Best multi-cookers 2026: energy-efficient models from Instant Pot, Ninja, Crockpot and more

Tried and testsd by MNHQ: Read our full Instant Pot Pro Plus Multi-Cooker review.

During testing, we were thoroughly impressed by this all-in-one marvel. It seamlessly combines the functions of a slow cooker and a pressure cooker in one device, but it doesn't stop there – it has an array of useful features, our favourite being the ability to sauté in the same pot before slow cooking.

While it took a bit of time to make our way through the online instruction videos, once we got the hang of it, we found this multi-cooker user-friendly and intuitive to operate. The Wi-Fi connectivity was a nice bonus too, making it one of the best Instant Pots you can snap up today.

The downside? It's on the higher end of the price scale and it doesn't have air fry function. However, if you can forgo air frying, it's a fantastic choice for families wanting a high-tech gadget that genuinely makes life easier while delivering delicious results.

Tried and tested by MNHQ: Read our full Drew&Cole CleverChef Multi-Cooker review.

If you’re looking for a multi-cooker under £100, the Drew&Cole CleverChef is currently a budget-friendly £60 and includes a whopping 14 modes. Our Mumsnet testers loved its versatility and ease of use, and found it the results were excellent – casseroles, chillis, cakes and even a whole chicken were all a doddle to cook in it, and they tasted great.

Our testers were also fans of how compact it is. A lot of multi-cookers tend to be quite bulky, but this is well suited to a smaller kitchen while still having enough capacity for around four people. It doesn’t offer a pressure cooker or air fry mode like other multi-cookers, so that is one downside, but all in all, we think this is an excellent value buy if you're watching the pennies.

Tested by MNHQ's own Sue and Rebecca: read their review of the Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 Multi-Cooker.

What sets the Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 apart is that it genuinely does both jobs: proper pressure cooking for speedy one-pot meals, plus a crisping lid for that air-fryer finish. Sue, who tested it for our original review, called it “a bit of a revelation once you get going” – and that still rings true.

Rebecca’s update is also reassuringly honest: it can feel a bit intimidating at first (especially if you’re new to pressure cooking), but once you get past that initial hesitation, it starts to earn its place for midweek dinners and anything you want fluffy inside and crisp outside. Just be realistic about the practicalities – it’s big, it’s heavy, and the lid setup isn’t the sleekest. If you’ve got the space (and you’ll use the main functions regularly), it’s easy to see why so many Mumsnet users still swear by it.

The Crock-Pot Turbo Express is an adaptable appliance that promises to make mealtimes easier. The standout feature - as referenced in the name - is the ‘Turbo’ mode, which Crock-Pot says reduces cooking time by 40% versus using the regular high pressure setting. It’s a bold claim, but it works – many reviewers praised this feature for how quickly and effectively it cooked chillies, curries, casseroles, soup and more.

It can feed around six people, so it's ideal for big families or if you're wanting to batch cook dishes ready for storing in your best Tupperware or lunch box. Additionally, users have praised the ease of use and the wide range of functions offered by this appliance. However, it doesn’t include a built-in air fryer, so if this is the main feature you’re looking for in a multi-cooker, you may want to go for something different.

Tried and tested by MNHQ: Read our full Sage The Fast Slow Pro Multi-Cooker review.

A fusion of a slow cooker and pressure cooker, Sage's The Fast Slow Pro is a great choice. Our tester found it consistently delivered dishes bursting with flavour, with ragus, stews, chilis, and casseroles being a particular highlight.

Boasting an impressive six cooking functions and 11 pressure settings, this high-tech multi-cooker offers excellent versatility, although it is lacking an air fry feature, which we'd like to see at this price point. Getting to grips with the different pressure cook settings was a bit of a learning curve initially, but with each use, it became more intuitive to use, and we loved that it can sear meat right in the pot before slow cooking.

There's no getting around the fact that, at around £200, The Fast Slow Pro isn't a budget-friendly option - however, we think it provides great value if pressure cooking and slow cooking are staples of your family meals.

Tried and tested by MNHQ: Read our full Russell Hobbs Good-to-Go Multicooker review.

Following the cost of living crisis, most of us are trying to be more efficient around the home, whether that's batch cooking and dishing up leftovers in a bento box, or cutting down on using the oven. The Russell Hobbs Good to Go Multi Cooker is a versatile kitchen appliance that claims to be 59% more energy efficient than a conventional oven (when compared to roasting a whole chicken at 190 degrees).

With a large capacity of 6.5 litres, it's ideal for families and batch cookers alike. While we did have to check the instructions the first few times to see what the icons on the control panel meant, overall we found it easy to use thanks to the digital display. The results were super tasty too - we're still thinking about the tasty slow-cooked curry it produced.

Although it's missing a pressure cook and air fry setting, that's to be expected for a multi-cooker at this price point. It's worth noting that it is quite bulky due to its wide dimensions, but we think the Good to Go is a solid choice for those looking for a convenient, versatile cooking appliance that doesn’t cost the earth.

Small but mighty, the Lakeland Mini Multi Cooker is perfect for those who have limited kitchen space. It’s also ideal if you struggle carrying and moving larger models; at 2.7kg it’s the lightest option on our list. Despite its small size, it has eight programmes and is capable of performing various cooking tasks including slow cooking and baking.

Its size does limit its functionality somewhat though, and a few users found the rice cooking feature didn’t match their expectations and took longer than expected to cook. That said, overall reviewers were impressed with its performance and ease of use for the price. The simple, straightforward display with clear controls makes it easy to use, even for those who are not confident in the kitchen. We think it’s ideal if you’re cooking for one or two people.

Another great value option that comes in at just under £100, the Tefal All-in-One CY505 Pressure Cooker has an impressive 25 pre-set, one-touch cooking programmes that can whip up a variety of culinary delights, whether you want to pressure cook, slow cook, simmer, steam, or more. What’s more, to make family life even easier it even has a ‘baby food’ mode, which is ideal for parents.

Many reviewers rave about how easy it is to use, with straightforward controls and preset cooking programs that make meal preparation a breeze. The stainless steel design is also a highlight, with users praising its durability. A few did report that it takes quite a bit of time to heat up and get to the right pressure, but most found that it’s a great time-saver in the kitchen. The biggest issues users seemed to face is with the lid; it’s attached to the pot which makes cleaning difficult and it can hold the smells of food.