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 Plus 6-Quart Multi-Use Pressure Cooker
Best for BeginnersPrice
$150-$187
$113-$160
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.
Good Housekeeping's best overall pick and a top value in multi-cooker roundups, the Duo Plus adds a brighter display, mid-cook adjustments, and cake/egg settings over the base Duo. It's the easiest on-ramp to pressure cooking.
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
- Large, bright LED display is easier to read than the base Duo
- Can edit cooking time and pressure level mid-cook without canceling
- 25 customizable smart programs with step-by-step instructions
- Anti-spin inner pot design prevents rocking during sautéing
- Available in 6- and 8-quart sizes
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
- Natural pressure release is slow compared to other models tested
- Inner pot lacks handles, requiring it to cool before removal
- More expensive than the base Instant Pot Duo
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 Plus is the sweet spot: more capable than the base Duo, cheaper than the Pro, and genuinely beginner-friendly with 25 guided smart programs. If you're new to pressure cooking, start here.
Buy
