CHEF iQ Smart Pressure Cooker Review: Worth It? (October 2026)
The CHEF iQ Smart Pressure Cooker suits cooks who want app-guided recipes, ingredient weighing and automatic pressure release in one 6-quart appliance. Choose a simpler cooker if you prefer physical controls and don't need WiFi or guided cooking.
On this page (8 sections)
The CHEF iQ Smart Pressure Cooker is a 6-quart multicooker for cooks who want guided recipes, ingredient weighing and automatic pressure release. Its main distinction is the combination of a built-in scale and a connected app that can send cooking settings to the cooker.
It’s a stronger fit for cooks who like following on-screen instructions than for someone who wants a basic button-operated pressure cooker. If you’re comparing electric options, start with our guide to what a multi-cooker can do.
The CHEF iQ pressure cooker at a glance
The CHEF iQ stands out for weighing ingredients in the cooker and pairing that step with app-guided recipes. It also offers cooking presets, wireless updates and automatic pressure release.
CHEF iQ Smart Pressure Cooker: Best for guided cooking
- 6-quart capacity
- Built-in ingredient scale
- WiFi and Bluetooth app
- Automatic pressure release
A 6-quart multicooker with a built-in scale, app-guided recipes and automatic pressure release. It fits cooks who want cooking instructions and settings linked to the appliance.
Pros
- Built-in scale measures ingredients by weight
- App offers guided recipes and cooking presets
- Automatic pressure release has 3 methods
- Wireless firmware updates
Cons
- App and connected features may be more than some cooks need
- Requires WiFi or Bluetooth for app features
- The 6-quart capacity may not suit very large batches
The app connects over WiFi and Bluetooth and includes guided cooking recipes, videos and ingredient presets. The cooker has four sensors for weighing ingredients and estimating how much liquid is needed.
The automatic release system offers quick, pulse and natural methods. A steamer rack and basket are included for larger foods and smaller chopped ingredients.
What does the built-in scale change?
The built-in scale can weigh ingredients as you add them, which may reduce the need for measuring cups and spoons during prep. The cooker displays ingredient weight, and its sensors help estimate liquid needs.
That workflow is useful when a recipe gives ingredient amounts by weight or when you want to add ingredients directly to the pot. You can weigh and cook in the same appliance rather than measuring everything in separate containers.
The scale doesn't replace recipe judgment. Ingredients vary in shape, moisture and packing, so use the recipe’s directions and check the suggested liquid amount before starting pressure cooking.
If you rarely weigh ingredients and mostly repeat a few familiar recipes, the scale may not change your routine much. A cooker with straightforward physical programs could be easier to use.
How do the app and guided recipes work?
The CHEF iQ app connects to the cooker and provides guided recipes, videos and cooking settings. Some recipes can send precise cooking parameters to the appliance for each step.
This can help if you want an appliance to guide timing and settings instead of entering every step yourself. The app also provides presets for many ingredients and supports monitoring and control of the cooker.
You’ll need a compatible phone and a WiFi or Bluetooth connection for connected features. CHEF iQ also provides wireless firmware updates through the app, so the cooker can receive software changes while it sits on the counter.
If you prefer to cook without a phone, check how much of your usual routine can be handled on the cooker itself. Its built-in presets offer one route, while connected recipes and videos are the main reason to use the app.
Is automatic pressure release useful?
Automatic pressure release can handle steam release when pressure cooking ends, with quick, pulse and natural methods available. It adds a hands-off option for recipes where the cooker’s programmed release method fits.
Pressure release affects both timing and food texture. A quick release lets pressure out faster, while a natural release gives it time to fall on its own; follow the recipe and the cooker’s instructions for the method to use.
Automatic release still means you need to place the cooker where steam can escape. Keep hands, cabinets and other items clear of the steam outlet, and wait for the cooker’s instructions before opening the lid.
For a closer look at pressure-cooking basics, read how a pressure cooker works. It explains why pressure, heat and release time shape the cooking process.
What can you cook in the CHEF iQ?
The CHEF iQ combines pressure cooking with several other cooking functions, including rice cooking and slow cooking. Its app also offers presets for ingredients and guided recipes for different meals.
It can suit a kitchen where one appliance needs to cover more than pressure cooking. The included rack and basket add options for steaming larger pieces or smaller chopped foods.
A 6-quart capacity is a common middle ground for everyday cooking and family meals, but the right size depends on batch habits and storage space. Our pressure cooker size guide can help you compare capacity with the meals you plan to make.
If you mainly want a slow cooker or are unsure whether you need a pressure cooker at all, our pressure cooker versus Instant Pot comparison can help you sort out the appliance types and trade-offs.
CHEF iQ versus simpler electric cookers
The CHEF iQ is a fit if you value guided app cooking and built-in ingredient weighing. A simpler cooker may suit you better if physical buttons, one-touch programs or pot materials matter more.
| Cooker | A useful distinction | Consider it if |
|---|---|---|
| CHEF iQ Smart Pressure Cooker | Built-in scale, app-guided recipes and automatic release | You want guided cooking and weight-based prep |
| Cosori 6 Qt Pressure Cooker | Physical buttons and ceramic-coated inner pot | You prefer button controls and a coated pot |
| Instant Pot Pro 6 Qt | 28 one-touch options and 10 cooking functions | You want many programs on the appliance |
| Ninja HyperHeat PC201SP 6.5 Qt | Searing and sautéing in a removable pot | You want to brown food in the cooking pot |
The Instant Pot Pro versus Duo comparison looks at two Instant Pot models if you want to compare that family’s features. The Pro includes a gentle steam-release switch and dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot.
The Cosori is the more direct choice for physical controls and a ceramic-coated inner pot. Ninja emphasizes searing and serving from its removable pot, while CHEF iQ focuses on connected guidance and ingredient weighing.
What should you check before buying?
Check counter space, app access and the recipes you plan to cook before choosing the CHEF iQ. Its connected features are most useful when they match how you already like to prepare meals.
The cooker measures 13 in deep, 13 in wide and 13 in high, and weighs 10.4 lb. Leave room for the lid and steam to clear, and place it where the outlet and controls are easy to reach.
Consider these questions:
- Will you use guided recipes or prefer to set cooking times yourself?
- Do you often measure ingredients by weight?
- Is a 6-quart capacity suitable for your usual portions?
- Can you connect the cooker to WiFi or Bluetooth when needed?
- Do you have a safe, open spot for steam release?
If two or more connected features sound unnecessary, compare a model with physical controls or simpler programs. Our pressure cooker buying guide covers the broader choices.
Who should choose the CHEF iQ?
Choose the CHEF iQ if you want a built-in scale, guided cooking and automatic pressure release in one 6-quart multicooker. The app features make the most sense for cooks who will use videos, presets or remote monitoring as part of their routine.
Pick the Instant Pot Pro if you want one-touch options and a gentle steam-release switch. Choose the Cosori for physical buttons and a ceramic-coated pot, or the Ninja if searing in a removable pot is a priority.
For the CHEF iQ, decide based on whether connected cooking and weight-based prep will save steps you actually take. See our Instant Pot Rio review for another 6-quart electric option to compare.
Frequently asked questions
What does the CHEF iQ pressure cooker do?
The CHEF iQ Smart Pressure Cooker combines pressure cooking with other multicooker functions, a built-in scale and app-connected guided recipes. The app can send cooking settings to the cooker, while ingredient presets help suggest settings and cooking functions.
It also supports slow cooking and rice cooking.
Does the CHEF iQ cooker release pressure automatically?
Yes. The CHEF iQ has an automatic pressure-release feature and offers quick, pulse and natural release methods.
Automatic release can reduce the need to manually start steam release, but follow the cooker’s instructions for the chosen recipe and keep clear of steam.
Is the CHEF iQ pressure cooker a good choice without the app?
The cooker has built-in presets, while its connected app adds guided recipes, videos, ingredient presets and control or monitoring features. If you want to use those connected features, plan on WiFi or Bluetooth access.
For a simpler experience, compare cookers with physical controls and one-touch programs.
How does CHEF iQ compare with the Instant Pot Pro?
Both are 6-quart multicookers, but they emphasize different controls. CHEF iQ adds an ingredient scale, connected guided cooking and automatic pressure release, while the Instant Pot Pro has 28 one-touch options and a gentle steam-release switch.
Choose based on which workflow you expect to use.
