Best Multicookers Reviews of 2023
Not long ago, people were left overwhelmed with Instant pots and their revolutionary versatility for a compact countertop appliance. We’re sure that if you’ve been in the market trying to find the best multicooker for your kitchen, you must’ve encountered quite a few instant pot models up until now. Given their popularity, it’s only natural for them to be everywhere. However, are instant pots really worth the hype? Do they really outperform other top-rated multicookers out there? We’ve conducted a thorough comparison to find out and help you out of the dilemma.
For those new to multicookers, here’s a brief gist of what electric multicookers do and how they could be one of your smartest kitchen investments. A multicooker gracefully combines the functionality of a traditional pressure cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, rice cooker, sauté pans and more into just one appliance. Such a multifaceted countertop appliance could just be a blessing for small or crowded kitchens. Eliminating the need of owning so many appliances at once, multicookers save you the money and space you would’ve otherwise spent.
If you’re currently out looking for the best multicooker for your kitchen countertop and want to explore your options beyond popular instant pot models; this review compares the best-selling all-purpose cookers against their top rivals to give you a fair idea of what you could expect. You could also refer to our comprehensive buying guide at the end of this article for factors that you should be looking at while narrowing down your options. Whereas, if you’re here just for our top recommendations, here are the best electric pressure cookers to buy in 2020.
Best Multicooker Reviews 2020
| Product | Capacity | Wattage | Air Fry | Ferment | Programmable | Warranty | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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1. Breville BPR700BSS Fast Slow Pro Multicooker | 6 Quart | 1100 W | No | No | No | 1 year ltd. | |
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2. Ninja FD401 Foodi 8-Qt 9-in-1 Electric Multicooker | 8 Quart | 1760 W | Yes | Yes | No | 1 year ltd. | |
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3. Wolf Gourmet WGSC100S Programmable 6-in1 multicooker | 7 Quart | 1300 W | No | Yes | Yes | 5 year ltd. | |
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4. Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Multicooker | 8 Quart | 1200 W | No | Yes | Yes | 1 year ltd. | |
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5. Chef iQ Multifunctional Smart Pressure Cooker | 6 Quart | 1000 W | No | Yes | No | 1 year ltd. |
1. Breville BPR700BSS Fast Slow Pro Multicooker
- PTFE and PFOA free cooking bowl
- Ample 4.5 quart maximum capacity
- 22 preset cooking selections
- The cooker automatically selects the correct release for quick, pulse or natural
- Keep warm mode automatically activates after the timer
- Dishwasher safe lid and insert
- Intuitive control panel with LCD display and convenient knob controls.
- 1 year manufacturers warranty
- Costlier than the average electric multicooker
- The lid retains food odor.
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4.9/5.0
Perfectly sized for the average kitchen countertop, the 6 quart fast slow Pro multicooker from Breville is an absolute workhorse, to say the least. Sturdy stainless-steel construction, intuitive controls, accurate pressure readings and a wide range of settings make this one a far better alternative to most overhyped models. Although a bit costlier than the average multicooker, the device is well worth the extra dollars considering all that it packs.
The removable cooking bowl is PTFE and PFOA free with a coating of non-stick ceramic to account for convenient cooking and easy cleaning. The bowl can accommodate anywhere between 1 quart to a maximum of 4.5 quarts of ingredients; which is evidently plenty of room to cook for up to five adults. With an adequate cooking capacity, eleven pressure cook settings and 22 preset cooking modes, the possibilities to experiment with your cooking skills are endless. The presets when selected automatically adjust the time, pressure and temperature according to the selection for optimal cooking, completely independent of guesswork.
The user interface comprises of an interactive LCD screen and dial knobs. The color-changing screen displays selected mode of cooking, the stage of the cooking cycle (pressurising/cooking/releasing steam), remaining time and precise readings of internal pressure.
The multicooker features dual sensors instead of the traditional temeperature, one each at the top and bottom to more accurately gauge internal pressure thereby enhancing the overall flavor and texture of your food.
Additionally, the compact all purpose cooker comes with a completely hands-free steam release function. The 3 safety system eliminates all safety hazards related to pressure cooking. The removable lid and insert both are dishwasher safe adding to the convenience in managing the appliance. The multicooker comes with complementary accessories including a measuring cup, stainless steel basket, rack and a condensation collector.
2. Ninja FD401 Foodi 8-Qt 9-in-1 Electric Multicooker
- Additional air fry and dehydrate modes
- Non-stick ceramic coated cooking bowl
- 5 Quart maximum capacity; large enough to hold a 7 pound chicken
- Reversible rack lets you broil and steam at once
Keep warm function
- The unit although compact, weighs 26 pounds; may be a bit heavier for some people
- Not programmable for delayed start
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4.5/5.0
Priced a bit lower than our top selection from Breville, this 9-in-1 electric pressure cooker is the people’s favourite. There are multiple reasons for this obvious bias though. The Ninja Foodi multicooker looks almost like a futuristic device with functionality that remains unmatched across a wide array of pressure cookers in this price range. With air fry and dehydrate modes added to the already versatile range of functions, the pressure cooker is arguably the best multicooker for calorie conscious people.
The cooking basket has an upper limit of 5 quart capacity; spacious enough to hold a 7 pound chicken. The 1760 watt multicooker is thorough with its settings an ideal for moderate sized families of up to 6 members. The unique air fry mode gives the cooker an added advantage to be used for guilt-free low-calorie snacks. While the cooker can’t take a dedicated air fryer head on, it does work well to keep you accountable while saving you the money and space of owning a separate air fryer.
The air fry mode further allows for a combined cooking technique that helps you keep your meats juicy while having a crisp surface. Successive pressure cooking and air frying gives you the effect. Additionally, the complementary rack that comes with the cooker is reversible giving you the privilege to steam and broil in the same accessory. The rack accommodates up to 8 chicken breasts per batch. All in all, the Ninja Foodi is a very reliable multicooker at a reasonable price.
3. Wolf Gourmet WGSC100S Programmable 6-in1 multicooker
- Manual and meal timer and programmable slow cook functions
- Removable 7-quart stainless steel vessel is compatible with any cooktop or oven
- Temperature probe allows you to reach precise results
- Intuitive LCD panel with convenient single knob operation
- Removable sous vide rack
- Hefty 5 year warranty
- Expensive
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4.7/5.0
With an advanced set of features including programmable settings and precise temperature probe besides an industry-best 5 year warranty; the Wolf gourmet 7 quart multicooker sits among the high-end models with regard to price range. However, the pressure cooker justifies its price point with robust construction, convenient features and consistent performance that’s guaranteed to last years if not decades.
The programmable multi-function cooker takes slow cooking to a whole different level. The cooker does so much more than merely slow cooking on low, medium or high heat; It allows you to cook your meals to your desired temperature or even allows you get the meal ready at a specific time. The cooker adjusts the temperature in accordance to the time you choose for your slow cooked meal to be ready for optimal results.
The removable 7 quart stainless steel vessel doubles as nay regular utensil and can be used for cooking over your gas, radiant electric or induction cooktops. Further, the utensil with the glass lid are both oven and dishwasher safe. There’s a temperature probe with the cooker that allows you to achieve extra precision while meats. You just insert the probe into your food and set the exact temperature you want your food to be cooked to. The cooker also works very well in the sauté/sear mode. The function comes in handy for browning meats after slow cooking them for that desired tender-crisp effect.
4. Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Multicooker
- Automatically seals lid
- Intuitive control panel with LCD display and cooking status indicator
- 8 quart size easily cooks for up to a family of 7-8
- 48 preset cooking programs
- Stainless steel pot and steam rack are dishwasher safe
- Complementary smartphone application for free recipes
- No air fry and dehydrate modes
- The rubber gasket retains food odor
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4.9/5.0
The Instant Pots from Duo Evo Plus series are by far the most enhanced while offering 9 discrete functions and are arguably the most famous among people. The Duo series of the instant pot multicooker has gathered over 13,000 positive reviews on Amazon. This is a very rare sight in the appliance industry. The amazing public response only proves the credibility of the brand as a whole.
Coming to the versatility of the Instant Pot Duo, it can be used as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker and a warmer. Alongside being multifunctional, it is equipped with 14 smart programs facilitating convenient cooking.
Similar to its predecessor, the DUO series has 3 variants with different sizes. The 3 quart size being the most compact one on the list is recommended to families with not more than 3 members. The other two variants with the 6 quart size and 8 quart size provide larger cooking capacities ideal for families with 6 or more members.
The Instant pot is accompanied with a stainless-steel rack, a rice paddle, a measuring cup, a condensation collector and a recipe booklet. The recipe booklet includes easy instructions for people that are new to the appliance. Furthermore, there lie no security concerns owing to the dedicated safety mechanisms. With precise guidelines included, we believe, for our readers that have been inclined towards instant pots among other multicookers, this could be a great buy.
5. Chef iQ Multifunctional Smart Pressure Cooker
- 6 Quart size give ample cooking space for moderate sized families
- Complementary app can be connected to cooker through WiFi
- Precise integrated scale eliminates the need of measuring cups
- Automatic pressure release
- The application saves custom preset recipes to recreate them at convenience
- No air fry, dehydrate modes
- Slightly bulky weighing 20 pounds
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4.7/5.0
Released in the March of 2020, the Chef iQ is a fairly new addition to the wide range of smart multicookers that combine functionalities of various appliances in one. While this is the exact thing this multicooker does too, it adds on a couple of its own unique features to the package. The 6 quart electric cooker can pressure cook, slow cook, ferment, sear/saute, steam and keep warm food on different settings. Priced at par with most proficient multi-purpose cookers in competition, this one brings a slightly advanced set of features for its price.
The Chef iQ multicooker comes with a never-seen-before built-in scale that eliminates the need of measuring cups or separately weighing out the ingredients before prep. The design integrates four sensors enabling you to use your multicooker as a standalone scale. The cooker is complemented with a smart phone application that can be connected to the device through WiFi. The application enables you to view, save and send guided cooking instruction to your cooker.
The cooker is equipped with auto release for all three methods. The cooker automatically releases steam with no intervention required. You can subsequently switch to the keep warm function if you’re not going to be serving immediately. You can additionally save your custom preset recipes to the app and share the exact same recipes with your cooker anytime you wish to replicate it. Overall, very well worth its price and certainly packs some new features unique to this model.
Electric Multicookers – Buying Guide
What is a Multicooker?
A multicooker is an electrical kitchen appliance that features automated cooking by using a timer. It completely eliminates the need for using diverse utensils for multiple meal preparations and also provides you with the freedom of freeing up your kitchen countertop. It’s because this single unit offers you multiple food preparation choices.
Generally, a typical multicooker is able to simmer, boil, bake, roast, grill, deep fry, stew and steam food items. You just need to place the ingredients inside the multicooker and select the analogous program. It operates as per the selected programmable settings and doesn’t require further user involvement. As opposed to rice cookers, these are clearly a much more versatile option. However, these do not specialize in precisely cooking different grains of rice which could concern you if rice happens to be a staple in your meals. For instance, you have special rice cookers for brown rice and red rice that differ in settings from standard multicookers.
How does a Multicooker compare to Stovetop Cooking?
Multicooker is no doubt a highly versatile kitchen appliance. It can cook, bake, ferment, sauté, stew, fry, slow cook and deep fry the food items. Multicookers are faster than many other cooker types available in the market and they are surely a blessing for people following a hectic lifestyle.
The stovetop units demand a huge amount of time accompanied by regular user intervention. On the contrary, multicookers don’t require any supervision during the meal preparation and also come with a power-saving system. You just need to set all the programmable features according to the food item and your job is done.
Benefits of Using a Multicooker
1. Compact Footprint
Multicookers feature a compact design that occupies very less space as compared to stovetop units and other kitchen appliances. Most of the models are so well-designed that they are quite similar to the size of a small vacuum cleaner. The compact design allows you to free a lot of space on the kitchen countertop which can be used to manage other kitchen accessories. Moreover, you can also carry them around as they can be placed on any countertop and tabletop easily. They can also be used in boats, RV vans and dorm rooms. Also, their compact and lightweight feature makes them suitable for outdoor events and parties.
2. Easy Cleaning
Sometimes cleaning is the real deal-breaker in selecting the ideal kitchen appliance. Cleaning those crockpot liners and other stovetop models after meals turn out quite a daunting task as a lot of hard work and scrubbing goes into it. That’s why most of the buyers incline towards purchasing multicookers as they are much lighter, easily pop out and can be cleaned within minutes by using a soapy cleanser. Moreover, they feature an even heat distribution system during meal preparations which doesn’t let the food burn or stick inside the cooker. This makes the cleaning process even more convenient.
3. Cost-Efficient
Multicookers are integrated with several cooking functions. Imagine how much would it cost if you have to buy distinct tools for cooking different meals? It would cost you much more than the cost of a multicooker, which generally starts at $40. Apart from being a cost-efficient device, they save a lot of hard work and time as well.
4. Convenient Controls
Multicookers are integrated with distinct controls that make the process of meal preparation quite fast and convenient. The controls are usually displayed on a control panel from where you get easy access. Each multicooker varies in the buttons and the numerous functionalities it offers. But, all of them have an option for pressure cooking, slow cooking and sautéing. Some high-end models also incorporate Wi-Fi control, automated cooking programs and safety controls. They make cooking quite safe, easy and save a lot of time as well.
Factors to Consider when Buying a Multicooker
1. Size
Mostly all-purpose cookers hold a capacity of between one and eight quarts. Out of them, six quarts are considered to be the standard capacity that should be more than enough for a family of four while the one-quart model is suitable for meal preparations for one or two. The size totally depends on how many people you cook for on a daily basis.
Apart from the capacity, make sure to check out the dimensions of a multicooker that you are planning to buy. This will help you to figure out if it will fit on the available space on your kitchen countertop or in your cabinets.
2. Portability
All multicookers are manufactured with a compact design which makes them quite portable, but larger capacity units tend to be a bit heavy. So, if you like to carry your all-in-one cooker with yourself every time you travel around, then you must lookout for a lightweight unit that usually holds a capacity of two or three quarts. The portable models may not involve all the high-end functionalities, but you get access to all the basic ones required for multiple dish preparations. Moreover, if you like to host events and parties in the outdoor places, then consider the aluminum models as they are lighter compared to stainless steel units.
3. Preset Programs
As multi cookers, featuring advanced functionalities, can once in a while be fairly entangled, pre-set programs are the best thing ever. You certainly need a multicooker with a pre-set program. It will altogether facilitate your cooking procedure and help you rapidly prepare your food, just press the button and be occupied with some of your other everyday tasks while your multi cooker carries out the responsibility. This is particularly significant in the event that you are an amateur, and don’t have the foggiest idea about all the distinct time and temperature settings in regards to various types of dishes or food preparation modes.
4. Power Capacity
The standard power consumed by multicookers ranges somewhere between 800-900W which is 10 times less than the stovetops. Also, an even heat distribution system helps in faster preparation of meals which directly implies less energy consumption. You can also adjust various controls to turn your multicooker into a power-saving device. So, being an energy-saving unit they save you a lot of money in the long run. If you are looking for an energy-efficient device that offers multiple functionalities, then investing in a multicooker is definitely a great idea.
5. Manual Mode
Some of the multicooker models are also integrated with the manual mode. Now, you might be wondering what’s the necessity of incorporating this feature. Well, sometimes we like to prepare our meals according to our taste and preferences that may not be similar to the already programmed settings in the multicooker. For instance, some people like to boil their veggies while preparing a stew, whereas some like to keep them slightly raw. It’s the manual mode that enables you to experiment with your meals as per your style rather than just blindly following the programmable settings mentioned in the user manual.
Conclusion
As evident, multicookers have the potential to be one of the smartest kitchen appliances for small/crowded kitchens or thrifty homeowners. Combining the functionality of multiple kitchen gadgets into one, these save you the money and hassle of owning all those separate appliances. Not to mention, a multicooker is literally the be-all end-all for enthusiastic travelers. Weighing a rough 20 pounds and requiring a regular electric connection, an electric pressure cooker is without a doubt a staple for every RV home.
However, as with any other appliance, not all multicookers are created equal. Some come with just enough capacity and features to serve a small family with basic cooking needs while others equipped with the most contemporary features. The trick to finding the best multicooker for your money lies in effectively understanding what your needs are and what you want from the appliance you’d invest in.
