In our testing, the Instant Pot Duo definitively outperforms traditional slow cookers for fast, versatile weeknight dinners, while the Crock-Pot Cook ‘N Carry remains the undisputed champion for transporting spill-free, low-and-slow party meals. We put both appliances head-to-head to determine exactly which cooking style deserves your counter space.
| Feature | Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker | Crock-Pot Cook’ N Carry 6-Quart Slow Cooker |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $109.99 | $78.20 |
| Rating | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| Best For | Buy the Instant Pot Duo if you’re a busy person who often fo… | Buy the Crock-Pot Cook ‘N Carry if you are the designated po… |
| Key Feature | Unmatched versatility with 7 cooking functions in one device. | Incredibly easy to use with a simple three-setting dial. |
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker
Crock-Pot Cook' N Carry 6-Quart Slow Cooker
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
Owning the Instant Pot Duo feels like you’ve unlocked a kitchen cheat code. The promise of cooking up to 70% faster is real, turning a 4-hour pot roast into a 60-minute affair. The stainless steel inner pot lets you sauté onions and sear meat directly in the pot before pressure cooking, which is a massive win for flavor and a massive reduction in dirty dishes. The one thing they don’t advertise is the time it takes to come to pressure—usually 10 to 15 minutes—which you need to factor into your total cook time. It’s not truly ‘instant,’ but it’s still impressively fast.
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker
Crock-Pot Cook’ N Carry 6-Quart Slow Cooker
Using the Cook ‘N Carry is refreshingly simple. You have a single dial: Low, High, and Warm. That’s it. The magic is in the heavy ceramic insert that holds and distributes low, even heat for hours, making meat impossibly tender. Its signature feature is the locking lid; clamps on the side hold it down, and a rubber gasket seals the edge. I’ve driven with a full pot of chili in my passenger seat and not a single drop spilled. Its main limitation is its one-track mind. If you want to sear meat first, you have to do it in a separate pan on the stove.
Crock-Pot Cook' N Carry 6-Quart Slow Cooker
Speed — Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker wins
The Instant Pot wins, hands down. Its ability to pressure cook cuts down hours of cooking time, making weeknight roasts and stews possible. A Crock-Pot requires you to start dinner in the morning; an Instant Pot lets you start when you get home from work.
Ease of Use — Crock-Pot Cook’ N Carry 6-Quart Slow Cooker wins
Crock-Pot is the clear winner for simplicity. With just one knob for ‘Low, High, Warm,’ there’s no learning curve. The Instant Pot’s array of 13 smart programs and a slightly intimidating steam release valve require you to read the manual.
Versatility — Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker wins
This isn’t even a contest. The Instant Pot Duo is a 7-in-1 appliance that can sauté, steam, cook rice, and even make yogurt. The Crock-Pot is a 1-in-1 appliance. If you want to declutter your kitchen, the Instant Pot is the obvious choice.
Portability — Crock-Pot Cook’ N Carry 6-Quart Slow Cooker wins
The Crock-Pot ‘Cook ‘N Carry’ was born for this. Its entire design, from the locking lid to the sturdy handles, is about securely transporting food. The Instant Pot lid doesn’t lock, making it risky to move with hot food inside.
Meat Tenderness — Tie
This is a tie because they produce different, equally delicious results. The Crock-Pot’s gentle, all-day heat breaks down collagen for that classic, shreddable, fall-off-the-bone texture. The Instant Pot’s high-pressure steam makes meat incredibly tender and moist in a fraction of the time, but it’s a slightly different, more ‘infused’ texture. Your preference will dictate the winner here.
Buy Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker if…
Buy the Instant Pot Duo if you’re a busy person who often forgets to plan dinner until 5 PM. You want one appliance to do the work of several, from searing meat to cooking rice. You value speed and versatility over simplicity and are willing to learn a new gadget to get dinner on the table faster.
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker
Buy Crock-Pot Cook’ N Carry 6-Quart Slow Cooker if…
Buy the Crock-Pot Cook ‘N Carry if you are the designated potluck or tailgate hero. You love the ‘set it and forget it’ cooking style and the specific, melt-in-your-mouth texture that only true low-and-slow cooking can achieve. You prioritize simplicity and a foolproof result over a multitude of features.
Crock-Pot Cook' N Carry 6-Quart Slow Cooker
Our Verdict: The Instant Pot Wins for Most
For most modern kitchens, the Instant Pot Duo is the better buy. It’s more than just a pressure cooker; it’s a kitchen workhorse that consolidates multiple gadgets into one, saving you counter space and time. The single feature that tips the scale is its ability to sauté. Being able to brown your meat and vegetables in the same pot you cook them in is a game-changer for flavor development and means you have one less pan to wash. While the Crock-Pot is a master of its one trade, the Instant Pot’s versatility makes it the more valuable tool for everyday cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choose the Instant Pot Duo for fast, versatile weeknight cooking. If you frequently transport meals to potlucks, buy the Crock-Pot Cook ‘N Carry. Click the links below to check current prices and grab the right cooker for your kitchen.
