Wondering about a multi cooker vs.
This post is NOT sponsored by anyone - my completely unbiased opinion.
Table of Contents
Why you'll love it
I get it. You need to replace that old, clunky
It all comes down to one thing, is a multi-cooker better than a
I don't know about you but storage space in my kitchen is valuable - prime real estate so to speak. I have a rice cooker, a
When I can buy just one appliance that will step in and do the job of several I get excited!
A multi cooker does just that.
What is the difference between a slow cooker and a multi cooker?
Although I mention instant pots in the comparison I am not discussing them here. That is a different appliance completely and I don't have one for reference.
I have both a
Both have stainless steel exteriors and are relatively easy to clean. Usually the inner pot is dishwasher safe, too.
Traditional slow cooker
A
It's perfect for stews, soups, pot roasts, and slow simmered sauces like beef ragu and chicken cacciatore. It slow cooks dinner and keeps it warm for you until you get home.
Multi-cooker
A good multi-cooker has
But, it also allows you to sear that perfect roast and saute the onions right in the pot without having to use the stove.
I don't know about you but I think that few minutes of searing makes so much difference in the flavor and eye appeal of a pot roast!
Once you've seared the meat to a gloriously golden color you just turn a knob (or push a button), add the remaining ingredients, and slow cook your dinner as if it was a crock pot.
And it does much, much more.
Slow cooker vs multi-cooker vs instant pot
Here's a simple chart comparing slow cookers to multi-cookers and instant pots. There may be a little overlap - for example some slow cookers do allow you to sear and you can bake things like cheesecakes in some instant pots.
On average this is what you'll find, however.
Chart: Comparing the options
| Function | Slow cooker | Multi Cooker | Instant Pot |
|---|---|---|---|
| material | crockery | non-stick surface | non-stick |
| size | 6qt | 6 qt | 6 qt |
| slow cook | yes | yes | yes |
| pressure cook | no | no | yes |
| saute | no | yes | yes |
| steam | no | yes | yes |
| roast | no | yes | yes |
| bake | sort of* | yes | no |
| pan fry | no | yes | no |
| creamy sauces | yes | yes | no |
| max cook time | 24 hours | 12 hours | 8 hours |
| keep warm | yes | yes | yes |
| programmable | yes | yes | yes |
| easy to clean | varies | yes | yes |
| type of heat | moist | dry/moist | moist |
Multi-cooker FAQs
Almost anything! Soups, stews, pot roasts, dry roasts, rice, vegetables, casseroles...My son even baked bread in his!
It's just as safe as a
Absolutely! They use much less energy than your stove or oven to do the same function. Plus, if you are baking in a multi-cooker you won't heat up the kitchen during the summer. That's a win for those of us in the south!
No. An instant pot works like a pressure cooker. A multi-cooker lacks that function.
Slow cooker vs multi cooker: Which is best?
That's a question that only you can answer. It depends a lot on your family, what you cook, and how you cook it!
If I could only choose one I would choose the multi-cooker because it can do so many different things from frying eggs to baking bread to making pot roast.
Multi cooker recipes
Here are some of my favorites for crockpot & multi cooker cooking.
And even more-
My Favorite Kitchen Appliances
Check out my favorite
Final thoughts...
So which should you get?
There's really no easy answer. If you can afford both a
The
BUT if space is at a premium and you need something that will slow cook, steam, bake, brown, fry... and practically walk the dog?
Well, the multi cooker is what you want.
PS - I was kidding about the dog. Multi cookers don't do that...yet.
Debbie says
I bought a multi cooker but am a little scared of it… Besides slow cooker, what are some recipes or other uses? I need to learn how to use other functions. If you have any ideas, please share them with me.
Lee Ann says
Thanks for the comprehensive review, Marye! I'd never considered a multi-cooker, but I like the fact that you can brown and slow cook in one without getting another pan dirty.
If you get an Instant Pot, it is lousy for slow cooking; all of the heat comes from the bottom instead of being more evenly distributed around the food. But it's fantastic for everything else!