Fissler Pressure Cookers: Are They a Good Choice?

Fissler pressure cookers can help you get a meal on the table faster, and they have some impressive advantages over electric multi-cookers (like the Instant Pot). But is a stovetop pressure cooker the right choice for you? 

We take a deep dive into the world of Fissler stovetop pressure cookers: how they work, how they compare to multi-cookers, safety issues, pros and cons, usability, and more. We also compare Fissler to some other brands so you can see how they measure up.

Fissler Pressure Cookers at a Glance

Fissler makes two pressure cooker models: the Vitaquick® and the Vitavit®. Both come in several sizes and buying options, such as with or without steamer inserts and glass lids (for use as a regular sauce pan), as well as a few set options (pressure cooker sets are more common in Europe). Vitavit is the premium line. There are a few different Vitavit models, but only the Vitavit Premium is sold in the USA. 

Vitavit has a yellow-green-red "traffic light" pressure indicating system, 3 cook settings (High/Low/Steam), a bumpy cooking surface for better browning ("Novogrill"), and a "safety loop" handle. Vitaquick has just High/Low settings and a less complicated pressure indicating system of one or two lines showing to indicate low and high pressure. 

Here's a more detailed comparison table of the two models:

*Prices different on Fissler/Amazon, with lower prices generally found on Amazon.

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About Fissler

Fissler is a family-owned German company that's been in business since 1845 and have been making pressure cookers for more than 60 years. Along with pressure cookers, Fissler makes cookware and a few small kitchen accessories (can opener, vegetable chopper).

Fissler is known to be an extremely high-quality brand and a name respected throughout the world. Their pressure cookers are considered to be one of the best brands on the market, and possibly the best.

All Fissler pressure cookers and cookware are made in Germany. 

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About Pressure Cooking: Is It the Right Choice for You?

Pressure cooking is an easy, time-saving way to prepare food. Some people are afraid of pressure cooking, but there's no need to be. As long as you follow all use and safety instructions, pressure cookers are safe and easy to use. 

If you're trying to decide whether you want to invest in a pressure cooker, here are some questions to ask yourself:

There are other considerations, such as space, budget, and whether you'll really be able to adapt to a new cooking method (not everybody does). And you may have some personal factors we haven't thought of. 

But overall, if you're looking for a faster, easier way to prepare many foods, a pressure cooker is a great investment. Even if you just use it for beans and rice or stock-making, it is a hugely convenient way to make these things in the fraction of the time it takes in a regular pot. 

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Are Stovetop Pressure Cookers Safe?

Yes! Both stovetop and electric pressure cookers (like Instant Pots) are safe as long as you follow safety instructions and use them correctly. 

We've all heard horror stories about pressure cookers exploding and even killing people. But those are old pressure cookers that didn't have good safety mechanisms.

Today's pressure cookers have redundant safety features, such as multiple pressure release valves, plus an inability to pressurize if the lid is not positioned correctly, plus checks for proper gasket positioning, and more. 

Even if a pressure cooker malfunctions, it is unlikely to explode. And if it malfunctions, it is usually the fault of the user--see the following section for tips on how to use a pressure cooker safely.

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How to Use a Pressure Cooker Safely

Using a pressure cooker safely is not difficult, but you do have to follow a few simple rules:

Advantages of Pressure Cooking

Pressure cooking--and in particular stovetop pressure cooking--isn't as popular in the United States as it is in many other parts of the world, including Western Europe. But there are many advantages to pressure cooking, including:

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Why Buy a Stovetop Pressure Cooker (Instead of an Instant Pot)?

Despite the popularity of electric pressure cookers (e.g., Instant Pots), we think a stovetop pressure cooker is the better choice--yes, even though you have to turn them off yourself, and even though you have to monitor the pressure and cooking time yourself.

Here's why:

Drawbacks to Pressure Cooking (And Stovetop Pressure Cooking)

Are there drawbacks to a stovetop pressure cooker? Sure; there are drawbacks to everything. Here are a few of the bigger ones:

There are also disadvantages to stovetop pressure cookers specifically:

Overall, stovetop pressure cookers are more powerful, smaller, and more durable than electric cookers. Despite their drawbacks, we think they are the better choice.

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Is Pressure Cooking and Pressure Canning the Same Thing?

No! And it's very important to understand the difference: A pressure canner has a gauge so you can monitor the exact pressure, which is important to kill food-borne pathogens in low-acid foods (meats, stocks, most vegetables, and some fruits). Pressure cookers just have an indicator that tells you when the cooker has reached pressure, which is not accurate enough to safely can most foods.

Having said that, you can use a pressure cooker to can some foods, such as high acid foods (pickles, tomatoes), and to cook other foods inside mason jars such as garlic confit (we highly recommend this recipe).

To use canning jars inside your pressure cooker, you need the perforated insert/steamer basket to keep the jars away from the direct heat of the burner, which will crack them.

IMPORTANT: Be sure you buy the right size for your pressure cooker; the Fissler site has the best info on sizing.

Also keep in mind that most pressure cookers will only accommodate a few jars at a time, so they're not great for big jobs. But for a batch of something like garlic confit--a little goes a long way--they are an excellent (and easy!) resource to use. 

If you're interested in using your pressure cooker for canning, you should do more research. We suggest you check out this beginner's guide to pressure canning. 

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Fissler Vitaquick Vs. Vitavit: Which Is Better?

The Vitaquick is our preferred model. It has the same build quality, heating performance, and safety features as the Vitavit, but is typically less expensive (although be sure to compare prices before you buy, as we found some great sale prices for the Vitavit--see Buying Options below for more info). 

Both models have High and Low pressure settings, but the new Vitavit (since 2019) has also has a Medium and Steam setting. Medium is a pressure setting, and Steam steams without pressurizing. However, you can steam in any covered pot, so you don't need a pressure cooker to do non-pressurized steaming.

We prefer the Vitaquick's simple, easy-to-see pressure indicator: one line for low, two lines for high. It's large and easy to read from across a room. The Vitavit has a yellow-green-red pressure indicator that tells you when it's heating (yellow), when it's come to temperature (green), and if it's too hot (red). The High/Medium/Low setting is a knob, and is not readable from across a room.

They're both easy to use, but we think the Vitaquick is easier.

The Vitavit has a "safety loop" handle, but we're not sure how it's safer than the Vitaquick. Both have the same easy-to-use lid alignment aids and locking indicators, so they're similar to use. 

The Novogrill textured cooking surface is a feature of the Vitavit, but is also on some models of the Vitaquick that were made before 2019. All new Vitaquick pressure cookers have a smooth cooking surface.

Included accessories: One advantage of the Vitavit is that all models come with the steamer insert and tripod, so you're ready to cook one-pot meals when you open the box. This is not the case with Vitaquick models, which have more complicated buying options.

Overall, either model is a great choice, but the Vitaquick is cheaper and just as high quality--unless you find a sale on the Vitavit (which we linked to below in Vitavit Buying Options).

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Pros and Cons of a Fissler Stovetop Pressure Cooker

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What to Look for When Buying a Stovetop Pressure Cooker (Factors to Consider)

Here we discuss the features that we think are the most important when buying a stovetop pressure cooker. We also rate the Fissler in each category and explain the rating. 

Size/Capacity

Fissler has perhaps more size options than any other maker we've looked at. They range from as small as 1.9 quarts up to 10.6 quarts. The smaller sizes are more skillet shaped, and you can use the pan as a standard (somewhat deep) skillet without the pressurized lid (also excellent as a sauté pan).

This may sound odd, because most Americans think of pressure cookers as large and deep, like sauce pans. But in Europe, stovetop pressure cooking is more popular, and many households have at least one deep pressure cooker and one skillet-shaped pressure cooker, which are both used for multiple pressurized and non-pressurized cooking tasks.

Fissler gets 5 stars for their wide range of sizes.

By the way, we recommend the 8.5-quart size for the best all-around versatility. It's large enough to make big batches of beans, rice, stocks, and more, but not so big that it's hard to handle. 

If it's a second pressure cooker, or if you're only cooking for one or two people, then a smaller size may be the right choice.

Remember, you can only fill a pressure cooker half to two-thirds full, so keep that in mind when you select a size.

Construction and Overall Design

Construction and overall design refer to the build quality of a pressure cooker: is it stainless steel (instead of aluminum)? Are the walls thick and sturdy? Does it have safety features? Does it heat well? Is it easy to use? Are the handles comfortable and do they make the cooker easy to move?

The construction of Fissler pressure cookers is superb, with high quality 18/10 stainless steel, a thick encapsulated base for excellent, even heating, and multiple safety mechanisms for completely safe operation.

Some pressure cookers are made from aluminum, which we do not recommend because aluminum is not as durable as steel and can also impart metallic flavor into some foods (especially acidic foods).

The impressively thick (6mm) encapsulated base--a disc base is standard for pressure cookers; you won't find any fully clad ones--provides some of the best heating performance we've seen in any pressure cooker. It is also induction compatible. 

We also find the handles comfortable to hold and sturdy, as well as easy to align, lock, and open. 

Fissler pressure cookers are some of the highest-priced on the market, but their sturdy build, excellent heating, and easy-to-use locking mechanisms make them a pleasure to use--and they will serve you well for decades.

One thing we don't like about the Fissler pressure cookers are the angled sides. Fissler designed them this way to make the cooker stackable--you can nest other pans in it more easily. 

However, the conical shape means the pressure cooker has a smaller flat cooking surface than cookers with straight sides. It's not a huge deal, but it makes the Fissler less ideal for browning foods before pressure cooking, which we think is more important than stackability. 

We know some people prefer the angled sides, so we only knocked off half a star, giving the Fissler pressure cookers a 4.5-star rating for construction. You can take off more, or none at all, depending on your preference for (or against) angled sides.

Safety Features

Some people are afraid of stovetop pressure cookers because they've heard horror stories about them exploding and even killing people. 

This has happened, but it almost never happens on new stovetop pressure cookers, which are designed with multiple safety features. (We won't say it never happens anymore, but it is extremely rare. And also, stovetop pressure cookers are no more dangerous than electric pressure cookers, so don't think you're getting a safer model by buying an Instant Pot--you aren't.)

If you're concerned about safety, here's an article you should read.

Fissler pressure cookers get 5 stars in the safety category because they have multiple safety mechanisms to ensure safe operation. These include multiple pressure release valves, a buckling gasket feature that causes pressure to release around the gasket if the cooker isn't sealed properly, and "placement nubs" that prohibit the cooker from pressurizing if not sealed properly.

Fissler pressure cookers also have a cool feature that vents steam away from the user when manually depressurizing. This helps to prevent steam burns (a very neat feature).

Less expensive pressure cookers are also safe to use, but few of them have as many redundant safety features as a Fissler. 

Also, many safety issues are caused by improper use, so reading your instruction manual and understanding how pressure cookers work are imperative for safe operation.

See the section Are Pressure Cookers Safe? above for more information, plus some tips for using a pressure cooker safely.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

Overall Use

We really don't understand some review sites that say an electric pressure cooker is easier to use than a stovetop pressure cooker. The control panels on electric cookers have a huge learning curve (and most people end up using the manual setting for just about everything because of it), while all a stovetop pressure cooker requires is locking the lid (an easy feat on a Fissler) and putting it over heat.

Yes: you do need to monitor the heat, turning it down when the cooker reaches pressure. This can take a little practice to get right, but once you know your stove settings, it's easy.

And yes: you probably need to set a timer because most stovetop burners don't switch themselves off like an electric pressure cooker does (although many cooktops do have this feature now, as do most portable induction cookers with timers). But this is also easy, only requiring that you don't leave your house during cooking. 

But stovetop pressure cookers are really super simple to use. You just click the lid shut, bring the cooker up to pressure, then turn down the heat and set the timer for the right cooking time. 

Fissler pressure cookers are designed for quick, easy lid locking. You align the lid as shown above, slide the handle to the left, and it locks in place: you know it's locked by the audible click, plus the color coded pop out for extra assurance.

If you want a cooker that shuts off automatically, then a stovetop cooker isn't the right choice for you. But if you want all the advantages that come with a stovetop pressure cooker (listed above) and don't mind turning the heat off yourself, a stovetop pressure cooker is both easy and safe to use, and Fisslers are among the easiest of all brands. 

Both models of Fissler pressure cooker are easy to use, but we think the Vitaquick is just a bit easier. Its large pressure indicator is easy to read even from across the room, and it's less complicated than the traffic light system on the Vitavit. The Vitavit system may be a little more precise, and it has an extra pressure setting ("Medium"), but once you come to know your pressure cooker, you know when to turn the heat up or down based on the indicator bars and how much steam it's releasing--so we think the yellow-green-red indicator system is unnecessarily complicated. 

A few reviewers on Amazon say they found the Fissler lids hard to lock. We did not have this experience and thought they were very easy to use. But because some users had issues, we give Fissler 4 stars for ease of use. Stovetop pressure cookers can take a bit of practice to get right. But once you understand the locking/unlocking mechanisms, they're super easy to use--much easier than electric pressure cookers.

If you think an electric cooker is easier to use, you can deduct another star.

Cleaning

Fisslers are designed for ease of cleaning. The handles are removable, so you can wash all the pressurized parts separately and throw the pot into the dishwasher (though we recommend washing by hand for best results). 

We should note here that the Vitavit and some Vitaquick models made before 2019 have a textured cooking surface (called Novogrill®) that's designed for better browning. We weren't super impressed by it and found it harder to clean than a smooth surface, so we deducted a point.

If you like the textured cooking surface, you can add a point to our score.

Heating Performance (And How We Tested)

All stovetop pressure cookers have an encapsulated base (not fully clad construction), and Fissler has one of the best on the market. The aluminum is approximately 6mm thick, which is enough to provide stellar heating (roughly equivalent to 3mm thick copper cookware--the best available). 

In our testing, we browned roasts and pressure cooked them, plus we cooked beans and Spanish rice, to test the Fissler pressure cooker. We also used the steamer insert to make garlic confit in a mason jar and the tripod/steamer insert to cook chicken breast and steam veggies at the same time.

Browning was rapid and even, and the pressure cooked pot roast came out perfect (though some of the carrots were on the mushy side, probably our fault). We wish the cooker had a bit more flat cooking surface, but the browning performance was truly superb.

The beans and rice came out perfectly cooked, with no scorching at all on the bottom of the pan: the rice was fluffy, and the beans were perfectly soft and creamy.

The steamer insert worked great for both the garlic confit (done in a pint canning jar, because glass jars can't sit directly on the hot burner), and the chicken breast and veggies--this is a great way to get a quick, easy, "one pot" meal on the table.

There isn't a lot more to say about heating: the Fissler gets a 5-star rating because it has some of the best heating you'll find in a stovetop pressure cooker. If we could give it 10 stars, we would.

Number of Settings

Many cheaper stovetop pressure cookers have just one pressure setting, but the Fissler Vitaquicks have two: a Low and High pressure; Fissler Vitavits have four: Low, Medium, High, and Steam (the Steam setting works without pressurizing).

On the Vitaquick, Fissler recommends that you use the low setting for fish and other delicate foods, and use the high setting for everything else. 

By the way, the low setting is roughly equivalent to the standard pressure on an electric pressure cooker, which generally run at about 11 psi; the high setting is about 15 psi, which is higher than any electric pressure cooker can reach--this means food cooks faster in a stovetop cooker.

Most higher end stovetop pressure cookers have a High/Low setting. But because less expensive pressure cookers have just one setting (including electric pressure cookers), we give Fissler 4 stars for this. 

In our many years of experience using stovetop pressure cookers, we've found that High and Low settings are sufficient for everything you'll use a pressure cooker for, which is another reason we prefer the Vitaquick to the Vitavit. But if you like the idea of extra settings, you will prefer the Vitavit over the Vitaquick.

If you like all the extras on an electric pressure cooker, then you can deduct one or two more stars from our rating. 

Included Accessories

Fissler pressure cookers can come with no extras included, or with a few extras included. Our recommendation is to buy a Fissler pressure cooker that includes either the glass lid (for use as a regular sauce pan or skillet), or the steamer insert (AKA "perforated insert" on their website) and tripod for steaming multiple foods at one time (e.g., proteins on the bottom, veggies in the steamer basket) and also for canning (to keep jars away from the direct heat of the stovetop burner).

Buying either accessory separately will cost about $30-$40, so it doesn't really matter which one you choose.

You may be able to find a buying option with both a glass lid and the inserts (the basket and tripod are always sold together), but it's not common, especially for the Vitaquick.

And if you do find a Fissler pressure cooker with the lid and inserts included, check the price against buying them separately to make sure you're getting the best deal.

Because Fissler doesn't have great inclusive buying options, we give them three stars in this category. The Vitavit model has better options, but we prefer the Vitaquick (for the reasons listed above). 

Here's the Fissler accessories page:

see fissler accessories at fissler website

You can also find replaceable parts here, such as gaskets, O-rings, and valves. All pressure cookers need parts replaced occasionally, no matter which brand you go with (this is true for electric pressure cookers, as well).

Induction Compatibility

Most stovetop pressure cookers are induction compatible, but you should check before buying.

All Fissler pressure cookers are induction compatible and also have a thick (app. 6mm) encapsulated aluminum base for fast, even heating. 

For these reasons, we give Fissler pressure cookers 5 stars for induction compatibility.

Parts Availability

As we said above, all pressure cookers need parts replaced periodically, especially parts like gaskets and O-rings. The nature of pressure cooking causes parts to wear out, so you should dedicate a small, but ongoing, budget to replacing parts on your pressure cooker (true for both stovetop and electric models).

Fissler has readily available replacement parts, so we give them a 5-star rating for parts availability.

SEE FISSLER Replacement PARTS AT FISSLER WEBSITE

Warranty and Customer Service

Any pressure you buy should have a decent warranty of at least several years. Fissler has a limited lifetime warranty on their pressure cookers but we've read some complaints about their customer service, so we give them a 4-star rating.

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Our Recommendation

Our recommendation for most people is the 8.3 quart Vitaquick pressure cooker with glass lid (shown above). The 10 quart Vitaquick with steamer insert and trivet is cheaper so is also a good choice, but it will be harder to handle, especially when full, because it's so large.

You should also get the tripod and perforated insert/steamer basket because they really add to the versatility of the cooker.

Here's why we recommend this model/size:

The one reason you might buy a Vitavit is if it's cheaper (we linked to the sale prices in the next section). But with the bumpy cooking surface being tough to clean, especially if you happen to scorch the pan, we think the Vitaquick is the best option.

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Fissler Vitaquick Buying Options

Here are the Fissler Vitaquick buying options on Amazon and at Fissler. Buying options vary considerably between Amazon and Fissler, with Amazon having some options that Fissler doesn't, such as the inclusion of the glass lid and/or steamer insert. Amazon also seems to have the best prices on most options. So, we recommend buying from Amazon.

However, this may change, or you may find a buying option you prefer at the Fissler site. You can compare Amazon options and prices given here with the Fissler Vitaquick website (also linked below).

If you buy additional parts, such as a lid or steamer insert, be sure you get the right size for the pressure cooker you have. The Fissler site will have the best information to help you figure this out, as well as the best selection of parts and accessories.

*Fissler Vitaquick with Glass Lid (Recommended)

See it on Amazon (all sizes)

Available in 2.7, 4.8, 6.4, 8.5, and 10.6 qt sizes

About $200-$270

The glass lid makes the cooker usable as a regular sauce pan. However, if you want the steamer insert and trivet, you have to buy them separately.

This is our recommended Fissler pressure cooker. We think the 8.5-quart size is the most versatile, but you have a lot of size options, and many people opt for a smaller pressure cooker.

All sizes come with a lid, so you only have to buy the steamer insert separately, which is about $30. (Too bad Fissler doesn't have buying options with lid and insert--they should.)

At the time of publishing, there are no buying options on the Fissler site for a Vitaquick with a lid or steamer/tripod inserts.

Fissler Vitaquick 10-Quart Pressure Cooker with Steamer Insert and Tripod

See it on Amazon

About $175

10 quarts is big, but it only weighs about a pound more than the 8.5-qt model (9 pounds), so it's not a bad choice. It's good for everyday cooking (if you're cooking for a lot of people) as well as batch cooking stocks, rice, beans, and other meal prep foods.

The steamer insert and tripod greatly add to the versatility of the cooker. You can put proteins in the bottom, then put veggies above to steam in the basket. It's a super fast way to get a meal on the table.

We don't know why Fissler doesn't have this option for all the Vitaquick sizes; they should. But whether you buy a Vitaquick with a lid or a Vitaquick with a steamer insert and tripod, you'll spend about the same to buy the other part separately (i.e., both the lid and the steamer insert/tripod are about $30-35, depending on size).

Fissler Vitaquick Green Pressure Cooker with Steamer Insert and Tripod

See 4.8 or 6.3 qt Vitaquick Green on Amazon (About $240-$260, pictured above left)

See 6.3qt and 3.6qt set with lid, steamer insert and tripod on Amazon (About $385, pictured above right)

See 4.8/6.3 qt. Vitaquick Green at Fissler (About $200-$230)

As far as we can tell, the only difference between this model and the standard Vitaquick is that the indicator color is green rather than blue. And, though not pictured, the steamer insert and tripod are included (about $30 value). 

The 5 piece set on Amazon is a great option if you want a small and a large pressure cooker, as you get a lid and inserts that fit both pieces. The 3.6qt is small, but can be useful for small batches and side dishes, or as a sauce pan when not pressure cooking.

Fissler Vitaquick Pressure Cooker (No Accessories Included)

See 4.8-qt on Amazon (About $160)

See 6.3-qt on Amazon (About $150)

See 8.5-qt on Amazon (About $260)

See 10.6-qt on Amazon (About $180)

See all sizes at Fissler (About $220-$280)

See accessories and parts at Fissler

Buying the pressure cooker with no accessories is definitely the most affordable option, but if you do, we recommend also getting the glass lid (so you can use as a regular sauce pan), and the inserts (so you can steam proteins and veggies at the same time as well as use it for small canning jobs). 

You might save money buying the accessories you want separately, but it depends on the size you want as well as where you buy. Compare all prices at Amazon and Fissler before making your final decision.

We wish we could make a definite recommendation, but prices and buying options change frequently. As long as you do your comparison shopping, you should be good. Amazon has a few spare parts, but the Fissler site will be your best bet for buying accessories.

Vitaquick Buying Options at Fissler Website

See all Vitaquick buying options at Fissler

See accessories and parts at Fissler

The Fissler site actually has fewer buying options than Amazon, with no included accessories (except for the Green Vitaquick). However, they do have set options, like the image above, if you're looking for more than one pressure cooker.

There is also a 2.6-quart skillet-sized pressure cooker not available on Amazon (at time of publishing). These smaller pressure cookers aren't as popular in the USA as they are in Europe, where stovetop pressure cooking is a much more common food prep method. If you like pressure cooking, it's worth considering having more than one size (though you may want something a little larger than 2.6 quarts).

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Fissler Vitavit Buying Options

Here are Fissler Vitavit Premium buying options on Amazon and on the Fissler USA website. (Premium is the only Vitavit model sold in the USA.)

Fissler Vitavit Pressure Cooker (Steamer and Tripod Included)

See 1.9 Quart on Amazon (About $240)

See 2.6 Quart on Amazon (About $260)

See 3.7 Quart on Amazon (About $280)

See 4.8 Quart on Amazon (About $300)

See 6.3 Quart on Amazon (About $340)

See 8.5 Quart on Amazon (About $360)

See lower prices on Amazon for 6.3, 8.5, and 10.6 Quart models on Amazon (About $170, $180, and $215)

See 2.6, 3.7, 4.8, 6.3, and 8.5 Quart sizes at Fissler

See lower prices for 6.3, 8.5, and 10.6 Quart models at Fissler (About $170, $180, and $215)

The great thing about the Vitavit is that all models are sold with a steamer insert and tripod, which are about $30-$40 more if you buy them separately, depending on size. We prefer the smooth cooking surface (easier to clean) and simpler pressure indicator on the Vitaquick, but the Vitavit is a good choice, too, especially if you can get it for a lower price.

We're not sure why some of the prices are lower than others. They are identical models and include the inserts. Maybe Fissler is promoting the Vitavit in the US, where the Vitaquick is more popular, or maybe it's just a sale. We don't know. But if the lower prices are still available, it's hard to justify buying the Vitaquick model for significantly more, even though it's easier to use.

Fissler Vitavit Miscellaneous Sets

See 2.6qt/6.3qt set with inserts on Amazon (About $440)

See 2.6qt/6.3qt set with inserts at Fissler (About $440)

See 2.6qt/4.8qt set with inserts on Amazon (About $420)

See 8.7" skillet/6.3qt set with Inserts and Glass lid on Amazon (About $300)

See 4.2qt pressure cooker with glass lid and wire basket insert on Amazon (About $300)

*See 8.5qt/4.2qt pressure cookers with metal lid and inserts on Amazon (About $315--a great deal)

See all Vitavit buying options at Fissler

If you want two different-sized pressure cookers, buying a set could be the way to go, but you have to pay attention to the prices (and sizes) because it won't always save you money to buy in a set. 

Probably the best deal here is the 8.5qt/4.2qt with a lid and inserts (asterisked above): you get everything you need to cook with or without pressure, and the lid and inserts fit both pots.

You might find some different combinations at Fissler, but the prices tend to be higher.

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Fissler Parts and Accessories

Parts and accessories are an important part of owning a pressure cooker (stovetop or electric), so you should familiarize yourself with the various parts that need  ongoing maintenance. You need to replace parts on a pressure cooker every few years (or less, depending on use). This is particularly true for rubber parts like gaskets and O-rings.

In fact, it's a good idea to have gaskets, valves, and other parts on hand because it can be hard to know when you'll need to replace parts on your pressure cooker.

Read your instruction manual to find out more about replacing parts. 

Most Fissler parts fit both the Vitaquick and the Vitavit models. Just be sure you buy the right sized parts for the size you buy. 

SEE FISSLER PRESSURE COOKER REPLACEMENT PARTS ON AMAZON

SEE FISSLER PRESSURE COOKER REPLACEMENT PARTS AT FISSLER

The Fissler site has the most complete listing of parts and accessories, including steamers, glass lids, and trivets, which you may not be able to find on Amazon.

Other Pressure Cooker Options

There are several stovetop pressure cooking options available. Many are cheaper, but they won't have the build quality of Fissler, which is one of the very best on the market.

Here are a few we looked at:

Kuhn Rikon: This is another high end brand of stovetop pressure cooker made in Switzerland. Kuhn-Rikon cookers are comparable to Fissler in quality and performance. They have multiple safety features as well and are priced in a similar bracket as Fissler. One of the main differences between Fissler and Kuhn-Rikon are the straight sides on the Kuhn-Rikon, which we prefer to the angled sides of Fissler. But quality wise, they are very similar. Recommended. 

Presto: Presto is a less expensive brand of pressure cooker (as well as pressure canner). They're made in China, have just one pressure setting (15psi), and tend to not come with any accessories (though they are available). Though Presto cookers don't have as many redundant safety mechanisms, they have enough to make them perfectly safe to use. The aluminum models are cheaper, but the stainless steel models will hold up longer and are safer (we think). Prestos also have just a 1-year warranty, which is quite a bit less than the lifetime warranty found on brans like Fissler and Kuhn-Rikon. Overall, Prestos get good reviews on Amazon and a lot of buyers are loyal to the brand. We prefer the higher end performance of Fissler, but Presto is a good option if you're on a tight budget or just getting into pressure cooking.

T-fal: Best known for nonstick cookware, T-fal also makes several pressure cookers in very different shapes and sizes. Some of them are budget-priced, while some of them are rather expensive. They seem to be a popular brand in Japan. We didn't test the T-fal, so we're just going by reviews, which are kind of all over the place. If you like the design, it's probably a good choice--but avoid the aluminum models and stick with stainless steel.

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Fissler Pressure Cooker FAQs

Here are some common questions asked by people interested in Fissler pressure cookers. (Some of these have already been discussed above.)

Is Fissler a Good Quality Brand?

Yes. Fissler is one of the highest quality stovetop pressure cookers on the market. 

Where Are Fissler Pressure Cookers Made?

All Fissler pressure cookers and cookware are made in Germany.

Are Fissler Pressure Cookers Safe?

Yes. Stovetop pressure cookers have several safety features that automatically release steam to keep pressure at a constantly safe level. As long as you follow all use instructions, such as not filling the cooker more than two-thirds full, or half-full for foods that foam (like beans), your Fissler pressure cooker is completely safe to use.

What's the Difference Between Fissler Vitaquick and Vitavit?

The Vitaquick has the same build quality, heating performance, and safety features as the Vitavit, but is typically less expensive (although be sure to compare prices before you buy).

Both models have High and Low pressure settings, but the new Vitavit (since 2019) has also has a Medium and Steam setting. Medium is a pressure setting, and Steam cooks without pressurizing.

The Vitaquick's pressure indicator is simple and easy to read: one line for low, two lines for high. The Vitavit has a yellow-green-red pressure indicator that tells you when it's heating (yellow), when it's come to temperature (green), and if it's too hot (red). It's more complicated and is not readable from across a room. 

How Do You Clean a Fissler Pressure Cooker?

Washing the pressure cooker is easy. You can also remove the handles and valve components and wash them by hand. The pot itself is dishwasher safe, but you will probably have better results washing by hand.

Can You Do Canning in a Fissler Pressure Cooker?

You can can certain foods that don't require strict temperature control such as tomatoes or dill pickles (because of their high acid content, they are safe to can without a pressure canner). However, a pressure cooker and a pressure canner are different items. A pressure canner has a gauge so you can monitor the pressure level and always know that your food is being safely preserved; a pressure cooker has no gauge, so it's not safe to use for most food canning.

How Do You De-Pressurize a Fissler Pressure Cooker?

There are three ways: One, let the pressure come down by itself. This can take a half hour or more of cooling. Two, run the pot under cold water to speed up the depressurizing. Or three, use the depressurizing button on the cooker to vent pressure out of the cooker--the steam is directed away from your face, so it's a completely safe way to de-pressurize the cooker.

How Do You Open a Fissler Pressure Cooker?

It's very simple. You just press the button and slide the top handle to the right.

The lid will not open until the cooker is fully de-pressurized, so there are no worries about any pressure issues.

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Final Thoughts on Fissler Pressure Cookers

If you're looking for a stovetop pressure cooker to invest in, Fissler is an excellent choice. They aren't cheap, but they are extremely high quality and will serve you for decades. They're very safe, with multiple pressure relief mechanisms. They're easy to use, with indicators for lid alignment and locking that ensure proper operation. Accessories and replacement parts are readily available on the Fissler website. 

Our recommendation is the 8.5 quart Vitaquick model with glass lid. It's the best size for most tasks (remember, you can only fill a pressure cooker two-thirds full), including braising, beans, rice, and making stock. If you're looking for a second pressure cooker, or are only cooking for one or two, a smaller size may suffice.

If you find a Vitavit at a reduced price, it's also a great choice, but the Vitaquick is usually less yet still has all the excellent features that Fissler offers.

Thanks for reading!

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