Best Multi-Cookers 2025
Best Multi-Cookers 2025. Instant Pot Pro vs Pro Plus vs Breville
Signal over noise. Truth over hype.
Why this wins
Instant Pot Pro makes weeknight cooking easier—no new learning curve required. Its 1200-watt heater actually sears, the flat-bottom stainless pot with real handles behaves like proper cookware, and the diffused steam release keeps the drama down.
It comes to pressure quickly and rebounds fast after you add cold stock. And because Instant sells rings, lids, and bowls everywhere, it’s simple to keep running for years. For most kitchens, this is the easy, reliable pick.
Pros
1200W heater → real sauté, faster to pressure
Cons
- No built-in air fry (pair with a separate air fryer if you want crisp)
- Larger footprint than older Duo models
Pickori’s Pick Instant Pot Pro (6-qt)
The Pro fixes the stuff people complain about most: weak sauté, fussy pots, and loud venting. The 1200W element actually browns, the pot’s flat base avoids hot-spot scorch, and the gentler steam release keeps the kitchen calm. Parts are easy to find years later, so you’re buying an appliance—not a future e-waste donation.
Strong alternative Instant Pot Pro Plus Smart (6-qt)
Same cooking backbone as the Pro with app control and a slicker interface. You can trigger steam release and step-through recipes from the Instant app, which is handy if you like guided cooking. If you prefer knobs over screens or want to avoid phone-dependence, stick with the non-smart Pro and save some cash.
Also great Breville Fast Slow Go (BPR680, 6-qt)
Breville’s take favors polish and precision. The interface is clear, steam release is well-managed, and searing performance is strong for a 6-quart. It costs more and parts aren’t as ubiquitous as Instant’s, but if you like premium fit-and-finish it’s a solid alternative.
Compare at a glance
| Spec | Pick: Instant Pot Pro (6-qt) | Alt: Pro Plus Smart (6-qt) | Also great: Breville Fast Slow Go (BPR680) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 1200 W | 1200 W | 1100 W |
| Pot build | Stainless, flat bottom, handles | Stainless, flat bottom, handles | Nonstick bowl |
| Steam release | Diffused switch + auto-seal | App-triggerable + auto-seal | Managed auto release |
| Smart/app | No | Yes (guided recipes, controls) | No |
| Parts & accessories | Best availability (rings, lids, bowls) | Excellent (Instant ecosystem) | Decent via Breville (fewer 3rd-party) |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
| Street price | ~$169 | ~$179–$229 | ~$229–$299 |
| Best for | Most kitchens | App fans / guided cooking | Premium UI & finish |
Safety note Strong avoid: Ninja Foodi OP300-series (recalled)
In May 2025, roughly 1.8 million Ninja Foodi OP300-series multi-cookers were recalled because the pressure-cooking lid could open during use, causing hot contents to escape. If you own one, stop using the pressure function and request a free replacement lid from SharkNinja’s recall site or see the CPSC recall page for details.
Pickori’s Verdict
Buy this. Instant Pot Pro (6-qt) for the best combination of power, pot quality, and long-term parts support.
Strong alternative. Instant Pot Pro Plus Smart (6-qt) if you want app control and guided cooking.
Also great. Breville Fast Slow Go (BPR680, 6-qt) for premium build and a refined interface.
FAQ
What is the CPSC
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is the U.S. agency that issues recalls when products are dangerous. If a cooker sprays hot soup across the kitchen, they step in.
Why do multi-cookers say BURN
It’s a safety feature when the bottom overheats—usually not enough liquid or bits stuck after sautéing. Deglaze the pot and keep sauces a little thinner.
Which size is best
Six-quart fits most households. Go 8-quart for batch cooking or feeding a crowd.
Can you can food in a multi-cooker
No—these aren’t designed for safe canning. Use a dedicated pressure canner.
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