Best Multi-Cookers According to Consumer Reports (2025): The Ultimate Buying Guide

What's in This Article

• Top Multi-Cookers According to Consumer Reports
• Quick Answer: Best Multi-Cookers at Every Price Point
• What to Look for When Buying a Multi-Cooker
• Best Multi-Cookers by Function
• How to Use Your Multi-Cooker Effectively
• Multi-Cooker FAQs
• Our Final Verdict on the Best Multi-Cookers

Quick Answer: Best Multi-Cookers of 2025

In a hurry? Here are the top multi-cookers according to Consumer Reports testing:

1. Zavor LUX LCD - Highest-rated overall with perfect scores in pressure cooking, steaming, and slow cooking
2. Blue Diamond Weekday Wonder - Excellent value with stellar performance in pressure cooking and sautéing
3. Breville Fast Slow Pro - Premium option with unrivaled pressure level control
4. Chef iQ Multi-Functional Smart Pressure Cooker - High performance at a mid-range price point
5. DeLonghi Livenza - Top pick for non-pressure multi-cookers

At Bargain Boxed, we've tested these models extensively and found they consistently deliver exceptional results while offering incredible value for our customers.

Why Multi-Cookers Have Become Kitchen Essentials

Multi-cookers have revolutionized home cooking by combining multiple appliances into one versatile unit. These countertop marvels can pressure cook, slow cook, steam, sauté, and more—all in a single pot. The surge in popularity isn't surprising when you consider how they save time, counter space, and energy.

Not long ago, Instant Pot dominated the multi-cooker market, but competition has intensified significantly. Consumer Reports now tests 18 different brands, with prices ranging from $70 to over $600. But does a higher price tag guarantee better performance? Our research indicates that's not always the case.

Top Multi-Cookers According to Consumer Reports

1. Zavor LUX LCD (6-quart)

Price Range: $150-180

The Zavor LUX LCD stands out as the crown jewel of multi-cookers in 2025. Consumer Reports ranks this as their highest-rated model—and with good reason. It earned perfect scores in pressure-cooking ribs to fall-off-the-bone tenderness, steaming vegetables to ideal crispness, and slow-cooking thick, flavorful chili. Its rice cooking capabilities also received very good ratings.

This 1,000-watt powerhouse features a durable stainless steel insert that outperformed non-stick alternatives in durability tests. The clear LCD display makes programming effortless, while its pressure cooking function delivers consistently exceptional results.

Best for: Home chefs who want the absolute best performance without an extreme price tag.

2. Blue Diamond Weekday Wonder

Price Range: $120-150

The Blue Diamond Weekday Wonder delivers impressive performance across the board. It excels at pressure-cooking, sautéing, slow cooking, and rice cooking, though its steaming function is merely adequate.

This model includes valuable accessories like a steam rack, measuring cup, spoon, and condensation collector. Its two-year warranty also provides peace of mind for buyers. We've found its intuitive controls make it particularly appealing for multi-cooker beginners.

Best for: Families seeking versatile performance with excellent value.

3. Breville Fast Slow Pro

Price Range: $280-320

For those willing to invest in premium quality, the Breville Fast Slow Pro represents the high end of multi-cookers. It offers unmatched precision with the ability to select exact pressure levels in 0.5 PSI increments.

The Breville's sophisticated interface gives you unprecedented control over cooking parameters. Its automatic steam release and high-quality construction justify the higher price point for serious cooking enthusiasts.

Best for: Cooking enthusiasts who demand precise control and premium build quality.

4. Chef iQ Multi-Functional Smart Pressure Cooker

Price Range: $175-200

The Chef iQ delivers exceptional performance at a more accessible price point than some premium models. While the Breville Fast Slow Pro costs around $300, the highly-rated Chef iQ comes in at approximately $100 less while maintaining excellent cooking results.

Its standout feature is its smart functionality, offering guided cooking processes and precise timing calculations based on ingredients. The large LCD screen and clearly labeled buttons make operation straightforward even for beginners.

Best for: Tech-savvy cooks who appreciate smart features and excellent value.

5. DeLonghi Livenza

Price Range: $200-230

For those who don't need pressure cooking functionality, the DeLonghi Livenza stands out as an exceptional non-pressure multi-cooker. Its slow-cooking performance is outstanding, and it excels at sautéing and steaming—two functions where many other models fall short.

This 1,350-watt model also offers a baking function, though results can be somewhat uneven. Its oblong shape accommodates larger cuts of meat better than round models, making it perfect for roasts and ribs.

Best for: Cooks who prioritize slow cooking and steaming over pressure cooking.

What to Look for When Buying a Multi-Cooker

Key Features to Consider

1. Cooking Functions: Most quality multi-cookers offer pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, and sautéing as standard features. Premium models may include yogurt making, sous vide, air frying, and baking capabilities.

2. Size and Capacity: Multi-cookers typically come in 3, 6, 8, or 10-quart sizes. For most families, a 6-quart model provides the ideal balance of capacity and counter space efficiency.

3. Build Quality: Stainless steel inserts proved more durable than non-stick coated options in Consumer Reports testing. Look for solid construction and heat-resistant handles.

4. Interface and Controls: Clear displays and intuitive controls make a significant difference in daily use. Some models offer preset cooking programs, while others emphasize manual control.

5. Safety Features: Quality multi-cookers include multiple safety mechanisms, including lid locks, pressure regulators, and auto shut-off functions.

Common Multi-Cooker Functions

• Pressure Cooking: Dramatically reduces cooking time for beans, tough cuts of meat, and stews.
• Slow Cooking: Perfect for hands-off cooking that develops rich flavors over time.
• Steaming: Maintains nutrients in vegetables, fish, and dumplings.
• Sautéing: Browns meat and vegetables before slow or pressure cooking.
• Rice Cooking: Produces perfectly textured rice without monitoring.

Best Multi-Cookers by Function

Best for Pressure Cooking

The Zavor LUX LCD received perfect scores in pressure cooking tests, producing fall-off-the-bone ribs consistently. The Breville Fast Slow Pro offers the most precise pressure control, while the Blue Diamond Weekday Wonder delivers excellent pressure cooking at a more affordable price point.

Best for Slow Cooking

Both the Zavor LUX LCD and DeLonghi Livenza earned top marks for slow cooking thick, tender chili. The Zavor's programmable timer gives it a slight edge for busy households.

Best for Rice Cooking

The Blue Diamond Weekday Wonder and Zavor LUX LCD both produce exceptionally fluffy, evenly cooked rice. If rice is your priority, either model would serve you well.

Best Budget Pick

While not top-rated overall, the Instant Pot Duo delivers reliable performance across multiple functions at a substantially lower price point than our premium picks. It remains an excellent entry point for multi-cooker beginners.

How to Use Your Multi-Cooker Effectively

Essential Multi-Cooker Tips

1. Add Sufficient Liquid: All pressure cookers require some liquid to generate steam and build pressure. Generally, you'll need between ¼ cup to 1½ cups of liquid, depending on your specific model.

2. Avoid Overfilling: Most multi-cookers have maximum fill lines—typically ⅔ for regular foods and ½ for foods that expand like beans and rice.

3. Add Dairy Last: Milk and cream can scald or curdle under pressure, so add them after pressure cooking completes.

4. Account for Total Time: Remember that the cooking time listed in recipes doesn't include the 10-15 minutes needed for the appliance to reach pressure, plus additional time for pressure release.

5. Clean Thoroughly: The silicone seal on multi-cooker lids can retain food odors. To eliminate lingering smells, soak the seal in vinegar for about 3 minutes before washing.

Multi-Cooker FAQs

Are multi-cookers worth the investment?

Absolutely! Multi-cookers consolidate several appliances into one versatile unit, saving counter space and reducing the need for multiple cooking devices. Their time-saving benefits and energy efficiency make them well worth the investment for most households.

What's the difference between multi-cookers with and without pressure cooking?

Multi-cookers with pressure cooking capability can significantly reduce cooking times for beans, tough cuts of meat, and stews. Models without pressure cooking still offer slow cooking, steaming, and sautéing but won't provide the same time-saving benefits for certain foods.

How long do multi-cookers typically last?

With proper care, a quality multi-cooker should last 5-8 years or more. Models with stainless steel inserts generally outlast those with non-stick coatings.

Can I leave my multi-cooker unattended?

Yes, multi-cookers are designed for unattended operation, particularly in slow cook mode. They feature automatic shut-off and keep warm functions that make them safer than traditional stovetop cooking methods.

How do I clean my multi-cooker?

Most multi-cooker inserts and accessories are dishwasher safe, though hand washing may extend their lifespan. The base unit should never be immersed in water—simply wipe it down with a damp cloth as needed.

Our Final Verdict on the Best Multi-Cookers

After extensive testing and research, we're confident in recommending the Zavor LUX LCD as the best overall multi-cooker for most households. Its exceptional performance across all cooking functions, durable construction, and reasonable price point make it an outstanding value.

For those on a tighter budget, the Blue Diamond Weekday Wonder offers nearly comparable performance at a lower price. And if you're seeking the ultimate in precision cooking, the Breville Fast Slow Pro's unmatched pressure control justifies its premium price.

At Bargain Boxed, we strive to offer the best selection of high-quality multi-cookers at unbeatable prices. Browse our inventory today to find the perfect model for your kitchen needs—and remember, we keep our prices lower than anywhere else online by offering final sales without the overhead of membership programs or return processing.

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This article was last updated May 2, 2025 to reflect the latest Consumer Reports testing and market availability.