Comparison: Best Slow Cooker And Pressure Cooker (Updated | Dec 9th)
In today’s bustling kitchens, two appliances reign supreme for transforming tough ingredients into tender, flavorful meals: the slow cooker and pressure cooker. While both deliver mouthwatering results with minimal effort, they operate on entirely different principles. The slow cooker simmers ingredients low and slow, developing deep flavors over hours, while the pressure cooker uses high-pressure steam to slash cooking time dramatically. Whether you’re a busy parent seeking convenience or a culinary enthusiast craving versatility, understanding these kitchen powerhouses’ unique strengths will revolutionize your meal preparation.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for multi-function master: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
- Best for smart display choice: Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker
- Best for ultimate versatility: Instant Pot Pro (8 QT) 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker
- Best for large family solution: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
- Best for compact kitchen helper: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker
- Best for triple heat technology: Ninja® 12-in-1 PossibleCooker™ PLUS | 8.5-qt – Sous Vide & Proof Multi-Cooker | Slow Cooker
- Best for whisper quiet cooking: Instant Pot
- Best for budget multi-cooker: COMFEE’ 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
- Best for silent cooking pro: Instant Pot
- Best for colorful mini power: Instant Pot 4QT RIO Mini 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker
Product Comparison: Best Slow Cooker And Pressure Cooker
Multi-Function Master
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quart
Instant Pot
- 7 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, make rice, yogurt, or simply keep your meal warm—all in one appliance
- Customizable Smart Programs: Tackle every recipe with 13 one-touch options, from hearty soups to decadent cakes
- Safe & Easy Steam Release: The Easy-Release steam switch ensures fast, safe, and simple steam release every time
- Good Food Done Faster: Cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods
- Pro-Grade Cooking Pot: Crafted from stainless steel (18/8) with a tri-ply bottom—perfect for searing and sautéing like a pro
- Family-Sized Capacity: The 6-quart capacity is perfect for up to 6 servings—ideal for families, meal prep, and batch cooking
- Quick Cleanup: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot make clean-up a breeze
- Power-Packed Performance: 1000 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed
- Proven Peace of Mind: Features over 10 safety mechanisms, including overheat protection, an easy seal safety lid lock, and more to keep cooking worry-free
- A Little Extra: Includes a stainless steel steamer rack to keep you ready for anything
Smart Display Choice
Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker, Pressure Cooker, Slow Cook, Rice Maker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quarts
Instant Pot
- 9 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, sous vide, steam, steralize, keep warm, make rice and yogurt—all in one appliance.
- Customizable Smart Programs: Tackle every recipe with 15 one-touch options, from hearty soups to decadent cakes.
- Intuitive and Convenient Design: An easy-to-read display with dedicated cooking time, temperature, and pressure indicators keeps you updated in real time. And when it’s time to tuck it away, the detachable power cord makes storage easy.
- Safe and Easy Steam Release: The Easy-Release steam switch ensures fast, safe, and simple steam release every time.
- Good Food Done Faster: Cook up to 70% faster
- Pro-Grade Cooking Pot: Crafted from durable 18/8 stainless steel with an anti-spin, tri-ply bottom—perfect for searing and sautéing like a pro.
- Family-Sized Capacity: The 6-quart capacity is perfect for up to 6 servings—ideal for families, meal prep, and batch cooking.
- Quick Cleanup and A Little Extra: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot make clean up a breeze. Includes 2 extra sealing rings and a stainless steel steam rack to keep you ready for anything. :
- Power-Packed Performance and Proven Peace of Mind: 1000 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL and ULC Listed. Features over 10 safety mechanisms, including overheat protection, an easy seal safety lid lock, and more for worry-free cooking.
- Source Notes: Compared to slow cooking methods
Ultimate Versatility
Instant Pot Pro (8 QT) 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice/Grain Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Sous Vide, Yogurt Maker, Sterilizer, and Warmer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Black
Instant Pot
- 10 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sous vide, sauté, sterilize, cook yogurt and rice, bake, steam, or simply keep warm, all in one easy appliance.
- Customizable Smart Programs: Tackle every recipe with 28 one-touch options covering all essential meals.
- Good Food Done Faster: Preheat 20% faster and cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods.
- Convenient & Easy Steam Release: Gentle steam release switch and diffusing cover allow you to confidently and quietly release steam every time.
- Family-Sized Capacity: The 8-quart capacity is perfect for up to 8 servings—ideal for families, meal prep, and batch cooking.
- Quick Cleanup: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot make clean-up a breeze.
- Power Packed Performance: 1400 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed
- Proven Peace of Mind: Includes safety features and mechanisms like easy grip inner pot handles, overheat protection, an auto-sealing safety lid lock, and more.
- A Little Extra: Includes an extra sealing ring and stainless-steel steamer with handles to keep you ready for anything.
Large Family Solution
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 8 Quart
Instant Pot
- 7 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, make rice, yogurt, or simply keep your meal warm—all in one appliance.
- Customizable Smart Programs: Tackle every recipe with 13 one-touch options, from hearty soups to decadent cakes.
- Safe & Easy Steam Release: The Easy-Release steam switch ensures fast, safe, and simple steam release every time.
- Good Food Done Faster: Cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods.
- Pro-Grade Cooking Pot: Crafted from stainless steel (18/8) with a tri-ply bottom—perfect for searing and sautéing like a pro.
- Family-Sized Capacity: The 8-quart capacity is perfect for up to 8 servings—ideal for larger families, gatherings, meal prep, and batch cooking.
- Quick Cleanup: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot make clean-up a breeze.
- Power-Packed Performance: 1200 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed.
- Proven Peace of Mind: Features over 10 safety mechanisms, including overheat protection, an easy seal safety lid lock, and more to keep cooking worry-free.
- A Little Extra: Includes a stainless steel steamer rack to keep you ready for anything.
Compact Kitchen Helper
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes Free App with over 1900 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 3 Quart
Instant Pot
- 7 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, make rice, yogurt, or simply keep your meal warm—all in one appliance.
- Compact Yet Capable: A 3-quart capacity makes it perfect for small households or side dishes, and with 11 one-touch smart programs, it can tackle everything from hearty soups to decadent cakes.
- Good Food Done Faster: Cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods.
- Pro-Grade Cooking Pot: Crafted from stainless steel (18/8) with a tri-ply bottom—perfect for searing and sautéing like a pro.
- Quick Cleanup: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot make washing up effortless.
- Power-Packed Performance: 700 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed.
- Proven Peace of Mind: Features over 10 safety mechanisms, including overheat protection, an easy seal safety lid lock, and more.
- A Little Extra: Includes a stainless steel steamer rack to keep you ready for anything.
Triple Heat Technology
Ninja® 12-in-1 PossibleCooker™ PLUS | 8.5-qt – Sous Vide & Proof Multi-Cooker | Slow Cooker, Dutch Oven & More | Glass Lid & Integrated Spoon | Nonstick | Oven Safe Pot to 500°F | Black | MC1010
Ninja
- REPLACES 12 COOKING TOOLS & APPLIANCES: This cooker replaces the need for a slow cooker, food warmer, nonstick pot, sauté pan, cast iron skillet, saucier, saucepan, stock pot, Dutch oven, roasting pan, bread maker, and utensil.
- SEAR & SAUTÉ DIRECTLY IN THE POT: Using the bottom heating elements, you are able to sear proteins and sauté vegetables right in the cooking pot—no need to transfer to the stovetop.
- OVEN SAFE TO 500°F: Removable cooking pot is oven safe up to 500°F, so you can finish your meal in the oven for a crispy top.
- PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING: 8.5-quart cooking capacity allows you to make chili for up to 20 people, 9 lbs of spaghetti and meatballs, or enough pulled pork for 30 sliders.
- TRIPLE FUSION HEAT TECHNOLOGY: Cook up to 30% faster* than conventional ovens by combining bottom, side, and steam heat. More heat, more possibilities. *Tested on 6-lb chickens.
- INCLUDED UTENSIL: Multi-functional utensil works as a ladle and pasta fork, plus it has its own utensil rest right in the lid handle.
- 6 COOKING FUNCTIONS: Slow Cook, Sear/Sauté, Keep Warm, Sous Vide, Braise, and Proof.
- EASY CLEANUP: Nonstick pot enables you to quickly wipe away messes and makes for a stress-free cleaning experience. Utensil & glass lid are dishwasher safe. Hand-washing pot recommended to extend its life.
- SAFE & EASY TO USE: Free of PFOA, cadmium, and lead.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: 8.5-Quart Cooking Pot, PossibleCooker Base Unit, Integrated Detachable Spoon-Ladle, Glass Cooking Lid, Chef Curated Recipe Guide.
Whisper Quiet Cooking
Instant Pot, 8-Quart Whisper Quiet 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, Duo Plus
Instant Pot
- 9 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, steam, sauté, sous vide, make rice, yogurt, cake, or simply keep your meal warm—all in one appliance with intuitive dial control.
- Guided Cooking: An angled control panel with a clear message display and cooking progress bar, paired with 25 recipe presets and step-by-step instructions, makes every meal foolproof.
- Safe, Easy & Silent Steam Release: WhisperQuiet technology minimizes noise for a peaceful kitchen, while the perfectly placed one-touch steam release button lets you release steam effortlessly and safely.
- Good Food Done Faster: Cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods.
- Sturdy Anti-Spin Pot: Stainless steel (18/8) pot with a tri-ply bottom that stays in place for seamless sautéing.
- Family-Sized Capacity: The 8-quart capacity is perfect for up to 8 servings—ideal for larger families, gatherings, meal prep, and batch cooking.
- Quick Cleanup: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot make clean-up a breeze.
- Power-Packed Performance: 1200 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed
- Proven Peace of Mind: Features over 10 safety mechanisms, including overheat protection, an easy seal safety lid lock, and more to keep cooking worry-free.
- A Little Extra: Includes a stainless-steel steam rack with handles and two extra sealing rings to keep you ready for anything.
Budget Multi-Cooker
COMFEE’ 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 14 Presets Instant Multi Slow Cooker Olla de Presion Non-Stick Pot Rice , Yogurt Maker, Sauté Steamer, Black , 6 Quarts
COMFEE’
- 9 IN 1 MULTI PRESSURE COOKER: Work as pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, Sauté, yogurt maker, cake maker, egg maker and food warmer
- 14 PRESETS SATISFY ALL YOUR COOKING NEED: This versatile pressure cooker has 14 programmable preset functions, allows you to cook various gourmet dishes like meat, broth, bean, oatmeal, etc. with just a few steps
- PROFESSIONAL SAFETY FEATURES: Equipped with 10 safety features to guarantee easier and securer cooking, including overheat protection, auto pressure release and lid-safety lock system, etc
- INTELLIGENT DELAY TIMER: 24h delay timer function enables you to set your desired recipes in advance and enjoy gourmet dishes whenever you want
- ABUNDANT ACCESSORIES: COMFEE’ Pressure cooker comes with 6 helpful components: Spoon*1, Ladel*1, Condensation Cup*1, Measuring Cup*1, Steam Rack*1, Power cord*1
Silent Cooking Pro
Instant Pot, 6-Quart Whisper Quiet 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Free App with 800+ Recipes, Stainless Steel
Instant Pot
- 9 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, steam, sauté, sous vide, make rice, yogurt, cake, or simply keep your meal warm—all in one appliance with intuitive dial control.
- Guided Cooking: An angled control panel with a clear message display and cooking progress bar, paired with 25 recipe presets and step-by-step instructions, makes every meal foolproof.
- Safe, Easy & Silent Steam Release: WhisperQuiet technology minimizes noise for a peaceful kitchen, while the perfectly placed one-touch steam release button lets you release steam effortlessly and safely.
- Good Food Done Faster: Cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods.
- Sturdy Anti-Spin Pot: Stainless steel (18/8) pot with a tri-ply bottom that stays in place for seamless sautéing.
- Family-Sized Capacity: The 6-quart capacity is perfect for up to 6 servings—ideal for families, meal prep, and batch cooking.
- Quick Cleanup: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot make clean-up a breeze.
- Power-Packed Performance: 1000 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed
- Proven Peace of Mind: Features over 10 safety mechanisms, including overheat protection, an easy seal safety lid lock, and more to keep cooking worry-free.
- A Little Extra: Includes a stainless-steel steam rack with handles and two extra sealing rings to keep you ready for anything.
Colorful Mini Power
Instant Pot 4QT RIO Mini 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker, Pressure Cooker, Slow cook, Sauté, Steam, Rice Maker, Yogurt, & Warmer, Black, 4 Quarts
Instant Pot
- 7 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, cook rice, make yogurt, or keep your meals warm, all in one compact device.
- Mini and Mighty: Easy to store, offering the same cooking surface as an 8-inch pan
- Fun Sized Capacity: The 4-quart capacity is perfect for up to 4 servings, ideal for students, singles, and small families
- Cooking Status at a Glance: Progress indicator lets you monitor your cooking status with ease
- Intentionally Convenient: Anti-spin design ensures the pot stays steady for effortless stirring and sautéing
- Colorful Design: The Rosewater finish adds a lovely modern touch to your kitchen
- Good Food Done Faster: Cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods.
- Quick Cleanup: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. Dishwasher-safe lid and cooking stainless steel pot make cleaning a breeze
- Proven Peace of Mind: Features over 10 proven safety features, including overheat protection and an auto-sealing locking lid
- Power-Packed Performance and A Little Extra: 800 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed. Includes a versatile stainless steel steam rack
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What is the difference between the Instant Pot Duo and Duo Plus models?
The Instant Pot Duo Plus offers more cooking functions (9 compared to 7) and additional smart programs (15 compared to 13). It also features an enhanced display with dedicated cooking time, temperature, and pressure indicators, plus a detachable power cord for easier storage.
Which Instant Pot is best for a small household or limited kitchen space?
For small households, the Instant Pot Duo Mini (3-quart) or the Instant Pot RIO Mini (4-quart) are ideal options. These compact models still offer 7-in-1 functionality but take up significantly less counter space, making them perfect for students, singles, or small families.
What makes the Ninja PossibleCooker PLUS different from Instant Pot models?
The Ninja PossibleCooker PLUS offers 12-in-1 functionality and features unique Triple Fusion Heat Technology that combines bottom, side, and steam heat. It also has an oven-safe pot up to 500°F, allowing you to finish dishes in the oven for a crispy top, which is not possible with Instant Pot models.
Which Instant Pot model is best for large families or meal prepping?
The Instant Pot Pro (8-quart) is ideal for large families or meal prepping with its family-sized capacity that can serve up to 8 people. It also offers the most cooking functions (10-in-1) and the most smart programs (28 one-touch options), making it the most versatile Instant Pot option.
What is the advantage of the Whisper Quiet Instant Pot models?
The Whisper Quiet models feature specialized technology that minimizes noise during operation, particularly during steam release. They also offer guided cooking with an angled control panel, clear message display, cooking progress bar, and 25 recipe presets with step-by-step instructions to make cooking foolproof.
How do I choose between different capacity options (3, 4, 6, or 8 quarts)?
Choose based on your household size and cooking needs. The 3-4 quart models are perfect for 1-4 people, the 6-quart is the standard size for most families, and the 8-quart is best for larger families or those who like to meal prep and batch cook.
Are there any significant safety differences between these multi-cookers?
All Instant Pot models come with multiple safety features, but the COMFEE’ model specifically mentions 10 safety features including overheat protection, auto pressure release, and lid-safety lock system. The Whisper Quiet models offer additional safety with their silent steam release technology that prevents sudden bursts of steam.
Which model offers the best value for money?
For basic functionality, the Instant Pot Duo models offer excellent value with 7 cooking functions and reliable performance. If you want more versatility, the Duo Plus or Pro models might be worth the extra investment for their additional functions and smart programs.
Can I use these multi-cookers for canning?
While some models like the Instant Pot Duo Plus and Pro include a sterilize function, none of these models are specifically designed or approved for pressure canning. For safe canning, you would need a dedicated pressure canner that meets USDA guidelines.
What’s the difference between the cooking functions in these multi-cookers?
Basic models offer 7 functions (pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, rice, yogurt, keep warm), while advanced models add functions like sous vide, sterilize, bake, and cake. The Ninja PossibleCooker PLUS has the most unique functions, replacing 12 different cooking appliances and tools.
