Best multi cookers to buy in 2026 Review

A good multi cooker can replace several appliances at once, taking care of pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming and even air frying in a single neat unit. It is an easy way to save time, energy and worktop space while still cooking from scratch.

For 2026, we have focused on the best-rated Ninja multi cookers, as they consistently top customer reviews and cover a wide range of sizes and functions. Every model here has its own strengths, from simple one-pot flexibility to feature-packed designs that can handle almost anything.

We have narrowed the choice down to a small list so it is easier to decide. Each recommendation has trade-offs, whether that is price, size or complexity, so the key is to pick the one that best matches your kitchen, cooking style and budget.

Table of Contents

Why you can trust our picks

These recommendations are based on real-world owner feedback, specification data and pricing, not just marketing claims. We look closely at review scores, how many people have rated each model and what that suggests about reliability and day-to-day performance.

We balance price, features and usability, looking for multi cookers that genuinely make life easier rather than simply offering a long list of rarely used modes. Value for money matters, but so do build quality, versatility and how well each unit fits into a typical UK kitchen.

We also keep an eye on the wider market to make sure the models we highlight still stand up against newer releases. When we point out pros and cons, it is to help you buy with confidence and avoid paying for features you do not need.

How we chose these multi cookers

To put this shortlist together, we started with highly rated multi cookers and then filtered down to models with consistent scores of around 4.7 out of 5 or higher. We paid particular attention to products with plenty of reviews, as strong feedback from hundreds or even thousands of owners carries more weight than a handful of early opinions.

We then looked at capacity, price and feature sets. The aim was to cover the most popular sizes, from 6-litre options for smaller households to larger 7.5–8 litre units for families and batch cooking. We made sure there was a spread of prices too, from more affordable all-rounders to premium, do-it-all cookers.

Finally, we considered how each model might be used in a real home: whether it can replace an air fryer or oven for everyday meals, how easy it should be to live with, and whether its extra functions justify the extra cost. The result is a focused list of multi cookers that we would be happy to recommend to most UK households.

The best multi cookers we recommend

Below you will find our top multi cooker picks for 2026, ordered from the strongest all-round recommendation down. Each model earns its place for slightly different reasons, whether that is sheer versatility, generous capacity or better value.

Use the short summaries, pros and cons and “ideal for” notes to match a cooker to your home. It is usually better to buy the one that fits your space and habits perfectly, rather than simply choosing the one with the longest feature list.

Our top pick:

Ninja Foodi Max 9-in-1 OP500UK 7.5 Litre Multi Cooker With Air Fryer Function

Best overall multi cooker
Typically around £249 at the time of writing, sitting towards the higher end for a multi cooker but reflecting its size and 9-in-1 versatility.
Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 580 customer reviews, which is outstanding for a multi cooker of this size.

A powerful 7.5-litre workhorse that combines pressure cooking, slow cooking and air frying in one of the most trusted, highly rated packages on the market.

Pros

With a 7.5-litre capacity, the Ninja Foodi Max OP500UK is made for family cooking and batch-prepped meals, giving you room for big stews, whole chickens and generous portions. The 9-in-1 functionality means you can pressure cook, slow cook and air fry in the same pot, so you can brown, cook and crisp without switching appliances. A superb 4.9 out of 5 rating from 580 reviews suggests owners find it reliable, easy to use and consistently good at everyday dishes. For many kitchens this can stand in for a separate slow cooker, air fryer and sometimes even the oven, helping to save both space and energy.

Cons

The generous 7.5-litre pot and robust build mean the OP500UK takes up a fair amount of worktop and storage space, which could be an issue in smaller kitchens. It is also one of the more expensive models here, so it only makes sense if you plan to use several of its functions regularly. As with most multi cookers, there is a bit of a learning curve while you get to grips with the different modes and timings.

Ideal for...

Best suited to busy families and keen home cooks who want one appliance to take on pressure cooking, slow cooking and air frying. If you batch cook on Sundays or like to prepare meals ahead for the freezer, the 7.5-litre pot gives you the space you need. It is also a strong choice if you want to cut back on using the main oven and hob to save on energy.

Other great options:

Ninja Foodi 8-in-1 PossibleCooker MC1001UK 8 Litre Multi Cooker

Best for big batch cooking
Usually about £119, making it one of the better-value large-capacity multi cookers in this line-up.
Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 3,477 reviews, showing broad, long-term customer satisfaction.

An 8-litre multi cooker built for generous one-pot meals, ideal if you regularly cook for a crowd and want to replace several pots and pans.

Pros

The Ninja Foodi 8-in-1 PossibleCooker MC1001UK steps things up with an even larger 8-litre capacity, making it great for big families, batch cooking or hosting. Its 8-in-1 design is focused on core cooking methods, so you can sear, sauté, simmer and slow cook in one pot without swapping pans on the hob. A strong 4.8 out of 5 score from 3,477 reviews shows it has been widely adopted and well liked, which speaks volumes for its practicality and durability. If you are tired of juggling pots when cooking casseroles and one-pot meals, this is designed to simplify your routine.

Cons

The 8-litre capacity that makes the PossibleCooker so versatile also means it is quite bulky and heavy, so you will need the space to leave it out or store it. It does not pack in as many specialist functions as some other models, which is fine for most people but may disappoint those looking for advanced modes like dehydrating or baking presets. If you mainly cook for one or two, it may feel like overkill.

Ideal for...

Ideal if you regularly cook large one-pot meals, entertain often or have a big household to feed. The 8-litre capacity makes it a great choice for bulk cooking chilli, bolognese, stews and curries in a single pot. It suits people who want to streamline their hob use and prefer the simplicity of an all-in-one cooker that focuses on the most used functions.

Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 SmartLid OL550UK 6 Litre Multi Cooker With Air Fryer Function

Best for compact versatility
Commonly priced around £199, positioning it as a premium 6-litre multi cooker with advanced SmartLid technology.
Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 3,375 reviews, indicating excellent performance across its many functions.

A clever 6-litre multi cooker with Ninja’s SmartLid design, packing 11 functions into a compact footprint that still suits family cooking.

Pros

The Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 SmartLid OL550UK packs a lot of functions into a 6-litre body, making it ideal if you want versatility without a huge footprint on the worktop. The SmartLid design means you can switch between pressure cook, air fry and other modes without changing lids, which reduces faff and speeds up everyday cooking. Its 4.8 out of 5 rating from 3,375 reviews shows that users appreciate how much it can do and how well it performs across different recipes. For smaller households or those short on space, it provides serious multi cooking power in a compact, tidy unit.

Cons

While the SmartLid is clever, it adds complexity, and some people may find the number of functions and settings a little overwhelming at first. The 6-litre capacity is a good all-round size, but if you regularly cook for a big family or batch cook for the freezer, you may find it a bit limiting compared with the larger Foodi Max or PossibleCooker. Its price sits towards the higher end for a 6-litre unit because of the extra technology.

Ideal for...

A great fit for smaller families, couples who like to cook properly or anyone short on worktop space who still wants a flexible multi cooker. Choose this if you want a wide range of functions, including pressure cook and air fry, but do not need a huge capacity. It is especially good if you value convenience and the ability to switch between modes without juggling lids and accessories.

Ninja Foodi OP350UK 6 Litre Multi Cooker

Best mid-range all-rounder
Generally around £139, placing it in the mid-range for a 6-litre Ninja multi cooker.
Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 328 reviews, a very strong score for a mid-range model.

A solid 6-litre Foodi that gives you the key multi cooking and air frying functions without straying into premium pricing.

Pros

The Ninja Foodi OP350UK offers a well-balanced 6-litre capacity that suits most couples and small families while still handling a decent roast or stew. It delivers the key Foodi strengths of pressure cooking, slow cooking and air frying, giving you plenty of flexibility for midweek dinners. A 4.8 out of 5 rating from 328 reviews suggests it does the basics very well and is straightforward to live with. Priced in the mid-range, it is a strong option if you want Ninja quality and features without paying for every advanced mode.

Cons

Because it sits in the middle of the range, the OP350UK does not have as many functions as the SmartLid or Combi models, so it may feel less future-proof if your cooking ambitions grow. The 6-litre capacity, while versatile, might be tight if you regularly cook for more than four people or like to batch cook large portions. As with the other Foodi models, it is quite tall and will need a bit of clearance under wall units when opening the lid.

Ideal for...

Best for households that want a capable Ninja Foodi without the premium price tag or complex feature sets. If you mainly need reliable pressure cooking, slow cooking and air frying for everyday meals, this 6-litre model is a sensible middle ground. It is also a strong option if you are buying your first multi cooker and want something powerful but not overwhelming.

Ninja Combi 12-in-1 SFP700UK Multi Cooker

Best premium multi cooker
At roughly £260, this is the priciest option here, reflecting its 12-in-1 feature set and premium positioning.
Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 222 reviews, reflecting strong approval for its feature-packed design.

A feature-packed 12-in-1 multi cooker for keen home cooks who want maximum flexibility and are happy to pay for it.

Pros

The Ninja Combi 12-in-1 SFP700UK is aimed at those who want a single appliance to handle almost anything, from everyday one-pot meals to more adventurous recipes. With 12 cooking functions, it is designed to replace a separate air fryer, grill, oven and slow cooker, helping to declutter your kitchen. A 4.7 out of 5 score from 222 reviews is still very strong, showing that owners value its flexibility and performance. If you love experimenting with different techniques and cuisines, the broad feature set gives you plenty of scope to try new things.

Cons

The Ninja Combi SFP700UK is the most expensive choice here, so it only makes sense if you will genuinely use several of its 12 functions. Its feature-rich design and larger footprint may feel intimidating if you prefer straightforward, set-and-forget cooking. With fewer reviews than some of the long-standing Foodi models, its track record is not quite as established, even though ratings so far are strong.

Ideal for...

Suited to enthusiastic home cooks and larger households who want a true do-it-all machine and are comfortable paying more. If you like to experiment with different techniques and want one appliance to roast, bake, air fry and slow cook, the Combi’s 12 functions will appeal. It is also a good choice if you are actively looking to replace several existing gadgets with a single, more capable unit.

FAQs

What size multi cooker do I need?

As a rule of thumb, a 6-litre multi cooker suits most couples and small families, while 7.5–8 litres is better if you regularly cook for four or more people or like to batch cook. If worktop space is tight, stick to 6 litres, but if you want to cook whole joints, big stews or one-pot meals with leftovers, a larger pot is worth it.
Multi cookers are usually more energy efficient than a full-sized oven because they heat a smaller space and often cook faster. Pressure cooking and air frying can cut cooking times significantly, which helps keep running costs down. For everyday meals like curries, stews and roast chicken, a multi cooker can be noticeably cheaper to run than using your main oven and hob.
An air fryer function is very useful if you want crisp chips, roast potatoes or browned finishes on meats without buying a separate appliance. If you mainly slow cook stews, soups and one-pot meals, you can manage without it, but models with air fry and crisping options are more versatile and can replace your oven for many midweek dinners.
Multi cookers are designed with safety features like locking lids, temperature sensors and auto shut-off. It is generally safe to leave a reputable model running on slow cook while you are out, as long as you follow the manual, keep the vents clear and don’t overfill the pot. For pressure and air fry modes, it is better to stay nearby while they are running.
More functions give you flexibility, but you do not necessarily need every setting. Most people get the best value from pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam and an air fry or crisp function. Extra modes like yoghurt, dehydrate or dedicated roasting and baking settings are nice to have if you enjoy experimenting, but they are not essential for everyday cooking.
Ninja multi cookers tend to cost more than some rivals, but they are very well rated by owners and are known for powerful performance and thoughtful design. If you will use pressure cook, air fry and one-pot meals several times a week, paying more for a reliable, versatile Ninja can be good value. If you only plan to slow cook occasionally, a simpler, cheaper model might be enough.
Yes, a multi cooker can easily take over from a traditional slow cooker and usually offers far more flexibility. You still get low and high slow cook settings, but you also gain pressure cooking for faster results and the option to brown ingredients in the same pot. The only trade-off is that multi cookers are bulkier and more complex, so they suit people who will use the extra functions.
Most multi cookers have a removable non-stick pot and lid parts that can be washed by hand, and some components are dishwasher safe. Because of their height and lid mechanisms, they do take up a noticeable amount of worktop or cupboard space, especially the larger 7.5–8 litre models. If storage is tight, a 6-litre unit is usually easier to tuck away between uses.

Our latest product reviews