Comparing Those All-in-One Cookers
Hey, so you know how everyone’s trying to make cooking easier and faster these days? There are two big names out there right now that lots of people are looking at. They both promise to do a bunch of different things, like pressure cooking super fast and air frying to get things crispy. We’re talking about the Instant Pot Pro Crisp and the Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 SmartLid. It can be a bit confusing to pick one, right? Let me tell you what I found out.
First, let’s talk about the Instant Pot Pro Crisp. You probably know Instant Pot, they’re famous for pressure cooking. This Pro Crisp model is like their super version. It basically takes a pressure cooker and an air fryer and puts them into one machine. It’s built really solid, especially the inside pot which is stainless steel. You can even sauté stuff at hotter temperatures with this one. It does about 11 different things, like slow cooking, sous vide, and even dehydrating. The main thing to know about it is that it comes with two separate lids. One lid is for when you want to pressure cook, and the other, which is a bit bigger, is for air frying and other things like roasting. So, you have to swap them out depending on what you’re making.
Then there’s the Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 SmartLid. Ninja designed this one to be super convenient. Its big selling point is its “SmartLid.” Unlike the Instant Pot, this one only has one lid. It’s permanently attached, and you just slide a little button on it to switch between pressure cooking, air frying, or this cool new “Combi-Steam” mode. That single lid really helps cut down on clutter in your kitchen. This Combi-Steam thing is pretty unique. It uses steam to keep your food really juicy inside, while still getting it nice and crispy on the outside. Imagine super juicy chicken that’s also crispy! It also has a nonstick pot inside, which is different from the Instant Pot’s stainless steel one.
Both of these machines are really good at what they do. They definitely make cooking quicker and more flexible. They’re both top-notch kitchen gadgets, but they kind of aim for slightly different people.
If you like the sound of a sturdy, straightforward appliance that combines two great functions, and you trust the Instant Pot brand, the Pro Crisp is a fantastic choice. It does a great job with both pressure cooking and air frying. Plus, it’s usually a bit cheaper, which is nice.
But if you’re really into new ideas, ultimate ease of use, and getting truly unique cooking results – especially that “crispy outside, juicy inside” from the Combi-Steam – then the Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 SmartLid might be worth the extra money. That SmartLid system and the special steam functions make it feel like a more advanced, all-in-one cooking system.
Honestly, picking the “better” one really just depends on how you like to cook, how much space you have, and what features matter most to you. Both will make your home cooking better, for sure. But I’d say the Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 SmartLid probably has a slight edge because it’s so easy to use with that single lid and its cool Combi-Steam features really stand out.
They both do a great job at getting things crispy, like air-fried chips. But the Ninja Foodi often feels a little faster and more efficient when air frying, probably because of its integrated lid and strong heating element. The Instant Pot Pro Crisp still makes things super crispy, but some people find the Ninja’s dedicated lid design for crisping just a bit more handy.
A few other unique things: the Instant Pot Pro Crisp’s inner pot can actually go on your stovetop, so you can sear things right there! It also comes with a steam rack and a special multi-level air fry basket. The Ninja Foodi’s main unique thing is, of course, that SmartLid Slider that smoothly changes modes. It comes with a reversible rack and a special crisping plate. Don’t forget that dedicated Combi-Steam function for super juicy results too.
Switching between cooking modes is generally smoother with the Ninja Foodi because you just slide that button on the SmartLid. No need to take one lid off and put another on like with the Instant Pot Pro Crisp. Both of them have non-stick pots or easy-to-clean accessories, which is a big plus for cleanup.
They both come in similar sizes, like an 8-quart, so they’re good for most families. When it comes to value, again, it depends on what you care about. If you already like Instant Pots and want to be able to sear on the stove, the Pro Crisp might be great. But the Ninja Foodi usually feels like it earns its slightly higher price tag with all its innovations.
