When it comes to versatility in the kitchen, multi-cookers have completely revolutionized meal prep. The Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer Combo stands out in this category for its ability to pressure cook, air fry, steam, slow cook, and even bake. However, it is not the only appliance in the market offering such capabilities. There are a few competitors that also boast multifunctionality, which can make choosing the right one a bit tricky. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top three multi-cookers currently available: the Ninja Foodi, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer, and the Crock-Pot Express Crock Multi-Cooker. This of course is just my opinion. We’ll compare the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.

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1. Ninja Foodi 12-in-1 Deluxe XL 8 qt. Pressure Cooker & Air Fryer that Steams, Slow Cooks, Sears, Sautés, Dehydrates & More, with 5 qt. Crisper Basket, Reversible Rack & Recipe Book, Silver

Overview:
This powerhouse combines the magic of a pressure cooker and air fryer, and it does both so well. The TenderCrisp Technology is what sold me — you can pressure cook your food to lock in all the juices and then crisp it up to perfection using the air fryer. It’s like getting the best of both worlds in one pot. The 8-quart ceramic-coated pot is perfect for cooking large family meals, and it’s nonstick, so cleanup is a breeze. The 5-quart air-frying basket is huge, easily fitting a 7-lb. chicken to feed everyone. Plus, I love the deluxe reversible rack — I can steam, broil, and even cook up to 8 chicken breasts at once, which is a huge time-saver when I’m feeding my crew. The 12-in-1 versatility means I can do everything from pressure cooking and air frying to baking, roasting, and even sous vide. Whether I’m making dinner after a long day or prepping something special, the Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL has truly made mealtime easier and more fun. It’s a must-have for any mom who wants to get dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavor!

Pros:

1. Multi-functional: The Ninja Foodi excels at combining several cooking methods into one appliance. Whether you’re pressure cooking, slow cooking, air frying, or baking, you can do it all.
2. TenderCrisp Technology: This feature allows you to cook food quickly using the pressure cooker and then achieve a crispy exterior with the air fryer. It’s particularly useful for meats and vegetables that require a crispy finish.
3. Large Capacity: The Ninja Foodi comes in various sizes, with the 6.5-quart and 8-quart models being the most popular. This makes it ideal for larger families or those who like to batch cook.
4. User-Friendly: The interface is straightforward, and the digital display makes it easy to choose the cooking method you need. It also includes presets for popular dishes like chicken, fish, and pork.

Cons:

1. Size and Bulk: The Ninja Foodi can be bulky on your countertop. Its size makes it a bit cumbersome to store, especially if you have limited kitchen space.
2. Learning Curve: While it’s user-friendly once you get the hang of it, the wide range of features and settings can be a bit overwhelming for beginners.
3. Price: At a higher price point, the Ninja Foodi is more of an investment compared to other multi-cookers or air fryers.

Read the Amazon reviews for the Ninja Foodi 12-in-1 Deluxe

2. Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker Combo with Multicooker Lids that Air Fries, Steams, Slow Cooks, Sautés, Dehydrates, & More, Free App With Over 800 Recipes, 6 Quart

Overview:
This isn’t just your average pressure cooker — it’s 11-in-1! From air frying and roasting to slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, and even making yogurt, it does it all. The EvenCrisp Technology makes it so easy to get that crispy, golden finish on chicken, fries, and even veggies with 95% less oil, so I can feel good about what my family’s eating.

The two removable lids are super convenient — one for pressure cooking and one for air frying, so I can switch between functions without any hassle. The Quick One-Touch Cooking feature is perfect for busy nights when I need to get dinner on the table fast. Whether it’s ribs, soup, beans, or rice, I just press a button and let the Instant Pot do the work. The included free app with over 1,900 recipes has been a lifesaver when I’m looking for something new to try!

One of my favorite things about it is the versatile inner pot, which is made of food-grade stainless steel and cooks everything evenly. It’s so easy to sauté and then switch right into pressure cooking or air frying, and cleanup is a breeze thanks to the dishwasher-safe lid and accessories. The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel keeps it looking sleek in my kitchen, and the slow cook function lets me make traditional meals just like grandma used to — all with the same appliance.

Pros:

1. Air Fryer Functionality: The air fryer lid allows you to crisp and fry your food, giving it a crunchy exterior without the need for excessive oil, much like the Ninja Foodi.
2. Price: The Instant Pot Duo Crisp is more affordable than the Ninja Foodi, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want versatility in their kitchen appliances.
3. Multi-Cooking Functions: It includes 11 different cooking programs (pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, rice cook, yogurt, bake, broil, etc.), making it a great all-in-one appliance.
4. User-Friendly Interface: Like other Instant Pot models, the Duo Crisp is known for its intuitive design and easy-to-navigate control panel.

Cons:

1. Separate Air Fryer Lid: While the air fryer feature is convenient, the lid is a bit bulky and needs to be removed and replaced whenever you want to switch between functions. This can be somewhat cumbersome compared to the Ninja Foodi, which integrates its air frying and pressure cooking in one lid.
2. Smaller Capacity: The Instant Pot Duo Crisp’s capacity options are typically smaller than the Ninja Foodi’s, with the 6-quart being the most common. If you have a large family or entertain often, the 6-quart size may feel restrictive.
3. Plastic Lid: Some users have complained about the plastic lid being less durable than the Ninja Foodi’s metal construction.

Read the Amazon reviews for the Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer

3. Crock-Pot 8-Quart Multi-Use XL Express Crock Programmable Slow Cooker and Pressure Cooker with Manual Pressure, Boil & Simmer, Black Stainless

Overview:
As a busy mom, the Crock-Pot 8 Quart Express Crock XL Programmable Multi-Cooker has been a game-changer in my kitchen! With its sleek Black Stainless design and 8-quart capacity, it easily cooks meals for my family of five (and even guests) in a fraction of the time traditional cooking requires. This all-in-one appliance handles everything from pressure cooking and slow cooking to sautéing and steaming, making meal prep incredibly easy and quick. I love the one-touch meal settings for soups, grains, and more, which let me prepare healthy meals with minimal effort. The airtight locking lid and manual pressure function offer added safety and customization, while the nonstick pot and dishwasher-safe components make cleanup a breeze. Whether I’m making chili, rice, or a big pot of soup, this multi-cooker has truly simplified my cooking routine and is a must-have for any busy mom!

Pros:

1. Affordable: The Crock-Pot Express Crock is one of the most budget-friendly options among the multi-cookers, making it an ideal choice for those on a tight budget.
2. Pressure Cook and Slow Cook: This model is well-suited for making soups, stews, roasts, and other comfort foods quickly. The slow-cook function is excellent for traditional Crock-Pot recipes.
3. Simple Interface: The control panel is easy to use, with clearly labeled buttons for each cooking function. It doesn’t overwhelm users with complex settings, making it great for beginners.
4. Lightweight: It’s easier to store and handle compared to some of the bulkier options like the Ninja Foodi.

Cons:

1. Limited Air Fryer Function: Unlike the Ninja Foodi and Instant Pot Duo Crisp, the Crock-Pot Express Crock doesn’t come with air fryer capabilities. While it can handle pressure cooking, slow cooking, and steaming, it lacks the crisping feature.
2. Fewer Cooking Programs: While it has the basics, the Express Crock doesn’t offer as many preset cooking programs as the Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi. This might limit the types of meals you can make with it.
3. Smaller Capacity: The Crock-Pot Express Crock usually comes in smaller sizes, typically 6-quart or less, which may not be sufficient for larger families or bigger batches of food.

Read the Amazon reviews for the Crock-Pot 8-Quart Multi Use Express Cooker

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Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

• If you prioritize versatility and don’t mind a higher price: The Ninja Foodi is the clear winner, especially if you enjoy crisping your food after pressure cooking. Its TenderCrisp Technology and larger capacities make it a great option for families and those who want an all-in-one appliance that can replace multiple gadgets in the kitchen.
• If you want a more affordable option with air frying and multi-cooking functions: The Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer offers a great balance between price and functionality. While it doesn’t integrate the air fryer function as seamlessly as the Ninja Foodi, it still provides impressive cooking capabilities at a lower cost.
• If you’re on a budget and don’t need air frying: The Crock-Pot Express Crock Multi-Cooker is the best choice for those who need a simple, effective pressure cooker and slow cooker. It lacks air frying, but it’s still a great value if you want to cook quickly and easily without spending a lot.

Ultimately, your decision will depend on your cooking style, kitchen space, and budget. Regardless of which one you choose, any of these multi-cookers will undoubtedly make meal preparation faster, easier, and more enjoyable!