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Best multi-cookers 2024: energy-efficient models from Instant Pot, Ninja, Crockpot and more
Want to save space, time and energy in the kitchen? These versatile gadgets can offer up several cooking modes in one nifty device. Here’s our pick of the best.
By Natasha Gregson | Last updated Feb 15, 2024
From making tasty slow-cooked stews for midweek meals to crispy roast chicken for Sunday lunch, the best multi-cooker can be a kitchen game-changer for your family.
Whether you're looking for the best pressure cooker for speedy suppers, a device that will cook rice perfectly, or even something that will double up as a bread maker, multi-cookers can help save you time, effort and energy in the kitchen. These all-in-one appliances have a range of cooking functions, including everything from slow cooking to steaming, roasting to baking, so they are a popular choice for busy families looking to eat nutritious home-cooked meals without sacrificing on kitchen counter space.
To help you choose the best multi-cooker for your family, we first carefully analysed the opinions of Mumsnet users, the largest online network of parents in the UK. Every kitchen guide we write - covering everything from the best cookbooks to the most efficient food processor - features products Mumsnetters have tried and rated, because we know just how valuable a real, unbiased recommendation is. We then researched expert suggestions and authentic consumer reviews, before completing our own rigorous testing on selected products to make sure we're only featuring the very best.
Best multi-cookers UK: at a glance
Best overall: Instant Pot Pro Plus Multi-Cooker, £200
Best budget: Drew&Cole CleverChef 14-in-1 Intelligent Digital Multi Cooker, £60
Best with an air fryer: Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 Multi-Cooker 6L OP350UK, £199
Best for pressure cooking: Crockpot Turbo Express Pressure Multicooker, £119
Best for energy efficiency: Russell Hobbs Good to Go Multi Cooker, £83
10 impressive functions
Can be controlled via an app
Tasty results
Modern design
Pricey
No air fryer function
Price on writing: £200 | Capacity: 5.7L | Cooking functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice, yoghurt maker, sauté, steam, sous vide, canning, keep warm | Dimensions: 33.5 x 33.1 x 32.3cm | Dishwasher safe: Yes, pot | Wattage: 1500 watts
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.
Plus, we have an exclusive offer for Mumsnetters. Use the code MUMSNET25 for 25% off the Instant Pot Pro Plus on the Instant website, valid until the end of October. Shop here.
Read our full Instant Pot Pro Plus Multi-Cooker review
Drew&Cole CleverChef 14-in-1 Intelligent Digital Multi Cooker
14 cooking functions
Simple to use
Great value
Stylish, streamlined design
Doesn't have an air fry or pressure cook mode
Slightly smaller capacity than some other options
Price on writing: £60 | Capacity: 5L | Cooking functions: Steam, stew, soup, roast, poach, bread rise, bake, fish sauté, rice, pasta, slow cook high or low, yoghurt | Dimensions: 24 x 31 x 23 cm | Dishwasher safe: Yes, pot | Wattage: 860 watts
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.
Read our full Drew&Cole CleverChef Multi-Cooker review
Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 Multi-Cooker 6L OP350UK
Has an air fryer function
Fantastic results
Plenty of useful functions to try
Expensive
Bulky
Need to switch to different lid for pressure cooking (included)
Price on writing: £199 | Capacity: 6L | Cooking functions: Pressure cook, air fry, slow cook, steam, bake/roast, sear/sauté, grill, yoghurt and dehydrate | Dimensions: 32 x 43 x 36cm | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Wattage: 1460 watts
What sets the Ninja Foodi apart from other models on our list is its ability to air fry. While it doesn't come cheap, the best air fryer models will likely set you back around £100+, so even though it's expensive you're getting a lot for your money. Mumsnet users certainly rate the Ninja brand too - you'd struggle to find a multi-cooker or air fryer thread on the forums that doesn't recommend the brand.
While there are other Ninja options that offer more functions (one model even had 15 functions!), we think this cheaper model has a great selection of features for everyday use, and you won't be buying a machine with gimmicky settings that largely go unused. Our testers found the results were great too - think perfectly crispy pizza and tantalising casseroles.
Aside from cost, the other main downside is the size. It's a bulky machine that takes up lots of space, but if you have the ability to store it, it would make a great addition to your kitchen.
Read our full Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 Multi-Cooker OP350UK review
Reduces cooking time by 40% with Turbo mode
Versatile cooking functions including pressure cooking, slow cooking, and baking
Simple to use
Easy to clean
Bulky
Doesn’t include an air fryer
Price on writing: £102 | Capacity: 5.6L | Cooking functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, steamer, sous vide, brown, bake, rice, yoghurt, keep warm | Dimensions: 34.4 x 30.8 x 34cm | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Wattage: 1400 watts
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.
The Sage Fast Slow Pro Pressure Cooker
11 pressure cooker settings
High-tech features
Sleek, modern design
Easy to clean
Pricey
Takes some getting used to at first
No air fryer
Lid can be tricky to secure
Price on writing: £199 | Capacity: 6 litres | Cooking functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, sear, steam, keep warm | Dimensions: 35 x 35 x 32cm | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Wattage: 1100W
A fusion of a slow cooker and pressure cooker, Sage's The Fast Slow Pro is a Mumsnetter favourite. 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.
Read our full Sage The Fast Slow Pro Multi-Cooker review
Great value
Large capacity
Good range of settings
Ideal for families
Bulky
Control panel icons aren't intuitive initially
No pressure cook or air fry function
Price on writing: £83 | Capacity: 6.5L | Cooking functions: Sear, roast, sous vide, slow cook, steam, rice, boil and keep warm | Dimensions: 29.9 x 24.4 x 45.8cm | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Wattage: 750W
With 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.
Read our full Russell Hobbs Good-to-Go Multicooker review
Compact size, perfect for limited kitchen space
Lightweight and easy to carry
Eight programmes capable of performing various cooking tasks
Easy to use for all skill levels
Functionality limited by its size
Rice cooking feature has been reported to take a long time
Not great for large families
Price on writing: £65 | Capacity: 1.4L (working capacity) | Cooking functions: Rice, quick cook, slow cook, cake, yoghurt, quinoa, oatmeal | Dimensions: 23.5 x 28 x 20cm | Dishwasher safe: No | Wattage: 400 watts
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.
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Good value
25 one-touch cooking programs
Includes a baby food mode
Easy to use with straightforward controls
Takes time to heat up and reach the right pressure
Attached lid may make cleaning difficult
Price on writing: £80 | Capacity: 6L | Cooking functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, brown, simmer, steam, bake | Dimensions: 28 x 30 x 30cm | Dishwasher safe: No | Wattage: 1600 watts
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.
Read next: Upgrade family mealtimes with the best recipe boxes
How to choose the best multi-cooker
Budget: Consider how much you are willing to spend on a multi-cooker, they can be anything from £70 to £300, so your budget will narrow down your options. There are some great pocket-friendly options out there, but they may have fewer features.
Size: Think about the size of your kitchen and the amount of counter space available. Opt for a size that fits your needs and won't crowd your countertops. Think about how bulky it is too - reviews with pictures of use in real life will give a good indication of this.
Capacity: Check the capacity (usually in litres) to ensure it can cook enough food to feed your family. If you’re cooking for one or two people at a time, there’s no need to get a giant model, but larger multi-cookers are useful if you have a big family or are planning on batch cooking.
Functions: Determine what the most essential functions are for you. Some will want a basic model with modes for pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming etc., whereas if you want maximum versatility including an air fryer, an all-singing, all-dancing model will be for you, but it will have the price tag to match.
Ease of use: Consider the control panel and the overall design - is it simple to use and maintain? Think about cleaning too - models that have parts safe for the dishwasher will make the after-dinner clean up so much easier.
Warranty: Look for a multi-cooker that comes with a warranty. This will give you peace of mind knowing that if something goes wrong, you can get it fixed or replaced. Ensure that the retailer you're buying it from is applicable for the guarantee too.
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Are multi-cookers energy efficient?
The energy efficiency of multi-cookers varies between models, but most are designed to use less energy than traditional ovens or stoves. This is because they tend to include pressure cooking and slow cooking functions (not all do though), which require less energy than traditional cooking methods.
However, it really depends on how long you’re using it for and the model you’ve selected. To find out an estimate of how much your multi-cooker will cost to use, you can use the Sust-it energy calculator - you just need to input the wattage of the machine and the time you'll be using it for, but bear in mind this can vary depending on the setting you're using.
How we chose the best multi-cooker
We’ve thoroughly researched the best multi-cookers you can buy this year including tried and tested experiences from a wide range of reliable, trusted sources. Here's how we careful chose our top picks.
Recommendations from Mumsnet users
We first vetted the trusted views and recommendations from the Mumsnet community, getting feedback on the best multi-cookers they have personally used, reviewed and rated, including their favourite models, features and brands.
Real-life testing: how we tested the best multi-cookers
MNHQ editor Natasha put the Instant Pot Pro Plus and the Russell Hobbs Good to Go through their paces in her north London kitchen, using her expertise to score them carefully on a set of important criteria, including ease of use, ease of cleaning, results, features, and value for money.
We also consulted with Mumsnet users to get their in-depth reviews on how their multi-cookers have fared after months of regular use. Through using real, unbiased parents for feedback, we ensure we give you an honest account of how products perform after extensive use in a real family home.
Expert opinions
When it comes to home and kitchen products, the initial investment can be significant. We made sure our recommendations were products that were tested and well received within the industry, rated or recommended by chefs and food industry experts and websites.
Authentic consumer reviews
Finally, we scrutinised honest customer reviews on retailer sites such as Amazon, Argos and John Lewis to get wider consumer opinions on the products on our shortlist. Through this research, we were able to weigh up the top multi-cookers for a variety of family set-ups and gain a greater understanding of the pros and cons of each.
About the author
Natasha Gregson is an Affiliate Content Editor at Mumsnet, with an expertise in home and kitchen product reviews and round-ups. With several years of editorial experience under her belt, she also has had work featured in national publications including The i Paper and Stylist Magazine.
A keen home cook, she's always whipping up new creations and experimenting in the kitchen. Over the past few months, she's been on a quest to find and try the top slow cookers and multi-cookers for Mumsnet and, with the help of the best slow cooker recipe books, has become somewhat of an expert in this area; she knows exactly what makes a standout kitchen gadget and brings this know-how to every review she writes.
Why you should trust us
Mumsnet has been helping parents make their lives easier since 2000 and, in those years, we’ve investigated, tried and reviewed thousands of products.
We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.
Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their own friends and family.
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