The best multi cooker should cook fast, stay safe, and deliver reliable results.
I know how hectic weeknights feel. You want dinner fast, healthy, and hands-off. That’s where the best multi cooker shines. It pressure cooks beans in minutes. It slow cooks stews all day. It sautés, steams, and even makes yogurt. I tested top models people trust in 2025. I looked at capacity, power, safety, and cleanup. I also checked real performance, like rice texture and searing heat. Here are my honest picks to help you choose the best multi cooker for your kitchen, budget, and meals.
Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 (8-Quart)
The Instant Pot Pro 10‑in‑1 (8‑quart) is built for busy families. It handles big batches of chili, stock, or rice without crowding. I like the upgraded stainless-steel inner pot with silicone handles. It’s stovetop‑safe and distributes heat well for sautéing. The cooking programs cover pressure cook, slow cook, rice/grain, steam, sauté, sous vide, yogurt, sterilize, and keep warm. The large, bright screen and customizable favorites make it feel premium. Locking lid, auto‑sealing, and 11+ safety features keep pressure cooking stress‑free, which matters in the best multi cooker.
Performance is excellent. It sears meat with steady heat. Long‑grain rice cooks fluffy and separate. Beans go from dry to tender quickly. I’ve seen consistent results across soups, pulled pork, and curries. The included recipe app helps you learn fast. Cleaning is simple because the pot and lid parts are dishwasher‑safe. If you want the best multi cooker for meal prep, this 8‑quart size is a workhorse. It saves time and cuts down on pans, while staying safe and easy to use.
Pros
- Large 8‑quart capacity fits family meals and batch cooking
- Upgraded pot with handles; great heat for sautéing
- Auto‑sealing lid and 11+ safety features add peace of mind
- Customizable favorites and clear display speed up cooking
- Reliable results for rice, meats, beans, and soups
Cons
- Large footprint needs counter or cabinet space
- Learning curve if you are new to pressure cooking
- Heavier inner pot than basic models
My Recommendation
Pick this if you cook for 4–8 people, meal prep weekly, or want pro‑level control. It’s the best multi cooker for big batches with strong sauté and consistent pressure results. The safety and usability upgrades make daily use easy and safe.
| Best for | Why |
| Large families | 8‑quart size handles big stews and multi‑day meals |
| Meal preppers | Custom programs and fast pressure cooking save hours |
| Home chefs | Great sear, sous vide, and precise controls |
Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 (6-Quart)
The Instant Pot Duo Plus 9‑in‑1 (6‑quart) is a sweet spot for most kitchens. It’s compact but fits a whole chicken or a big pot of rice. It covers pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, rice, yogurt, sterilize, warmer, and more. The display is simple and the programs are tuned for reliable everyday results. As a best multi cooker pick, it’s easy to learn and fast to love. I like the quiet steam release and gentle ramp‑up pressure behavior.
In tests, brown rice came out plump. Steel‑cut oats were creamy without babysitting. Chicken thighs pressure cooked tender in under 20 minutes. The 6‑quart size cleans up fast and stores easily. Safety features are robust, and the lid is intuitive to lock. If you want a dependable starter that still feels modern, this is a great value. It covers daily cooking without taking over your counter, which the best multi cooker should do.
Pros
- Great 6‑quart size for couples and small families
- Balanced feature set without being overwhelming
- Reliable rice, oats, soups, and weeknight meats
- Quiet steam release improves comfort
- Good price for the features
Cons
- Sauté heat is decent, not the strongest
- No advanced options like cookware‑style handles
My Recommendation
Choose this if you want the best multi cooker for everyday meals in a compact size. It’s ideal for 2–5 people, reliable, and affordable. It makes weeknights easier without extra fuss.
| Best for | Why |
| Small households | 6‑quart capacity fits dinners without waste |
| Beginners | Simple programs and strong safety features |
| Budget shoppers | Excellent value for daily cooking |
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 (6-Quart)
The Instant Pot Duo 7‑in‑1 (6‑quart) is the classic entry point. It pressure cooks, slow cooks, steams, sautés, and makes yogurt. It’s often the most affordable path to the best multi cooker experience. I like how predictable it is for rice and beans. The interface is simple, and you get dependable results without a lot of setup. For small kitchens, it’s a space saver that replaces several appliances.
Performance is steady for chili, curry, and shredded chicken. Brown and white rice settings work reliably. Cleanup is easy with a stainless pot and dishwasher‑safe parts. It lacks some premium touches, but it nails the basics. If you want a proven pick to start pressure cooking safely and cheaply, this model is still a winner in 2025.
Pros
- Trusted, budget‑friendly classic
- Easy to use with clear buttons
- Consistent rice, beans, and soups
- Compact footprint
- Good safety track record
Cons
- Fewer programs than newer models
- Sauté heat is moderate
My Recommendation
Get this if you want the best multi cooker basics at the lowest price. It’s ideal for first‑time users who want reliable results for everyday meals.
| Best for | Why |
| Beginners | Simple controls and predictable cooking |
| Students | Affordable and compact for small spaces |
| Budget cooks | Great value without fluff |
Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 (6-Quart)
This 6‑quart Instant Pot Pro brings premium performance to a smaller footprint. The tri‑ply stainless inner pot with handles improves sauté and easy lifting. Programs cover every core task plus sous vide. The screen is bright, and you can save favorite cooking profiles. For the best multi cooker in a mid‑size, this one feels refined and powerful for its class.
In use, it sears better than basic models and keeps pressure steady. I’ve made risotto, bone broth, and yogurt with consistent results. Dishwasher‑safe parts make cleanup fast. If you don’t need 8 quarts, this gives you pro features without the bulk. It’s a great upgrade pick for small families that want speed and control.
Pros
- Premium pot with handles; better sauté
- Customizable favorites save time
- Strong, even pressure performance
- Compact but capable
- Good safety features and auto‑seal
Cons
- Costs more than Duo/Duo Plus
- 6‑quart can be tight for large roasts
My Recommendation
Choose this if you want the best multi cooker features in a tidy 6‑quart package. It suits 2–5 people who value strong sauté and precise control.
| Best for | Why |
| Small families | Right‑sized capacity with premium features |
| Upgrade seekers | Better pot, faster sear, smarter controls |
| Serious home cooks | Sous vide and customizable programs |
Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker PRO (8.5-Quart)
The Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker PRO is a versatile electric slow cooker and Dutch oven alternative. It’s not a pressure cooker. Instead, it excels at sear‑sauté, braise, steam, and oven‑finish up to 500°F thanks to its oven‑safe pot. The 8.5‑quart capacity is huge for potlucks and braises. As a best multi cooker option for non‑pressure users, it’s fantastic. The integrated spoon and glass lid are handy touches I used daily.
What stands out is stovetop‑like searing on the base. You can brown short ribs, then slow cook in the same pot. Nonstick coating helps with easy cleanup. I’ve baked bread, finished mac and cheese in the oven, and slow cooked bolognese. If you prefer low‑and‑slow cooking and oven finishing, this is a powerful, flexible pick.
Pros
- Excellent sear and sauté on the base
- Oven‑safe pot to 500°F expands recipes
- Large 8.5‑quart capacity for crowds
- Integrated spoon and clear lid
- Nonstick pot cleans easily
Cons
- No pressure cooking
- Pot is large to store
My Recommendation
Pick this if you want the best multi cooker for slow cooking, braising, and oven finishing without pressure. It’s a crowd‑pleaser for roasts, casseroles, and party meals.
| Best for | Why |
| Braises and stews | Powerful sear and gentle slow cook |
| Entertaining | 8.5‑quart size feeds a crowd |
| Oven finishers | Oven‑safe to 500°F for crisp tops |
Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker PRO 6-in-1 (8.5-Quart)
This PossibleCooker PRO variant adds handy modes like sous vide and proof, still without pressure. The 8.5‑quart pot remains oven‑safe to 500°F. I love its low‑temp control for gentle cooking. It’s a best multi cooker pick for bakers and food nerds who want precise temps. The nonstick pot and glass lid make monitoring easy, and the integrated spoon keeps the counter clean.
In testing, it nailed tender sous‑vide‑style chicken and proofed dough evenly. You can slow cook chili, then finish under the broiler for a bubbly top. Cleanup is quick, and the capacity makes double batches simple. If pressure isn’t your thing, but you crave flexibility and low‑temp control, this is a smart, roomy choice.
Pros
- Low‑temp control for sous vide‑style results
- Proofing mode for bread lovers
- Oven‑safe pot to 500°F
- Huge capacity for parties
- Easy monitoring with glass lid
Cons
- No pressure cook option
- Large and a bit heavy
My Recommendation
Choose this if you want the best multi cooker for low‑temperature cooking, baking, and big‑batch comfort food without pressure. It’s flexible and fun for creative cooks.
| Best for | Why |
| Sous‑vide‑style cooks | Steady low temps deliver tender results |
| Bread makers | Proofing mode supports dough rise |
| Family gatherings | 8.5‑quart size simplifies serving |
COSORI 9-in-1 Pressure Cooker (6-Quart)
The COSORI 9‑in‑1 (6‑quart, 1100W) offers strong value and an easy interface. It includes pressure cook, slow cook, rice, sous vide, and sauté. I appreciate the ceramic‑coated inner pot, which helps prevent sticking and eases cleanup. With 12 safety features, it feels secure for daily use. For a budget‑friendly best multi cooker, COSORI is compelling in 2025.
Cooking results are solid. The 1100W power brings pots to pressure quickly. Rice cooks evenly, and meats turn tender on schedule. The controls are straightforward, and the pot is light to lift. If you want reliable performance, a nonstick‑style pot, and clear value, this model delivers more than you’d expect at its price.
Pros
- Ceramic‑coated pot helps prevent sticking
- 1100W heats quickly for faster meals
- 12 safety features inspire confidence
- Simple, clear controls
- Good price for 9‑in‑1 features
Cons
- Ceramic coating needs gentle utensils
- Fewer premium touches than high‑end models
My Recommendation
Get this if you want the best multi cooker value with easy cleanup. It’s great for 2–4 people who need speed, safety, and a friendly interface.
| Best for | Why |
| Value seekers | Strong features at a fair price |
| Easy cleanup | Ceramic pot releases food well |
| Weeknight cooks | 1100W power speeds dinner |
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 (8-Quart)
The 8‑quart Instant Pot Duo is the budget big‑batch champ. It brings the classic 7‑in‑1 features to a crowd‑friendly size. If you host often or meal prep for the week, this is a practical best multi cooker choice. It handles large roasts, stock bones, and big pots of grains without overflowing.
Performance mirrors the 6‑quart Duo, just larger. It’s steady for soups, beans, and shredded meats. It’s not fancy, but it’s proven, safe, and efficient. If you want capacity without paying for premium extras, this strikes the right balance in 2025.
Pros
- Affordable path to 8‑quart capacity
- Reliable, familiar controls
- Great for stock, roasts, and batch cooking
- Good safety features
- Dishwasher‑safe parts
Cons
- Large to store
- Basic sauté compared to Pro models
My Recommendation
Pick this if you want the best multi cooker size for families on a budget. It’s simple, spacious, and dependable.
| Best for | Why |
| Big families | 8‑quart volume for hearty meals |
| Meal preppers | Batch cooking without premium cost |
| Hosts | Handles party‑size chili and stew |
Instant Pot Duo Mini 7-in-1 (3-Quart)
The Instant Pot Duo Mini is perfect for singles, couples, or dorms. It brings the same 7‑in‑1 magic to a 3‑quart size. It cooks rice, oats, beans, and soups quickly. It’s a best multi cooker pick when space is tight and portions are small. I used it for lunches, sides, and small curries with great results.
It heats and comes to pressure fast due to the small volume. Cleanup is a breeze. If you don’t need family‑size meals, you’ll save time and counter space. It’s also excellent as a second pot for sides when your main cooker is busy.
Pros
- Compact and easy to store
- Fast heat and pressure build
- Great for rice, oats, and small soups
- Affordable
- Good safety features for newbies
Cons
- Too small for large roasts
- Limited batch cooking
My Recommendation
Choose this if you want the best multi cooker for one or two people, small kitchens, or RVs. It’s also a strong side‑dish partner to a larger cooker.
| Best for | Why |
| Singles/couples | Right‑sized portions, faster cooking |
| Small kitchens | Minimal footprint saves space |
| Second cooker | Perfect for sides or desserts |
COMFEE’ 16-in-1 Multi Cooker (8-Quart)
The COMFEE’ 16‑in‑1 8‑quart packs a lot of presets for the price. It covers pressure cook, slow cook, rice, yogurt, sauté, steam, and more. It’s a best multi cooker option for large households wanting many programs. The nonstick inner pot is easy to wash, and the 8‑quart capacity suits batch cooking and parties.
In everyday use, it’s straightforward and capable. Rice is consistent, and pressure builds at a reasonable pace. The control panel is clear with labeled functions. If you want breadth of presets and big capacity on a budget, this is a smart alternative to pricier brands.
Pros
- Lots of programs for flexible cooking
- 8‑quart size handles big meals
- Nonstick pot simplifies cleanup
- Good value for features
- Clear, labeled controls
Cons
- Nonstick pot needs gentle care
- Sauté heat not as strong as premium models
My Recommendation
Pick this if you want the best multi cooker with tons of presets and a big pot without overspending. It’s ideal for families and entertainers.
| Best for | Why |
| Large households | 8‑quart capacity fits family feasts |
| Preset lovers | 16‑in‑1 options cover many dishes |
| Budget bulk cooking | Big volume, reasonable price |
FAQs Of best multi cooker
What size best multi cooker should I buy?
3‑quart for 1–2 people, 6‑quart for most families, 8‑quart for batch cooking and parties.
Is a pressure cooker better than a slow cooker for the best multi cooker?
Pressure cookers are faster. Slow cookers are hands‑off. Many best multi cooker models do both.
Can I sauté in the best multi cooker?
Yes. Look for strong heating and stainless pots for better searing.
Are nonstick pots safe in a best multi cooker?
Yes when used properly. Use silicone or wooden utensils and avoid abrasives.
What safety features matter most?
Auto‑sealing lids, pressure/temperature sensors, and overheat protection are key.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you cook for families or meal prep, the Instant Pot Pro 10‑in‑1 (8‑quart) is the best multi cooker for power, safety, and consistency. For everyday kitchens, the Duo Plus 6‑quart is a smart value. No pressure? The Ninja PossibleCooker PRO excels at slow braises and oven finishes. Choose the size and style that fits your meals and space.
