The fastest way to buy a pressure cooker is Amazon or Walmart, but the best price often comes from warehouse clubs or secondhand marketplaces
You can buy a pressure cooker at Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Costco, Sam's Club, and Bed Bath & Beyond, as well as directly from the manufacturer's website. Each retailer stocks different models and price ranges. Amazon and Walmart carry the widest selection and ship quickly. Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club offer lower per-unit prices but require membership. Secondhand options on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay can cut the cost in half, though you lose the manufacturer's warranty.
The choice depends on whether you want speed, price, or the assurance of a full warranty. A new electric pressure cooker from a major retailer costs between $50 and $300, depending on size and features. Stovetop models run $30 to $150. Secondhand electric cookers typically sell for 40 to 60 percent of retail price.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon and Walmart stock the most models and offer two-day or next-day shipping, making them the fastest option if you need a cooker soon.
- Costco and Sam's Club sell fewer models but at lower prices, and membership pays for itself if you cook regularly.
- Buying secondhand on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist can save 40 to 60 percent, but you forfeit the warranty and cannot return it if something breaks.
- Manufacturer websites like when ready Pot's official store sometimes run sales and bundle accessories, though shipping is slower than Amazon.
- Best Buy and Target carry a middle range of models at standard retail prices and allow in-store pickup within hours.
Amazon and Walmart: Fastest shipping and widest selection
Amazon stocks 200+ pressure cooker models across all price points and brands. Prime members get two-day or next-day delivery on most items. Walmart's website carries roughly 100 models and offers free two-day shipping on orders over $35, with in-store pickup available the same day at many locations. Both sites let you filter by brand, size, price, and customer rating, so you can compare quickly.
The trade-off is that you cannot inspect the cooker before it arrives. If it arrives damaged or defective, both retailers process returns within 30 days. Amazon's return window is longer than Walmart's, and Amazon Prime members can return items without a receipt. Check the return policy before you buy, especially if you are ordering from a third-party seller on Amazon rather than Amazon itself.
Costco and Sam's Club: Lower prices with membership
Costco and Sam's Club sell 10 to 15 pressure cooker models at any given time, usually at 10 to 20 percent below retail price. Costco membership costs $60 per year for Gold Star (basic) or $120 for Executive. Sam's Club membership is $50 per year for Plus or $110 for Plus Extra. Both warehouses rotate their inventory, so the model you want may not be in stock next month.
The advantage is price and the warehouse return policy: Costco accepts returns on most items for up to two years, and Sam's Club allows returns within 90 days. If you already have a membership and shop there regularly, the savings on a $150 cooker can offset the annual fee. If you do not have a membership, the cost of joining may not be worth it for a single purchase.
Target and Best Buy: In-store pickup and standard pricing
Target carries 20 to 30 pressure cooker models online and in stores. Best Buy stocks fewer models but focuses on electric cookers and smart kitchen appliances. Both allow you to order online and pick up in-store within a few hours, which is useful if you want the cooker today without paying for expedited shipping.
Prices at Target and Best Buy are standard retail — not discounted like Costco, but not inflated either. Both accept returns within 30 days with a receipt. Target's return policy is slightly more lenient for Red Card holders (their credit card), who get an extra 30 days. If you are already shopping at either store, checking their pressure cooker selection online takes two minutes and may save you a shipping fee.
Manufacturer websites: Sales, bundles, and direct support
when ready Pot's official website, Mealthy, Presto, and other manufacturers sell directly to consumers. Buying from the manufacturer guarantees authenticity and often includes the full warranty without question. Some brands run seasonal sales or bundle the cooker with accessories like extra sealing rings or recipe books.
The downside is shipping time — most manufacturers ship within 5 to 10 business days, slower than Amazon. Prices are usually the same as retail, not lower. The benefit is customer service: if something breaks, you contact the manufacturer directly rather than a retailer, which can speed up warranty claims. This matters most if you buy an expensive model ($200+) and want direct support.
Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay: Secondhand and refurbished cookers
Used pressure cookers on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist typically sell for $40 to $100 for stovetop models and $60 to $150 for electric cookers, depending on age and condition. eBay also lists secondhand and refurbished models, often with seller ratings that indicate reliability. Refurbished cookers sold by eBay or the manufacturer come with a limited warranty, usually 90 days to one year.
Before you buy secondhand, ask the seller how old the cooker is, whether it has been used regularly, and if the sealing ring (the rubber gasket) is original or replaced. Sealing rings wear out and cost $15 to $30 to replace, so a cooker with a worn ring is less of a bargain. Test the cooker in person if possible, or ask the seller for photos of it pressurizing. Never buy a secondhand cooker without seeing it work or getting a clear return policy from the seller.
The risk is that you lose the manufacturer's warranty and cannot return it to a retailer. If the cooker fails after you take it home, you have no recourse unless the seller offers a personal return policy. This is acceptable if you are handy and comfortable troubleshooting, or if the price is low enough that a failure is not a financial loss.
Comparing price, warranty, and delivery time
| Retailer | Price Range | Warranty | Shipping | Return Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | $50–$300 | Manufacturer's (1–3 years) | 2 days–1 week | 30 days (Prime: longer) |
| Walmart | $50–$280 | Manufacturer's (1–3 years) | 2 days–1 week | 30 days |
| Costco | $45–$250 | Manufacturer's (1–3 years) | 5–7 days | 2 years |
| Sam's Club | $50–$260 | Manufacturer's (1–3 years) | 5–7 days | 90 days |
| Target | $60–$300 | Manufacturer's (1–3 years) | 2 days–1 week | 30 days |
| Best Buy | $80–$320 | Manufacturer's (1–3 years) | 2 days–1 week | 30 days |
| Manufacturer website | $60–$350 | Manufacturer's (1–3 years) | 5–10 days | 30–60 days |
| Secondhand (Marketplace/Craigslist) | $30–$150 | None (or seller's policy) | Local pickup | Seller-dependent |
What to check before you buy
Verify the cooker's capacity (6-quart is standard for families, 3-quart for one or two people) and whether it is electric or stovetop. Electric cookers take up counter space but have built-in timers and safety features. Stovetop cookers are cheaper and more durable but require you to monitor the stove.
Check the seller's return policy, especially if you are buying from a third-party seller on Amazon or a private seller on Marketplace. Read customer reviews for the specific model, not just the brand — a popular brand may have one model with recurring seal failures. If you are buying secondhand, ask about the sealing ring and whether the cooker has been dropped or dented, which can affect how it pressurizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to buy a pressure cooker at Costco or on Amazon?
Costco is usually 10 to 20 percent cheaper, but only if you already have a membership. If you do not, the $60 annual fee makes Amazon the better choice for a single purchase. If you shop at Costco regularly, the savings add up across multiple items, not just the cooker.
Can I return a pressure cooker if I open the box?
Yes. Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy all allow returns of opened pressure cookers within 30 days. Costco allows returns for up to two years, even if opened. Manufacturer websites vary — check their policy before you buy. Secondhand cookers have no return policy unless the seller offers one.
What is the difference between a refurbished and secondhand pressure cooker?
A refurbished cooker has been returned, inspected, cleaned, and tested by the manufacturer or a certified refurbisher. It usually comes with a limited warranty (90 days to one year). A secondhand cooker is sold as-is by a private person with no inspection or warranty. Refurbished cookers are safer but cost more than secondhand.
Should I buy a pressure cooker online or in a store?
Online is faster and has more selection. In-store is better if you want to see the cooker before you buy or need it today. Target and Best Buy offer in-store pickup within hours, which splits the difference — you order online and pick up the same day without paying for shipping.
What should I look for in customer reviews before I buy?
Look for comments about the sealing ring wearing out, the lid not closing properly, or the cooker not reaching pressure. These are recurring problems with some models. Ignore one-star reviews that complain about the concept of pressure cooking itself. Focus on reviews from people who have owned the cooker for at least six months.