Both the crockpot express and Instant Pot are popular kitchen appliances used for cooking food with the convenience of a slow cooker and the quick cooking time of a pressure cooker. The main differences between the two have to do with their features, functions, size options, and price points.
What is a crockpot express?
A crockpot express is a multicooker that combines a slow cooker with a pressure cooker. It allows you to cook food slowly over several hours like a traditional crockpot or to speed things up by using pressure cooking. The crockpot express has pre-programmed settings for both pressure cooking and slow cooking meals. It can pressure cook foods up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods.
Some key features of the crockpot express include:
- 6-quart ceramic coated pot for even heating
- Pressure cooking up to 70% faster
- Slow cook function
- Digital timer and keep warm setting
- Steam release switch for quick pressure release
- Automatic pressure control
- Dishwasher safe cooking pot and lid
The crockpot express comes with everything you need to start pressure cooking, slow cooking, browning/sautéing, and steaming. It has simple one-touch buttons to switch between cook functions. There are no complicated buttons or controls. The digital timer allows you to program cook times from 30 minutes up to 20 hours.
What is the Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is one of the most popular electric pressure cookers on the market. It combines 7 kitchen appliances in 1 device: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and warmer.
Some key features of the Instant Pot include:
- 6-quart stainless steel cooking pot
- Up to 70% faster cooking
- 14 smart programs for one-touch cooking
- Slow cook function
- Yogurt making capability
- Sauté function for browning and simmering
- 24-hour timer delay
- Automatic keep warm function
The Instant Pot has highly customizable programs and settings. You can adjust the pressure, temperature, and time. It has a microprocessor that monitors and adjusts heat intensity and duration. The inner pot and lid are stainless steel for even heating. The Instant Pot seals in steam to cook foods quickly using pressure. It can also cook low and slow like a traditional slow cooker.
Size Options
Both the crockpot express and Instant Pot come in different size options.
The crockpot express is available in the following sizes:
- 3-quart
- 6-quart
- 8-quart
The 3-quart size is best for 1-2 people. The 6-quart size can cook for 4-6 people. The 8-quart is ideal for large families or meal prepping.
The Instant Pot comes in these size options:
- 3-quart
- 6-quart
- 8-quart
Again, the 3-quart is good for 1-2 servings, the 6-quart for 4-6 servings, and the 8-quart for large batches. The Instant Pot also comes in a mini 3-quart size designed for side dishes, appetizers, or desserts.
Functions and Programs
The crockpot express and Instant Pot share common functions like pressure cooking, slow cooking, browning/sautéing, and keeping food warm. However, the Instant Pot offers a few more cooking programs.
Crockpot Express Functions
- High and low pressure cooking
- Slow cook on low, high, and warm settings
- Browning/sauté function
- Steam function
- Delay timer up to 24 hours
- Automatic keep warm up to 12 hours
Instant Pot Programs
- Pressure cook
- Slow cook
- Rice cooker
- Yogurt maker
- Sauté/sear
- Steam
- Warm
- 14 Smart Programs: Soup, Meat/Stew, Bean/Chili, Poultry, Sauté, Rice, Porridge, Steam, Slow Cook, Keep Warm, Yogurt, Manual/Pressure Cook, Multigrain, Egg
- Delay start timer up to 24 hours
As you can see, the Instant Pot includes a few extra programs like rice cooking, yogurt making, and specialized cook programs. The crockpot express has less customization but is still very versatile.
Design and Build
Both appliances are well-designed and durable. Here is a comparison of their construction:
| Crockpot Express | Instant Pot |
|---|---|
| 6-quart ceramic coated pot | 6-quart stainless steel pot |
| Steel exterior housing | Brushed stainless steel exterior |
| Plastic buttons and dial | Stainless steel buttons and dial |
| Plastic lid handle | Stainless steel lid handle |
The Instant Pot uses stainless steel for most exterior components while the crockpot express utilizes more plastic and ceramic. The Instant Pot may have a slight edge in terms of durability and heat resistance. But both appliances are designed to last.
Safety Features
Pressure cookers require safety features to prevent excessive pressure buildup. Here are the main safety mechanisms:
Crockpot Express Safety Features:
- Safety lid lock prevents opening while pressurized
- Anti-block shield prevents food debris from blocking vent
- Seal detection alerts you if the lid is not properly sealed
- Steam release switch for quick pressure release
Instant Pot Safety Features:
- 10 proven safety mechanisms and UL certification
- Pressure regulator maintains proper pressure level
- Anti-block shield
- Lid position detection
- Automatic temperature control
- Steam release button
Both appliances have well-designed safety features to prevent accidents. The Instant Pot highlights their UL certification and 10 safety mechanisms. But both seem equally safe based on their pressure relief valves, anti-block shields, and lid locks.
Ease of Use
The crockpot express and Instant Pot are both easy to use, even for beginners. Here is a comparison:
Crockpot Express
- Simple one-touch buttons
- Digital timer and display
- Programmed cooking functions
- Serving spoon included
- Recipe book included
Instant Pot
- Clear control panel with labeled buttons
- Large digital display
- Pre-programmed cooking functions
- Quick reference guide
- Many online recipes and resources
The Instant Pot may have a slight learning curve with its more advanced settings. But both appliances are very user-friendly for beginners. Their pre-set programs, digital interface, and included accessories make them easy to use out of the box.
Price
The Instant Pot is more expensive than the crockpot express multicooker. Here are the average prices:
Crockpot Express
- 3-quart: $60 – $80
- 6-quart: $80 – $120
- 8-quart: $130 – $160
Instant Pot
- 3-quart Mini: $80 – $120
- 6-quart: $100 – $150
- 8-quart: $140 – $200
As you can see, the Instant Pot costs about $20 – $50 more depending on size. The extra cost may be worthwhile for the stainless steel construction and additional programs. But the crockpot express models are very affordable alternatives, especially the 3-quart and 6-quart sizes.
Conclusion
The crockpot express and Instant Pot are both excellent electric multicookers. They have similar functions like pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, and sautéing. Key differences include:
- The Instant Pot has a few extra programs like making yogurt, rice cooking, and specialized smart programs.
- The Instant Pot uses stainless steel for inner pot and exterior while the crockpot express has more plastic/ceramic.
- The Instant Pot highlights more safety certifications and mechanisms.
- The Instant Pot has more customizable settings and manual programming.
- The crockpot express is generally more affordable.
For most home cooks, the crockpot express has everything needed for easy multicooking at a budget price point. The Instant Pot is ideal for cooks who want maximum features and customization. But both appliances will allow you to cook dishes 70% faster than traditional methods using their pressure cooking functions. They take the place of multiple appliances like rice cookers, slow cookers, and steamers. Overall, the choice comes down to your needs and budget. You may also consider the larger 8-quart size if cooking for more people. Either appliance will upgrade your kitchen with the flexible convenience of a multicooker.