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!
Table of Contents
Instant Pot vs Crock Pot Comparison Table
Instant Pot Duo Review
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
Which One Should I Buy?
As it’s easy to notice, the two pots are similar and the price is more or less the same. However, there is a slight difference in the type of accessories you receive in the box.
So here are my immediate thoughts after the review of each product:
Choose Instant Pot If…
- You’re particularly interested in the brand
- There’s a chance you’ll buy the extra accessories needed for air frying
- You want a stainless steel inner pot
- You want to be a part of the Instant Pot community
- The added safety elements make you feel better about this purchase
Choose Crock Pot If…
- You’re a fan of the Crock-Pot brand
- These are the only features you’ll ever need from an electric pressure cooker
- You don’t mind the non-stick inner pot
- You like a bigger LED screen and control panel
Overall, regardless of your preferences, I am sure you will be happy. Both cookers offer impressive value for the money. Lastly, even though the Crock Pot is a bit stingier when it comes to safety mechanisms, it doesn’t mean it isn’t safe to use. Instant Pot is more invested in developing new models on this line, so they focused more on ensuring the safety of their products.
In addition, Instant Pot managed to create a large online community, which is also an attraction point. People share recipes (new and old), discuss accessories, and provide beginners with valuable advice. As such, if you want to be part of an invested cooking community, you may want to choose the Instant Pot.
Cpe comes in 6,8,and 10qt.