Multi-cookers and Instant Pots are game-changers for busy home cooks, allowing you to pressure cook, slow cook, steam, sauté, and even air fry with one appliance. Whether you want a basic model for simple meals or a high-tech cooker with smart features, we’ve researched and tested the best multi-cookers & Instant Pots based on versatility, ease of use, smart features, and cooking performance to bring you the top picks for easy meal prep.
🏆 Our Pick: Instant Pot Pro Plus Smart Multi-Cooker
Best overall for versatility & smart cooking
💰 Price: $$$ | 📱 Smart Features: Wi-Fi, app-controlled cooking, guided recipes | 🍲 Capacity: 6 Quarts
Why We Picked It
- 10-in-1 functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cook, steam, sauté, sous vide & more.
- Wi-Fi connectivity & app control for remote monitoring.
- Advanced safety features with steam release control.
- Large LCD display with intuitive one-touch controls.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
- More expensive than standard Instant Pots.
- Learning curve for new users due to multiple functions.
📌 Best for: Tech-savvy home cooks who want an all-in-one, app-controlled multi-cooker.
🔥 Best for Air Frying: Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 Smart XL Multi-Cooker
Best for pressure cooking & air frying in one unit
💰 Price: $$$$ | 📱 Smart Features: SmartLid technology, Auto IQ programs | 🍲 Capacity: 8 Quarts
Why We Picked It
- Dual-lid design allows pressure cooking & air frying in the same pot.
- 14 cooking functions, including baking, broiling & yogurt-making.
- SmartLid technology automatically adjusts for the best results.
- Extra-large 8-quart capacity—perfect for families & batch cooking.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
- Bulky size takes up counter space.
- More expensive than basic Instant Pots.
📌 Best for: Families or meal preppers who want an Instant Pot & air fryer in one appliance.
💰 Best Budget Pick: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1
Affordable yet versatile multi-cooker
💰 Price: $$ | 📱 Smart Features: None (manual controls) | 🍲 Capacity: 6 Quarts
Why We Picked It
- 7-in-1 functionality: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cook, sauté, steam & yogurt.
- Easy-to-use manual controls with simple preset buttons.
- Affordable while still offering great versatility.
- Dishwasher-safe inner pot for easy cleaning.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
- Lacks Wi-Fi or app control.
- No advanced cooking modes like sous vide or air frying.
📌 Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want a simple yet effective multi-cooker.
🍚 Best for Rice & Grains: Zojirushi Multi-Cooker
Perfect for rice, porridge & grain cooking
💰 Price: $$$ | 📱 Smart Features: Fuzzy logic technology for perfect rice cooking | 🍲 Capacity: 5.5 Quarts
Why We Picked It
- Advanced fuzzy logic technology ensures perfect rice & grain cooking.
- Multiple cooking modes, including steaming, sautéing & slow cooking.
- Keep-warm function maintains food temperature without overcooking.
- Non-stick cooking pot for easy cleanup.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
- Smaller capacity than other multi-cookers.
- More expensive than standard rice cookers.
📌 Best for: Rice lovers & anyone who prioritizes perfect grain cooking alongside other multi-cooker functions.
🥩 Best for Sous Vide: Instant Pot Ultra 10-in-1
Great for precision cooking & sous vide lovers
💰 Price: $$$ | 📱 Smart Features: Altitude adjustment, precision temperature control | 🍲 Capacity: 6 Quarts
Why We Picked It
- 10-in-1 functionality, including sous vide, pressure cooking & slow cooking.
- Altitude adjustment for precise cooking at different elevations.
- Dial & digital display for easy control over cooking functions.
- Stainless steel inner pot with excellent heat retention.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
- No Wi-Fi or app control.
- More expensive than the Instant Pot Duo.
📌 Best for: Home chefs who love sous vide cooking & want advanced precision controls.
🌱 Best for Small Kitchens: Instant Pot Duo Mini 3-Quart
Compact yet powerful for small households
💰 Price: $$ | 📱 Smart Features: None (manual controls) | 🍲 Capacity: 3 Quarts
Why We Picked It
- Small & compact—perfect for apartments, dorms & small kitchens.
- 7 cooking functions, including pressure cooking, slow cooking & rice cooking.
- Affordable yet high-quality.
- Easy to store when not in use.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
- Limited capacity—best for 1-2 people.
- Lacks advanced features like air frying or sous vide.
📌 Best for: Singles, couples, or those with limited kitchen space who still want a versatile cooker.
🔄 Best Multi-Cooker with Stirring Function: Breville Fast Slow Pro
Automatic stirring for hands-free meal prep
💰 Price: $$$$ | 📱 Smart Features: LCD display, auto-stirring, dual sensors | 🍲 Capacity: 6 Quarts
Why We Picked It
- Auto-stirring feature prevents food from sticking.
- Dual sensors adjust pressure & temperature for precise cooking.
- Fast slow cook function speeds up cooking times.
- Durable stainless steel design with safety features.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
- More expensive than standard Instant Pots.
- Not as widely available as Instant Pot models.
📌 Best for: Busy cooks who want hands-free stirring & precision cooking features.
🔎 The Bottom Line
| Multi-Cooker | Best For | Pros | Cons | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instant Pot Pro Plus | Best Overall | Wi-Fi, app control, 10-in-1 cooking modes | Expensive, learning curve | $$$ |
| Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 | Best for Air Frying | Pressure cooker + air fryer, SmartLid | Bulky, expensive | $$$$ |
| Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 | Best Budget | Affordable, easy to use, 7-in-1 functions | No smart features, no air frying | $$ |
| Zojirushi Multi-Cooker | Best for Rice | Perfect rice & grains, keep-warm function | Small capacity, pricey | $$$ |
| Instant Pot Ultra | Best for Sous Vide | Precision cooking, altitude adjustment | No Wi-Fi, more expensive | $$$ |
| Instant Pot Duo Mini | Best Compact | Space-saving, versatile, affordable | Small capacity, fewer features | $$ |
| Breville Fast Slow Pro | Best Multi-Cooker with Stirring | Auto-stirring, dual sensors | Expensive, less common brand | $$$$ |
How to Choose the Right Multi-Cooker for You
- For the best smart multi-cooker with app control → Instant Pot Pro Plus.
- For a multi-cooker with built-in air frying → Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 Smart XL.
- For a budget-friendly yet versatile option → Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1.
- For precise rice & grain cooking → Zojirushi Multi-Cooker.
- For sous vide & precision temperature cooking → Instant Pot Ultra 10-in-1.
- For small kitchens or single servings → Instant Pot Duo Mini 3-Quart.
- For hands-free stirring & automation → Breville Fast Slow Pro.
✨ Which multi-cooker is perfect for your kitchen? Let us know in the comments!