Multi Cooker Reviews – Top 5 with Depth detail

No doubt multi cookers are great kitchen appliances that not only save money by replacing and performing the work of 6 to 7 traditional appliances but also s lot more save space in your kitchen. Considering the need of time, we decided to share multi cooker reviews based on some of the best appliances currently available in the market.

What is a Multi-cooker and What Can They Do?

As the name suggests multi cooker is an electronic kitchen appliance that can literally replace other cooking devices for its ability to efficiently prepare various kinds of meals following different cooking methods.

It is become immensely popular for its convenience to use, easy to clean, safe and fast cooking methods. It can do the work of different kitchen appliances and can replace pressure cookers, crock pots, rice cookers, and yogurt makers.

They are available in different sizes to suit the convenience and needs of their users. Thanks to the induction plate in the base of the multi cooker that provides precise temperature as required by the computerized controls to regulate the heat in the cooking pot.

Induction technology is what allows a multi cooker to function as a yogurt maker and also works as a pressure cooker while preventing overcooking.

The multi cooker is ideal for those who want to have an all-in-one appliance that secures less kitchen space. This versatile appliance comes with various pre programmed functions and settings.

It is incredibly easy to use; all you need is to do choose a recipe, buy the ingredients, prepare them and pop them into the multi cooker and choose the right program for your meal to prep.

Once the meal  is prepared, the device will automatically turn itself on to the keep warm mode and will stay on for up to 12 hours in some cookers just in case if there is no one around.

How We Find Multi-cookers?

In order to get the best electric multi cooker, you have to keep in mind the few aspects. You must need to consider your cooking needs and style so you could decide the right size of appliance, which can deliver the precise results based on its construction and features.  

Size

Although mostly multi cookers’ manufacturers market their products have capacity ranging between 4 to 8 quarts. However, the reality is a bit different. IN order to buy the right size for your kitchen you must need to consider the quantity of meal you cook on an average.

While cooking, it is also important to understand that you can’t fill the inner pot up to the edge. The better approach is to fill ⅔ of the pot. When deciding about the size that fits perfect for your needs estimated each quart roughly as one serving.

Material

Non stick coated or ceramic multi cookers are easy to clean, cook and usually less expensive. However, these materials are more vulnerable to damage, often from the use of metal utensils, abrasive cleaning and high temperature.

If you are more concern towards healthy food then better skip the idea of non stick multi cooker as it has a limited cooking and wear off easily.

Ceramic coated multi cookers offer the same benefits and drawbacks. The only thing is they can endure high temperature up to 800F without getting damage and are slightly pricier than non stick.

Though cleaning non stick and ceramic multi cookers is a breeze. On the other hand, stainless steel multi cookers easily outlast both the ceramic and non stick pots. Though they are a bit hard to clean but are durable and serve long time.

Stainless steel stands metal utensil and high temperature. They are relatively all-in-one cooker so are expensive than others.

Cleaning

Multi cookers are known for their versatility and simplicity. Though cleaning a multi cooker requires a bit patience; however, if you deal it tactfully you can get through it. The material and construction of the multi cooker decides the cleaning method.  

It is easy to clean non stick multi cooker by hand for its sleek and smooth surface; however, stainless steel require more efforts. If not whole some parts of the multi cooker are dishwasher safe so you can easily them in it.

Best Way to Clean the Multi- cooker

Clean the inner cooking pot

Cleaning the inner pot is extremely easy. Whether it’s stainless steel or nonstick coated; mostly it is dishwasher safe. However, if you want to clean it by hand you can wash it in hot soapy water and give it a scrub with a soft-bristled brush, rinse and then dry using soft cloth. If you are using a dishwasher for cleaning the inner pot, place it upside down in the on the bottom rack.

In order to remove burned on food let it soak for some time in hot soapy water then scrub it with soft sponge or non scratch washing pad. Do not use abrasive washing pads and steel wool, they can cause scratches and damage the finish of your inner pot. 

Wash the exterior parts attached to the lid

Depending on the model of your multi cooker, some parts are attached to the exterior of the lid; these can be steam release cover, steam release valve, anti-block shield and the silicone cap covering the float valve.

As per the manufacturer’s guidelines, these small parts are dishwasher safe but mostly users and experts in their multi cooker reviews suggest using soft toothbrush to clean them with warm soapy water, rinse and air dry them.

Wash the lid

After removing the parts attached to the lid, scrub the lid with a soft bristled brush to get into all the nooks and crannies, rinse it well to make sure the soap and food particles are removed completely. If the manufacturer has told the lid is dishwasher safe then better to place it side up on the top rack.

The best way to fully drain the lid is to hold it vertically and turn it all the way around. You can store the lid upside down on the cooker base, to air dry and prevent any odor build-up. After all the parts are completely dry reinstall them gently.

Clean the sealing ring

The silicone sealing ring present inside the lid mostly catches odor from foods and ingredients. Remove that silicone ring and wash it in hot soapy water to clean. Once washed make sure to place it properly and fixed flat against the lid.

The sealing ring is a critical part in your Instant Pot, so inspect it carefully while you dry it and replace it if it shows cracks or any other damage. Our pros like to keep two on hand.

The best way to eliminate odors from the sealing ring is to soak it in the mixture of water and vinegar. You can easily prepare this mixture by adding 1 part of water and 1 part of white vinegar. You can also run the mixture in the multi cooker using pressure cook cycle for about five minutes.

Once done, open the lid, remove the silicone ring, empty the vinegar mix from the multi cooking pot, and rinse both the lid, sealing ring, and inner cooking pot in warm water, then dry..

Clean the accessories

There are different accessories provided with the multi cooker depending on the model and brand of your appliance such as condensation collector and steam rack. Make sure to clean them after every use. Such accessories are usually dishwasher safe, you can place them on the top rack of your dishwasher or wash it by hand in warm soapy water.

Clean the base

The base is not dishwasher nor it can be washed by hand. The best way is to wipe out the inside of the cooker base with a soft damp cloth without letting it wet.

To get rid of any residue sits in the rim and groove use an old soft toothbrush, wipe it clean with a soft cloth, air dry. Use the same damp cloth to clean the exterior, control panel and power cord too.

Review Products:

Since the goal is to help you get the perfect appliance that has the precise features as per your cooking needs. The following multi cooker reviews  consist of some of the best multi cookers available in the market.

1. Ninja FD401 Foodi 12-in-1 Deluxe XL 8 qt. Pressure Cooker & Air Fryer

This versatile Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL Cooker & Air Fryer is undoubtedly offers a mind blowing combination of pressure cooking, slow cooking, and air frying.

You can’t do pressure cooking and air frying at the same time; in pressure cooking the cooker deals with water produces juicy and tender protein, whereas in air frying it deals with oil helps achieving crispy outer layer. It’s literally two poles apart situation; however, the Ninja Foodie made it work.

Since it’s an XL sized cooker, it offers you opportunity to cook substantial amount of food at once. Most people consider it on the expensive side; however, considering its size, features and accessibility it’s within a reasonable margin.

Unlike the conventional pressure cookers with specific presets for poultry, meat, vegetables, and so forth; the controls of this Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL are much simpler and advanced.

Provided with a turn dial and 12 programmable cooking functions to Pressure Cook, Air Fry/Air Crisp, Steam, Slow Cook, Yogurt, Sear/Sauté, Bake, Roast, Broil, Dehydrate, Sous Vide and Keep Warm; it offers convenience for adjusting the temperature and cooking duration effortlessly with a variable knob.

This 8-quart ceramic coated non stick pot is PTFE PFOA free completely safe to cook your meals; however, any of its parts are not recommended for dish washing.

But you there is nothing to worry, cleanup is still straightforward and easy with a mild scrub and soft sponge. No doubt, the Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL is the best multi cooker with air fryer in the market right now.

2. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

For those who find the Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL expensive would definitely like the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 for its versatility, convenience and range of sizes. Despite its low cost, pressure cooking with this Instant Pot Duo Nova 7-in-1 Cooker is rather quick.

Whether you are novice to the world of instant pots or pressure cooking, the food grade stainless steel with tri ply bottom offers quick yet even heat distribution and preps your meal 70% faster than traditional cooking methods.    

Undoubtedly, the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker is the best multi cooker under 100 for its 13 built-in smart programs, to help prep soup, meat, bean, poultry, sauté, steam, rice, porridge, multigrain, slow cook, keep warm, yogurt, pasteurize, and fermented rice with just the press of a button.

The food grade stainless-steel and tri-ply bottom is not only perfect for sautéing but also allow you dish wash your favorite pot without any hesitation. Provided with over 10 safety features, that prevents food from blocking the vent, pressure regulator ensures it to work under 15psi, safety lid lock to keep it from opening accidently and high temperature monitor to keep the food from burning.

Since it has 6 quarts capacity, you may find it slightly smaller than the Ninja Deluxe XL; however, it is perfect to heat up to five liters of milk and cook meal for up to 6 people.

3. T-fal P45009 Clipso Stainless Steel Dishwasher Safe PTFE PFOA and Cadmium Free 12-PSI Pressure Cooker

This T-fal P45007 Clipso Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker is perfect for those are looking for an easy to use pressure cooker with a large capacity. Constructed of durable 18/10 stainless steel and encapsulated base it ensures evenly cooked, long lasting performance without causing burn spots.

This 8 quart model holding around 7.57 liters capacity, makes it a reliable choice for batch cooking and preparing meal for 7-9 people. Unlike the fancy multi cookers of time, this simple yet modern pressure cooker no doubt comes among the best electric multi cooker for its convenience to use, clean, and store.

The durable construction of T-fal P45009 keeps it from opening even if it is pressurized; unless the quick release system depressurizes the cooker.  The innovative one handle lid design allows the pressure cooker to open and close easily without having to align the lid with the handle just like the traditional cookers do.

Moreover, the ergonomically designed riveted handles located on the sides of the cooking pot with automatic locking function ensure safety while maneuvering and carrying the food.

The layered and encapsulated base is highly versatile and works on all stovetops including induction. This best multi cooker with air fryer not only amazes you with its performance but also allows to clean in dishwasher after removing the gasket and pressure valve. However, we suggest cleaning it with water and mild cleaner.

4. Cuisinart MSC-800 7-Quart 4-in-1 Cook Central Multicooker, Stainless Steel/Black

Available in three different sizes, this 3-in-1 Cuisinart Multi Cooker is best suited for small families to prepare large family dinners with 3.5, 4, 6, 6.5 and 7 quarts sizes.

It is a small appliance; however, can do wonders with its multifunctional slow cooker. It is the best small multi cooker for simmering foods, sautéing and roasting.

It is a compact yet versatile device that allows you access through one push button without stopping the slow cooker. Moreover, you can set to cook high, low, simmer, warm and even for 24 hours using the given programmable functions.  

Thanks to the 7 quarts nonstick cast aluminum cooking Teflon coated pot, that maintains the heating consistency to help cook the food evenly and even allows no mess effortless clean up.

 The backlit LCD display helps operate the appliance easily without any complicated programming. The extra large LCD display makes reading time and temperature settings easy even in dark.

What people mostly like about Cuisinart MSC 800 is its retractable power cord, we found in the multi cooker reviews that users are fond of how it retracts neatly without causing any mess on the kitchen shelves.

The Cuisinart multi-cooker is much slimmer and sleeker than the previous Cuisinart multi cookers and secures less space so it fits much easier in your pantry.

 The cooking pot and lid are dishwasher safe; however we recommend hand washing since they are effortless to clean. The reversible roasting and steaming rack removes excess liquid from the ingredients while keeping their scrumptious juices to keep your meals tender and delectable.

5. COMFEE’ Rice Cooker, Slow Cooker, Steamer, Stewpot, Saute All in One (12 Digital Cooking Programs) Multi Cooker (5.2Qt )

It wouldn’t be wrong calling this COMFEE rice cooker “jack of all trades”. This multifunctional rice cooker is made of stainless steel exterior and non stick interior  which makes it healthier to clean and easier to cook.

This COMFEE’ rice cooker is the best multi cooker with air fryer that it does not only make rice, but the appliance helps sauté, stew and prep foods such as oatmeal, pasta, soup, and even dessert.

Consist of 12-digital cooking programs with an easy-to-read LCD display, clock and timer; the cooker automatically switches to keep-warm, extended keep-warm, and a reheating mode which can last up to 12 hours.

Moreover, the 24-hour delay timer allows flexible meal planning so you can set it accordingly after returning home from work. Considering a limited budget, COMFEE is the best multi cooker under 100 that is a blessing in disguise.

This programmable electric appliance is made of BPA free food grade material and provided with 1 year of manufacturer’s warranty.  Having 5.2 quarts size, the COMFEE rice cooker is the best small multi cooker for outdoor family activities, providing 20 Cup Ultra Capacity i.e. 20 cup cooked including 20 cups of cooked rice, 3-6 pounds meat or a whole chicken.

Final Words

We hope that you like our multi cooker reviews and it would help to get the best cooker for your kitchen. The appliances we discussed above were selected based on their popularity and positive feedback in the multi cooker reviews we gauged from the internet.

IF you own a large family to serve than Ninja Foodi is no doubt the best the best electric multi cooker that not only amazes you with its TenderCrisp Technology and pre programmed functions but is also provided with 14 safety features that wont let you end up with a messy kitchen.

However, if you are looking for a compact multi cooker that suits your small family needs and does not secure much counter space then COMFEE Rice Cooker is the best small multi cooker.

The durable food grade stainless steel is not only easy to clean also the inner non stick pot is dishwasher safe (though not recommended by the multi cooker review). The 6 in 1 touch programs and built-in over heating protections features has made it best multi cooker under 100 that is affordable, reliable and versatile for all your cooking needs.  

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a multi cooker?

A multi cooker is an electronic kitchen appliance that comes with preprogrammed functions used to fulfill your desired cooking needs such as boiling, simmering, bake, frying, grilling, roasting, stewing, steaming and browning food using dedicated and automated timer.

What is the difference between a pressure cooker and a Multicooker?

A pressure cooker is used to cook food quickly using high steam pressure while a multi cooker is used for cooking a range of foods in different cooking styles such as steaming, frying, roasting and baking.

What is better multi cooker or slow cooker?

If you have a whole day to cook and spend eight hours in cooking time then you can use slow cooker; however, multi cooker is relatively easy to use and fast with its pre-programmed settings.

What can I cook in a Multi cooker?

Multi-cooker comes with preset options which makes it suitable for almost every kind of cooking. You can cook soup, stews, poultry, beans, rice and chili on its different preset modes.

Is a Multi cooker better than an air fryer?

Multi-cookers are relatively more energy efficient than air fryers due to their low wattage and heat absorbent abilities. Multi cookers can also be used as air fryers, however, air fryers cannot be used as multi cookers.