Today I want to talk to you about two great pressure cookers. One is the IP DUO (the representative model for all my Instant Pot reviews) and the second one is the Crock Pot aka Crock-Pot Express.
Both have impressive features and promote the one-pot recipe system, which I love and support. Also, each of these pots will make work in the kitchen easier and safer for anyone, regardless of experience and mastery.
The Instant Pot vs Crock Pot Express comparison is part of my series where I compare my dear old Instant Pot with other similar models. My mission is to discuss other brands as well (like the Ninja Foodi or the Insignia), so everyone can find the perfect product for their kitchen.
As usual, I reviewed both products and drew a few pros & cons for each. I’ll also let you know my overall conclusion and thoughts, so make sure to read until the end!
Well, the basic function of both cookers is similar. If you already know how to use the Instant Pot, you won’t have any trouble operating the Express Crock. One area where Instant Pot still reigns is in its programmability and the variety of preset options available.
Instant Pot vs Crock Pot Comparison Table Model
I’ve used the DUO 60 for a lot of recipes and I can say, without a doubt, that it is reliable, safe to use, and versatile.
I love that it comes with a stainless steel inner pot (so I can turn it into a fryer whenever I want) and that, besides the 14 pre-set programs, it has a Manual mode that lets you go crazy. In addition, all the accessories, including the 3-ply bottom inner pot, are dishwasher-safe, so it’s extremely easy to clean.
As you can expect from an Instant Pot product, it has 10 safety mechanisms, a user-friendly interface, and cooks everything up to 70% faster. It’s also the perfect way to free some space in your kitchen due to the 7-in-1 configuration (pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker and warmer).
I like that I can just put the ingredients inside, place the lid on top, set everything up, and do other tasks while the food is being safely cooked. If anything goes awry, the pot will stop the cooking and flash an error warning, so the risk of food burning is extremely low.
Overall, it’s a great pressure cooker with additional functions that can be used for anything from soups, stews, chicken, beef, rice, yogurt, and even desserts!
Pros
- Easy to handle and use
- Replaces other 7 appliances in the kitchen
- Stainless steel inner pot
- Versatile & user-friendly
- 10 safety mechanisms designed to keep accidents away
- Can be turned into a fryer (with the right accessories)
- Available in threes sizes
- Amazing value for the price
Cons
- The steam release valve is operated manually
- The power cord is a bit short
- It can’t be used for sterilization purposes
- The silicone sealing ring retains smells
Crock Pot Review
This electric cooker is very similar to the Instant Pot Duo or Duo Nova. It’s a 6-quart (only size available) stainless steel design that can be used for slow cooking, pressure cooking, browning and sauté, or steaming.
The control panel is a bit bigger than the one usually found on Instant Pot products, but it’s also more aery, with more space in between the buttons. As such, there are only eight pre-set meal settings, but there is one specially designed for dessert (which is missing from the DUO).
The inner pot is a non-stick model, which can be a bit off-putting, especially after you’ve worked with a stainless steel inner pot. Still, it is dishwasher safe and so are the accessories (steaming rack and serving spoon). However, this means you can’t use it as a fryer (if there is such a possibility).
The lid is a bit different, but it has an airtight locking lid that stays sealed under pressure, so the risk of an accidental opening is non-existent. Also, the pot has a Quick Release option, Delay Start timer, and Warm setting (like the ones available in the IP DUO).
Overall, the Crock Pot Express is quite similar to the IP DUO with a few missing features and fewer safety mechanisms. Otherwise, the pot is just as versatile and user friendly, which makes it a great contender for the IP brand.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Similar in build and features with the IP DUO
- 8 pre-set meal settings
- Large control panel
- Easy to clean in the dishwasher
Cons
- Non-stick inner pot
- The sealing ring retains smells
- Not available in other sizes or models
- The steam release valve is operated manually
Instant Pot vs Crock Pot: Which Should You Buy
FAQ
Is the Crock-Pot Express as good as Instant Pot?
Can Crock-Pot be substituted for Instant Pot?
What is a crock pot Express?
Why is an Instant Pot better than a crock pot?
What is the difference between Instant Pot vs crock-pot Express?
Both of these multi-cookers are faster and easier than preparing meals on a stovetop and offer hands-off cooking that frees you to do other things. Here’s what we found in our Instant Pot vs. Crock-Pot Express Crock face-off. These multi-cookers, both backed by a one-year warranty, are similar in many ways. They:
Is Crock-Pot express a souped-up crock-pot?
Update: In November 2020, the Crock-Pot Express Crock multi-cooker was recalled. For full details, read ” Crock-Pot Recalls More Than 940,000 Multi-Cookers .” This article was originally published in March 2018. The hugely popular Instant Pot has been referred to as “a souped-up Crock-Pot.”
Does an instant pot cook faster than a crock pot?
An Instant-Pot can cook food much faster than a Crock-Pot and even quicker than conventional cooking methods too—according to the Instant Pot manufacturers, it can cook a meal up to six times faster than a regular, stove-top cooking time.
Do you need an Instant Pot or a crock pot?
The weather is cool outside and that means one thing: soup and stew season is upon us! If you love to make soups and stews, then you need to get an Instant Pot or a Crock-Pot ( slow cooker ). These amazing appliances sit on your countertop and save you from having the stovetop or oven on all afternoon.