Buying Guide: The Best Electric Pressure Cookers in Kenya

4 October 2023|Appliances & Utensils

In this post, we will discuss the operation mechanics of an electric pressure cooker and why you need one. We will also look at the best models in Kenya and talk in-depth features to determine which brand or model is suited for you.

Come on it is 2023. Are you still using your trusty-rusty old stove-top pressure cooker, that your mum handed down to you? That her mum probably handed it down to her too? Well, it’s time to upgrade.

Table of Contents

How Electric Pressure Cookers Operate

All of these are smart pressure cookers, which means they come equipped with preset functions. These functions are pre-programmed into the appliance and are designed to know the appropriate cooking time and temperature for specific foods.

For example, if you’re cooking beans, all you need to do is add the required amount of water press the “beans” button on your pressure cooker, and then the “start” button.

The appliance will know that you’re cooking dry beans and will cook them for 40 minutes at the correct temperature.

Once the cooking is complete, the pressure cooker automatically switches off, stops cooking, and switches to a warming mode while gradually releasing pressure and steam.

If you want to release the pressure quickly, you can do so by pressing a release button. It’s important to note that the lid won’t open until all the steam has been released, which is a safety feature.

The following are the models that are trusted, reputable, and commendable if you are on the market for a new pressure cooker. As always no affiliation with any brands, so feel free to buy whatever you want.

1. Instant Pot

Price: KSh 19,000(+ Shipping to Kenya; Approx KSh 12,500 ): Total: KSh 31,500

(Using sea shipping will be cheaper by almost 3/4)

Model: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1

Capacity: 5.7L

This isn’t your average pressure cooker; it’s like a pressure cooker on steroids, and it’s more than just that—it’s an instant pot. In fact, it goes above and beyond the capabilities of a standard electric pressure cooker and was the pioneer for other brands in this category. This is precisely why it has gained such widespread popularity.

With a whopping 14 functions, it can replace more than 7 of your kitchen appliances, making it perfect for those looking to embrace minimalist vibes in your kitchen.

The 14 smart programs it offers cover a wide range of cooking tasks, from making soup to preparing meat/stew, bean/chili, poultry, sautéing/simmering, cooking rice, and more. These functions make your favorite dishes as easy to prepare as pressing a button.

The Instant Pot comes in two convenient sizes to suit your cooking needs: 5.7L and 8L. With a robust 1000W power and backed by a one-year warranty, you can trust in its performance and durability.

However, it’s worth noting that obtaining an Instant Pot in Kenya isn’t as simple as walking into a store. You’ll need to import it into the country, particularly from sources like Amazon UAE or Amazon UK.

While Amazon US is an option, you’ll also need adapters for the power cords to work seamlessly. But again shopping from Amazon US is easier than from other countries.

Check Instant Pot’s Latest Pricing on Amazon US

Check this post on how to ship to Kenya from Amazon US for cheap

2. Nutricook

Price: KSh 20,000 and KSh 24,000

Model: NC-SP204K and NC-SP208K

Capacity: 6L and 8L

The Nutricook pressure cooker is the best option available locally. This remarkable appliance is a true multitasker, combining 9 functions in one: it’s a pressure cooker, sauté pot, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, cake maker, soup maker, yogurt maker, and food warmer, all in a single package.

Cleaning up is a breeze too, thanks to the inner cooking pot made from PFOA-free, PFOS-free aluminum non-stick material. It’s not only easy to clean but also dishwasher safe.

When you purchase this pressure cooker, you’ll receive a package that includes a 1000W cooker base,(The bigger model is 1200W), 1 aluminum nonstick cooking pot, 1 steam rack, 1 soup spoon, 1 rice paddle, 1 measuring cup, and a user guide. And to put your mind at ease, it comes with a reassuring 2-year warranty.

Nutricook is however on the pricey side, so this won’t be your best option if you are a budget shopper. If you are a value shopper, then I feel like it is worth the money; if you find all these features relevant for you. Also, it comes packed with alot of accessories which is uncommon in other brands here.

But if you just want a bare-bone electric pressure cooker, this will be overkill just like instant pot, and you would be better off with cheaper brands like Sayona

Where to buy Nutricook Pressure Cookers?

Von Hot Point Appliances

3. Sayona

Price: KSh 7,900 (Best Price)

Model: SPC-4413

Capacity: 6L

When it comes to value and budget-friendliness, Sayona stands out as one of the best and most affordable options.

In fact, it’s the one I personally use, and I can confidently say that it’s the best value pressure cooker you can find in Kenya.

It offers more for the price, making it a smart and economical choice. Same functions as others, and backed up by a 1 year warranty.

Nothing special about this model, it does exactly what others do, however, it doesn’t have saute mode which is a deal breaker for me, but considering the price? I shouldn’t be complaining!

Buy from Sayona Kenya

4. Von

Price: KSh 13,000

Models: VSCP60MMX

Capacity: 6L

Von Pressure cookers are stylish and have nice finishes, they are compact and ideal for tight spaces.

It comes equipped with an aluminum inner pot featuring a non-stick coating, ensuring hassle-free cleanup.

With its impressive 15-in-1 multi-functionality, it can handle a wide range of dishes, including beef, poultry, vegetables, porridge, steaming, sautéing, beans, mixed grains, soup, broth, curry, and many more.

You’ll always be in the know about your cooking process, thanks to the pressure indicator that displays the pressure status. The 24-hour preset timer allows for crazy slow cooking, resulting in dishes so developed in flavors.

Von pressure cooker comes with essential accessories, including a measuring cup and soup spoon. Plus, it offers a keep-warm function that can maintain your meals at the perfect temperature for up to 12 hours.

Buy from Von Hotpoint

5. Armco

Price: KSh 12,000

Model: APC-EP600X

Capacity: 6L

Armco pressure cookers boast an excellent design, offering a standard 6L capacity for your cooking needs. It is uniquely 1,200W whilst most pressure cookers in this list are rated at 1,000W. Generally the higher the wattage, the faster the cooking.

They come equipped with a handy keep-warm function, ensuring your meals stay at the perfect temperature. With a range of 13 multi-cook settings, you have the flexibility to prepare a variety of dishes to perfection.

What sets these pressure cookers apart is the option to choose from three different taste preferences, allowing you to customize your meals to your liking. Plus, they come with a 1-year warranty, providing peace of mind for your purchase.

You’ll find pre-programmed settings that cover high- or low-pressure cooking, browning, simmering, sautéing, and warming, making your cooking experience both convenient and versatile.

Buy from Armco Kenya

6. Ramtons

Price: KSh 11,600

Model: RM/582

Capacity: Not Mentioned*

Ramtons is one of the most preferred appliance brands by Kenyans.

The Ramtons pressure cooker offers a range of 12 cooking settings, allowing you to tailor your meals to your favorite recipes with ease. Additionally, it features a convenient 24-hour preset timer, making meal planning and preparation more flexible. And slow cooking must be impressive in this unit.

Operating at a working pressure of 60kPa, this pressure cooker is equipped with a durable stainless steel housing and hard plastics which ensures the longevity of the appliance

A pressure indicator keeps you informed of the cooking process, displaying the pressure status for added convenience. This is a neat feature not available in most of the other brands.

Buy from Ramtons Kenya

7. Mika

Price: KSh 10,995(SALE)

Model: Mika MPC1106

Mika appliances are sturdy and good quality, so their pressure cookers are not an exception.

Only one model is available 6L in capacity which is the standard size for these units.

Mika MPC1106 is a 6L, 1000W power draw and a stainless steel body with hard plastics, just like other models in this list.

15 Preset Programs – Cake, Biryani, Meat, Stew, Chicken, Bean, Lentil, Soup, Broth, Rice, Egg, Porridge, Steam, Slow Cook, Saute.

Saute mode is much appreciated in pressure cookers for some dishes that require high-heat

The timer goes up to 24 hours meaning it can slow cook dishes that require that, backed by a 12-hour keep warm timer. So your lunch leftovers left there in keeping warm mode will make your supper without reheating required.

Keep in mind that the keep warm function in any appliance degrades the quality of the food, the same thing as in rice cookers.

Nothing else is really special about this Mika pressure cooker, most pressure cookers are copycats from the original Instant Pot, they all do the same thing.

This Mika unit comes with a generous amount of accessories including;

Measuring Cup.
Stainless Rack.
Soup Spoon.
Spoon.

Most brands will only give you a single spoon and a plastic cup and that will be about it. This model is backed up by a 1-year manufacturer warranty.

FAQs

Is the TLAC pressure cooker good? TLAC is a Kenyan electronic brand relatively new, customer reviews are good mostly 5 stars and the units are relatively cheap.

While we should support new upcoming domestic brands, you cannot be sure of long-term reliability and longevity, and it will be easier to deal with warranty claims and repairs with big and common established brands like Ramtons, Sayona, Von, Mika, and so on.

The recommended brands above are on the basis of long-term reputation, TLAC is relatively new, it may be an excellent product but I can’t personally vouch for it as of now.