Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Cuisinart High Pressure Electric Multicooker 6-Quart
Best Non-Instant Pot AlternativeInstant Pot Duo 6-Quart 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
Best BudgetPrice
$150-$187
$90-$110
Summary
Epicurious's top pick over every Instant Pot tested, the Cuisinart outperformed on chicken, beans, and rice with an attached lid design that eliminates awkward maneuvering. Good Housekeeping also rates it best for slow cooking.
The #1 bestseller on Amazon with over 100,000 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, the Duo delivers reliable pressure cooking, slow cooking, and rice at under $110. CNET, Good Housekeeping, and Epicurious all recommend it as the best entry-level pick.
Pros
- Outperformed all Instant Pot models in Epicurious testing on chicken, beans, and rice
- Attached lid eliminates awkward on/off maneuvering
- Intuitive LCD interface with one-touch steam release button
- Even heat distribution during sauté — food browned evenly across the surface
- Nonstick inner pot cleans easily; priced at $150
- Amazon's #1 bestseller with 4.7-star average from 100,000+ reviews
- 7 functions: pressure cook, slow cook, rice, steam, sauté, yogurt, keep warm
- High and low pressure settings for more control over delicate foods
- Detachable cord makes cabinet storage easier
- Lightest model tested at 11.8 lbs — easy to move around
Cons
- Inner pot lacks heat-safe handles unlike Instant Pot Pro models
- Nonstick coating may not appeal to those preferring stainless steel
- Fewer preset programs than Instant Pot Pro or Breville
- Slow natural pressure release compared to other models
- Steam release valve must be turned by hand, risking hot steam on fingers
- Inner pot lacks heat-safe handles
- No cake, sterilize, or egg settings
Our take
Epicurious shocked everyone by ranking this above all Instant Pot models — and their reasoning holds up. The attached lid, intuitive LCD, and consistently excellent results on every food type make it the best pick if you're open to going off-brand.
The Duo is the pressure cooker that converted millions of people — and for good reason. It's not flashy, but it cooks beans, stews, and rice reliably, and at under $110 it's the easiest recommendation to make.
Buy
