Presto 02141 Review

Performance Comparison

User Friendliness

For the most part, the Prest is easy to use even compared to other top-tier pressure cookers. Its interface is clear and easy to follow, the lid secures on easily, and the pressure release valve is relatively easy to release (be safe and use a wooden spoon, so your hand doesn't get near the ensuing burst of steam).

We do have a few minor complaints, however. The first is that there isn't any convenient storage for the lid when it's not in place. Many other models have a slot in one handle that can hold the lid vertically while you saute your veggies or serve your meal. This may seem minor, but it feels pretty luxurious not to have to hold the lid in one hand while you stir or serve with the other. Additionally, the LCD screen on the control panel is relatively small, so those that require reading glasses may have trouble reading it unaided.

Cooking Performance

While we generally didn't find cooking performance very different across machines (pressure cooking is a fairly consistent method), the Presto found its way into the upper echelon in our tests. This is mainly due to its ability to cook very tender meat (the ribs we made fell off the bone), one thing that can often be challenging for pressure cookers. We also found the saute mode quite effective — a vital characteristic for making one-pot meals.

One slight weakness we found with this model was its rice cooking. The rice came out very tender but a bit moist and sticky; those looking for fluffier rice may be slightly disappointed.

Ease of Cleaning

Largely thanks to a nonstick pot certified by the manufacturer as dishwasher safe, we found the Presto to be one of the easiest models to clean of the many we tested.

That nonstick pot made scrubbing off burned veggies quick and easy, and the fact that we could toss it into the dishwasher was a huge plus. The two-piece lid has a removable gasket, making deeper cleaning fairly easy. Like every model we've ever tested, there is a gap where the lid secures onto the body that tends to catch bits of food and grease and is challenging to clean, but as of now, that's an unavoidable pitfall or pressure cooking.

Cooking Features

The Presto offers more cooking features than most models. If you're a fan of cooking presets in your appliances, the Presto 02141 won't disappoint.

A Full List of The Presto's Cooking Functions

Brown, Saute, Rice, Multigrain, Chop/Rib, Roast, Poultry, Fish, Soup, Stew, Vegetables high/low, Desserts, Beans, Slow Cook high/low, and Keep Warm

Should You Buy the Presto?

Thanks to all-around good performance and a propensity for being on sale, the Presto is often a fantastic lower-cost option for those looking for a new pressure cooker. However, it becomes much less compelling if you can't find it on sale. The Presto is as capable as many of the most popular models and lists for a similar price. However, it can be found on sale very often. We think it is a fantastic overall value if you find it on sale. If you can't find it on sale, you may want to consider going with one of the more popular models instead — they're popular for a reason.

What Other Pressure Cooker Should You Consider?