over all materials containing information about the unit and to proceed with caution. This guide from the National Center for Home Food Preservation is also a useful reference.

To make pressure canners safer, manufacturers offer:

Certificates for safety standards – to justify the claim that the device is safe, brands must pass a series of standardized tests for fire, electric shock, and related potential causes of accidental injury. These tests are conducted by independent agencies like UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or CUL (Canadian Underwriters Laboratories). Look for UL and CUL labels.
Automatic overpressure plug – a flap that opens if too much pressure builds up in the canner. The flap will open and the pressure will be brought back to normal levels.
Interlock lid – a feature that prevents users to open the lid when the pressure is still high.
Metal rack – the rack keeps the jars off the bottom and prevents breaking.

How to care for the pressure canner?

Make sure the canner is well cleaned before using it. You can simply wash it with warm water and soap, rinse it, and let it dry.
If the canner is store someplace where the temperature is different than your room temperature, allow it to adjust before using it or before storing it after use. If there’s a sudden change in temperature the aluminum might crack.
Never leave food or liquid in the pressure canner after using it. Make sure you always clean it thoroughly.
Read the instructions on how to clean the lid carefully. For example, if your lid is dial-gauge immersing it in water can lead to rusting. Different types of pressure canners require different cleaning methods.
Some gaskets require lubricating with vegetable oil once or twice per year to make sure they work properly and to prolong their life.
Carefully check if the petcock, vents, and/or weights are clean before using the pressure canner.

Finally, if you follow the instructions and care for your pressure canner properly, there’s nothing to be worried about as today’s models are very safe.

How Much You Should Expect To Pay For A Pressure Canner

The price of a pressure canner can vary greatly. The price usually correlates with the number of features the unit has and the size of the device as well. There are those that start at around $50 and are very basic. There are also units that go all the way up to $250 and upward. The moderate price for a pressure canner with at least some specialized features is around $100, but this can vary greatly depending on your needs and preferences.

How To Find the Best Pressure Canner?

The best pressure canners make canning quicker, easier, and more convenient. There are some basic things that all pressure canners offer. For example, they should be safe and should preserve the food properly to prevent contamination. Some deliver on that and some do not. There are also pressure canners that have specialized features. Below are some things you may want to consider before making a buying decision.

Capacity

For most people, the most important feature when looking for a pressure canner is the capacity. As you may have noticed, pressure canners measure capacity in quarts, which is equivalent to two pints (32 fluid ounces) or four cups. The smallest pressure canners can usually hold up to 4×1 liter (four cups) jars or containers. On the other hand, large canners go up to 23 quarts (22 liters/90 cups) and even more if you’re looking for large-scale machines.

Some pressure canners offer double racks so you can stack two layers of jars, which is very beneficial if you want a more compact device that can still hold a big batch.

Another thing you should have in mind regarding the pressure canner’s capacity is the size of the jars you’re using. Product specifications refer to standard-mouth jars, so if you’re using wider jars, keep in mind that you won’t be able to can as many jars as advertised.

Lids

The most important thing you should know about lids is that there are two basic types. First, you have the twist and lock lid type, which uses a gasket and a lag at the edge of the kettle.

The second type is the metal-on-metal lid which locks thanks to a set of clamps positioned all around the lid. Typically, metal-on-metal lids are not as aesthetically pleasing as the first, but they are much stronger, more reliable, and also pricier.

Gaskets

As we mentioned, twist and lock lid types use a gasket to help create a full seal. Many devices use this mechanism, so we thought it was important to include gaskets on our list. Unfortunately, they’re made of plastic and prone to breaking after a while. It’s imperative to look for brands that offer replacement parts for their pressure canners. You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where you have to give up your favorite pressure canner just because the gasket is wearing off.

Before You Go

Did you find the best pressure canner for you among our recommendations? If you’re not sure, make sure to follow the title links where you can find specific prices, in-depth product descriptions, and customer reviews from all around the world.

In any case, keep our buying guide in mind whenever you’re shopping for pressure canners to make sure you don’t forget anything important.

And finally, head over to our blog for more product reviews, product guides, and even delicious recipes. Your next favorite kitchen appliances might be in some of our articles.

Want to see our favorite pressure canners one more time before you go? Here they are!

Best Overall

Best Quality

Best on a Budget

Best Safety Features

Features: 23-Quart liquid capacity (21.8 liters), 2-in-1 pressure canner and cooker, 12-year limited warranty.

Features: 21.5-Quart liquid capacity, 5, 10, and 15 psi options, 2-in-1 pressure canner and cooker, 1-year limited warranty.

Features: 8-Quart liquid capacity, 2-in-1 pressure canner and cooker, 12-year limited warranty.

Features: 22-Quart liquid capacity, 2-in-1 pressure canner and cooker, 5, 10 or 15 psi options, 10-year limited warranty.

Best Overall

Features: 23-Quart liquid capacity (21.8 liters), 2-in-1 pressure canner and cooker, 12-year limited warranty.

Best Quality

Features: 21.5-Quart liquid capacity, 5, 10, and 15 psi options, 2-in-1 pressure canner and cooker, 1-year limited warranty.

Best on a Budget

Features: 8-Quart liquid capacity, 2-in-1 pressure canner and cooker, 12-year limited warranty.

Best Safety Features

Features: 22-Quart liquid capacity, 2-in-1 pressure canner and cooker, 5, 10 or 15 psi options, 10-year limited warranty.

The Best Food Vacuum Sealer Reviews

Appliances Reviewed is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Food vacuum sealers are one of the most efficient ways of preventing food waste. By owning a vacuum sealer, you can quickly freeze liquids, solids, or dry goods, without the risk of bacterial contamination or the disappointment of freezer burn.

While food vacuum systems have existed since the 1940s, today’s versions are greatly improved to offer even more reliability and practicality. The best food vacuum sealers are small, fast, and powerful, but they do vary when it comes to price, power type, and additional functionalities. So, how do you choose the best food vacuum sealer for your needs?

We scoured the market and hand-picked the best food vacuum sealers offered today. Whether you’re looking for the highest quality, the best bargain, large sealer for commercial use, or you simply want a well-rounded device that can fit on most kitchen counters, our detailed and honest reviews will help you make the right decision.

We also wrote a comprehensive buying guide at the end of the article, where we share the features you should take into consideration when shopping for a food vacuum sealer.

Best Overall

Best Quality

Best on a Budget

Best for Commercial Use

FoodSaver 4800 Series Vacuum Sealer Machine

Weston Brands Vacuum Sealer Machine for Food Preservation & Sous Vide, Extra-Wide 5mm Bar for Sealing Bags up to 16" Wide, 935 Watts, Commercial Grade Pro 2300, Stainless Steel (65-0201)

VacMaster VP210 Maintenance-Free Chamber Vacuum Sealer with 10.25” seal bar

Features: 16 inches max bag size, wet and dry mode, 5-year limited warranty.

Features: double piston pump seal bar, no downtime, dry and moist mode, 1-year limited warranty.

Features: 2 AA batteries - cordless, 1-year limited warranty.

Features: no downtime, wet and dry mode, 1-year limited warranty.

Best Overall

Features: 16 inches max bag size, wet and dry mode, 5-year limited warranty.

Best Quality

Features: double piston pump seal bar, no downtime, dry and moist mode, 1-year limited warranty.

Best on a Budget

Features: 2 AA batteries - cordless, 1-year limited warranty.

Best for Commercial Use

Features: no downtime, wet and dry mode, 1-year limited warranty.

Best Overall: FoodSaver 4840 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealer

Due to many reasons, our best overall choice is the FoodSaver 4840 2-in-1 vacuum sealer, mostly because it’s fully automated, comes with advanced functionalities, and it’s still reasonably priced. It’s the perfect choice for most people, as both amateurs and experienced sealers will be pleased with its performance.

Pros:

When we say that the device is fully automated we mean that you don’t even have to press a button. The FoodSaver 4840 features an exclusive technology with a sensor that detects when a bag is placed on the track and starts its job immediately. This is beneficial and convenient for most people, but especially beginners and those who have never owned a vacuum sealer before.

The unit is titled “FoodSaver 4840 2-in-1” because it comes with a handheld retractable sealer, so you have two sealing devices. You can use the handheld sealer on zip-loc bags, bags that are too big for the unit, containers, and canisters.

The added handheld, portable sealer along with some of its advanced functionalities make the FoodSaver 4840 incredibly versatile and suitable for any vacuum sealing task. The unit has an “only seal” mode, which means it can seal bags without sucking out the air. It also features a “rapid marinated mode” and a heat seal – the most reliable sealing method.

When you buy the FoodSaver 4840, you’ll get a starter pack which includes an 11″x10′ vacuum seal roll, three 1-quart vacuum seal bags, two 1-gallon vacuum seal bags, three 1-quart vacuum zipper bags, and two 1-gallon zipper bags.

Cons:

The FoodSaver 4840 doesn’t work well with other brands’ bags, which means you’ll have to buy specialized FoodSaver bags to ensure your vacuum sealing is reliable and tight. The handheld sealer is partially a compensation for this, as it works on different bags. However, when using the main sealer, you’ll need to use bags from FoodSaver.

Additionally, the unit isn’t flexible, which means you won’t have much control over the vacuuming process. For beginners, families, or any kind of light-duty work, this might not be a problem, but professionals might feel limited.

Just like many other external suction vacuum sealers, the unit doesn’t run continuously.

The Verdict:

We believe the compact and incredibly user-friendly FoodSaver 4840 is the best choice for most people as it’s a very high-quality device that’s intuitive, offers advanced functionalities, and has a fair price. While it may not meet the needs of professionals, it’s a great buy for light-duty work.

Sale

Best Quality: Weston Pro-2300 Commercial Vacuum Sealer

The Weston Pro-2300 is one of the most powerful external suction vacuum sealers that comes seriously close to the power of chamber-style vacuum sealers. It’s a great buy for professionals and people who are sealing food regularly.

Pros:

The Weston Pro-2300 is very powerful and durable. The unit has 935 watts of motor power and a 28hg suction level. Just as a comparison, the chamber-style VacMaster VP210 model has a 29hg suction level. This is the reason why many business owners use Weston Pro-2300 for commercial purposes – packaging vegetables, nuts, meat, and so on.

The performance of the unit regarding liquids and soft foods is somewhere between typical external suction models and chamber-type models. It features a manual pressure mode that allows you to slowly and carefully seal soft and moist foods.

The unit is versatile and can seal a variety of bags as it’s compatible with bags from other brands. Plus, it has an extra-long, 15 inches (38 centimeters) seal bar, which means you can vacuum seal bags of up to 15 inches wide.

The Weston Pro-2300 has a fan-cooled motor that’s specifically designed for continuous use. There’s no downtime, so you can seal bag after bag, in a matter of minutes.

Cons:

Although the brand advertises this product as commercial-grade, some customers have noted that the vacuuming time is a little longer than other commercial-grade or chamber-style sealers, which means it can slow down the work process of some types of businesses. Nevertheless, it’s perfect for large quantities of food at home or in small restaurants.

Some people might find it annoying that there’s no way to activate the sealer without activating the vacuum first. This doesn’t affect its performance, but it can be annoying if you only want to make bags from a roll.

The Verdict:

The Weston Pro-2300 is a true workhorse machine that’s meant to handle heavy-duty work. It’s expensive for an external suction vacuum sealer, but considering how many obstacles, typical for external sealers, it overcomes, we can say that the price is justified. The Weston Pro-2300 is a good buy for professionals, small restaurants, or people who have a small kitchen, but still want the power of a chamber-style machine.

Best on a Budget: FoodSaver FSFRSH0051 Vacuum Sealer

When you’re not looking to invest some serious money because you want a compact and easy-to-use food vacuum sealer, you should take a look at the FoodSaver FSFRSH0051. It’s a good quality vacuum sealer, efficient, and portable, perfect for people who use sealers occasionally and want something they can fit in a drawer.

Pros:

The FoodSaver FSFRSH0051 is very easy-to-use, which means that if you’re a complete newbie, you’ll love how intuitive and no-fuss the whole process is. Take it in your hands, press the “on” button and the device starts sucking air.

The size of the FoodSaver FSFRSH0051 is only 3.94 x 3.07 x 8.86 inches, while it weighs only 13.6 ounces. You can easily store in any kitchen drawer.

The size and weight of the device, along with the fact that it’s cordless and operates on batteries, means you can take it with you anywhere you go. This is especially beneficial for hunters and fishermen who like to preserve their food right on the spot, instead of waiting to come home.

The device works on almost any sealing bag, which means the size of the bag is not a problem! Plus, when you buy the product, you’ll also get two reusable 1-quart vacuum zipper bags.

Cons:

The unit is made of plastic and it might not be as durable as our pricier recommendations. Considering the price this is okay, but it is something you should have in mind.

Also, the device is not meant for continuous use, nor for heavy-duty work. If you are someone who seals large quantities of food on a daily basis, you might feel limited.

The Verdict:

The FoodSaver FSFRSH0051 is a great-quality vacuum sealer, meant for light-duty work. The device is very easy-to-use, compact, and portable, which makes it the perfect choice for people who prepare raw food outdoors or simply want something convenient.

Best For Commercial Use: VacMaster VP210 Chamber Vacuum Sealer

As our best commercial food vacuum cleaner, we chose the Perfect for VacMaster VP210 chamber-type sealer, as it’s great for continuous, heavy-duty work. This unit can quickly vacuum all types of foods, work with different types of bags, and you have full control over the process.

Pros:

If you’re looking for a professional and extremely durable vacuum sealer, the VacMaster VP210 won’t disappoint you. The device is made of high-grade stainless steel and can easily obtain a 27-29hg level of vacuum, where most units get to 25hg.

The VacMaster VP210 is fully flexible, as it allows you to control the vacuum time (how much oxygen you want to remove), sealing time, and cooling time – something which professionals will truly appreciate.

At the same time, the VacMaster VP210 is always ready to work, without any downtime. The unit works continuously, which means you won’t have to wait before vacuum sealing again. This feature makes the device especially beneficial for commercial use.

The unit shines where external suction models fail – it’s wonderful for quickly sealing liquids like soups, marinades, and stews. While external suction devices require the liquid to be frozen before sealing it, the VacMaster VP210 only requires you to place the liquid inside the chamber and push a button.

On top of all else, it’s compatible with bags from different brands, which means you won’t have to go out of your way to buy specialized bags for the machine.

Cons:

Unfortunately, the device doesn’t have an external port, which means you’ll have to add machine oil to the pump manually. This can be a dealbreaker for people who want something simpler or use a vacuum sealer only occasionally.

The Verdict:

The VacMaster VP210 is the best choice for professionals, hunters, sportsmen, business owners, and large families where vacuuming food is a daily sight. The unit is durable, flexible, convenient, and it can run continuously.

Conclusion:

The best vacuum sealer is the FoodSaver 4840 2-in-1 as it’s a well-built device for a great price. The unit is fully automated, intuitive, extremely versatile, and comes with a starter kit package, in which you’ll get a variety of sealing bags. Maybe one of the most impressive features is the added handheld sealer, which is portable and can be used on any zip-lock bag. It’s a great choice for most people.

Professionals and experienced sealers, however, might be better off with our highest-quality pick, the Weston Pro-2300. It’s an extremely powerful and durable device that surpasses all expectations you would have of an external suction type of vacuum sealer. The suction power is comparable with the VacMaster VP210, while the functionalities are designed to solve regular problems external vacuum sealers have, such as sealing soft and moist foods.

On the other hand, light-work users and people who really want something simple, but efficient, will be most pleased with our budget pick, the FoodSaver FSFRSH0051. This vacuum sealer might not offer advanced functionalities like our other recommendations, but it can get the job done. Plus, it can fit perfectly in any kitchen drawer and it’s a great choice for people who never owned a vacuum sealer before.

Finally, VacMaster VP210 is the best choice if you intend to use the sealer commercially. It has everything you need to make the whole process quick, convenient, and smooth. The construction of the unit is quite sturdy, which makes the VacMaster VP210 very durable and powerful. Additionally, the device will give you full control over the three stages, so you can adjust the time according to your needs. But, most importantly, it can run continuously, so you can finish the job in no time.

Everything You Need To Know About Food Vacuum Sealers

Spoiling food, bacteria, and fungi infestations have been an issue throughout the history of time, which is the reason why, today, we have advanced food vacuum sealing systems meant to preserve the freshness of food and extend shelf-life significantly. There are many ways to preserve food, but using vacuum sealers is definitely one of the easiest ways that don’t change the texture or taste of fresh foods.

Types of Vacuum Sealing Systems

There are two basic types of vacuum sealing systems – external suction and chamber vacuum sealers.

External suction vacuum sealers work in a way that a bag is attached to the vacuum-sealing machine externally. The machine will remove the air and seal the bag, which is all done outside the machine. A heat sealer is often used to seal the pack. External vacuum sealers are smaller, more convenient, and mostly meant for home-use.

Chamber vacuum sealers, on the other hand, use pouches and full mesh vacuum sealer bags. The bags are placed inside the chamber (with food inside) while the sealer evacuates the air from the chamber leaving air pressure equal after which it seals the bag. The single-chamber food vacuum devices are the most popular ones and are usually small, portable, and convenient to use, as opposed to higher-end models which can be a lot bulkier.

There are double-chamber devices, too. They work in the same manner as the single-chamber food vacuum sealers, only after sealing the bag, the chamber is refilled with air, which in turn squeezes any remaining air out of the bag. Double-chamber devices are typically used in factories by medium to large businesses.

How Do Vacuum Sealers Work?

Just like the name implies, vacuum sealing is the process of vacuuming i.e removing air from a bag and sealing it. While the food can be put into various containers, plastic bags are the most common form for general household use. Some vacuum sealers even come with plastic rolls from which they create the plastic bag. Basically, all you need to do is place the food inside the bag, position it on the vacuum sealer’s mark (external sealers) or place the sealer above the small opening (hand-held sealers), and press the on button. The whole process is very straightforward and you’ll have a sealed bag in a matter of seconds.

After this, you need to store the food – typically in a freezer. Freezing is the preferred method of preserving for most people. Cured meats, coffee, fresh fruits, vegetables, and leftovers are among the foods that can be frozen. However, you can also keep sealed food in the regular fridge.

The science behind vacuuming food is in the oxygen, or better yet, the lack thereof. Oxygen spoils food in three ways – oxidation, enzymatic oxidation, and encouraging the growth of molds, bacteria, and some yeasts. Removing as much air as possible will ensure that your food stays fresh and uncontaminated for a long period of time. However, be careful, oxygen is just one factor. Heat and water can also spoil food, which is the reason why, after vacuuming, food is being frozen or kept in the fridge. This prevents moisture from surrounding the food item.

Types of Foods You Can Vacuum Seal

The question that surely popped in your mind at least once by now is: “Can I vacuum seal any type of food?” The answer is yes, but there are several exceptions.

If you’re a newbie or you’ve never owned a food vacuum sealer before, you should invest some time researching all the food groups you’re interested in vacuum sealing. This is a great way to learn how to properly prep the foods and avoid making mistakes that can result in spoiled food.

In general, food vacuum sealers work well for all types of food – solids, liquids, moist, or dry ingredients. For example, you can vacuum seal chunks of meat and fish. Most fruits and vegetables are safe to vacuum as well. However, you should not vacuum seal cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, etc.

You should also avoid vacuum sealing:

Soft cheeses – while hard cheeses are okay, soft cheeses mold faster when vacuum sealed.
Bananas.
Mushrooms.
Whole apples – you can seal slices of apples, but not whole apples. Also, make sure you spatter some lemon juice over the apple slices to prevent them from browning.
Raw onions and garlic – they release natural gasses that can affect the integrity of the vacuum seal.
Warm veggies – let the cooked veggies come to room temperature before vacuum sealing them.

There are two reasons for this. First, some types of foods can actually spoil quicker when vacuum sealed, and second, some foods can damage the integrity of the vacuum seal or the device. For example, liquids can be vacuum sealed directly in a chamber vacuum sealer, while external suction devices will suck in the liquid which will destroy the motor.

If you buy an external suction type of vacuum sealer, make sure to first freeze the liquid and then seal it.

How To Find the Best Food Vacuum Sealer?

The best food vacuum sealer does the job of removing oxygen from the packaging and allows for a sealed food storage method very reliably. It’s important to choose sealers that are made of quality parts and are dependable to use without fail.

Some basic units that cost less perform great without offering any additional functionalities, while others offer more control over the process which may or may not be worth the extra money. Comparing the price, reliability, and other features will help you find the right device for your needs. The points explained below are good to ponder on when it comes to narrowing down your choices.

Usage

The first thing you should consider is how you’ll use the food vacuum sealer and for what purpose. Is it exclusively for home-use? Are you a hunter who regularly needs to preserve large quantities of meat? Do you own a small business or a restaurant where working with food in bulk is a necessity and leftovers are an everyday sight? Different uses are best met with different types of food vacuum sealers. For example, most higher-end external suction vacuum sealers will meet the needs of large families, but they may fall short for business owners, where chamber vacuum sealers shine.

Portability And Storage

Consider the dimensions and weight of vacuum sealers before spending your money. If you want a vacuum sealer for home use, make sure you get one that’s going to fit in your kitchen and one that’s easy to store once you’re done sealing. On the other hand, restaurants and small business owners may want a bulkier, semi-permanent sealer as they seal large quantities of food on a daily basis.

Additional Features And Control

When buying a food vacuum sealer, look for added functionalities, and more control over the sealing process. Some models allow you to control how much air you want to remove from the bag, while others have an additional “seal only” functionality. Also, some models come with a retractable handheld sealer and can double as a jar sealer or bottle stopper.

Before You Go

Preserving food can save you a lot of money and cut food waste significantly. Food vacuum sealers are beneficial to everyone – students, families, sportsmen, hunters, and commercial businesses. Therefore, we hope that you were able to find the best food vacuum sealer for your needs among our recommendations. If you’re still hesitant, make sure to follow the links where you can check out specific prices, product details, and customer reviews.

You can also check out our blog because we have many more product reviews and product guides essential for any kitchen. Plus, you’ll find delicious recipes that will enrich your cooking skills.

Want to see our favorite vacuum sealers one more time before you go? Here they are!

Best Overall

Best Quality

Best on a Budget

Best for Commercial Use

Features: 16 inches max bag size, wet and dry mode, 5-year limited warranty.

Features: double piston pump seal bar, no downtime, dry and moist mode, 1-year limited warranty.

Features: 2 AA batteries - cordless, 1-year limited warranty.

Features: no downtime, wet and dry mode, 1-year limited warranty.

Best Overall

Features: 16 inches max bag size, wet and dry mode, 5-year limited warranty.

Best Quality

Features: double piston pump seal bar, no downtime, dry and moist mode, 1-year limited warranty.

Best on a Budget

Features: 2 AA batteries - cordless, 1-year limited warranty.

Best for Commercial Use

Features: no downtime, wet and dry mode, 1-year limited warranty.

The Best Bread Machine For Amazing Bread At Home

October 2, 2024 Kristin Byrne Popular Buying Guides, Ultimate Guides

Appliances Reviewed is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Don’t you just love the smell of homemade bread baking? And it’s not just the smell – bread-lovers are quite attached to the unforgettable taste of a freshly baked bread, as that makes this whole endeavor worth it. That being said, baking bread is messy and time-consuming, which is why most people buy bread at the local supermarket. But this is all about to change, thanks to bread machines.

The best bread machine will take all of the work out of baking bread. All you’ve got to do is put in the bread mix, or add in your flour mixture if you prefer, and then turn the machine on according to its instructions. In just a few hours or later in the day, you’ll have fresh, warm bread! But not all bread makers deliver mouth-watering results, which is why we hand-picked the best products on the market and wrote honest reviews about each of them.

Make sure to also read our essential buying guide at the end of the article, where you can learn a lot more information on how to choose the best bread machine for your specific needs and preferences.

The Best Bread Machine

Best Overall

Best Quality

Best on a Budget

Most Versatile

Zojirushi BB-PDC20BA Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker, 2 lb. loaf of bread

Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme Breadmaker

Oster Expressbake Breadmaker, 2-lb. Loaf Capacity, 2 lb, White/Ivory

Breville BBM800XL Bread Maker, One Size, Brushed Stainless Steel

Features: 700 watts power, double kneading blades, dual heaters, 15 pre-programmed settings.

Features: 700 watts power, double kneading blades, ten pre-programmed settings, three crust shades.

Features: 650 watts power, 12 bread settings, three crust settings, 13-hour programmable baking timer.

Features: 830 watts power, collapsible kneading paddle, 13 automatic settings, three crust colors, four loaf sizes, 46 step by step recipes.

Best Overall

Features: 700 watts power, double kneading blades, dual heaters, 15 pre-programmed settings.

Best Quality

Features: 700 watts power, double kneading blades, ten pre-programmed settings, three crust shades.

Best on a Budget

Features: 650 watts power, 12 bread settings, three crust settings, 13-hour programmable baking timer.

Most Versatile

Features: 830 watts power, collapsible kneading paddle, 13 automatic settings, three crust colors, four loaf sizes, 46 step by step recipes.

Best Overall: Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker

We believe that the breadmaker that can satisfy most people is the Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus. It’s a great model from a very reputable brand that exceeds most people’s expectations by baking the perfect loaf of bread each and every time. The unit features a bunch of advanced functionalities while still being straightforward to use, so it would be a good pick for both experienced bakers and newbies.

Pros:

We especially loved the double kneading blades and dual heaters because we believe they’re responsible for the impeccable results the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus model delivers. The device has a longer loaf tub, which makes a more typical-sized loaf bread. It can make a 2-pound traditional rectangular loaf in its inner cooking pan, but because of the dual heaters (top and bottom), the dough will be consistently browned on all sides.

Versatility is another aspect where Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus shines. The unit has 15 pre-programmed both fixed and custom settings. You can also choose between three crust shades: light, medium, and dark. On top of that, the machine has a few rapid courses for fast results – you can have a whole bread in just 2 hours and 25 minutes.

When it comes to personalization and custom settings, the Zojirushi model allows you to create three custom profiles on which you can adjust the timing for each phase.

The best of its higher-end functionalities is the timer with a delay setting, which means you can set to delay the end of the baking cycle by up to 13 hours! There’s no better feeling than coming back home to a freshly baked bread after a hard day at work.

Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus comes on top as the best bread machine for most people because it’s user-friendly, which makes it an excellent choice for beginners, and it’s a high-quality model that does its job. The unit features a large, easy-to-read LCD display with a convenient keycode on the lid, which simplifies course selection.

Cons:

When it comes to loaf sizes, the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus comes behind our other recommendations. Even though you’ll get a lot of versatility when it comes to bread type, you are limited to one size.

The Verdict:

If you want to invest in a top-of-the-line bread machine that delivers flawless results every time, you should choose the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus. It’s a high-quality unit, designed to make bread-lovers very happy. By buying this machine, you’re getting exceptional performance, excellent versatility, and a user-friendly interface.

Best Quality: Zojirushi BB-CEC20 Home Bakery Supreme

The Zojirushi BB-CEC20 Supreme is our highest-quality pick as it has the same features and functionalities as our best overall pick, and offers a little bit more. The unit is also quieter, more comfortable to maintain and clean, as well as pricier. It’s the right choice for people who don’t mind spending some extra bucks for that added level of convenience.

Pros:

Just like the Virtuoso Plus, Zojirushi BB-CEC20 Supreme delivers a fantastic performance. It’s a little bit more potent than our best overall pick, and it also features dual functionality for making 2lbs rectangle loafs.

The device is versatile and very easy to use as it comes with ten pre-programmed settings and three crust shades for baking a variety of different bread types. And when you realize that you can use it to cook meatloaf, strawberry jam, chocolate cake, and so much more it becomes even more impressive.

You can also delay the baking time for up to 13 hours, so you can wake up or come home to a homemade bread, baked to perfection.

The Zojirushi BB-CEC20 features a large viewing window that allows you to observe the baking process.

As an added convenience, the Zojirushi BB-CEC20 has a removable nonstick bread pan, which makes the maintaining and cleaning process a piece of cake.

The unit also has a 10-minute power failure back-up and an auto shut-off system for added safety.

Cons:

It’s hard to find a downside to a model like this one, but one thing some customers complain about is customer service. This isn’t directly related to the device itself, but it’s something you should consider when investing a lot of money into a product.

The Verdict:

In our opinion, the Zojirushi BB-CEC20 Home Bakery Supreme is the best splurge, as it delivers impressive quality and performance with an added level of convenience and comfort to ensure impeccable results. Professionals and homemade bread enthusiasts will be most happy with how easy to use, maintain, and clean this device is, as well as its versatility.

Best on a Budget: Oster Bread Maker

Simple and affordable, yet powerful and versatile – the Oster took our best-on-a-budget spot. The unit is a perfect choice for people looking for a cost-effective and pretty straightforward device that they can use to make some healthy loaves.

Pros:

The best quality of the affordable Oster model is its versatility. The unit features 12 bread settings and three crust settings, just like most higher-end models. Plus, it can make loaves in different sizes – 1-pound, 1.5-pound, and the maximum 2-pound bread loaf.

Best of all, it’s super fast. While both of the Zojirushi’s models have rapid settings, their fastest option is somewhere around two hours. On the other hand, the Oster’s express-bake setting bakes bread in under an hour – 45 minutes according to the brand.

The Oster bread machine matches Zojirushi’s 13-hour delay timer, which is pretty impressive. You can set the timer up to 13 hours later and enjoy a freshly made bread anytime.

Cons:

One of the drawbacks of this model is that it’s very loud, which doesn’t affect the bread quality, but it can be very annoying.

Additionally, some customers didn’t like the quality of the mixing paddles.

The Verdict:

When budget is a priority, the Oster model comes to the rescue as it’s a high-quality device that makes a lot of different, delicious bread loaves. Everything that you’ll ever need in a bread machine and more can be found in the Oster model. The unit bakes different sized loaves of bread, offers 12 pre-programmed settings, three crust shades, and a 13-hour delay timer. The product is a real bargain, considering its price.

Oster Bread Maker

Most Versatile: Breville BBM800XL Custom Loaf Bread Maker

Aside from the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus, the Breville BBM800XL is another exceptionally well-rounded bread machine that came very close to being our top choice, but because of its superior versatility, we believe that it absolutely deserves the ‘most versatile bread machine’ title.

Pros:

With 830 watts, Breville BBM800XL is the most potent bread machine out of all our recommendations. The unit is more than capable of delivering a perfectly baked loaf, regardless of the recipe.

One feature that you won’t find in the other recommendations is the automatic fruit and nut dispenser. What this means is that you can add nuts or fruits in the beginning, when you add the other ingredients, and the device will release them at the right moment during the knead phase, so they spread evenly within the dough.

On top of that, the Breville BBM800XL features 13 different pre-programmed settings, three crust shades, and four loaf sizes. Sizes include a 1.0-pound, 1 ½ -pound, 2-pound, and 2 ½ -pound bread loaf – perfect for large families.

When it comes to personalization and custom settings, the Breville BBM800XL comes out as an absolute winner. While the Zojirushi model allows you to create three custom profiles in which you can adjust the time, Breville enables you to create nine different profiles. You can customize not just the time, but the temperature for each profile, too.

If you buy the Breville BBM800XL, you’ll also get 46 step-by-step recipes for different traditional bread types, and the ability to create custom recipes too.

Cons:

Breville is made of thin, unpolished brushed aluminum, which dents very easily, so you need to be extremely careful while operating with the device.

Also, the kneading paddles can be hard to clean.

The Verdict:

Professionals and experienced bread-makes will probably be most pleased with the ultimate versatility and the custom features of the Breville model. With Breville, not only are you creatively unlimited in the recipes you can create, but the whole process is designed to perfection. You can add all of your ingredients in the beginning, including your special nuts and fruits, and the device will add them when the time is right.

Conclusion:

The popular Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus model is our best overall pick. The unit is expensive, but considering its performance, high-end functionalities, and versatile settings, we say it’s a purchase that you can’t go wrong with. Zojirushi as a brand has outdone itself with this model due to the second heater on the lid, which will surprise you with how evenly it browns the bread.

Our highest-quality pick comes from the same brand too – the Zojirushi BB-CEC20 Home Bakery Supreme model. Just like the Virtuoso Plus, the Supreme model has double-blades, a 13-hour delay timer, and a decent amount of pre-program settings. However, the Zojirushi BB-CEC20 is more powerful, easier to use and maintain, and more durable.

Zojirushi is an amazing brand, yet for many people, it’s out of their price range. Fortunately, the Oster bread maker offers similar quality and advanced functionalities for a price that’s three to four times lower. The unit is straightforward, compact, versatile, and incredibly fast. It’s the perfect choice for most people with a busy schedule.

Breville BBM800XL can easily compete with our best overall pick, considering everything it has to offer. Although we believed the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus was a little better overall, Breville knocks the competition out of the park when it comes to versatility. Aside from the fixed 13 different pre-programmed settings, the unit allows for nine custom profiles where you can change the time and temperature. Although beginners might be overwhelmed at first, professionals will certainly appreciate the flexibility.

Everything You Need To Know About Bread Machines

How Do Bread Machines Work?

One of the most significant issues to the average home cook in regards to baking bread is making the time to get this task done. You first have to create the dough and work in the yeast so that it can adequately rise. You also have to find a way to wrap up the dough and place it in a warm environment so it can finish the raising phase – and all that before you even begin to bake the dough. The worst part is – you have to repeat this process once, twice, or more depending on your recipe. That’s an all-day process just for a loaf of bread!

When you own a bread machine, all of these processes are automated. You don’t have to do anything at all – except add the ingredients. Simply throw the ingredients into the inner baking tin and let the bread machine do all of the work for you! Bread machines have built-in paddles that are responsible for the kneading process. The inner tin also doubles as a baking oven, which bakes the loaf of bread evenly, after the kneading and rising phases are done.

The cycles or phases are different for different bread types, which is why bread makers come with pre-programmed settings customized for specific bread types. Some higher-end devices even allow you to customize the process so that you can have control over the mixing and rising phases, as well as the timing and temperature.

Types Of Bread Machines

There are two basic types of bread machines that are available right now.

Vertical breadmakers.

These bread machines often take up a lot less space, but in return, they give you a uniquely shaped loaf of bread. The bread ends up baking vertically, so there is often a very puffy top at the end of the dough, and the remainder of it looks a lot like a bread “brick.” These are often the most affordable bread machines, and they will do a reasonably good job if you invest in high-quality ingredients.

Horizontal breadmakers.

This type of bread machine gives you more of a traditionally shaped loaf of bread. Many of the devices contain dual internal mixers instead of a single one like the vertical machines do, which means you’ll have two baked-in holes in your loaf of bread instead of one. On the other hand, horizontal bread machines bake all-purpose flour loaves more consistently and will give you better performance on most gluten-free recipes as well.

Tips For Making A Perfect Loaf Of Bread

For the most convenience in the kitchen today, you’ll want to look for a breadmaker that will make the bread from start to finish without the need of you babysitting it, or give you a timer so that you can include nuts, fruits, or spices into your mixture at the appropriate time. Just remember not to use milk when you’re using active yeast so that you don’t end up wasting your money as yeast and milk interfere with each other.

Don’t be shy about trying new recipes or adding your ingredients. Make your own sourdough starter if you wish or create a stunning loaf of Italian bread to go with your spaghetti that evening. Cinnamon loaves are incredibly easy to make, and with quick bake options, you can even have some banana bread ready in under an hour!

If you’re investing in a bread machine, you may wish to grab an electric knife to assist with the slicing of your bread. Some models can be had for less than $15, which makes this a minor investment for the comfort and ease this appliance can bring to slicing a fresh loaf of bread.

If you’re tired of paying $3 or more for a premium loaf of bread at the grocer, then investing in a good bread machine makes a lot of sense. It will often pay for itself within a couple of years, and in return, you’ll end up with better bread in a house that smells wonderful every time you turn on this kitchen appliance!

What Are the Advantages of a Bread Machine?

The primary advantage that bread machine users receive is an improved level of home nutrition. Although grocery store bread is healthy, many of the cheaper loaves of bread contain high levels of gluten or other allergy-sensitive ingredients that can develop digestive problems over time in some people. Plus, you can’t control how many additives, sugar, and other high-calorie nutrients you ingest. Bread machines can help you bake loaves from whole grains, create gluten-free wonders, or brilliant custom-recipe gourmet loaves that you would never find in a grocery store.

The second advantage of a good bread machine is that it will save you time since you’re not involved in the actual kneading and baking process. Instead of having to roll out your dough, ball it up, wrap it up, and remember to set the time correctly so you can repeat the process two or three more times, the bread machine does it all for you. The best bread machines will let you add in your ingredients, lock the baking container in place, and let you enjoy your day.

The final advantage that you’ll receive is an increased variety of the kinds of bread you eat. Imagine being able to enjoy a ham sandwich with jalapeno cheddar bread or waking up in the morning to the smells of a fresh cinnamon raisin loaf. With remote timers, dozens of different pre-programs, and the ability to use your recipes on the machine, you can eliminate all the preservatives from your diet, while adding creativity and pleasing your senses with new loaves of bread each time.

How To Find the Best Bread Machine?

The best bread machines have a few things in common that you’ll want to look for as you browse through our fact-based reviews. Here are some easy ways to differentiate the best ones from the ok ones.

Versatility

The vast majority of bread machines have a couple of pre-programed settings for making different kinds of bread. Think about your preferences and needs. Why are you buying the bread machine? Do you only want to enjoy classic homemade bread, or you want to be able to experiment and try out a lot of different recipes? Depending on your needs, look at the pre-programs and the custom settings each device offers. More versatility is usually associated with a higher price, but you can surely find something that best fits your goals.

Automatic Dispensers

If you’re willing to invest a little more into the best bread machine, then automatic dispensers are one of the most important features that separate higher-end devices and cheaper models. Automatic dispensers are individual chambers or parts where you add nuts, fruits, or other ingredients that are usually mixed later in the process. Having this feature means that you need to add all of the ingredients in the beginning, and the device will automatically release the fruits and nuts when the time is right. Some models that don’t have automatic dispensers may beep, indicating that it’s time for you to add the rest of the ingredients.

Baking Time

Baking bread is a time-consuming job, which is why bread machines are trying to come up with rapid setting functionalities that will bake a loaf of bread in the shortest time possible. However, make sure you’re realistic – don’t sacrifice quality for faster results. The sweet spot is finding a balance, so compare a lot of different models. The bread machines of today have a timer and delay function to compensate for the long working hours.

Before You Go

Hopefully, you’ve learned a lot about bread machines through our practical buying guide, which you can use whenever you’re shopping for bread machines.

However, if you already know what you’re looking for, then we’re confident the best bread machine for you is among our recommendations. Make sure to follow the links to find out current prices, detailed product descriptions, and customer reviews for each product.

You can also check out our blog because we have many more product reviews and product guides for your kitchen, as well as recipes that you can use to test your new bread maker.

Want to see our favorite bread makers one more time before you go? Here they are!

Best Overall

Best Quality

Best on a Budget

Most Versatile

Features: 700 watts power, double kneading blades, dual heaters, 15 pre-programmed settings.

Features: 700 watts power, double kneading blades, ten pre-programmed settings, three crust shades.

Features: 650 watts power, 12 bread settings, three crust settings, 13-hour programmable baking timer.

Features: 830 watts power, collapsible kneading paddle, 13 automatic settings, three crust colors, four loaf sizes, 46 step by step recipes.

Best Overall

Features: 700 watts power, double kneading blades, dual heaters, 15 pre-programmed settings.

Best Quality

Features: 700 watts power, double kneading blades, ten pre-programmed settings, three crust shades.

Best on a Budget

Features: 650 watts power, 12 bread settings, three crust settings, 13-hour programmable baking timer.

Most Versatile

Features: 830 watts power, collapsible kneading paddle, 13 automatic settings, three crust colors, four loaf sizes, 46 step by step recipes.

Reviews of The 5 Best Immersion Blenders

October 2, 2024 Kristin Byrne Popular Buying Guides, Ultimate Guides

Appliances Reviewed is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

An immersion blender is one of the most useful appliances that can make your life much easier and healthier. And if you enjoy making your own refreshing drinks, like smoothies or milkshakes, having a good immersion blender is crucial. This simple, yet effective device lets you quickly blend your favorite fruits or vegetables and make delicious drinks right in your serving bowl.

You can see how popular the immersion blender is if you just check the market. With so many different options available, it’s quite common to get completely overwhelmed. So, how do you find the best immersion blender?

To help you in your search, we reviewed the five best immersion blenders available on the market today. You can read about the products’ features, advantages, disadvantages, and our honest opinion on how these products can serve you. We also created a detailed buying guide where we share the most important factors you need to keep in mind when shopping for an immersion blender.

Best Overall

Best Quality

Best on a Budget

Most Versatile

Best Cordless

Breville BSB510XL Blender, Brushed Stainless Steel

KitchenAid Pro Line 5 Speed Hand Blender, Onyx Black

Cuisinart CSB-75BC Smart Stick 200 Watt 2 Speed Hand Blender, Brushed Chrome

KOIOS 800-Watt/ 12-Speed Immersion Hand Blender(Titanium Reinforced), Turbo for Finer Results, 4-in-1 Set Includes BPA-Free Food Chopper / Egg Beater / Beaker, Ergonomic Grip, Detachable

Cuisinart CSB-300 Rechargeable Hand Blender with Electric Knife, One Size, DAA

Features: 280 watts power, stainless steel blade, 15-speed options, 8" immersion depth, 6’ long cord, 1-year warranty.

Features: 12V rechargeable battery, stainless steel blade, 5-speed options, 8" and 13" immersion depth.

Features: 200 watts power, stainless steel blade, 2-speed options, 3-year warranty.

Features: 800 watts power, titanium-reinforced blade, 12-speed options + turbo, 2-year warranty.

Features: 7.4 Amp battery, stainless steel blade, 5-speed options, 8 ¾ ” immersion depth, 3-year warranty.

Best Overall

Features: 280 watts power, stainless steel blade, 15-speed options, 8" immersion depth, 6’ long cord, 1-year warranty.

Best Quality

Features: 12V rechargeable battery, stainless steel blade, 5-speed options, 8" and 13" immersion depth.

Best on a Budget

Features: 200 watts power, stainless steel blade, 2-speed options, 3-year warranty.

Most Versatile

Features: 800 watts power, titanium-reinforced blade, 12-speed options + turbo, 2-year warranty.

Best Cordless

Features: 7.4 Amp battery, stainless steel blade, 5-speed options, 8 ¾ ” immersion depth, 3-year warranty.

Best Overall: Breville BSB510XL Control Grip Immersion Blender

Powerful enough to crush ice cubes and ball-shaped to prevent splashing, the Breville BSB510XL will fit perfectly in any kitchen. The unit is our best overall pick as we believe that it offers amazing quality for a fair price, plus it has a beautiful design for a comfortable blending experience.

Pros:

The Breville BSB510XL comes with 280 watts of power which gives the device enough strength to handle blending, chopping, mixing, and emulsifying pretty much anything you throw at it. The unit can also crush ice cubes with ease – a task where a lot of immersion blenders, including some higher-end models, fail.

Its design is also practical – the Breville has a bell-shaped head, specially designed to prevent splashing. This means you can blend in any bowl without worrying that you might make a mess.

Another practical design feature is its ergonomic pistol-like control grip that’s very comfortable and convenient. Your hand won’t feel tired even after using the blender for an extended time. Plus, all the operations are positioned around the fingers, so you can expect an effortless blending experience.

If you decide to purchase the Breville BSB510XL, you’ll also get a chopping bowl, a large measurement jug, and a whisk. It’s like having a mini electric hand-mixer, only a lot easier to operate and maintain.

Cons:

The whisk attachment might be weaker than expected. Therefore, if the accessories are a major factor in your buying decision, consider buying an immersion blender that’s designed to offer more versatility, like our KOIOS oxasmart recommendation.

Additionally, some users have complained that detaching the device for cleaning can be very hard.

The Verdict:

Whether you’re a professional or an amateur cooking enthusiast who wants to experiment with healthy meals, the Breville BSB510XL will easily handle all of your recipes. It may not be the highest quality option or the most versatile device, but this unit is definitely the most well-rounded immersion blender on the market today.

Best Quality: KitchenAid Pro Line 5-Speed Immersion Blender

When talking about the highest-quality products, the KitchenAid Pro Line 5-speed immersion blender enters the conversation. It’s a very beautifully built device that’s durable, practical, and versatile. Professionals as well as blending enthusiasts will be pleased with the advanced functionalities this unit has to offer.

Pros:

One of the features that really makes the KitchenAid Pro Line immersion blender stand out are the unique interchangeable bell blade assemblies. The unit comes with three different blade assemblies and you can change between them with just one twist. The S-blade assembly is used for general pureeing. The multi-purpose blade assembly is used for chopping ice, frozen fruits or veggies, and meats. Finally, the frother and beater blade assembly is for whipping coffee, milkshakes, and other drinks.

On top of that, you’ll get the device with a strong whisk attachment, chopper attachment, 1L pitcher, bell blade covers, battery, charger, and a storage case.

The unit is incredibly practical as it’s cordless and you can easily move it or take it with you wherever you feel like it. The KitchenAid Pro-Line has a 12V lithium-ion battery that’s rechargeable.

The KitchenAid Pro Line fits in any bowl or pot, as it comes with 8” and 13″ long blending arms. The depth of your pot is no problem for this device.

Another thing you’d like to know is that the device is very quiet even when it’s running at the highest speed (out of five speed options).

Cons:

The device is not completely dishwasher safe, which means that some parts must be washed by hand. It’s definitely not a deal-breaker disadvantage, but it does affect its convenience, so it’s good to know beforehand.

Also, some of the parts are made of plastic, which disappointed some customers considering how pricey the device is.

Another consideration you should keep in mind is the size of the KitchenAid Pro Line. While the 13” blending arm is definitely an advantage for some people, others might find it too large to manage. Before buying, remember that this device is quite big.

The Verdict:

If money is not an issue, the KitchenAid Pro Line is definitely one of the best immersion blenders. It’s very durable, practical, and versatile. It comes with two-sized blending arms and three different blade assemblies, so you can’t question its performance on even the toughest tasks.

Best on a Budget: Cuisinart CSB-75BC Smart Stick

The Cuisinart CSB-75BC Smart Stick is an immersion blender that’s very easy to underestimate considering its low price, but the unit offers incredible performance. It’s a small, powerful, and very practical device, which makes it a perfect choice for anyone that appreciates simplicity.

Pros:

The Cuisinart CSB-75BC Smart Stick comes with 200 watts of power, which is quite decent for an immersion blender in this price range. As you’ll see in our buying guide at the end of the article, immersion blenders above 180 watts are considered powerful enough to handle most tasks. You can make smoothies, cream soups, coffees, milkshakes, and sauces, without a problem, although it’s not suitable for leafy greens, ice, or frozen fruits and veggies.

The unit has a very simplistic design and it’s also very easy-to-use and to store. It has one lock/unlock button at the top of its head, and two high and low-speed buttons on the front.

Cleaning and maintaining the Cuisinart CSB-75BC Smart Stick is almost effortless as the device is dishwasher-safe.

However, one of the most impressive features is the 3-year warranty that accompanies the device. Considering its price, this immersion blender is a steal.

Cons:

Unlike our other recommendations, the Cuisinart CSB-75BC Smart Stick comes without any accessories, which for some people might be a deal-breaker.

Another common concern is the position of the “safety” button, which for some customers is very uncomfortable.

The Verdict:

If you only want to make delicious smoothies or nice creamy soups, the Cuisinart CSB-75BC Smart Stick would be the first and most simple choice. The unit is small and basic, but it offers outstanding performance. The unit is perfect for offices, dormitories, or any other small kitchen.

Most Versatile: KOIOS oxasmart Immersion Blender

When you want an immersion blender that can also whisk, whip, chop, or mince, the KOIOS oxasmart will surpass every expectation. Offering 12 speeds and an array of attachments, this unit quickly turns into one of the most useful kitchen appliances you’ve ever owned. It’s the perfect choice for people who prefer one device for multiple purposes.

Pros:

You would think that versatility is the number one advantage of the KOIOS oxasmart, but we wanted to start with the incredible 800-watt motor power. It’s more than all of our other recommendations and most immersion blenders out there. We wouldn’t compare with countertop blenders, but the KOIOS oxasmart comes close. It can blend, chop, mince, and whip any ingredient you put under the blender.

When it comes to its versatility, the device offers 12 speeds and an additional TURBO option. You can also choose between continuous or pulsing speed control for the ultimate precision.

On top of that, you’ll get a whisk attachment, a 500 ml food chopper, a 600 ml mixing beaker, blending shaft, and a user manual, so you’re all set to start blending right away even if you’re a beginner.

The KOIOS oxasmart is also very strong and durable. The unit is made of 304 stainless steel, while the blades are gold and titanium reinforced for anti-adhesion and stronger corrosion resistance.

Other advantages KOIOS offers are the amazing customer service and exchange and return policies. There’s a live chat assistant on their site, where you can ask about any concern you may have regarding the device. Plus, the brand offers free exchanges and returns for 24 months .

Cons:

Aside from not being dishwasher safe, meaning you have to wash the device by hand, we couldn’t find any major concern.

The Verdict:

The KOIOS oxasmart is the most versatile immersion blender and a wonderful choice for cooking enthusiasts who want to experiment with recipes in the kitchen. It’s so handy and practical, yet still incredibly powerful and strong, that it’s hard to imagine you’ll ever need another blender.

Best Cordless: Cuisinart CSB-300 Immersion Blender

Wouldn’t it be nice to have an immersion blender you can take with you when going camping, in your office, or simply when you cook outdoors? If yes, you’ll love the Cuisinart CSB-300 immersion blender. The unit comes with a powerful, rechargeable battery, decent versatility, and a beautiful storage case.

Pros:

The Cuisinart CSB-300 is a cordless immersion blender that comes with a 7.4 Amp lithium-ion battery, which can hold up to 20 minutes of run-time per charge. Charging is very quick and easy, so by the time you decide to cook something else, Cuisinart CSB-300 would be ready to go.

The device offers 5-speed options, plus it comes with a 3-cup chopper, 4-cup measuring cup, chef’s whisk, and an electric knife attachment for effortlessly carving a roast or slicing a loaf of bread. All of these attachments are nicely stored in a pouch bag.

Even though it’s cordless, the unit is very strong and powerful. It’s made of high-quality stainless steel blades, which won’t rust nor break with heavy-duty work.

Cons:

One possible downside of this unit is the location of the control buttons and the fact that you need to push two buttons at the same time in order to start the unit. While this is designed to make the device safer, some customers find it uncomfortable and annoying.

Additionally, the device is pretty big, so although it may be suitable for outdoor cooking, people with smaller kitchens might not be happy with the size of this device.

The Verdict:

Sportsmen, adventurous souls, and outdoorsy people will be most pleased with the Cuisinart CSB-300. It’s a very powerful, strong, and versatile immersion blender that can be easily transported anywhere you like. It’s also great as an office blender.

Conclusion:

The Breville BSB510XL is our best choice overall as it comes with good quality, high-power, beautiful design, and a fair price. The unit offers everything that most people need in an immersion blender. You can make delicious cream soups, smoothies, sauces, meatloaves, and even crush ice cubes.

The highest quality title goes to the KitchenAid Pro Line immersion blender, as it’s definitely one very powerful, versatile, and practical device with an incredible performance. Whether you like to blend, chop, crush ice or frozen fruits, whip cream, or coffee, the 5-speed KitchenAid Pro Line has your back. Cordless and easy-to-use, this higher-end unit will make your life a lot easier.

However, when you’re on a budget, the smart choice would be the Cuisinart CSB-75BC Smart Stick. The Cuisinart is a very basic and small appliance that knows how to do its job. It can easily make delicious smoothies, cream soups, coffees, milkshakes, sauces, etc. However. it’s not suitable for leafy greens, ice, or frozen fruits and veggies.

If versatility is your number one priority, we recommend the KOIOS oxasmart. With 800 watts, the unit is incredibly powerful and can even stand up to the traditional countertop blenders. It’s also incredibly strong with blades reinforced with gold and titanium. If you’re someone who loves to experiment, try new recipes, and make healthy dishes, this immersion blender would be a good choice.

Finally, what about those who value practicality and portability above all else? In this case, we recommend the cordless Cuisinart CSB-300 model, which comes with a powerful battery that can hold up for 20 minutes of running time. It’s a high-quality device with 5-speeds, handy accessories, and even an electric knife attachment for superior versatility in your cooking activities.

Everything You Need To Know About Immersion Blenders

Immersion blenders are very practical, simple, and convenient devices, specifically designed to quickly and efficiently puree fresh fruits and vegetables.

How Does An Immersion Blender Works?

An immersion blender is very similar yet a little different than a hand mixer as you don’t have to move it around to blend the mixture. Instead of moving the appliance around, try leaving the blender in one place to let the drink or dish slowly turn into puree.

Because of the way it’s used, making a smoothie with an immersion blender is such a convenience. Instead of having to drag out your traditional blender and create a cleaning mess, you can just throw in your fresh ingredients and blend them right in your drinking glass. When you’re finished, you then just run the immersion blender in the sink with some detergent, dry it, and put it away. The same is true with milkshakes and other mixed drinks.

Another popular use of the immersion blender is to create a stunning cream soup. You can mix the ingredients in the bowl after the cooking process is complete or you can just mix the soup right in the pot. Cream soups, blended vegetable purees as soup, and even thick bisques can all be created naturally, without thickening agents, only with the help of this appliance.

What Can You Make With An Immersion Blender?

Depending on the model, there are a number of additional dishes you can make with an immersion blender:

Meat grinding

With the right attachment, the immersion blender can be converted into a meat grinder that will help you make fresh ground meat dishes, such as meatballs, meatloaf, or sausage. Just DO NOT try to grind without the special attachment as the motors on some of the entry-level models can burn out.

Chopping

Immersion blenders of all types can be used to chop fruits and vegetables like a food processor. Make sure to use brief surges to chop your fruits and veggies for salsas, pico de gallo, or sauces, because you can easily go from chopping to pureeing.

Whipping

Whether you have a whisking attachment for your immersion blender or you just have a basic entry-level model, you can substitute this appliance for all of your whipping tasks. That makes whipped cream or whipped egg whites a simple chore, and you can make your own mayonnaise or thick hummus quickly as well.

Cheesecake

One of our favorite uses of an immersion blender, however, is in the creation of cheesecake. Instead of letting your cream cheese soften so that you can manually mix the cheese to the right consistency, an immersion blender will quickly make this task happen.

Mashed Potatoes

Another favorite is to use the immersion blender to create smooth, creamy mashed potatoes. Once you’ve softened the potatoes, add some thick cream, a little melted butter, some parsley, a dash of pink Himalayan salt, and a little oregano to make flavorful mash that your family will rave about! It’s also a handy pesto-making appliance, especially because fresh basil tends to wrap around the blades of a traditional blender.

So, basically, you can make almost anything you want. For example, applesauce can be quickly made from fresh apples. You can create your own dips, like a fresh bean dip for a 7-layer salsa dish. You can even quickly turn hard ice cream into delicious soft serve in just a few seconds.

One common concern regarding the use of the best immersion blenders is splatter. Many of these appliances don’t have any blending shields to them, so you can end up churning the liquid or puree from within and this pressure combined with the speed of the blending blades can quickly create a mess. Some of our recommendations have specific features that prevent splashing, which is incredibly beneficial especially if you don’t want to go out of your way to blend in specialized containers.

Once you start using an immersion blender, you’ll quickly see how beneficial this one appliance can be. Plus, when you consider how affordable the immersion blender is, you’ll forget about countertop blenders that are very impractical for little everyday things.

What Are the Advantages of Immersion Blenders?

The primary advantage that you receive with the immersion blender is portability. You can fasten this appliance to a wall if you wish, store it in a drawer or on a shelf, and even pack it along with you to take to work. It’s a lightweight kitchen appliance, but it gives you a strong performance that requires virtually no effort at all.

The second advantage is convenience. Immersion blenders can also be placed in any liquid so you can work as you cook. If you’re making a soup, you won’t have to make a mess by pouring your recipe into a full blender to puree it. You can simply finish the soup in the pan with this appliance. This way, it’s easy to make cream soups with consistent texture. Plus, some immersion blenders can double as a mixer or whisk to give you fast whipped cream without going through the trouble of assembling an electric mixer.

The final advantage of immersion blenders they are extremely easy to clean. All you need to do is put a little warm water into a bowl or a sink basin and then turn it on. Wipe it dry with a towel and you’re ready to go! That’s because the typical immersion blender has just three parts: the handle, the wand, and the blade.

How To Find the Best Immersion Blenders?

Although immersion blenders are very simple and straightforward devices, there are still a couple of things you should consider before making a buying decision.

Power

The first consideration that you’ll need to take is in regards to strength. Are you only planning to make smoothies with your blender? Do you want to use it for pureeing tougher vegetables, like cauliflower? Or maybe you need an immersion blender that can double as a vegetable chopper? While 200 watts are typical for most high-quality immersion blenders, remember that the power equals the blender’s ability to turn ingredients into a smooth puree.

Speed

Most immersion blenders have one or two speeds, while higher-end models offer up to five. You’ll probably be able to blend nicely even with one or two-speed immersion blenders. However, having more speeds is quite useful when blending tougher ingredients like nuts.

Cord or Cordless

While the cord doesn’t affect the price much, it certainly affects the power of the immersion blender. Cordless immersion blenders are a great choice for the office or when camping, but if you’re an experienced cook who wants to experiment with healthy foods, cordless immersion blenders might be too weak. On the other hand, you won’t find a power outlet when camping, so an immersion blender with a cord will be useless. Take into consideration your needs and uses before deciding what type of immersion blender is the best for you.

Accessories

Immersion blenders can come with a handful of accessories, like mixing cups, whisks, electric-knife attachment, and so much more. However, there’s a chance that cheaper, good quality models will come with just the basics. The more versatility and functionality the device offers, the pricier it will be. Consider your budget alongside your needs and decide on the key functionalities that are crucial for you.

Before You Go

We hope that our reviews helped you find the best immersion blender for your specific needs and preferences. However, if you’re still not sure, follow the link and find more about each specific product. You can learn about the blender’s current price, in-depth specifications, and customer reviews.

Additionally, don’t forget to read our essential buying guide where you’ll learn everything you need to know about immersion blenders before buying one.

Of course, you can also check out our blog because we have many more product reviews and product guides essential for any kitchen. You can even find delicious recipes to test your new immersion blender.

Want to see our favorite immersion blenders one more time before you go? Here they are!

Best Overall

Best Quality

Best on a Budget

Most Versatile

Best Cordless

Features: 280 watts power, stainless steel blade, 15-speed options, 8" immersion depth, 6’ long cord, 1-year warranty.

Features: 12V rechargeable battery, stainless steel blade, 5-speed options, 8" and 13" immersion depth.

Features: 200 watts power, stainless steel blade, 2-speed options, 3-year warranty.

Features: 800 watts power, titanium-reinforced blade, 12-speed options + turbo, 2-year warranty.

Features: 7.4 Amp battery, stainless steel blade, 5-speed options, 8 ¾ ” immersion depth, 3-year warranty.

Best Overall

Features: 280 watts power, stainless steel blade, 15-speed options, 8" immersion depth, 6’ long cord, 1-year warranty.

Best Quality

Features: 12V rechargeable battery, stainless steel blade, 5-speed options, 8" and 13" immersion depth.

Best on a Budget

Features: 200 watts power, stainless steel blade, 2-speed options, 3-year warranty.

Most Versatile

Features: 800 watts power, titanium-reinforced blade, 12-speed options + turbo, 2-year warranty.

Best Cordless

Features: 7.4 Amp battery, stainless steel blade, 5-speed options, 8 ¾ ” immersion depth, 3-year warranty.