Is an Instant Pot Still Worth It in 2026? (Yes, and Here’s Which One)
The Instant Pot craze may have peaked a few years back, but don’t let that fool you — these multi-cookers have earned a permanent place in the modern kitchen. What started as a viral kitchen gadget has matured into a genuinely essential appliance. The 2026 models are faster, smarter, and more versatile than ever.
Whether you’re a busy parent who needs dinner on the table in 30 minutes or a meal-prep enthusiast who cooks in bulk on Sundays, a quality multi-cooker can transform your kitchen routine. We tested five top models to find out which ones deliver the best results.
Top 5 Multi-Cookers at a Glance
| Product | Price | Functions | Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 | $89.95 | 7 | 6 Qt | Best overall value |
| Instant Pot Pro Plus | $149.95 | 15 | 6 Qt | Tech-savvy cooks |
| Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 Deluxe XL | $199.99 | 9 | 8 Qt | Large families |
| Mealthy MultiPot 9-in-1 | $99.95 | 9 | 6 Qt | Mid-range pick |
| Breville Fast Slow Pro | $279.95 | 11 | 6 Qt | Premium buyers |
Detailed Reviews
1. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 — The Crowd Favorite
The Instant Pot Duo remains the benchmark for multi-cookers, and the latest version is the best yet. The 7 functions — pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and warmer — cover 95% of what most people need. The improved lid mechanism seals automatically (no more wondering if you closed it right), and the quick-release steam valve is safer and easier to use than earlier models.
Cooking performance is consistently excellent. Stews that would take 4 hours in the oven are done in 45 minutes. Dried beans cook from scratch in 30 minutes without soaking. The stainless steel inner pot is durable and dishwasher-safe. For under $90, this is one of the best values in kitchen appliances.
Pros: Great value, proven reliability, easy to use, 13 smart programs
Cons: No air fry lid, basic display, no Wi-Fi
2. Instant Pot Pro Plus — The Connected Kitchen
The Pro Plus is Instant Pot’s most advanced model, and it shows. Wi-Fi connectivity lets you monitor and control cooking from your phone. The 15 microprocessor-controlled programs include sous vide and NutriBoost (for nutrient-preserving slow cooking). The inner pot has an anti-spin design that stays put during sautéing — a small but meaningful improvement.
The cooking results are noticeably more precise than the Duo. Pressure release is controlled and gradual, reducing the risk of food splatter. The larger display is easier to read from across the kitchen. If you’re the type who likes smart home integration and precise control, the Pro Plus justifies its premium price.
Pros: Wi-Fi control, 15 programs, precise cooking, upgraded display
Cons: More expensive, app can be buggy, steeper learning curve
3. Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 Deluxe XL — Pressure Cook + Air Fry
The Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL solves the biggest multi-cooker limitation: the inability to crisp food. The TenderCrisp technology lets you pressure cook for speed, then air fry for a crispy finish — think pot roast with a caramelized crust or chicken wings that are tender inside and crispy outside.
The 8-quart capacity is generous enough for a whole chicken or a large batch of chili. The 9 functions cover pressure cooking, air frying, slow cooking, steaming, broiling, baking, roasting, searing, and yogurt making. The trade-off is size — this is a big appliance that demands counter space. And at $200, it’s a serious investment. But if the pressure cook + air fry combo appeals to you, nothing else does it better.
Pros: Pressure cook + air fry combo, 8 Qt capacity, versatile
Cons: Large footprint, heavy, premium price
4. Mealthy MultiPot 9-in-1 — Solid Mid-Range Option
The Mealthy MultiPot sits between the Duo and Pro Plus in both price and features. The 9-in-1 functionality adds cake and egg cooking programs to the standard set. The included accessories — steamer basket, trivet, ladle, and measuring cup — are genuinely useful rather than afterthoughts.
Performance is comparable to the Duo for basic pressure cooking and slow cooking. The stainless steel pot is a plus for durability. The Mealthy app provides recipe guidance, though it’s not as polished as Instant Pot’s ecosystem. A reliable choice if you want a bit more than the Duo offers without paying Pro Plus prices.
Pros: Good accessories included, 9 functions, solid build quality
Cons: App is basic, smaller community than Instant Pot, no Wi-Fi
5. Breville Fast Slow Pro — The Precision Instrument
The Breville Fast Slow Pro is for people who view cooking as a craft. The color LCD display is the clearest in the category, and the dual sensors at the top and bottom of the pot provide more accurate temperature control than any competitor. The 11 pressure settings (vs. the typical 2-3) give you fine-grained control over cooking intensity.
The keep-warm function automatically activates after cooking and maintains precise temperature without overcooking. The 3-way safety system is the most robust we’ve seen. The stainless steel tri-ply bottom distributes heat evenly during sautéing. At nearly $280, it’s the most expensive option here, but the build quality and precision justify the price for serious home cooks.
Pros: Best temperature control, clear LCD display, premium build, safety features
Cons: Very expensive, complex interface, overkill for basic cooking
Multi-Cooker Buying Guide
Capacity: 3 Qt for 1-2 people. 6 Qt is the sweet spot for families of 3-5. 8 Qt for large families or batch cooking. Remember: you can’t fill a pressure cooker more than 2/3 full.
Functions vs. Reality: A 15-in-1 cooker sounds impressive, but most people use 3-4 functions regularly. Don’t pay for features you won’t use.
Inner Pot Material: Stainless steel is more durable and won’t hold odors. Non-stick is easier to clean but can scratch. Stainless is the better long-term choice.
Safety Features: Look for automatic pressure release, lid lock during pressurization, and overheat protection. All the models on our list pass these requirements.
Wi-Fi and Apps: Nice for remote monitoring and recipe access, but not essential. The best multi-cooker is one you’ll actually use, not the one with the most features.
FAQ
Is pressure cooking safe?
Modern multi-cookers have multiple redundant safety systems. As long as you follow the manual (especially the fill-line rule), they’re extremely safe.
Can I cook frozen meat in a multi-cooker?
Yes — this is one of their biggest advantages. Frozen chicken breasts go from freezer to table in about 25 minutes. Add 5-10 minutes to normal cooking times for frozen ingredients.
Do I really need an Instant Pot if I have a slow cooker?
The pressure cooking function saves hours compared to slow cooking. A 6-hour slow cooker recipe takes about 45 minutes under pressure. They complement each other, but if you had to choose one, the multi-cooker wins.
How do I clean the sealing ring?
Remove it after each use and wash in warm soapy water. To remove odors, soak in white vinegar for 30 minutes. Replace the ring every 12-18 months for best results.
Our Pick
For most kitchens, the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 remains the smartest buy. If you want pressure cooking and air frying in one device, the Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL is worth the extra cost. And for cooking enthusiasts who demand precision, the Breville Fast Slow Pro is the Rolls-Royce of multi-cookers.