Which pressure cooker is the best for me? I have asked that question in the past. Let’s take a look at the Instant Pot versus Ninja Instant Cooker comparison.
In this guide, I will be comparing the Instant Pot and Ninja Instant Cooker.
The Instant Pot and Ninja Instant Cooker are definitely not the only options in the pressure cooker universe (commonly referred to as PCU).
However, they are also the only options in a way that puts them so far ahead of the competition.
The “Instant Pot versus Ninja Instant Cooker” debate has gained the reputation of being at the center of numerous articles, YouTube reviews, and Reddit threads.
You will also find one popping up in autofill when you Google the other, and they are also both favorites of Prime Day, Black Friday, and doubtless the Prime Early Access Sale.
So, let’s go about placing them together and comparing them, Instant Pot vs. Ninja Instant Cooker.
Instant Pot vs Ninja Instant Cooker: What Do These Machines Do?
A range of appliances is offered by both Instant Pot and Ninja Foodi. They are designed to perform several different cooking tasks.
Their offer ranges from rice cookers to blenders, but for this comparison, I will be focusing on the multi-cookers that each brand offers.
The first Instant Pot was designed to cook food at extremely high temperatures in a securely airtight pot, and the same goes for Ninja Foodi machines.
However, both manufacturers have since varied through the launches of the air fryers, the Instant Vortex Plus, and the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer.
The fact is that both Ninja Foodi machines and Instant Pots perform various functions in one, and their performances range from pressure cooking to rice cooking to slow cooking.
Instant Pot versus Ninja Instant Cooker: Price
As you know, both brands, Ninja and Instant Pot, manufacture a great number of appliances, so I will compare the price ranges of the Instant Pot Duo Crisp, which has 11 functions, and the Ninja Foodi, which is an 11-in-1 pressure cooker.
The price range for the Ninja one-lid multi-cookers is $119, although it is more costly, whereas, on the other hand, the price range for the Instant Pot is just under $189.
Overall, I will say that Ninja Foodi machines are usually more costly compared to most Instant Pot cookers.
And, you will doubtlessly find Instant Pots on sale. You can buy an Instant Pot, the Instant Pot Duo, for about $89. This model has been around for some time now.
Instant Pot versus Ninja Instant Cooker: Design
One of the most distinguishable characteristics of the Ninja Foodi’s design is the large size of its multi-cookers.
For instance, the 6.5-quart Ninja Foodi is 17 inches wide, 13 inches long, and 14 inches deep. It weighs approximately 25 pounds. That’s massive.
However, when it comes to the design of Instant Pots, they are more closely packed. In comparison to Ninja Foodi cookers, Instant Pots come in smaller quart sizes.
You shouldn’t pass on Instant Pots if you are staying alone or have a small family.
And, contrary to the lid design of Instant Pot, you can’t take off the lid of Ninja Foodi’s Air Crisp completely.
You might have difficulties when it comes to cleaning the exterior of the Ninja Foodi.
It is also hard to lift the lid completely on some kitchen counters without having to hit the cabinets’ underside.
So, the one-lid design means you won’t need to find storage space for an additional lid in your kitchen.
However, I love the interactive control panel on the Ninja Foodi. With the help of a sliding lid, you can use it to switch between steam crisping, pressure cooking, and air frying.
Compared to the Instant Pot, it is a more avant-garde model, but the hinged lid can cause quite some difficulties in some kitchens.
Ease of Use
Let’s look at the Ninja FD401 Foodi 8-qt. 9-in-1 Deluze XL Cooker. It is a 9-in-1 air frying and pressure cooking device.
Both appliances are quite undemanding with regard to their operation. Just use the air frying lid when you want to use a dry function such as broil, air fry, bake, or dehydrate.
And you are to use the pressure cooking lid when you want to use the pressure cooking function.
However, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp might be a bit simpler to use, considering the fact that you can fully remove both lids.
Also, most of the cooking functions are controlled by touch buttons. In comparison with the Instant Pot Duo Crisp, it can be quite a task when it comes to the buttons of Ninja Foodi.
Ninja Foodi is also hefty, which makes storing it more difficult. In comparison to the Duo Crisp, the inner pot of Ninja Foodi is superior at managing entire meat cuts.
It also has a reversible rack, which makes certain recipes more straightforward. This is another point worth considering when it comes to the Instant Pot versus Ninja Instant Cooker.
Instant Pot versus Ninja Instant Cooker: Which Should You Buy?
So far, both Instant Pot and Ninja Instant Cooker are both great cookers to own in your kitchen.
Are you at a crossroads on which to choose between an Instant Pot versus a Ninja cooker? The subsequent paragraphs will provide more insights for you.
For the High-Tech Buyer: Ninja Foodi
I love the smooth and forward-looking design of the Ninja Foodi, and how comprehensive its range of functions is.
It displays that it is designed with air frying front and center. The machine is massive, and you can’t move it easily around your kitchen.
I also think it is the best option for people who are not limited to their kitchen cabinets. The hinged lid can cause some difficulties.
Even so, there’s no doubt that this is the best choice and it is deserving of the extra cost for most buyers.
For the Pressure-Cooking Traditionalist: Instant Pot
To begin with, I thought the Instant Pot was a pressure cooker, but it has the option of getting one with a perfectly functional air frying lid.
The Instant Pot is your best option if all you want is to make daily bakes and stews. It is also an inexpensive option.
Instant Pot versus Ninja Instant Cooker: Final Thoughts
Both multi-cookers quicken the cooking time, so the choice of whether you should go for an Instant Pot or a Ninja Foodi is based on your preference.
Instant Pot has a WiFi-enabled cooker, so if you want an app that can control the cooker and also check the progress of the food when you are away from the counter, I think your options are pretty clear.
The truth is that there are no great differences between these two popular brands, so you just need to consider some factors when you want to decide which is best for you.
Some factors include how much cooking space you have to store a multicooker, your budget, the size capacity that is best for your needs, and so on.
I’m sure this guide on “Instant Pot versus Ninja Instant Cooker” will help you decide which one you are to go for.