Kitchen Buying Guide

Best Multicookers for a First Apartment

The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 is the multicooker most first apartments should buy — it folds a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker and steamer into one affordable, beginner-friendly pot.

Updated August 2026 • 5 picks compared

★ Best Overall · Best for First Apartments

Instant Pot

Duo 7-in-1 (6 Qt)

Seven appliances in one pot, and it's the one everybody already trusts.

This is the multicooker most people mean when they say 'Instant Pot.' It pressure cooks, slow cooks, steams, sautes and makes rice, so you can retire a few gadgets you don't have room for anyway.

Replaces 5-6 single-use appliances
Huge beginner recipe community
Inner pot and lid are dishwasher-safe
Usually one of the cheaper name-brand options

6 qt takes real counter or cabinet space
Steam release is a little loud

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Best Compact

Instant Pot

Duo Mini 7-in-1 (3 Qt)

The full Duo experience shrunk down to fit a studio kitchen.

Same seven jobs as the standard Duo in a 3-quart body about the size of a coffee maker. Perfect if you cook for yourself or a couple and counter space is precious.

Tiny footprint fits crowded counters
Great for single servings and sides
Same simple Instant Pot controls
Light enough to stash in a cabinet

Too small for batch cooking or leftovers
Standard recipes need scaling down

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Best Budget

Crock-Pot

Express 6-Qt (2100467)

The familiar slow-cooker name, now with pressure cooking, for the least money.

If you just want one affordable pot that pressure cooks and slow cooks without a big learning curve, the Express is the easy call. Same brand your family's crock pot probably came from.

Usually the cheapest name-brand pick
Simple buttons, gentle learning curve
Nonstick pot lifts out for easy cleanup
Roomy 6 qt for soups and chili

Nonstick coating needs gentle handling
Fewer preset programs than Instant Pot

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Best All-in-One

Ninja

Foodi 14-in-1 SmartLid (6.5 Qt, OL501)

Pressure cooks and air fries under one lid, so it replaces two machines a small kitchen can't fit.

The Foodi's SmartLid crisps and air-fries on top of pressure and slow cooking, so one appliance covers dinner and the crispy stuff. This saves the most counter space if you'd otherwise buy an air fryer too.

Pressure cooker and air fryer in one
Crisps wings, fries and roasts
14 functions cover nearly everything
Two-layer rack cooks a full small meal

Bigger and heavier than a plain Instant Pot
Priciest pick, more parts to wash

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Best Step-Up

Instant Pot

Duo Plus 9-in-1 (6 Qt)

The Duo with a quieter steam release and extra programs like sous vide and sterilize.

If you want to grow into cooking, the Duo Plus adds sous vide, sterilize and a whisper-quiet steam release to the standard Duo. Same size, a little more range for not much more money.

Quieter, less startling steam release
Adds sous vide and sterilize modes
Easy-read screen shows cooking progress
Same trusted Instant Pot platform

Costs more than the plain Duo
Extra modes are more than some beginners need

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Compare all 5

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Product	Best for	Capacity	Functions	Price ($–$$$$)
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 (6 Qt)	Most first apartments	6 qt	7-in-1	$$$	Check price →
Instant Pot Duo Mini 7-in-1 (3 Qt)	One or two people	3 qt	7-in-1	$$	Check price →
Crock-Pot Express 6-Qt (2100467)	Lowest price	6 qt	8-in-1	$$	Check price →
Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 SmartLid (6.5 Qt, OL501)	Skipping an air fryer too	6.5 qt	14-in-1	$$$$	Check price →
Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 (6 Qt)	A few more functions	6 qt	9-in-1	$$$	Check price →

How to choose

Before you buy

01 · Match the size to how you cook

A 6-quart handles soups, chili and leftovers for two or more, while a 3-quart mini is plenty if you cook for one and counter space is tight. In a small kitchen, bigger isn't better — it just eats cabinet room you don't have.

02 · Count the appliances it replaces

The whole point in a tiny kitchen is fewer gadgets. Pressure cook, slow cook, rice and steam cover most weeknights. Step up to a Ninja Foodi only if you also want air-frying and would otherwise buy a separate machine for it.

03 · Check your outlet and counter clearance

These pull a lot of watts and vent hot steam straight up, so give them a wall outlet instead of a power strip and keep the lid area clear of cabinets. Measure the spot before you buy — with the lid open, not closed.

04 · Don't overpay for programs you won't use

Beginners rarely need yogurt or sous vide on day one. A basic Duo or Crock-Pot Express does everything a first apartment needs, and you can always step up later if you genuinely miss a feature.