Cuisinart CPC-600N1 Review

Performance Comparison

User Friendliness

The Cuisinart keeps things fairly spartan when it comes to its interface. While this makes things simple, it also means a lot more button-pushing to get to your desired settings. For example, you'll have to press and hold the time button while the timer slowly scrolls up and then let go once you hit your desired time. You'll also have to press the menu button repeatedly to cycle through the cooking functions. Additionally, the LED screen that displays all this information is relatively small.

While these things certainly aren't dealbreakers, and you'll likely get used to the control panel's idiosyncrasies after just a few meals, it is a hurdle that you don't have to clear with most other models on the market.

Cooking Performance

Pressure cooking is an inherently consistent cooking method — as long as a cooker can achieve the proper pressure and temperature, the results are likely to be pretty consistent. As such, the Cuisinart performed very similarly to most of the other models we tested.

In our tests, the Cuisinart treated to fluffy rice, tender meat, and its saute function was able to handle everything from mushrooms to carrots. We found some models that could make meat taste just a bit more tender, but overall, the Cuisinart can likely pass anyone's taste test.

Ease of Cleaning

The Cuisinart keeps its design relatively simple and presents few cleaning challenges.

It utilizes a two-piece lid, which makes cleaning its gasket easier but does take longer to dry. The nonstick cooking pot stays clean even when you saute a bit too long, requiring just a quick scrub.

Cooking Features

It's relatively light on cooking features, meaning you'll likely have to manually punch in settings for many meals.

A Full List of The Cuisinart CPC-600N1 6 Quart's Cooking Functions

Manual Pressure Cooking, Browning, Saute, Simmer

Should You Buy the Cuisinart?

The Cuisinart performs well overall but fails to differentiate itself in a field of very similar products. This, in conjunction with some minor ease of use issues, makes it one of our least favorite models. The Cuisinart lists for a fairly standard price. While we wouldn't call this a poor value, there are multiple other models that cook as well and are as easy to clean, offer more features and are easier to use, and cost the same amount or even less. Therefore, we feel that there are plenty of better ways to spend your money if you're looking for a pressure cooker.

What Other Pressure Cooker Should You Consider?

In this same price range are products that score higher and perform better in our tests. The Instant Pot Duo Plus 6 Quart is one of the highest-ranking in the lineup and has the same price tag. It has a variety of features and is far easier to use. While the cooking performance of the two is relatively equal, we think it's a no-brainer to choose the easier to use option since the price is not a decider. If you want something a little cheaper, the Instant Pot DUO Mini is an excellent option that is perfect for two and costs significantly less. If you need to cook for more, the Instant Pot DUO Nova offers the same level of cooking performance as the Mini and holds more. All three are superior to the Cuisinart.