A pressure cooker is a kitchen appliance that cooks food quickly by using steam and high pressure. It has a sealed lid that traps steam inside, raising the temperature above boiling point. This allows food to cook faster than traditional methods, making it ideal for tough cuts of meat, grains, and legumes. Pressure cookers come in both stovetop and electric models. The stovetop versions require manual monitoring, while electric pressure cookers, like the popular Instant Pot, offer programmable settings for various dishes. Both types are energy-efficient and can help retain nutrients in food due to shorter cooking times.