The 4 Best Multi-Cookers and Slow Cookers
A 6-quart electric pressure cooker suits most households. If you also want air frying, a combo saves counter space, and if you only want set-and-forget stews, a simple slow cooker is enough. Based on manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports.
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Quick picks
| Product | Best for |
|---|---|
| 1. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 6-Qt Electric Pressure Cooker Best overall | first-time pressure cooker owners |
| 2. Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 6-Qt Electric Pressure Cooker Best upgrade | people who want more presets and a clearer display |
| 3. Ninja Foodi OL501 6.5-Qt Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer Best combo | people who want a pressure cooker and air fryer in one |
| 4. Crock-Pot 7-Quart Manual Slow Cooker Best simple slow cooker | set-and-forget stews and big batches |
1.Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 6-Qt Electric Pressure Cooker
Instant Pot · Best for first-time pressure cooker owners
The classic Instant Pot: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker and warmer in one 6-quart pot.
- 6 qt stainless steel inner pot
- 7 functions
- Built-in safety features
Strengths
- Huge library of recipes written for it
- Stainless steel inner pot
- Simple button layout
Limitations
- Pressure cooking takes extra time to build and release pressure
- Sealing ring can hold food smells
2.Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 6-Qt Electric Pressure Cooker
Instant Pot · Best for people who want more presets and a clearer display
Builds on the Duo with extra functions, including a sterilize setting, and a display that shows cooking progress.
- 6 qt stainless steel inner pot
- 9 functions
- Progress display
Strengths
- More programs than the Duo
- Easier to see what stage it's in
- Same recipes work as for the Duo
Limitations
- Costs more than the Duo
- Extra functions go unused by many owners
3.Ninja Foodi OL501 6.5-Qt Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer
Ninja · Best for people who want a pressure cooker and air fryer in one
A single SmartLid switches between pressure cooking, air frying and combined modes, so you can pressure cook and then crisp in the same pot.
- 6.5 qt pot
- SmartLid (one lid for all modes)
- Pressure cook and air fry
Strengths
- Crisp food after pressure cooking
- Replaces two appliances
- One lid to store
Limitations
- Large and heavy
- Air frying capacity is smaller than a dedicated large air fryer
4.Crock-Pot 7-Quart Manual Slow Cooker
Crock-Pot · Best for set-and-forget stews and big batches
A large oval slow cooker with a simple low, high and warm dial. No programs to learn.
- 7 qt oval stoneware
- Low, high and warm settings
- Removable stoneware and glass lid
Strengths
- Very easy to use
- Big enough for a whole chicken or large roast
- Stoneware is easy to clean
Limitations
- No timer, so it won't switch to warm on its own
- Stoneware is heavy
How we chose
- We chose picks for different cooking styles: all-in-one, upgrade, combo and simple slow cooking.
- Picks are based on manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports.
- We do not list prices or star ratings because they change. Check Amazon for current details.
Frequently asked questions
What size multi-cooker should I get?
6 quarts suits most households of two to four. Choose 8 quarts for larger families or batch cooking, and 3 quarts for one or two people.
Can a pressure cooker replace a slow cooker?
Most electric pressure cookers have a slow cook mode, but owner reports suggest it often runs differently from a traditional slow cooker. If slow cooking is your main use, a dedicated slow cooker is simpler.
Related research
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CategoryMulti-Cookers and Slow Cookers
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