Science
Instant Pot Alternatives: The Best Multi-Cookers With Great Features and Big Savings
Instant Pot might be one of the more talked-about multi-cooker brands on the market, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other products out there that have similar, if not more, functions. In fact, there are plenty of alternatives, many of which come with reasonable price tags, one-of-a-kind features and sleek designs.
For instance, take the Mealthy MultiPot. It’s nine appliances in one, as opposed to Instant Pot’s seven. And then there’s VitaClay’s Multi-Cooker which is made with an organic, aluminum- and lead-free clay pot, compared to Instant Pot’s stainless steel version. Or there’s Cuckoo’s design that’s crafted with a research-based pressure algorithm and patented steam technology. And who could pass up a $25 5-in-1 kettle?
At the end of the day, when it comes to making the leap and purchasing this appliance, it’s all about what aspects are most important to you. With this in mind, we’ve rounded up 8 innovative products and shared what makes them unique so you can channel your inner Ina Garten and get cooking!
**Product Highlights:** With 19 smart programs like steam, risotto, rice, yogurt and more, [Mueller’s 10-in-1 pressure cooker](https://www.amazon.com/MUELLER-Pressure-TEMPERED-Sterilizer-Graphite/dp/B07G2V1LFS/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&tag=inverse03-20) speeds up cooking and uses up to 70% less energy. Plus, a bonus steel rack lets you make two dishes at once.
Price: $79.99
**Product Highlights:** For just under $25, you can make soup, steam vegetables, cook pasta, deep fry and roast meat with [Presto’s Kitchen Kettle Multi-Cooker.](https://www.amazon.com/Presto-Kitchen-Kettle-Multi-Cooker-Steamer/dp/B002JM202I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1540397772&sr=8-1&keywords=presto+kettle)
Price: $24.94
**Product Highlights:** [Mealthy’s MultiPot](https://www.amazon.com/Mealthy-MultiPot-Programmable-Pressure-Stainless/dp/B076QJNK8G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&keywords=mealthy&qid=1540397619&sr=8-1&tag=inverse03-20) is 9 appliances in one. In addition to being able to slow cook, sauté, steam, make cakes and cook rice, the product comes with mitts, a steam rack, ladle and measuring cup. Even more, the brand has an app with thousands of recipes and how-to videos.
Price: $99.95
**Product Highlights:** If you're willing to splurge for a stainless steel appliance, [KitchenAid's multi-cooker](https://www.amazon.com/KitchenAid-KMC4241SS-Multi-Cooker-Stainless-Steel/dp/B00UL3K6IW/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1539967910&sr=8-18&tag=inverse03-20) has over 10 settings (sear, simmer, rice, slow cook) with step-by-step instructions. And with a MSRP of $329.99, this is a steal.
Price: $172.08
**Product Highlights:** [Cuckoo’s](https://www.amazon.com/Cuckoo-Pressure-Browning-Stainless-CMC-QSB501S/dp/B075R7VL2Z/ref=sr_1_33?ie=UTF8&qid=1539968080&sr=8-33&) smart algorithm automatically adjusts its power and pressure level dependent on whether you’re cooking soup, rice, meat or vegetables. As a bonus, you can find plenty of recipes on the brand's website.
Price: $199.99
**Product Highlights:** [Cuisinart’s Cook Central Multi-Cooker](https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-MSC-600-Central-6-Quart-Multi-Cooker/dp/B008YEXC22/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1539967910&sr=8-6&) allows you to easily sauté, steam, slow cook, or do a combo of the three at the click of a button.
Price: $117.06
**Product Highlights:** [VitaClay’s Multi-Cooker](https://www.amazon.com/VitaClay-VM7900-8-Organic-Multi-Cooker-4-2-Quart/dp/B00AJMZE14/ref=sr_1_31?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1540133783&sr=1-31&) is made with an organic, aluminum- and lead-free clay pot. The clay not only absorbs heat to cook your food, it also helps seal in flavors and nutrients. Last but not least, the pot is removable and can be used to serve whatever you’ve cooked!
Price: $149.99
**Product Highlights:** Though not as elaborate as a multi-cooker, [DASH’s Express Hot Pot](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077CWML34/ref=s9_acsd_simh_hd_bw_b3P0bUR_c_x_w?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-4&pf_rd_r=FW5HZ56M60B5PX5506D6&pf_rd_r=FW5HZ56M60B5PX5506D6&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=c37c6ab1-1c4e-5e1f-af0c-854d3fae7ae9&pf_rd_p=c37c6ab1-1c4e-5e1f-af0c-854d3fae7ae9&pf_rd_i=3117951011) makes rice, cooks noodles, boils water and reheats soup. It's sleek design makes it ideal for traveling, dorm rooms and smaller kitchens.
Price: $24.99
