Quick Answer: The Instant Pot Duo (6-Qt) is the best crock pot pressure cooker for most families.
I’ve stood in many busy kitchens, watching timers buzz and meals come together. If you want one device that pressure cooks, slow cooks like a crock pot, sautés, steams, and even makes yogurt, the best crock pot pressure cooker streamlines dinner on weeknights and frees up weekends. It solves the “I don’t have time” problem while keeping food flavorful and hands-off.
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric…
7 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, make rice, yogurt, or simply keep your meal warm—all in one appliance Customizable Smart Programs: Tackle every recipe with 13 one-touch…
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric…
7 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, make rice, yogurt, or simply keep your meal warm—all in one appliance. Customizable Smart Programs: Tackle every recipe with 13 one-touch…
Instant Pot Pro (8 QT)…
10 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sous vide, sauté, sterilize, cook yogurt and rice, bake, steam, or simply keep warm, all in one easy appliance. Customizable Smart Programs: Tackle…
Instant Pot Duo 6-Qt (7-in-1)
I have used the Instant Pot Duo 6-Qt for years. Pressure cooking shortens braises and beans from hours to minutes. The Duo also doubles as a crock pot-style slow cooker with a low and high heat range that’s steady and predictable.
Controls are simple and intuitive. The stainless steel inner pot is durable and fits most family meals. I often use the sauté feature first to brown meat and build flavor, then switch to pressure or slow cook to finish.
Pros:
- Fast pressure cooking cuts cook time dramatically
- Reliable slow cooker function mimics a crock pot
- Easy-to-clean stainless steel inner pot
- Pre-set programs reduce guesswork for beginners
- Compact 6-qt size fits most kitchens and families
Cons:
- Basic display lacks advanced customization
- Sealing ring can retain odors if not cleaned often
My Recommendation
I recommend this Instant Pot Duo 6-Qt to busy cooks who want one reliable unit that replaces a slow cooker and a pressure cooker. If you’re shopping for the best crock pot pressure cooker that saves space and time, this model is a practical pick. I find it excellent for weeknight stews, fast bone broths, and tender pot roasts.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Busy families | Fast multi-cook functions for dinners in under an hour |
| Small kitchens | Compact 6-qt size saves counter space |
| Beginner cooks | Pre-sets simplify pressure and slow cooking |
Instant Pot Duo 8-Qt (7-in-1)
The Instant Pot Duo 8-Qt gives you extra capacity without added complexity. I use the 8-quart when I’m batch-cooking for meal prep or entertaining. It handles larger roasts, full chickens, and big batches of chili with ease.
The controls match the 6-qt Duo, so there’s no learning curve if you upgrade. The larger pot keeps heat stable during slow-cooking cycles. For anyone wondering which model strikes the best balance, this 8-Qt nails it for big households.
Pros:
- Extra capacity for large meals and batch cooking
- Same reliable Instant Pot programs as smaller model
- Great for one-pot family dinners and meal prep
- Durable build with a roomy stainless steel insert
- Saves time compared to oven or stove top slow cooking
Cons:
- Takes more storage space than 6-qt models
- Large size may be overkill for single-person households
My Recommendation
If you feed a crowd or like to meal prep, the Instant Pot Duo 8-Qt is my pick. The size and versatility make it one of the best crock pot pressure cooker choices for large families. I recommend it for cooks who want a dependable appliance that replaces bulky pots.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Large families | 8 quarts handle big roasts and multiple servings |
| Meal preppers | Batches cook quickly with consistent results |
| Entertaining | Keeps large volumes warm for guests |
Instant Pot Pro 8-Qt (10-in-1)
The Instant Pot Pro 8-Qt steps up with pro-style features and more custom controls. I appreciate the extra precision on pressure and temperature. The sous vide and advanced functions make this model feel like a kitchen upgrade for an enthusiast.
This Pro model keeps the best crock pot pressure cooker traits—slow cook and pressure cook—but adds Sous Vide and extra safety features. It’s heavier-duty and built for cooks who want fine control and multiple cooking methods in one unit.
Pros:
- Advanced settings for precision cooking
- Large capacity for family meals and entertaining
- Includes sous vide and sterilizer functions
- Sturdy construction and improved sealing
- Good app support with recipes and guidance
Cons:
- Higher price than basic Instant Pots
- More buttons may overwhelm casual users
My Recommendation
This Instant Pot Pro is for cooks who want more control and features than a typical crock pot pressure cooker. I recommend it for home chefs who experiment with sous vide, yogurt, and more. It’s a smart buy if you want one appliance to handle advanced tasks.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Home chefs | Extra controls and sous vide for precision results |
| Advanced cooks | More programs and safety features |
| Large households | 8-qt capacity for bigger meals |
Ninja PossibleCooker Plus 8.5-Qt
The Ninja PossibleCooker Plus is a versatile multi-cooker with an oven-safe pot and a glass lid. I like that it handles slow cooking, pressure cooking, and sous vide. The nonstick pot is convenient for quick cleanup and also safe to use in the oven up to 500°F.
In my testing, the Ninja’s Dutch oven approach gives better browning and finishing options than many designs. It’s a strong contender when you want a single machine that acts like a slow cooker, a pressure cooker, and a mini oven. For many cooks, it’s a flexible choice among the best crock pot pressure cooker options.
Pros:
- Oven-safe pot expands finishing options
- 12-in-1 versatility for many cooking styles
- Integrated spoon and glass lid add convenience
- Good browning with nonstick surface
- Large 8.5-qt capacity for big meals
Cons:
- Nonstick coating needs careful care to last
- Heavier unit can be bulky to move or store
My Recommendation
I recommend the Ninja PossibleCooker Plus for cooks who want flexible finishing and baking options. It stands out among the best crock pot pressure cooker choices because of the oven-safe pot and robust functions. I find it excellent for casseroles, braises, and one-pot meals that need a final broil in the oven.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Home bakers | Oven-safe pot for finishing and baking |
| Versatile cooks | 12 cooking modes cover many recipes |
| Large meals | 8.5-qt capacity fits family portions |
Crock-Pot 7-Qt Oval Slow Cooker
The Crock-Pot 7-Qt Oval is the classic slow cooker many of us grew up with. It’s simple, reliable, and perfect when you want genuine crock pot-style low-and-slow cooking. I use it for long braises and pulled pork that benefit from gentle, even heat.
This model isn’t a pressure cooker, but I include it because many people look for “crock pot pressure cooker” solutions—meaning they want both slow-cook results and pressure-cook speed. Pairing this Crock-Pot with a compact pressure cooker in one kitchen can be a smart move.
Pros:
- Reliable low-and-slow heat for tender results
- Large 7-qt capacity for big family meals
- Simple manual controls are easy to use
- Durable and easy to clean ceramic insert
- Excellent for soups, stews, and roasts
Cons:
- No pressure cooking function
- Manual dial lacks digital precision
My Recommendation
I recommend the Crock-Pot 7-Qt Oval for anyone who loves true slow cooking. If your priority is long, hands-off simmering and you already have or plan to add a pressure cooker, this Crock-Pot pairs well. For those seeking the best crock pot pressure cooker combo, this is the slow-cooker half of a great kitchen setup.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Slow-cook fans | Even heat for hours yields tender results |
| Large families | 7 quarts handle big roasts and stews |
| Simple users | Manual controls need no learning curve |
COSORI 6-Qt Pressure Cooker (9-in-1)
The COSORI 6-Qt Pressure Cooker is a feature-packed alternative with a ceramic inner pot and many safety features. I like the ceramic for easy cleaning and food-safe non-metal surface. The nine cooking programs include slow cook, sous vide, and rice, making it a true multi-cooker.
In my experience, COSORI focuses on safety and simple programming. It delivers consistent pressure cook results and has clear controls. If you want a best crock pot pressure cooker that emphasizes safety and a ceramic cooking surface, this model fits well.
Pros:
- Ceramic inner pot is easy to clean and non-reactive
- Numerous safety features for peace of mind
- 9-in-1 functions cover many recipes
- Compact 6-qt size fits most counters
- Good value for the feature set
Cons:
- Ceramic insert can be heavier than stainless steel
- Some users prefer traditional stainless for searing
My Recommendation
I recommend the COSORI 6-Qt for cooks prioritizing safety and a ceramic pot. It’s a solid option for those seeking one appliance that can slow cook and pressure cook well. For a safe and versatile best crock pot pressure cooker pick, the COSORI is a strong contender.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Safety-first cooks | 12 safety features reduce worry during use |
| Those who prefer ceramic | Ceramic inner pot is non-reactive and easy to clean |
| Multi-function users | 9 programs cover slow and pressure cooking |
FAQs Of best crock pot pressure cooker
What is a crock pot pressure cooker?
A crock pot pressure cooker combines slow-cooker-style low heat and electric pressure cooking in one or paired appliances. Many users mean an Instant Pot-style multi-cooker that can also slow cook like a traditional crock pot. I recommend checking capacity and program sets to match your cooking style.
Can I use the slow cook function on an Instant Pot to mimic a crock pot?
Yes. Instant Pot and similar multi-cookers offer a slow cook mode that reproduces crock pot results. I suggest using the lid type and heat settings as recommended in the manual for best slow-cooking results. Results are usually comparable to a standalone crock pot.
Is pressure cooking safe?
Modern electric pressure cookers are very safe. They include safety valves and locking lids. I always confirm the sealing ring is clean and the vent is clear before use, and I follow the manufacturer’s guidance for safe operation.
Do I need both a crock pot and a pressure cooker?
Not always. A multi-cooker that does both pressure and slow cook can replace separate units for many cooks. I still recommend a standalone Crock-Pot if you do long overnight cooking often, since dedicated slow cookers are sometimes simpler to use for extended times.
How do I choose the best crock pot pressure cooker for my kitchen?
Decide whether capacity, advanced features, or simplicity matters most. I advise picking a 6-8 qt for families, and looking for stainless vs ceramic pots based on cleaning and cooking needs. Safety features and preset programs help reduce guesswork.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want the best crock pot pressure cooker for most families, I recommend the Instant Pot Duo 6-Qt for its ease, speed, and reliable slow-cook performance. It balances size, features, and value better than most single units.
For larger households or advanced cooks, the Instant Pot Duo 8-Qt or Pro 8-Qt is ideal. If you prefer an oven-safe pot or ceramic insert, the Ninja or COSORI models are excellent picks.