Sammy’s Take: Best Multi-Cooker Reviews for 2025 Kitchens

Okay, let’s talk multi-cookers. It feels like every year there’s a new wave, each promising to be the *one* kitchen gadget that finally lets you ditch everything else. You know the ones – they pressure cook, slow cook, steam, sauté, make yogurt, bake cakes, probably file your taxes if you ask nicely enough. As someone who spends way too much time thinking about kitchen efficiency (and, let’s be honest, procrastination via recipe browsing), I get the appeal. Especially working from home here in Nashville, where sometimes the biggest challenge of the day is figuring out dinner before Luna, my cat, starts judging my life choices based on the emptiness of her food bowl. Finding the best multi-cooker in 2025 feels like a quest.

I remember my first multi-cooker experience. It was a few years back, maybe just after I moved from the Bay Area. I was skeptical. Another gadget cluttering the counter? But the promise of quick weeknight meals was too tempting. It sat in the box for a bit, intimidating me with its buttons and steam warnings. Then, one rainy Tuesday, I braved it. Made some pulled pork. And honestly? It was pretty darn good. Not life-changing, maybe, but definitely weeknight-changing. Since then, I’ve used a few different models, seen the tech evolve, and formed some, let’s say, *strong opinions*. The market is even more crowded now, with features getting wilder and claims getting bolder.

So, what’s the plan here? I’m going to cut through some of the noise surrounding the latest multi-cookers. We’ll look at what makes these things tick, what features actually matter in 2025, and review some of the models catching my eye – the good, the bad, and the slightly overrated. This isn’t about finding the single ‘best’ one, because honestly, that’s different for everyone. It’s about figuring out which one, if any, might be the best fit for *your* kitchen, your cooking style, and your tolerance for cleaning weirdly shaped lids. Let’s dive in, shall we?

Decoding the Multi-Cooker Maze of 2025

So, What Exactly *Is* a Multi-Cooker? (Beyond the Marketing Spiel)

Alright, first things first. The term “multi-cooker” gets thrown around a lot. At its core, it’s an electric countertop appliance designed to perform multiple cooking functions in one pot. Think of it as the Swiss Army knife of the kitchen. Most commonly, this includes pressure cooking (which speeds up cooking times significantly using steam pressure) and slow cooking (like a traditional Crock-Pot). But the ‘multi’ part is where things get interesting, and sometimes, a bit out of hand. Manufacturers keep adding functions: sautéing, steaming, rice cooking, yogurt making, sous vide, air frying, baking, dehydrating… the list goes on. It’s crucial to understand that while they *can* do many things, they don’t always do each thing as well as a dedicated appliance. It’s a trade-off between convenience and specialization. Don’t expect it to bake bread like your Dutch oven or air fry as evenly as a top-tier standalone air fryer, necessarily. It’s about consolidation and convenience.

Why You Might (or Might Not) Need One in Your Life

The big sell is convenience and space-saving. Instead of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and maybe even an air fryer taking up cabinet real estate, you have one device. This is genuinely appealing, especially if you have a smaller kitchen (something I definitely appreciated when I first moved). They can be fantastic for busy weeknights, batch cooking, or tackling recipes that benefit from multiple cooking methods (like searing meat before pressure cooking). However, they aren’t without downsides. There’s often a learning curve – understanding pressure release methods, navigating complex interfaces, figuring out timings that differ from traditional recipes. They also take up significant counter space, despite consolidating other appliances. And let’s be real, sometimes the results are just… fine. Not amazing. If you’re a culinary purist who loves the specific results from dedicated tools, a multi-cooker might feel like a compromise. I was definitely in the ‘skeptic’ camp initially, worried it would be another gadget gathering dust. It took actively finding recipes *designed* for it to really unlock its potential for me. It’s also worth considering if you’ll *actually* use all the functions. Paying extra for sous vide or yogurt making is pointless if you never intend to use them.

Key Features to Scout For in 2025 Models: Beyond the Basics

The multi-cooker landscape in 2025 is definitely more advanced than a few years ago. Basic pressure and slow cooking are standard, but look closer. Air frying integration is huge now, often requiring a separate lid but offering that crisping ability many older models lacked. How well does it work though? That varies wildly. Smart features, like Wi-Fi connectivity and app control, are becoming more common. These offer remote monitoring, guided recipes, and sometimes firmware updates. Is this essential? For me, not really, but for tech-savvy cooks or those who love step-by-step guidance, it could be a plus. Pay attention to the user interface (UI) – is it intuitive or a confusing mess of buttons and cryptic symbols? A clear display and easy controls make a huge difference. Build quality matters too; look for sturdy construction, a quality inner pot (stainless steel or a durable non-stick coating), and reliable seals. Capacity is key – 6-quart is standard, good for families, but 8-quart options are better for large batches, while 3-quart mini versions suit singles or couples. Don’t forget safety features – reliable pressure release mechanisms, locking lids, and overheating protection are non-negotiable.

Review Spotlight: The Reliable All-Rounder (Think Updated Instant Pot)

You can’t talk multi-cookers without mentioning the brand that arguably started it all. While specific model names change, there’s usually a flagship model that represents the solid, dependable choice. Let’s consider the typical features of such a model in 2025. It likely boasts refined pressure cooking capabilities, multiple preset programs for things like chili, soup, rice, and poultry, and a decent sauté function. The Instant Pot Duo Plus or similar iterations often fall into this category. Pros usually include a massive online community for recipes and troubleshooting (a huge plus!), relatively intuitive controls once you get the hang of it, and proven reliability. The stainless steel inner pot is durable and avoids non-stick coating concerns, though it can mean more scrubbing. Cons? Sometimes the sheer number of buttons can be overwhelming initially. While it does many things well, it might not excel at *one* specific thing compared to a specialized model (like air frying). I find these models great for foundational multi-cooker tasks: pressure cooking beans from scratch in under an hour, making tender pulled meats, cooking perfect rice. The ease of cleaning the pot is good, but the lid and sealing ring always need extra attention. It’s the workhorse, maybe not the show pony.

Review Spotlight: The Air Frying & Crisping Champion (Ninja Foodi Style)

Then there are the multi-cookers that lean heavily into the air frying trend. The Ninja Foodi line is probably the most prominent example here. These typically come with two lids: one for pressure cooking/slow cooking/etc., and a separate, often bulky, non-removable (or hinged) lid with the heating element and fan for air frying, baking, roasting, and dehydrating. The main advantage is getting that desirable crispy texture – think fries, chicken wings, roasted veggies – something standard pressure cookers can’t do. Their TenderCrisp technology (or similar branding) lets you pressure cook for speed and tenderness, then switch lids to crisp it up. It’s clever. The downside? They are often larger and heavier than standard multi-cookers. Managing two lids can be awkward (where do you put the hot pressure lid while air frying?). And honestly, while the air frying is good, is it *as* good as a dedicated basket-style air fryer? Sometimes I find the circulation isn’t quite as even. But for combo cooking, like making a whole roasted chicken that’s juicy inside and crispy outside, it’s pretty impressive. You need to weigh the convenience of integration against the potential performance compromises and the sheer counter space it occupies. It’s a beast, but a capable one.

Review Spotlight: The Smart & Connected Cooker (App Integration Focus)

Welcome to the future, I guess? Models like the Chef iQ Smart Cooker or certain high-end Instant Pot versions now come with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. The promise is alluring: control your cooker from your phone, get notifications when cooking stages are complete, access a library of guided recipes that automatically set the time, temperature, and pressure. Some even have built-in scales for precise ingredient measurement. Sounds cool, right? And sometimes, it is. The guided recipes can be genuinely helpful for beginners or for trying complex dishes. Being able to check progress from the couch has its moments. But… I remain slightly skeptical. Are we sacrificing reliability for features? What happens when the app isn’t updated or the company folds? Data privacy is another consideration. And frankly, do I *need* my pressure cooker connected to the internet? Sometimes the tech feels like a solution looking for a problem. The added cost is also significant. If you’re deeply integrated into a smart home ecosystem and love guided cooking, it might be worth exploring. But for many, the added complexity and potential points of failure might outweigh the benefits. It’s a very personal choice, this one. I lean towards simpler, proven tech myself, but I see the appeal for others.

Review Spotlight: The Budget-Friendly Workhorse (Value Focused)

Not everyone needs or wants the all-singing, all-dancing model with fifteen functions and Wi-Fi. Sometimes you just want reliable pressure cooking and slow cooking without breaking the bank. There are plenty of more affordable multi-cookers out there from brands like Crock-Pot (their Express Crock line), Farberware, or even store brands. These often focus on the core functions: pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam. They might have fewer presets, simpler displays (maybe just buttons, no fancy LCD), and potentially less robust construction. But that doesn’t mean they’re bad. For someone new to multi-cooking, or who only plans to use it occasionally, a budget-friendly model can be a fantastic entry point. You get 80% of the utility for maybe 50% of the price. The key is to look for essential safety features and decent user reviews regarding reliability. Don’t expect premium materials or cutting-edge features, but you can still make great meals. I often recommend these to friends who are curious but hesitant to invest heavily. It’s a lower-risk way to see if the multi-cooker life is for you. Just manage your expectations regarding feature sets and longevity compared to premium models.

Pressure vs. Slow vs. Air Fry: How Do They *Really* Stack Up?

This is where the rubber meets the road, or rather, the steam meets the sealing ring. How well do multi-cookers perform these core functions compared to their dedicated counterparts? Let’s be frank. Pressure Cooking: Most modern multi-cookers do an excellent job here. They reach pressure reliably, maintain it well, and have good safety features. The results are often indistinguishable from a stovetop pressure cooker, but with added convenience and automation. This is usually their strongest suit. Slow Cooking: It’s… okay. Multi-cookers often cook hotter and faster than traditional ceramic Crock-Pots, even on the ‘low’ setting, due to the metal pot and different heating element placement. You might need to adjust recipes or cooking times. Some people find the results less nuanced than true low-and-slow cooking. It works, but it’s different. Air Frying: This is the most variable function. Models with dedicated air frying lids (like the Foodi) do a respectable job, offering good crisping. However, the round pot shape isn’t always ideal for arranging food in a single layer (key for even air frying), and they might not circulate air as powerfully or evenly as a dedicated basket air fryer. Models *without* a specific air fry lid that claim to ‘crisp’? Be very skeptical. It often just means a high-heat bake/roast function. So, multi-cookers excel at pressure cooking, are decent (but different) at slow cooking, and variable at air frying depending on the design. It’s a jack of all trades, master of *maybe* one (pressure cooking) situation.

The Unspoken Truth: Cleaning and Maintenance Realities

Ah, cleaning. The part no one likes to talk about but everyone experiences. Marketing photos show sparkling clean pots, but the reality involves… gunk. The inner pot is usually the easy part – stainless steel needs elbow grease for stuck-on food, non-stick needs careful handling to avoid scratches. Most are dishwasher safe, which is a plus. The real challenge is the lid. Oh, the lid! It’s full of nooks and crannies, vents, and the infamous silicone sealing ring. That ring is crucial for pressure cooking, but it absorbs odors like nobody’s business. Cooking savory chili one day and attempting cheesecake the next? You might get chili-scented cheesecake if you don’t have a separate ring (buy extras! One for savory, one for sweet). The ring, the anti-block shield, the float valve – they all need regular removal and cleaning to ensure proper function and prevent buildup. It’s not hard, but it’s fiddly and easy to forget. Some lids have parts that aren’t removable, making deep cleaning tricky. For models with air frying lids, those heating elements and fans can get splattered with grease and are often difficult to clean thoroughly. Don’t underestimate the ongoing maintenance needed to keep your multi-cooker working safely and smelling fresh. It’s more involved than just rinsing a pot.

Making the Final Call: Choosing the Right Multi-Cooker *For You*

So, after all that, how do you choose? Forget finding the absolute ‘best’ – focus on the best *for you*. Start with a personal needs assessment. What do you cook most often? Are you feeding a crowd or just yourself? How much counter space can you spare? What’s your budget? Be honest about which features you’ll actually use. Don’t get seduced by a 20-in-1 model if you only plan to pressure cook and occasionally slow cook. If air frying is critical, prioritize models designed for it, but understand the compromises. If you hate washing up (who doesn’t?), look closely at how easy the lid and components are to disassemble and clean. Read reviews, yes, but look for patterns and consider the source. Are reviewers using it the same way you intend to? Maybe think about future-proofing slightly – perhaps a model with a few extra features makes sense if you plan to expand your cooking repertoire. But equally, beware of feature overload leading to analysis paralysis or just plain confusion. Sometimes, simpler is better. Ultimately, the right multi-cooker should make your life easier and your meals tastier, not add another layer of stress to your kitchen routine. Choose wisely, my friends.

So, What’s the Verdict on 2025’s Multi-Cookers?

Wrapping this up, the world of multi-cookers in 2025 is definitely advanced, feature-packed, and maybe a little bit confusing. They offer undeniable convenience, consolidating multiple appliances and speeding up cooking times, especially with pressure cooking. Models incorporating air frying are genuinely useful, even if they don’t always match dedicated units. Smart features offer potential but come with caveats. It’s clear these gadgets aren’t just a passing fad; they’ve earned a permanent spot in many kitchens, including mine (most days).

But the quest for the ‘one pot to rule them all’ is still ongoing, and maybe slightly misguided. Each model comes with its own set of strengths, weaknesses, and quirks. The best approach? It’s probably less about finding the *perfect* device and more about finding the *right compromises* for your specific needs and cooking habits. Don’t just chase the latest features; think about how you actually cook day-to-day. I’m still torn sometimes – do I use the multi-cooker’s slow cook function, or pull out the old reliable ceramic slow cooker for certain recipes? There’s no single right answer.

Perhaps the real question isn’t just ‘which multi-cooker is best?’, but ‘how do these tools change the way we think about cooking?’ Do they free us up, or just make us expect instantaneous results for everything? Food for thought, maybe. My prediction? We’ll continue to see more integration (air frying is probably here to stay in multi-cookers), smarter features, and hopefully, easier cleaning solutions. But will they ever *truly* replace a full kitchen setup? I doubt it… though, check back with me in 2030, who knows what kitchen tech will look like then. Maybe Luna will have her own automated treat dispenser integrated into my cooker by then.

FAQ

Q: Are multi-cookers generally safe to use?
A: Yes, modern multi-cookers from reputable brands have multiple built-in safety features. These typically include locking lids that prevent opening under pressure, automatic pressure control, backup pressure release mechanisms, and temperature sensors to prevent overheating. It’s important to read the manual carefully and follow instructions, especially regarding pressure release, but they are designed with safety as a top priority.

Q: Do multi-cookers actually save energy compared to traditional cooking?
A: In many cases, yes. Because pressure cooking significantly reduces cooking times, and the insulated pot heats up efficiently, multi-cookers often use less energy than cooking the same dish on a stovetop or in a large oven, especially for long-cooking items like beans, roasts, or stews. However, functions like air frying might use comparable energy to a dedicated air fryer.

Q: Can a multi-cooker completely replace my oven or stovetop?
A: Realistically, no. While multi-cookers are incredibly versatile, they have limitations. The pot size restricts the quantity and type of food you can cook (e.g., you can’t roast a huge turkey or bake multiple sheets of cookies). Sautéing is possible but often less effective than using a wide pan on the stovetop due to the confined space and heating element limitations. Baking results can also vary. Think of it as a powerful supplement to your kitchen, not a total replacement.

Q: What size multi-cooker should I get?
A: The most common sizes are 3-quart, 6-quart, and 8-quart. A 3-quart model is best for individuals, couples, or side dishes. The 6-quart is the standard size, versatile enough for families of 3-5 people or for meal prepping reasonable quantities. An 8-quart model is ideal for larger families (5+ people), batch cooking large amounts, or cooking bulky items like a whole chicken or large cuts of meat. Consider your typical meal sizes and storage space.

You might also like

• Pressure Cooking Basics for Beginners
• Maximizing Small Kitchen Space Ideas
• Easy Meal Prep Ideas Using Your Multi Cooker

@article{sammys-take-best-multi-cooker-reviews-for-2025-kitchens,
    title   = {Sammy’s Take: Best Multi-Cooker Reviews for 2025 Kitchens},
    author  = {Chef's icon},
    year    = {2025},
    journal = {Chef's Icon},
    url     = {https://chefsicon.com/best-multi-cooker-reviews-2025/}
}