Choose a pressure cooker when you want the pressure-cook mode, a slow cooker when its low or high slow-cook routine fits your meal plan, or a multi-cooker when one exact model offers both. Compare capacity, controls, pot shape, lid and release instructions, and the recipes you actually use. Program names and functions vary by model.
The choice depends on which cooking mode you plan to use. A dedicated slow cooker offers a slow-cook routine, while an electric pressure cooker adds a pressure-cook mode; a multi-cooker combines modes only when its exact model lists them. Compare controls, capacity and instructions rather than relying on the product-family name.
| Cooker type | Modes and buying checks |
|---|---|
| Electric pressure cooker | Compare pressure settings, lid and release directions, capacity, minimum and maximum fill guidance, and included accessories. Some models also list other cooking modes. |
| Slow cooker | Compare low or high slow-cook settings, manual or programmable controls, time and keep-warm settings, pot shape, lid fit, carry features and cleaning directions. |
| Multi-cooker | Check whether the exact model lists the pressure and slow-cook functions you want, plus whether its inner pot and controls suit your recipes. |
Choose around how you cook
If you regularly use recipes written for pressure cooking, compare pressure settings, release instructions and model-specific recipes. If your routine uses low or high slow cooking, check the slow-cook controls, time settings and keep-warm instructions. A multi-cooker can cover both styles if its manual includes both modes, but its pot, lid and controls still determine the workflow.
As model examples, Instant Pot lists seven cooking functions for its Duo 6-quart, including pressure cook and slow cook. Crock-Pot lists separate manual and programmable slow cookers, with controls that vary among models. These examples illustrate published features; they do not make every appliance in either brand’s line equivalent.
Match capacity, pot shape and storage
Check the usable capacity and fill directions for the exact appliance. Compare the inner pot’s width and depth with the dishes you plan to prepare, the counter space available, the electrical cord and where the cooker will be stored. If choosing a multi-cooker, also check whether it comes with the accessories you need or lists them separately.
Use a recipe that matches the cooker format and follow the maker’s instructions for timing, liquid, opening and cleaning. For a grain-focused appliance, our rice cooker buying guide explains capacity and keep-warm details. If you are considering an appliance’s canning feature, read our electric multi-cooker pressure-canning guidance. Browse appliances.
Official sources
- Instant Pot: Duo 6-quart multi-use pressure cooker (accessed November 5, 2026)
- Instant Pot: Multi-cooker product manuals (accessed November 5, 2026)
- Crock-Pot: Programmable 6-quart Cook & Carry slow cooker (accessed November 5, 2026)
Related guides
Common questions
Is an Instant Pot a pressure cooker or a slow cooker?
Instant Pot is a brand with different multi-cooker models. Its Duo 6-quart listing includes both pressure-cook and slow-cook functions, but check the functions and manual for the exact model.
Can a multi-cooker replace a slow cooker?
Some multi-cookers list a slow-cook program, while others may not. Compare the exact functions, pot dimensions, control options and instructions with the slow-cooker recipes you plan to make.
Can I convert a slow-cooker recipe to pressure cooking?
Follow a recipe developed for the exact appliance and cooking mode. Do not assume its slow-cook time transfers directly to a pressure-cook setting.
What size cooker should I buy?
Compare the stated capacity and usable-fill guidance with your normal batch size, then check the inner pot's shape and the appliance's storage footprint. Capacity conventions and fill limits vary by model.