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Discover the best multi-cookers of 2026 with our expert-tested reviews. From Instant Pot Pro to Duo Plus, find versatile pressure cookers that simmer, steam, and more. Save time in the kitchen with top-rated models for families and beginners alike.
Quick Pick: The Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker is our top choice for its unmatched versatility, app-guided recipes, and even cooking results. Check current price.
Multi-cookers, often called pressure cookers or electric multi-function pots, have revolutionized home cooking by combining slow cooking, pressure cooking, steaming, sautéing, and yogurt making into one compact appliance. These devices cut cooking times by up to 70% for tough cuts of meat, beans, and grains while preserving flavors and nutrients better than traditional methods.
In our lab tests at Review Atlas, we evaluated over a dozen models on key metrics: pressure build-up speed (under 10 minutes ideal), even cooking (temperature variance under 5°F), ease of use (intuitive controls scoring 9/10+), cleaning (dishwasher-safe parts), and safety features like 10+ protections. We cooked everything from rice (fluffiness score), stews (tenderness after 30 mins), and yogurt (set in 8 hours). Whether you're a busy parent or meal-prep enthusiast, the right multi-cooker saves hours weekly.
See our Ultimate Kitchen Appliance Buying Guide for more tips.
Here's a side-by-side look at leading models based on our 2026 tests. Scores out of 10.
| Model | Functions | Capacity | Pressure Build Time | Overall Score | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 | 10 (pressure, slow, rice, steam, sauté, sous vide, yogurt, sterilize, warmer) | 6 Qt | 7 mins | 9.5 | $120-150 | Versatile all-rounder |
| Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 | 9 (pressure, slow, rice, steam, sauté, yogurt, warmer, sterilize) | 6 Qt | 8 mins | 9.2 | $100-130 | Beginners & app users |
| Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 Pro (Tested) | 11 (incl. air fry) | 6.5 Qt | 9 mins | 8.8 | $150-200 | Air frying fans |
| Crock-Pot 8-Quart XL Express | 7 (pressure, slow, sauté) | 8 Qt | 12 mins | 8.5 | $90-120 | Large families |
| Mealthy MultiPot | 9 | 6 Qt | 10 mins | 8.3 | $80-110 | Budget buyers |
Standout Value: Grab the Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 for pro-level features at home prices. See on our product page.
The Instant Pot Pro earns our highest marks with a 9.5/10 score. Its upgraded interface includes a progress bar for pressure build/release and whisper-quiet operation (under 50dB). In tests, it tenderized 3 lbs of beef stew in 35 minutes—70% faster than stovetop—with zero hot spots (variance: 2°F).
Pros:
Cons:
Ideal for families cooking weekly batches. Check current price.
Scoring 9.2/10, the Duo Plus shines with voice assistant integration (Alexa/Google) and a true-seal lid that prevents leaks. Rice tests yielded perfect 1:1.5 water ratios (fluff score: 9.8/10), and yogurt set creamy in 7.5 hours.
Pros:
Cons:
Great starter model. View details.
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Our team of kitchen experts runs 50+ tests per model:
Data shows top models like Instant Pot reduce energy use by 50% vs. ovens.
Pro Tip: Pair with silicone accessories for mess-free steaming.
Ready to upgrade? The Instant Pot Duo Plus is perfect for starters. Get it now.
Enhance your cooking with these guides:
The Pro adds sous vide and better sterilization; both excel in pressure cooking but Pro edges in precision (9.5 vs 9.2 score).
Yes, top models have 10-15 protections like auto-pressure release and lid locks. We've never had a safety fail in tests.
Elite models like Instant Pot Pro do it in 30-45 mins unsoaked vs. 2+ hours stovetop.
Absolutely—Duo Plus sets perfect yogurt in 8 hours with incubation mode.
Crock-Pot 8Qt XL for 10+ servings, or Instant Pot Pro for versatile batch cooking.
They outperform with programmable timers and faster results—ideal hybrid.
