Instant Pot vs Crock Pot Express: Which Multi-Cooker Reigns?

You're standing in the kitchen appliance aisle, a bit overwhelmed. You've heard about the magic of multi-cookers, but now face the big question: instant pot vs crock pot express. Which one is trulybetter?

Both multi-cookers can be worth the buy, offering speed and convenience. We'll explore the unique strengths of each pressure cooker, moving beyond the typical comparisons. This will give you a fresh perspective on the pros and cons between the two cookers, so keep on reading for more!

Jump to:

• Instant Pot vs Crock Pot Express Features
• Performance in the Kitchen
• Cost Comparison
• Comparing Special Features
• Instant Pot Versus Crock Pot Express
• Who Might Prefer Which Multi-Cooker
• FAQ's
• Conclusion

Instant Pot vs Crock Pot Express Features

Both multi-cookers offer a variety of functions. They handle pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, and keeping food warm. However, closer examination reveals key differences in crock pot performance, particularly when comparing the effectiveness of various cooking modes such as pressure cooking and slow cooking.

The Instant Pot, especially models like the Duo, is a kitchen staple. It offers a wide range of settings to accommodate diverse meals. Instant Pots are considered the gold standard by many.

Instant Pot: The Multi-Cooker

The Instant Pot has earned its reputation as a leading multi-cooker. This brand recognition may instill confidence in some users.

This electric pressure cooker typically features a stainless steel inner pot. This material promotes a more effective browning and a crispier crust when searing.

Beyond the standard presets for poultry, soup, or rice, you also have manual control options. The massive Instant Pot community offers countless tips and support.

Crock-Pot Express: Easy-to-Use Multi-Cooker

The Crock-Pot Express, often referred to as the Express Crock Multi-Cooker, enters the scene. Crock-Pot enjoys popularity, especially for its slow cookers.

The Crock Pot express crock features a nonstick inner pot. This design choice simplifies cleanup, much like the Instant Pot.

The interface is user-friendly, with clearly labeled buttons for different food types. This simplicity makes it an appealing choice for those who prefer straightforward controls.

Performance in the Kitchen

From browning capabilities to the keep-warm function, these cookers are designed to perform. You’ll find that both excel at preparing various dishes. Achieving optimal browning and cooking results can be challenging, particularly with chicken cooked using the sauté function.

Both appliances can cook tender pork dishes easily. Below gives you some further insight:

Pressure Cooking Power

In pressure cooker function mode, both the Instant Pot and Crock-Pot Express exhibited similar performance in multi-cooker tests, particularly in their ability to pressure cook, which significantly reduces cooking times compared to traditional methods. CR test engineer, Ginny (Guinevere) Deitrick, conducted comprehensive research.

For example, cooking times for brown rice and pulled pork were nearly identical in both cookers. Ginny noted that the food consistently achieved the “preferred tenderness” for each dish.

A notable difference lies in the cooking initiation. The Instant Pot starts automatically upon selecting settings, whereas the Crock-Pot Express requires pressing an additional “Start/Stop” button.

Slow Cooking Comparison

The original Crock-Pot established its reputation through quality slow cookers. They offer numerous slow cooker settings.

Both the Crock-Pot Express crock and the Instant Pot offer slow cooking capabilities. However, be aware that heat settings may vary between brands.

If you appreciate slow-cooked meals, you'll be pleased that both models include a slow-cooker mode.

The Sauté and Browning Feature

The sauté function allows for browning meats or softening vegetables before pressure cooking or slow cooking. The Instant Pot, with its stainless steel inner pot, appears to achieve slightly more browning than the Crock-Pot Express's nonstick surface.

If sautéing is a frequent task, consider conducting additional testing to determine your preferred heat level. Food Safety Experts caution against prolonged sautéing or leaving food out, as it can lead to contamination. Both units can easily fall outside the food-safe hot food range.

Also see: How to Saute in Instant Pot Multicookers

The All-Important Keep Warm Function

Both appliances include a warming mode to maintain food temperature after cooking, helping your dish stay warm for long periods of time. The Instant Pot’s warming function tends to keep food at a slightly higher temperature.

The Instant Pot's warming function is particularly practical for maintaining the temperature of dishes prepared on a stovetop, like pasta, and can keep food warm for up to 24 hours. In comparison, the Crock-Pot's keep-warm mode lasts for up to 4 hours before needing to be restarted.

It’s important to remember that food safety experts recommend keeping dishes warm within the safe hot food range.

Clean Up and Maintenance

This is an area where the Crock-Pot Express Crock might be preferred by some cooks, it features a nonstick inner pot.

However, the Instant Pot's stainless steel pot is dishwasher-safe. Some users find stainless steel easier to maintain in the long run. A proper functioning cooking pot helps no matter the material.

Both lids and sealing rings require cleaning after each use, but they are manageable on both units. Make sure to close the cook lid properly.

Also see these delicious recipes: 27 Easiest Crockpot Soup Recipes

Cost Comparison

The price plays an important role in anyone's choice. Both options are available at various price points. The cost difference between these multi-cookers can vary.

The 6-quart Crock-Pot Express often retails around $80, but sales can lower the price. Instant Pots tend to have a wider price range. The Instant Pots start around $60 for the basic model, but they can easily surpass the Crock-Pot in cost, due to additional features.

Recipe Availability

The large Instant Pot Community, with numerous members creating a wide variety of options, is hard to surpass. This user-generated content undoubtedly offers significant value. There are a bunch of great Instant Pot Recipes.

Also read: Instant Pot Viva vs Duo: Which Model Fits Your Cooking Style?

Comparing Special Features

Beyond the core cooking functions, there are a few differences for certain types of cooking. The Instant Pot is known for producing excellent results.

The Instant Pot features a dedicated yogurt setting, making it a go-to for many cooks. Tests conducted on both appliances revealed that the Crock-Pot's yogurt sometimes had a thinner, "slightly mushy" consistency.

Instant Pots offer various other options, including sous vide. The choice depends on the intended use of each cooker.

Sizes of the Multi-Cookers

Instant Pot models come in four different sizes. However, Crockpot options only go up to 8 quarts. Instant Pots provide multiple sizing choices, while the standard Express Crock size is often the only option.

Size considerations might be the deciding factor for families who often want weekly meal prep and like variety. For other users, this may be less important, as both cookers offer generous sizes suitable for multiple servings.

Also see: Instant Pot 3 Qt Vs 6 Qt: Choosing the Right Size

Instant Pot Versus Crock Pot Express

Below we will break down the main differences to make your choice easier:

Feature	Instant Pot (e.g., Duo Model)	Crock-Pot Express
Inner Pot Material	Stainless Steel	Nonstick
Interface	More complex, multiple presets & manual control	Simpler interface, less flexible with dedicated buttons
Sauté Function	Slightly more browning/crisping	Saute function has a high-heat searing option for browning meat before pressure cooking, for enhanced flavor
Size options	Ranges	6 quarts as main offering, also has smaller size and 8 qt size.
Extra function buttons	Multi use button capability, often buttons named other than what the unit performs, user adjustable with "+" or "-" and "start".	Button names are based on types of cooking, users choose preferred and have to choose start/stop which sometimes causes delays.
Starting	Users select button and choose and adjust. Instant Pot immediately goes through "pressure steam process".	Users select functions. Some have feedback about accidentally forgetting "start/stop". It is different from IP model for "new users", where the pot doesn't turn on automatically with setting function.
Price (6-quart model)	Often slightly more, various lines vary price point.	Lower cost.

Who Might Prefer Which Multi-Cooker

So, after reviewing all the details about each appliance, which one is the better fit?

Let's be straightforward. Some users own both types of cookers and alternate between cooking methods. Individuals prioritize what suits their counter space.

Perhaps you enjoy experimenting and prefer the slightly thicker yogurt options for fine-tuning recipes. The ideal choice may depend on your personal preferences.

If budget is a major concern, it will significantly influence your final decision, as excellent pricing options are available. Appliance prices fluctuate. Also, never disregard the importance of important safety features.

Remember when we mentioned the simplicity of the default settings? The multi-cooker test indicates that there can be adjustment issues for those accustomed to only "Instant Pot Recipes."

Choose based on your specific needs and circumstances; don't be swayed by new gadgets.

Conclusion

It all truly comes down to your individual preferences, available space, and intended uses. Do you have a large family or multiple households, requiring a constant supply of extra food?

Is functionality your primary concern? All these things are to be considered before making your final decision. Either way, happy pressure cooking!