Multi cookers are a brilliant way to save time, washing up and even energy, but you do not need to spend a fortune to get one that does the job well. This guide focuses on the cheaper end of the market in 2026, highlighting models that keep costs low without feeling flimsy or frustrating to use.
We have narrowed things down to a small set of budget-friendly multi cookers that still have strong owner feedback. Some are simple rice cookers ideal for tight budgets, while others cost a little more but give you a lot more flexibility for family meals.
The aim is to show you what you actually get for your money, where each model makes sensible compromises, and when it is worth stretching your budget slightly for extra capacity or versatility.
These recommendations are based on real-world information such as specifications, prices and owner ratings, rather than just hunting for the very cheapest deal. We look at how each multi cooker performs its core tasks, how easy it is to live with and how happy existing buyers are with their purchase.
Price matters, but we also weigh up capacity, versatility and everyday usability so you are not left with a bargain that ends up gathering dust. Models with consistently strong scores and positive comments from owners are favoured over slightly cheaper options that appear unreliable or awkward to use.
Our aim is to highlight multi cookers that feel like smart, budget-conscious buys – not false economies that you will regret after a few months.
We started by looking at multi cookers and rice cookers at the lower end of the price range, focusing on models that undercut most of the market. From there, we filtered out anything with poor or patchy ratings, giving priority to cookers that deliver consistently good results for everyday meals.
Capacity was a key factor, as cheaper models can be quite compact. We aimed to include a mix of sizes, from small rice cookers that suit singles and couples to larger one-pot cookers that can handle family dinners and batch cooking.
Where a cooker costs a little more than the absolute cheapest, it is because it brings worthwhile benefits such as a bigger pot, more cooking modes or better build quality. Every model here is still firmly on the budget-friendly side, but we have focused on those that feel worth buying, not just worth a punt.
Below you will find the multi cookers that stand out as the best cheap options for 2026. They range from ultra-affordable rice cookers to more capable multi cookers that only cost a bit extra.
The first picks keep your upfront spend as low as possible, while the later options offer more capacity and versatility for a little more money. That way you can choose whether rock-bottom price or long-term flexibility matters most to you.
One of the cheapest ways to get perfectly cooked rice at home, this compact Russell Hobbs 1.8 litre cooker is simple, reliable and highly rated for the money.
At around mid-thirties, this Russell Hobbs 19750 is one of the most affordable branded cookers you can buy, yet it still scores an impressive 4.7 out of 5 from well over a hundred reviews. The 1.8 litre capacity is spot on for singles, couples or small households who mainly want fluffy rice and maybe the odd simple one-pot dish. Owners rate it for being very straightforward to use, with minimal buttons and no confusing programmes to wade through. For such a low price, having a dedicated rice cooker that frees up your hob and delivers consistent results is excellent value.
This is primarily a rice cooker rather than a full multi cooker, so it is not the right choice if you want to replace a slow cooker or oven for family meals. The 1.8 litre capacity may be too small for larger households or batch cooking. It also lacks the extra cooking modes and fancier controls you will find on slightly more expensive multi cookers, so it is a basic, single-purpose buy.
Ideal for anyone who wants a very cheap, reliable way to cook rice without watching the hob, especially in smaller households. It suits students, renters and busy couples who want to load it up and walk away. If you are on a tight budget but eat a lot of rice-based meals, it is an easy recommendation.
A very affordable rice cooker from Russell Hobbs that steps up the styling and design while keeping the price low, ideal if you want fuss-free rice without overspending.
The Russell Hobbs 27040 remains squarely in budget territory while offering a clean, modern design that looks smart on the worktop. With a 4.7 out of 5 rating from early reviewers, it clearly gets the basics right for cooking rice without fuss. It is ideal if you like the idea of a dedicated rice cooker but want something that feels a touch more up to date than the absolute bargain-basement options. For a small extra outlay over the very cheapest model, you are still spending very little but getting a product people are clearly happy with.
Like the 19750, the 27040 is mainly focused on rice, so you do not get the broader cooking options or bigger capacity of full multi cookers further down the list. The review count is still low, so while the early feedback is very positive, there is less long-term owner history to go on. If you can stretch your budget, larger models offer more flexibility without costing dramatically more.
Best for buyers who like the idea of a budget rice cooker but prefer a fresher design and a newer model. It is well suited to smaller homes and flats where you want to keep gadgets simple and affordable. If you occasionally cook rice but still want consistent results, this is a neat, low-cost upgrade over a saucepan.
The Russell Hobbs Good to Go 6.5 litre multi cooker is a big step up in capacity and versatility, giving families an affordable way into one-pot cooking.
The Russell Hobbs Good to Go 28270 jumps to a generous 6.5 litre capacity, making it a genuinely family-friendly option for an under-£100 price. With a 4.8 out of 5 rating from its growing pool of owners, it clearly delivers where it counts: easy, tasty one-pot meals. Compared with cheap rice-only cookers, this model gives you the flexibility to slow cook stews, casseroles and more substantial dishes, helping you get far more from a single appliance. For households that want to batch cook on a budget, the combination of size and strong reviews makes it excellent value.
Although still keenly priced for the size and capability, the 28270 does cost noticeably more than the tiniest rice cookers, so it is not the absolute rock-bottom option. It is also a sizeable appliance, which may be a squeeze in very small kitchens or for those with limited storage. If you only want to cook rice and the occasional side dish, its generous capacity and extra functions could be more than you actually need.
A great choice for families and batch cookers who want a big pot for stews, curries and pasta dishes without spending a fortune. It suits anyone looking to replace or supplement a slow cooker with something a bit more versatile. If you regularly cook in bulk to save time and money, the 6.5 litre capacity will be a real asset.
This 5.5 litre multi cooker from Good Food and Tower offers a more premium partnership feel on a budget, with plenty of room for hearty meals.
This Good Food in partnership with Tower GF16012 multi cooker combines a 5.5 litre capacity with a more premium collaboration feel, yet still sits comfortably in the budget-friendly bracket. Its perfect 5 out of 5 rating, albeit from a single review so far, hints at a well-thought-out design and solid cooking performance. The size is a good middle ground for families who want to cook generous meals without going for the very largest pots. For the price, you are getting a respectable brand partnership that suggests recipes and usability have been carefully considered.
With only one review so far, the flawless rating is encouraging but not yet fully proven across lots of households. It also sits slightly higher in price than the simplest cookers, so you are paying a bit extra for the collaboration and capacity. If you want the absolute cheapest way into one-pot cooking, a more basic Russell Hobbs model may make more sense.
Well suited to households that want a reasonably large multi cooker with a bit of a premium feel but still at an accessible price. If you like following trusted recipe brands and want a cooker that can handle family-sized portions, it is an appealing option. It is also a good fit if you are happy to back a newer model that does not yet have hundreds of reviews but looks promising.
The Ninja Foodi 8-in-1 PossibleCooker costs a bit more than basic models, but its multiple cooking modes make it a flexible, good-value workhorse for busy kitchens.
The Ninja Foodi 8-in-1 PossibleCooker MC1101UK offers serious versatility for under three figures, packing eight cooking modes into one appliance. With 155 reviews and a 4.4 out of 5 rating, it has been tried and tested by plenty of households, and most are clearly satisfied. Ninja is known for robust build quality, so even though this is not the cheapest option here, it feels like a long-term purchase rather than a stopgap. If you make good use of the multiple functions, from slow cooking to roasting and more, it can effectively replace several separate gadgets, making the price look very reasonable.
The Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker is the most expensive option on this cheap list, so it will not suit the tightest budgets. Its 4.4 out of 5 rating is solid but not as high as some of the simpler models here, suggesting a few owners have found niggles. The added complexity of multiple functions means there is a bit more to learn, and if you only ever use one or two modes, you may not be getting full value from what you have paid.
Best for busy households that want one appliance to cover a wide range of cooking methods, from slow-cooked dinners to roasts and more. It suits home cooks who will actually explore the different functions and get the most from the 8-in-1 flexibility. If your budget can stretch a little beyond the basics, this is a strong all-rounder that could replace several separate gadgets.
