The best multi cooker in NZ overall is the Ninja Combi 14-in-1 Multicooker, a genuinely versatile all-rounder that combines pressure cooking with a full air fryer and oven, covering more of the kitchen than a standard pressure cooker alone.
Multi cookers have moved well beyond the basic pressure cooker and slow cooker combo, now covering air frying, searing, yoghurt making and app-controlled cooking in one appliance. This guide compares ten multi cookers currently available, judged on capacity, cooking functions, build quality and everyday practicality rather than spec sheets alone.
Each pick lists an honest trade-off alongside what it does well, because a compact 3-in-1 for a small household and a 14-in-1 countertop oven for a big family solve very different problems. Use the comparison table for a quick overview, then read the full picks. Anyone building out the rest of the kitchen might also want to check the guides to air fryers and rice cookers.
Quick comparison
| Rank | Multi cooker | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ninja Combi 14-in-1 Multicooker | Best overall / most versatile |
| 2 | Instant Pot Pro Plus WiFi Multi Cooker | Best smart/app-connected |
| 3 | Breville the Fast Slow Pro | Best premium |
| 4 | Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Multicooker | Best classic all-rounder |
| 5 | CUCKOO 7.5L Multi Cooker | Best large family-size |
| 6 | Russell Hobbs 11-in-1 Digital Multicooker | Best value |
| 7 | Ninja Hyperheat 9-in-1 Multicooker | Best for searing and browning |
| 8 | Midea 6L Electric Pressure Cooker | Best budget |
| 9 | Cuisinart Cook Central 3-in-1 Multicooker | Best simple 3-in-1 for beginners |
| 10 | Panasonic 10 Cup Premium Rice & Multi Cooker | Best for rice cooking |
1. Ninja Combi 14-in-1 Multicooker – Best overall / most versatile
The Ninja Combi is less a multi cooker than a compact combi oven that happens to sit on the bench, and it earns that description through its party trick: HyperSteam and Air Fry running together so a family meal of protein, vegetables and grains finishes in around 15 minutes. It is finished in sea salt grey with a glass viewing window on the lid, handy for checking progress, though this is an air-fry style lid rather than a pressure lid, so it is not a pressure cooker substitute.
The 10 litre combi pan, bake tray and crisper plate are all dishwasher safe, and Ninja rates it for a 2.7kg roast chicken, 900g of fries or four cups of dry rice in one go, backing up the family-sized billing. Controls are straightforward physical buttons rather than a touchscreen or app, keeping the learning curve manageable across the 14 programs, which include combi meals, combi crisp, combi bake, air fry, steam, slow cook, sear/saute, pizza and toast. The genuine trade-off is size and weight: at just under 10kg it demands serious bench real estate and is not something you casually shift in and out of a cupboard, and it has no dedicated pressure-cook function like the Instant Pot models in this guide.
Pros
- Cooks a complete multi-component family meal in about 15 minutes via combined steam and air fry
- Genuinely broad 14-function spread covering bake, roast, grill, steam, dehydrate and more
- Dishwasher-safe pan, tray and crisper plate make cleanup simple
Cons
- Large, heavy footprint (almost 10kg) that eats up bench space
- No true pressure-cook mode, unlike the Instant Pot and Breville units in this list
- Glass lid window can fog with steam during combi cooking
Key specs: 10L combi pan capacity, 14 functions, air-fry style glass lid, button control panel, sea salt grey finish, model SFP701ANZ.
2. Instant Pot Pro Plus WiFi Multi Cooker – Best smart/app-connected
This is the multi cooker for anyone who wants to start dinner from the couch, and its standout feature is genuine remote control via the Instant Brands Connect app over WiFi, rather than app control being a bolted-on afterthought. It carries a locking pressure lid rather than an air-fry lid, so the 5.7 litre stainless steel bowl is built purely around pressure, slow cook, rice, steam, saute, yogurt, canning, sous vide and warming duties across 10 functions, plus a NutriBoost setting.
The finish is understated brushed metal with a clear, easy-to-read touch display, and Instant Brands backs it with an Easy Seal locking lid and more than 11 safety features including overheat protection. Cleaning is straightforward thanks to a removable, dishwasher-safe stainless inner pot rather than a coating that can wear out. One-touch steam release and app-controlled venting cut down on hovering over the machine mid-cook. The honest trade-off is that first-time setup of the WiFi pairing and app account adds a step that a purely manual Instant Pot does not require, and there is no air-fry basket here, so anyone wanting crisping duty will need a separate appliance or a different model in the range.
Pros
- Genuine WiFi app control and remote programming via Instant Brands Connect, not just a marketing label
- Dishwasher-safe stainless steel inner pot rather than non-stick
- One-touch steam release plus 11+ safety features including Easy Seal locking lid
Cons
- WiFi pairing and app setup add an extra step versus a fully manual multi cooker
- No air-fry function or basket included
- Manual steam venting is still loud, as with any pressure cooker
Key specs: 5.7L capacity, 10-in-1 functions, stainless steel inner pot, WiFi touch control via Instant Brands Connect app, model 112-0202-01-AU.
3. Breville the Fast Slow Pro – Best premium
Breville’s Fast Slow Pro is what you buy once you have outgrown a basic pressure cooker and want the fussy details handled for you, and its brushed stainless steel body backs that up. Its 6 litre bowl is ceramic coated rather than plain stainless, and doubles as a serving dish once cooking is done, a nice touch for smaller households not needing the bulkier capacities elsewhere in this guide. The removable, hinged lid houses dual temperature and pressure sensors at top and bottom of the bowl, feeding a guided LCD display that shows real-time build-up, cooking and release phases rather than leaving you guessing.
Where it earns its premium positioning is eight distinct pressure levels (10 to 80kPa) plus three programmable slow-cook settings from two to ten hours, and a genuinely notable hands-free steam release with Quick, Pulse and Natural modes so you are not manually cracking a valve. Build quality feels solid with a stainless steel trivet and steamer basket included as standard. The honest trade-offs are price and capacity: at 6 litres it is smaller than the Instant Pot Duo or Cuckoo in this list, the ceramic-coated bowl needs a little more care than solid stainless, and there is no air-fry function on this model.
Pros
- Hands-free steam release with Quick, Pulse and Natural modes removes manual venting guesswork
- Dual sensors and guided LCD give precise, real-time feedback through the whole cook
- Ceramic-coated bowl doubles neatly as a serving dish
Cons
- Smaller 6L capacity than the Instant Pot Duo or Cuckoo in this guide
- Premium price point relative to basic multi cookers
- Ceramic coating needs gentler care than a plain stainless pot
Key specs: 6L ceramic-coated bowl, 8 pressure levels plus 3 slow-cook settings, guided LCD display, brushed stainless steel finish, model BPR700BSS.
4. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Multicooker – Best classic all-rounder
The Duo is the multi cooker most Kiwi kitchens already know by name, and it earns that reputation by simply doing the fundamentals reliably. It replaces seven separate appliances, pressure cooker, rice cooker, slow cooker, steamer, saute pan, yogurt maker and food warmer, inside one compact stainless steel shell with a locking pressure lid. The dishwasher-safe inner pot is stainless steel rather than non-stick, and is free from BPA, PFOA and PTFE, which matters for anyone wary of coated cookware. Thirteen customisable smart programs cover one-touch cooking for the basics, and Instant Brands says it runs up to 70 percent faster and uses up to 80 percent less energy than traditional cooking methods, backed by more than ten built-in safety features including overheat protection and a safe locking lid. The control panel is a simple button-and-LED setup rather than a touchscreen, which keeps things fuss-free but does mean less visual feedback than the Pro Plus or Breville models here. Genuine trade-offs are the lack of WiFi or app control, a learning curve on manual pressure release for newcomers, and the same loud steam-venting hiss common to every pressure-lid multi cooker.
Pros
- Genuinely replaces seven separate kitchen appliances in one 5.7L unit
- Stainless steel inner pot free from BPA, PFOA and PTFE, and dishwasher safe
- 13 smart programs cover most everyday cooking without a manual
Cons
- No WiFi or app control, unlike the Pro Plus
- Basic button-and-LED panel gives less real-time feedback than higher-end models
- Manual steam release is loud and takes some getting used to
Key specs: 5.7L stainless steel inner pot, 7-in-1 functions across 13 smart programs, button/LED control panel, model 112-0181-01-AU.
5. CUCKOO 7.5L Multi Cooker – Best large family-size
Built for households that regularly cook for a crowd, the CUCKOO CMC-BSN801F carries a 7.5 litre capacity that is the largest in this guide by a clear margin. The inner pot is stainless steel, described by Cuckoo as a full 304-grade construction, and it is removable for easier serving, handling and cleaning rather than relying on a non-stick coating. Housed in a sleek black finish with a compact, space-saving footprint despite its size, it runs on a dial-and-button control setup paired with an LCD display rather than a touchscreen, keeping the interface simple if a little less flashy than app-connected rivals. Cuckoo markets it as a 16-in-1 appliance, with rice, steaming, soup and stew, saute, slow cooking and keep-warm functions plus a genuinely notable high-pressure cooking mode drawing on Cuckoo’s Korean pressure-cooker heritage. At close to 10kg it is also one of the heaviest units in this guide, which is the clearest trade-off alongside its more basic control interface and narrower New Zealand retail availability compared with the Instant Pot and Ninja ranges, meaning shoppers may need to check stock carefully before committing.
Pros
- Largest capacity in this list at 7.5 litres, suited to big families or batch cooking
- Full 304 stainless steel inner pot rather than a non-stick coating
- High-pressure cooking mode drawing on Cuckoo’s dedicated pressure-cooker heritage
Cons
- Heaviest model here at close to 10kg, needing a permanent spot on the bench
- Simpler dial/LCD control panel with no WiFi or app features
- Narrower NZ retail availability than the Instant Pot or Ninja ranges
Key specs: 7.5L capacity, 16-in-1 functions, 304 stainless steel inner pot, dial/button LCD control, model CMC-BSN801F.
6. Russell Hobbs 11-in-1 Digital Multicooker – Best value
A dependable all-rounder that nails the basics without fuss, the Russell Hobbs RHPC3000 sits in a rounded black body with a hinged, locking lid that clicks down for pressure cooking and lifts off cleanly for slow cooking and sauteing, staying compact enough for most benchtops. The matte black plastic housing and a simple digital LED display window give it a look that will blend into most kitchens rather than stand out. The 6L pot is coated non-stick and lifts out for dishwasher cleaning, while the locking lid and pressure-release valve are the main safety-related touchpoints.
The control panel runs to eleven modes in total, split between eight pressure-cook programs (soup/curry, pot roast, rice, risotto, steam) and three non-pressure modes for slow cooking, sauteing and even bake/yoghurt duty, plus delayed start and auto keep-warm so dinner does not go cold waiting. As a pressure cooker it should get rice and risotto done quickly, and the built-in saute function means browning meat before pressure cooking does not need a separate pan. The trade-off is that this is a value-focused unit, so it lacks a searing-specific heat boost, and the absence of a viewing window means checking progress requires releasing pressure first. A trivet, serving spoon and rice measuring cup round out a genuinely well-equipped package for the price point.
Pros
- 11 versatile cooking modes covering pressure, slow cook, saute and baking
- Dishwasher-safe non-stick pot for easy cleanup
- Delayed start and auto keep-warm for flexible meal timing
Cons
- Matte black plastic housing feels basic rather than premium
- No viewing window, so the lid must be opened to check progress
- No dedicated searing/browning boost like pricier multicookers
Key specs: 6L capacity, 11 functions, non-stick inner pot, digital LED control panel, model RHPC3000.
7. Ninja Hyperheat 9-in-1 Multicooker – Best for searing and browning
The standout feature here is genuine stovetop-style searing built into a pressure cooker. The 6L SimpliServe pot sits in a dark grey housing sized to feed 8 to 10 people from one pot. The dark grey plastic body, also sold in a lighter Blue Macaron colourway, pairs with a simple digital control panel, styled more for the countertop than for showing off. The 24cm ceramic non-stick cooking surface is marketed as 100 percent PFAS-free and is designed to lift straight from cooker to table. Nine functions are selected via the digital panel, pressure cook, sous vide, slow cook, sear/saute, rice, pasta, steam, yoghurt and keep warm, covering most cooking styles in one appliance. The genuinely notable feature is Ninja’s HyperHeat technology, a 1200W element that preheats and builds pressure fast enough to sear or brown food directly in the pot before pressure cooking, with claims of cooking up to twice as fast as a slow cooker; rice is quoted at around eight minutes and quinoa about five, excluding time to build and release pressure. The trade-off is size: at 6.6kg and a wide footprint it is one of the bulkier multicookers to store, and the sear function runs hotter than a basic slow cooker, so it demands closer attention during browning. For anyone who wants a genuine sear before slow cooking or pressure cooking, this is the multicooker built around exactly that.
Pros
- HyperHeat technology allows genuine searing and browning in the same pot
- Nine cooking functions including sous vide and pasta
- PFAS-free ceramic non-stick pot goes straight from cooker to table
Cons
- Bulky and heavy at 6.6kg, needing dedicated storage space
- Sear function runs hot, needing closer attention when browning
- Only two colour options (dark grey or blue macaron)
Key specs: 6L capacity, 9 functions, PFAS-free ceramic non-stick pot, digital control panel, model PC201ANZ.
8. Midea 6L Electric Pressure Cooker – Best budget
A no-frills pressure cooker that covers the essentials without asking much of the user, the Midea MPC60010 has a 6L non-stick inner pot inside a rounded stainless steel-finished housing with a side carry handle and a hinged, locking lid for pressure cooking. The black-toned stainless steel exterior pairs with a simple LED display set into the front control panel, functional rather than flashy. The inner pot is a non-stick coated liner that lifts out for dishwasher cleaning, while the lid carries the lid lock, anti-block cover and pressure-limiting valve that make up part of its ten listed safety features. The control panel runs to 12 preset programs selected via touch buttons, with a 24-hour delay timer for setting dishes to start later and an easy-release steam switch for venting pressure without fuss. As a straightforward 12-in-1 pressure cooker it handles the multicooker basics, rice, soup, stews, slow cooking, competently, though it does not carry a marquee feature like a searing boost or a fuzzy-logic algorithm to set it apart. The safety features are reassuring for pressure-cooking newcomers, but the trade-off is a fairly generic feature set with fewer specialty modes than pricier rivals, and the steam valve on the lid needs a bit more manual attention than the dishwasher-safe pot. Solid, unfussy and easy to live with day to day.
Pros
- 12 versatile preset programs cover most everyday cooking needs
- Ten safety features including lid lock and pressure-limiting valve
- Dishwasher-safe non-stick inner pot for easy cleanup
Cons
- No standout specialty feature like searing or fuzzy-logic rice cooking
- Steam valve and lid need manual attention beyond the dishwasher-safe pot
- Basic LED display rather than a full touchscreen
Key specs: 6L capacity, 12 functions, non-stick inner pot, LED control panel, model MPC60010.
9. Cuisinart Cook Central 3-in-1 Multicooker – Best simple 3-in-1 for beginners
A simple, no-nonsense 3-in-1 that suits anyone stepping up from a basic slow cooker, the Cuisinart MSC-600XA has a 5.7L capacity in a rectangular brushed stainless steel housing, with an oval, non-stick cooking pot and a hinged lid. The brushed stainless steel exterior pairs with a blue backlit LCD display window set into the front panel, giving it a tidier, more finished look than plastic-bodied rivals. The 5.7L pot uses a PFOA-free non-stick coating and is removable and dishwasher-safe, and the unit includes a stainless steel steaming tray for the steam function.
Only three functions are on offer, slow cook, brown/saute and steam, but each is fully programmable through the LCD panel with manual time and temperature adjustment up to 200 degrees Celsius, a 24-hour timer, and an automatic keep-warm mode plus an end-of-cooking chime once things are done. Because sauteing and slow cooking happen in the same pot, there is no need to brown meat in a separate pan before switching to a slow simmer, and the temperature range is wide enough for genuine browning rather than just gentle heat. The trade-off is that with only three functions, it does not do rice, yoghurt or pressure cooking, so buyers wanting a true all-in-one appliance will need to look elsewhere; it also takes up a reasonably deep footprint of bench space. Straightforward operation makes it an easy first multicooker for anyone unsure about programming a more complex model.
Pros
- Brown/saute and slow cook in the same removable pot, no extra pan needed
- Blue backlit LCD with full manual time and temperature control
- PFOA-free non-stick pot is dishwasher-safe and includes a steaming tray
Cons
- Only three functions, no rice, yoghurt or pressure cooking modes
- Fairly deep footprint of bench space
- No sear-specific heat boost for fast browning
Key specs: 5.7L capacity, 3 functions, PFOA-free non-stick inner pot, LCD control panel, model MSC-600XA.
10. Panasonic 10 Cup Premium Rice & Multi Cooker – Best for rice cooking
Built specifically around getting rice right, the Panasonic SR-DL184WST sits in a compact white housing with a hinged lid and a footprint that suits smaller kitchens, rated for up to 10 cups of uncooked rice in its 1.8L capacity. The white plastic housing pairs with a touch control panel and LED display, a clean, appliance-store look rather than a design statement. The standout element is the inner pot itself, a binchotan charcoal-coated non-stick pan designed to use the charcoal’s far-infrared effect to carry heat evenly into the rice. Ten preset menus cover white rice, quick/quinoa, brown rice, multigrain, sticky rice, porridge, cake, steam, soup and a waterless-cooking mode, plus a 24-hour delay timer and 24-hour keep warm, all selected through the touch panel. What sets this apart is Panasonic’s Fuzzy Logic microcomputer control paired with 3D heating, a triple heater system with heat coming from the base, sides and lid, so the cooker continuously adjusts temperature through each stage of cooking rather than running a single fixed cycle. The trade-off is that at a modest wattage and 1.8L it is built for rice and companion dishes rather than heavier multicooker duty like sauteing or pressure cooking, so anyone wanting searing or slow-cook stews will need a separate appliance. For a household that eats rice often and wants it cooked properly rather than as an afterthought, this is a genuinely specialised choice.
Pros
- Fuzzy Logic and 3D triple-heater system genuinely improves rice consistency
- Binchotan charcoal-coated inner pot aids even heat distribution
- Ten preset menus plus 24-hour delay timer and keep warm
Cons
- No saute, sear or pressure-cooking function, rice-focused only
- Smaller 1.8L capacity than the multicookers in this list
- Touch panel and LED display are basic rather than a full screen
Key specs: 1.8L (10-cup) capacity, 10 functions, binchotan charcoal-coated inner pot, touch/LED control panel, model SR-DL184WST.
How to choose the best multi cooker in NZ
Match the function count to how you actually cook. More functions sound appealing, but a household that mainly wants faster weeknight dinners may only use pressure cook, saute and slow cook regularly. A simple 3-in-1 or 7-in-1 can be better value than an 11-in-1 or 16-in-1 if most of the extra presets go unused.
Check the capacity against household size. Multi cookers generally range from around 3L for one or two people up to 8L for a large family or batch cooking. Bigger is not always better, since a large pot takes longer to come to pressure and takes up more storage space between uses.
Consider the inner pot material. Stainless steel inner pots are durable, safe for searing at high heat, and generally dishwasher safe, while non-stick coated pots are easier to clean but wear over time and need gentler utensils. Check what the pot is made from before assuming it will sear as well as a proper stainless steel pan.
Decide if app control and WiFi genuinely add value. Guided recipes and remote monitoring through a smartphone app suit anyone who likes following a set method precisely, but they are not essential for everyday pressure cooking and slow cooking, which mostly rely on the physical control panel anyway.
Weigh up the extras that make daily use easier. A comfortable, cool-touch handle, a wide-viewing lid or window, a locking pressure release, and easy-to-clean parts all make a genuine difference to how often the appliance gets used. Rounding out the kitchen with a good food processor or a set of induction cookware is worth planning alongside a new multi cooker.
If you are planning the whole kitchen, the guide to benchtop ovens covers the other appliances worth costing in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a multi cooker, a pressure cooker and a slow cooker?
A slow cooker cooks gently over hours with a lid you can lift to check progress. A pressure cooker seals tightly and uses built-up steam pressure to cook much faster. A multi cooker combines both methods plus extras like rice cooking, sauteing and yogurt making in one benchtop appliance.
Is a multi cooker worth buying?
It is worth it if it genuinely replaces appliances you already own. For smaller NZ households juggling a slow cooker, rice cooker, pressure cooker and steamer, one multi cooker cuts clutter and power use, though dedicated single-function appliances can still outperform it for perfect rice or crisp air frying.
What size multi cooker should I buy for a family?
General buying guides suggest around 3.5 litres for one to two people, 5 to 6 litres for a family of four, and 7.5 litres or more for large households or regular batch cooking, since a 5-6 litre pot only holds roughly 4 litres of usable food volume.
Can a multi cooker replace an air fryer?
Some multi cookers, such as the Ninja Combi, include a genuine air fry function and basket. Others rely on a round pressure-cooker pot shape that struggles with larger cuts of meat or long items, so a dedicated air fryer can still cook faster and crisp more evenly for high-volume frying.
What is the best multi cooker in NZ?
NZ reviews and retail listings consistently point to Instant Pot and Ninja as the most widely reviewed multi cooker brands locally, with Breville and Cuckoo popular as premium and large-capacity picks. The right choice depends on whether versatility, app control, premium build or family-sized capacity matters most.
Are electric pressure cookers and multi cookers safe to use?
Electric multi cookers and pressure cookers are considered safe for everyday cooking thanks to locking lids and overheat protection features. However, food safety bodies caution they are not validated for pressure canning or preserving low-acid foods, as they cannot reliably sustain the high temperatures needed to destroy botulism spores.
Verdict
There is no single best multi cooker for every NZ kitchen, only the right one for how often you cook and how many functions you will genuinely use. The Ninja Combi is the most versatile all-rounder, the Instant Pot Pro Plus WiFi is the best smart pick for guided recipes, and the Breville Fast Slow Pro is the premium choice for serious home cooks.
Budget-focused buyers are well served by the Midea 6L pressure cooker, first-time buyers by the simple Cuisinart Cook Central 3-in-1, and anyone cooking rice regularly by the Panasonic Fuzzy Logic rice and multi cooker. Match the function count and capacity to your household rather than chasing the highest number on the box, and factor in how much bench and cupboard space the unit will actually take up.
