Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Cuisinart High Pressure Electric Multicooker 6-Quart
Best Non-Instant Pot AlternativeInstant Pot Pro 10-in-1 6-Quart Pressure Cooker
Best OverallPrice
$150-$187
$120-$170
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 fastest-pressurizing electric multicooker in testing, with 10 functions, a WhisperQuiet steam release, and a handled inner pot that works on any cooktop. Serious Eats and CNET both name it their top pick for experts.
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
- Pressurized faster than any other model in Serious Eats testing
- Handled stainless steel inner pot works on electric, ceramic, and induction cooktops
- WhisperQuiet steam release with diffusing cover for safe venting
- 28 pre-programmed settings including sous vide, sterilize, and cake
- 5 customizable programmable presets for your own recipes
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
- Sous vide function is less reliable than a dedicated immersion circulator
- Natural pressure release is slower than some competing models
- More expensive than the base Duo or Duo Plus
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.
If you're buying one pressure cooker to do everything — sear, braise, slow cook, sous vide — the Instant Pot Pro is the one. It pressurizes faster than any other model tested and the silicone-handled inner pot is a genuinely useful upgrade over the base Duo.
Buy
