What is a multi-cooker and what does it do?

A multi-cooker is an electric kitchen appliance that combines several cooking functions into a single device, replacing the need for multiple separate appliances. Most multi-cookers offer pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, rice cooking and a keep warm function as standard. More advanced models add air frying, yoghurt making, sous vide, dehydrating, baking and grilling. The appeal is convenience and versatility: a single multicooker can prepare a wide range of meals from tender pulled pork in 45 minutes (pressure cooked) to crispy fried chicken (air fried), homemade yoghurt overnight, or perfectly steamed vegetables in minutes. For households with limited cupboard space or anyone who wants to simplify cooking, a multi-cooker is one of the most practical kitchen investments available.

What is the best multi-cooker to buy?

The best multi-cooker depends on your household size, cooking style and budget. For all-round versatility and the most established brand reputation, an Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid combines pressure cooking and air frying in one premium appliance. For larger households and batch cooking, an 8L pressure multi-cooker delivers high capacity with intelligent controls. For the most cooking functions in a single appliance, a 14-in-1 model offers exceptional versatility at an accessible price. For couples or small households, a compact 3L multi-cooker offers the right size without compromise. Choose the model that matches the meals you cook most often and the number of people you typically feed.

Is a multi-cooker the same as a pressure cooker?

Not quite. A pressure cooker uses sealed steam pressure to cook food faster than conventional methods, and that is its single purpose. A multi-cooker includes pressure cooking as one of several functions, alongside slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, rice cooking and (on many models) air frying. In other words, all electric multi-cookers can pressure cook, but a dedicated pressure cooker cannot do everything a multicooker can. Brands like Instant Pot are well known for combining the speed of pressure cooking with the versatility of a multi-cooker, which is why they have become so popular. If you are choosing between the two, a multi-cooker offers far more flexibility for the same bench space.

Are multi-cookers worth it?

For most households, yes. A multi-cooker replaces several single-function appliances (pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, yoghurt maker and on combo models, air fryer), saving cupboard space and money. They reduce cooking times dramatically through pressure cooking, which means weeknight meals like risotto, stews and pulled meats can be on the table in under an hour. The set-and-forget convenience of slow cook, delay start and keep warm functions makes meal planning easier for busy families. For households that already own a slow cooker and pressure cooker separately, upgrading to a single multi-cooker often makes sense. For occasional cooks or anyone with limited bench space, a multicooker may offer more functionality than needed, in which case a dedicated single-function appliance might be a better fit.

What can you cook in a multi-cooker?

The range of dishes a multi-cooker can handle is vast. Pressure cooking is ideal for soups, stews, curries, risotto, pulled meats, beans and lentils, bone broth, and tough cuts that benefit from quick tenderising. Slow cooking suits casseroles, ragu, chilli, butter chicken and overnight breakfasts. Sauté lets you brown meat, soften onions and reduce sauces in the same pot. Steam cooking is perfect for vegetables, dumplings, fish and seafood. Rice cooker produces fluffy rice, quinoa and grains automatically. Yoghurt setting cultures homemade yoghurt overnight. On air fryer combo models, you can also crisp roast potatoes, chicken wings, fries and reheat leftovers. Many multi-cookers also handle desserts including cheesecake, rice pudding and steamed puddings.