In 2025, programmable multicookers have become indispensable kitchen companions, combining pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice steaming, sautéing, and more in a single 6-quart pressure cooker. Whether you’re a busy home cook or a baking enthusiast, the right multicooker can save you time, energy, and cleanup. Today, we compare two best-sellers—the Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Cool-Touch Stainless Steel and the Instant Pot Plus 6-Qt Programmable Multicooker—to help you decide which model delivers the best balance of performance, features, and value.
Aroma ARC-914SBD Cool-Touch Stainless Steel Review
The Aroma ARC-914SBD offers a straightforward, budget-friendly multicooker experience with a focus on safety and ease of use.
Design & Build
- Capacity & Exterior: A 6-quart nonstick inner pot housed in cool-touch stainless steel, ensuring the outer shell never gets too hot. Its concealed side handles and compact footprint make it ideal for apartments or RV kitchens.
- Control Panel: Simple backlit LCD display with clearly labeled one-touch buttons for each function; countdown timer keeps you informed at a glance.
- Safety Features: Aroma’s patented 3-Layer Cook-Safe System includes a locking lid, pressure sensor, and safety valve, giving peace of mind during high-pressure cooking.
Cooking Programs & Performance
- 14 Presets: Pressure Cook, Rice, Steam, Slow Cook, Sauté, Soup, Yogurt, Cake, Beans/Chili, Oatmeal, Multigrain, Steam, Sterilize, and Keep-Warm automatically kicks in when cooking ends.
- Power Rating: 700 W heating element—warms up in roughly 8–10 minutes to reach full pressure, then maintains consistent heat ideal for yogurt, stews, and delicate desserts.
- User Experience: With straightforward presets and minimal setup, this model excels for beginners or anyone who wants a reliable multicooker without a steep learning curve.
Cleaning & Maintenance
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts: The stainless steel inner pot and tempered glass lid rinse clean or go in the dishwasher.
- Panel Wipe-Down: Smooth control surface wipes clean in seconds—no fiddly buttons or crevices.
- Easy-to-use programmable digital controls complete with an automatic Keep Warm mode after each cycle
- An array of preset functions for every kind of meal: White Rice, Brown Rice, Steam, Flash Rice
- Steam meat, vegetables and more with the provided Steam Tray all while rice cooks below
- Perfectly prepares 2 to 8 cups of any variety of cooked rice or grains
Instant Pot Plus 6-Qt Programmable Multicooker Review
The Instant Pot Plus elevates the multicooker category with premium features and faster cooking times.
Design & Build
- Capacity & Casing: A 6-quart stainless steel cooking pot encased in brushed, fingerprint-resistant steel. The robust build looks and feels high-end on any countertop.
- Interface: Bright LED screen paired with a responsive control dial for selecting one of nine programs; offers 24-hour delay-start so you can wake up or come home to perfectly cooked meals.
- Safety Mechanisms: Boasts over 10 built-in safety features, including lid position detection, overheat protection, and automatic pressure release, ensuring worry-free operation.
Cooking Programs & Performance
- 9 Presets: Pressure Cook, Rice, Porridge, Soup/Broth, Steam, Sauté, Slow Cook, Keep-Warm, and Yogurt plus advanced Sterilize and Delay Start modes.
- Power Rating: 1000 W heater brings the pot to pressure in 5–6 minutes—ideal for weeknight dinners when time is tight.
- Versatility: While it has fewer presets than Aroma, the Instant Pot Plus includes specialized functions like Sterilize for canning and Delay Start for meal prep flexibility.
Cleaning & Maintenance
- Removable Control Panel: Lift-off buttons let you deep-clean the interface without soaking the entire unit.
- Dishwasher-Safe Pot: The stainless steel insert and accessories simplify post-cooking cleanup.
- 9 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, sous vide, steam, steralize, keep warm, make rice and yogurt—all i…
- Customizable Smart Programs: Tackle every recipe with 15 one-touch options, from hearty soups to decadent cakes.
- Intuitive & Convenient Design: An easy-to-read display with dedicated cooking time, temperature, and pressure indicators…
- Safe & Easy Steam Release: The Easy-Release steam switch ensures fast, safe, and simple steam release every time.
COMFEE 6-Qt Electric Pressure Cooker Review
Design & Build
- 6-quart nonstick aluminum pot in a sleek stainless steel shell; clear tempered glass lid included.
- Digital control panel with easy-to-read icons and a keep-warm function that lasts 24 hours.
Cooking Programs & Performance
- 12 presets: Pressure Cook, Rice, Steam, Slow Cook, Sauté, Soup, Porridge, Beans, Cake, Yogurt, plus customizable Manual mode and auto Keep-Warm.
- 900 W heating element for balanced speed and energy efficiency; reaches full pressure in about 7 minutes.
User Experience
- One-touch presets with straightforward icons make operation intuitive.
- Built-in timer for delay start up to 24 hours—ideal for meal prep.
Cleaning & Maintenance
- Nonstick pot and accessories are dishwasher-safe; removable silicone gasket for thorough cleaning.
- Flat control panel design prevents food buildup.
- 9 IN 1 MULTI PRESSURE COOKER: Work as pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, Sauté, yogurt maker, cake make…
- 14 PRESETS SATISFY ALL YOUR COOKING NEED: This versatile pressure cooker has 14 programmable preset functions, allows yo…
- PROFESSIONAL SAFETY FEATURES: Equipped with 10 safety features to guarantee easier and securer cooking, including overhe…
Head-to-Head Comparison
1. Heating Speed & Efficiency
- Instant Pot Plus wins on speed with a 1000 W element that reaches full pressure in under 6 minutes.
- Aroma ARC-914SBD takes 8–10 minutes but offers steadier low-heat control for delicate dishes.
2. Program Diversity
- Aroma leads with 14 cooking modes, including Cake and Beans/Chili.
- Instant Pot focuses on core functions plus advanced Sterilize and Delay-Start features.
3. User Interface & Usability
- Aroma: Simple backlit LCD and straightforward buttons—perfect for multicooker novices.
- Instant Pot: Sleek LED display and dial-driven selection suit tech-savvy cooks who want quick adjustments.
4. Build Quality & Aesthetics
- Aroma: Compact, minimalist design with cool-touch exterior.
- Instant Pot: Heavier, premium feel with fingerprint-resistant finish.
5. Price & Value
- Aroma ARC-914SBD retails under $100—best value for core pressure-cooking and slow-cooking.
- Instant Pot Plus ranges $100–$130—worth the extra cost if you need rapid pressure and advanced modes.
Conclusion
For those seeking a budget-friendly, easy-to-clean multicooker with broad cooking options, the Aroma ARC-914SBD is hard to beat. If speed, premium build, and advanced programming matter most, the Instant Pot Plus justifies its higher price tag. Both models will transform your kitchen routine, but your personal cooking style and feature priorities will guide the final choice.
