I use mine every day. It does everything!” (Recommended by Mumsnetter Fairydustandpixies) Our verdict

On top of that, look out for Instant Pots and multi-cookers that have inner pots that can be used on the stove, when browning meat before slow cooking and are dishwasher safe to make sure you have as few utensils to wash up as possible. Frequently asked questions about Instant Pots Is an Instant Pot really worth it? Beginners and home chefs will likely find electric pressure cookers to be more user-friendly since they more closely resemble slow cookers. Though bulky, the countertop appliances are generally pretty intuitive with easy-to-use controls, convenient pre-sets and clear LCD screens. Some even function as multi-cookers, doing everything from browning to slow cooking — some even air fry with a specialized lid. Cake costs 12p on average in a multi cooker, though the cost range was wide with the cheapest being 7p and most expensive 18p. A typical air fryer will cost about 6p to bake the cake, while an electric oven would cost 20p and a halogen oven 26p. Built with a sturdy pivot, this pressure cooker does not put pressure on the plastic handles. This gives better support while handling this pressure cooker and the handles last long as well. The best Instant Pot multi-cookers can also function as pressure cookers, slow cookers, rice cookers, steamers, soup makers, and even more. In some cases, they can also double as sous vide cookers or air fryers. That way, you don’t have to dedicate extra space that you might not have to one of the best air fryers. The options we’ve included here that can air fry do a pretty good job at it.Ensure that the liquid in the pressure cooker meets the minimum required amount before cooking. This is usually stipulated in the instructions or marked by a minimum fill line in the cooking pot. Make sure not to overfill the cooker, either – there will be a maximum fill line, so ensure that the food sits comfortably below it. For most people, the 6 quart / 5.7-liter size Instant Pot will prove to be the most useful. Instant say this capacity is enough to feed between three and size people depending upon your appetite, so will be ideal for families or those looking to batch cook meals for a handful of people. We also take note of the size of each pressure cooker and consider how easily they could be stored away in a typical kitchen.

Energy-efficient and cost-effective, our recent independent study has revealed that cooking with an Instant Pot uses 4.4 times less energy required than in the oven, saving energy and costs.*This basic model requires more oversight while cooking, and it doesn't have pre-programmable features or presets.

The fact that you can just set it off and leave it is, IMO, the best thing about it and a total gift to parents. I don't do anything adventurous with mine, just one pot meals, or cooking up rice, polenta etc. Wouldn't want to be without it now though."(Tried and tested by Mumsnet user BessAndCress)

7. Best pressure cooker for smart features: Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 Multi-Cooker 6L OP350UK

We were impressed the Instant Pot Pro also has five buttons that allow you to store your favorite settings for recipes you make regularly, giving you the convenience of the one-touch programs but for your own custom recipes. Instant Pot and Ninja Foodi are two of the biggest names in the multi-cooker world and are regularly compared to see which is best. Both brands create a wide number of appliances including everything from air fryers to blenders.