Best overall budget multicooker
Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart
~$79 (list $110) at time of writing
What we like
- Wirecutter's former top pick, still a solid buy
- Works with Instant's air fryer lid
Keep in mind
- Dated controls
Best upgrade (on sale)
Instant Pot Rio 6-Quart
~$90–$150 at time of writing
What we like
- Wirecutter's top pick
- Intuitive controls
Keep in mind
- Often above $100
Best for 1–2 people
Instant Pot Duo Mini 3-Quart
~$60–$80 at time of writing
What we like
- Small size for side dishes and rice
Keep in mind
- Too small for families
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Best big budget pot
Instant Pot Duo 8-Quart
~$100 at time of writing
What we like
- 8 quarts for families
Keep in mind
- Bulky
Best Crock-Pot
Crock-Pot Express 6-Quart
~$70–$90 at time of writing
What we like
- Pressure + slow cook
Keep in mind
- Nonstick pot wears
Best slow-cooker hybrid
Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker
~$80–$100 at time of writing
What we like
- Sears, slow cooks and bakes in one pot (maker)
Keep in mind
- Not a pressure cooker
Best small with extras
Instant Pot Duo Plus 3-Quart
~$80 at time of writing
What we like
- Sterilize setting
Keep in mind
- Small
Best for easy sealing
Instant Pot Duo Nova 6-Quart
~$80–$100 at time of writing
What we like
- Auto-sealing lid (maker)
Keep in mind
- Similar to the Duo for more money
Cheapest
Chefman Pressure Cooker 6-Quart
~$60 at time of writing
What we like
- Low price
Keep in mind
- Fewer presets than Instant Pot
Best stovetop alternative
Presto Pressure Cooker 6-Quart
~$50–$70 at time of writing
What we like
- Simple stovetop pressure cooking
Keep in mind
- Not electric; needs attention
Compare all 10
| # | Product | Best for | Price* | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart | Best overall budget multicooker | ~$79 (list $110) | — |
| 2 | Instant Pot Rio 6-Quart | Best upgrade (on sale) | ~$90–$150 | — |
| 3 | Instant Pot Duo Mini 3-Quart | Best for 1–2 people | ~$60–$80 | — |
| 4 | Instant Pot Duo 8-Quart | Best big budget pot | ~$100 | — |
| 5 | Crock-Pot Express 6-Quart | Best Crock-Pot | ~$70–$90 | — |
| 6 | Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker | Best slow-cooker hybrid | ~$80–$100 | — |
| 7 | Instant Pot Duo Plus 3-Quart | Best small with extras | ~$80 | — |
| 8 | Instant Pot Duo Nova 6-Quart | Best for easy sealing | ~$80–$100 | — |
| 9 | Chefman Pressure Cooker 6-Quart | Cheapest | ~$60 | — |
| 10 | Presto Pressure Cooker 6-Quart | Best stovetop alternative | ~$50–$70 | — |
*Approximate, at time of writing. Rating shown only where a sourced rating was found.
Sources consulted: Wirecutter's best Instant Pot and electric pressure cooker guide (updated Feb 24, 2026), plus manufacturer specs. Prices are approximate (checked Oct 19, 2026) and change often. Prices change often; check the retailer. Product photos are official brand press images (credited) where we have permission; otherwise we show a photo of the product type, clearly labeled Illustrative.
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