Instant Pot vs Ninja Foodi: Which One Is The Best?
Whenever I share one of my pressure cooker recipes on Instagram, I always get a message in regards to the Instant Pot vs Ninja Foodi and what one is better. So today, I’m diving into it and sharing my opinion on what works for the busy working mom, who needs dinner to be quick and easy.
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Instant Pot vs Ninja Foodi: Which One is Better for Working Moms
I’m basing my opinion on this blog post on my experience as a busy working mom.
I work from home, but you guys, I still forget to throw things in the oven, slow cooker, Foodi. Or I get so busy behind the computer that all of a sudden I check the time and it’s 4 pm and I have to get dinner ready – fast.
So with all that in mind, I’m sharing what has worked for me with both of these pressure cookers.
I’ll be chatting about the pros, cons, and all the settings on both devices. What works best, what doesn’t.
I purchased both of these at some point during the years, and this was not sponsored.
So let’s dive into the Instant Pot vs Ninja Foodi debate, shall we?
Instant Pot
I bought the Instant Pot right away when I heard about it. It was before the peak of its popularity hit because I saw the potential.
Instant Pot Pros:
- There are tons of Instant Pot recipes all over the internet, so finding quick meal ideas is easy.
- It’s less bulky then the Ninja Foodi.
- The Instant Pot costs less money, there are different models so you can tailor your needs and not pay for the extra features you won’t use.
- There are a ton of models to choose from, and they even have one that you can use to can.
Instant Pot Cons:
- It’s one more small appliance to take up room in your cabinet.
- The slow cooker mode is awful, it doesn’t work well at all (at least on the model I had). I had a roast slow cooking all day, and it was still raw at dinner. After a Google search and talking to an Instant Pot blogger, turns out it was a common issue. However, If this has improved, please let me know in the comments.
- Doesn’t have a built in air fryer, but you can buy the Instant Pot Air Fryer lid for an additional $90.
- There is a lot to choose from, and it can get confusing.
Instant Pot Models Available
| The Original Instant Pot | Instant Pot Duo Crisp | Instant Pot Duo Plus | Instant Pot Pro | Instant Pot Max (canning function) | Instant Pot Ultra has an egg cook function (available only on Amazon) |
Keep up to date with the latest releases and compare all models on the Instant Pot Amazon store.
Ninja Foodi
The first thing I realized when I opened the box of the Ninja Foodi was, “oh wow, this is big”.
I still have the older model, and it works well. The newer models have even more features like a dehydrator and even more cooking space.
I also find that the newer model of the Ninja Foodi Deluxe has a more user-friendly interface. You simply turn the dial to select what you want. It also has almost 20,000 reviews with an average of 5 stars.
Ninja Foodi Pros:
- It replaces so many small appliances. I sold my slow cooker, rice cooker, and air friers.
- All the functions work well.
- You can use both functions with one recipe. A great example is how you can pressure cooker a roast chicken, and then air fry it so the skin crisps up. Like I did with this Ninja Foodi Pesto Whole Roast Chicken Recipe.
- You cook more with the air frier (bigger batches) then with the Instant Pot.
Ninja Foodi Cons:
- Takes up a lot of countertop and cabinet space, especially with the pressure cooking lid.
- Not all models come with the dehydrator, so if it’s an important feature for you – pay attention to what model you get. This model comes with the dehydrator.
- It costs more then the original Instant Pot.
Ninja Foodi Models Available
| 9 in 1 Pressure Cooker | Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL | Ninja Foodi Pro |
For all of the models, visit the Amazon Ninja Foodi Store.
Ninja Foodi vs Instant Pot Features Comparison Chart
| Ninja Foodi | Instant Pot | |
| Pressure Cooker | ✅ | ✅ |
| Slow Cooker | ✅ | ✅ *see note on IP cons |
| Rice Cooker | ✅ | ✅ |
| Saute | ✅ | ✅ |
| Steamer | ✅ | ✅ |
| Yogurt | select models | ✅ |
| Keep Warm | ✅ | ✅ |
| Roast | ✅ | Instant Pot Duo Crisp or buy duo crisp lid |
| Broil | ✅ | Instant Pot Duo Crisp or buy duo crisp lid |
| Air Fryer | ✅ | Instant Pot Duo Crisp or buy duo crisp lid |
| Dehydrator | select models | Instant Pot Duo Crisp or buy duo crisp lid |
| Pressure Canning | ❌ | Instant Pot Max only |
| Sous Vide | Ninja Foodi Pro only | select models |
| Capacity | 6.5qt – 8qt | 3qt – 8qt |
The Winner: Ninja Foodi
When it comes to the Ninja Foodi vs Instant Pot, I prefer the Ninja Foodi. In fact, whenever someone asks me what they should buy, my answer has been the Ninja Foodi hands down for the past 3 years.
I even sold my Instant Pot.
Yes, it’s bulkier but to me, that’s the only deterrent. I haven’t had an issue in the 3 years I’ve owned it and I can easily use all the Instant Pot recipes in the Ninja Foodi. What’s awesome is I don’t find I have to convert anything to make it complicated. I feel it’s the best pressure cooker to buy for busy working moms.
See also: 13 Ninja Foodi Accessories
If I had to buy a new one, I would go with the Ninja Foodi Pro, because it seems to do it all.
That being said, if you’re brand loyal to Instant Pot – the newer options of the Instant Pot Max (buy this one if you like the can) or the Instant Pot Duo Crisp has the same options.
Instant Pot and Ninja Foodi Recipes
Whether you’re looking for meal prep recipes, healthy Instant Pot recipes, or more how-tos with the Ninja Foodi. Here are some recipes you’ll love.
- How to Cook Brown Rice in The Ninja Foodi
- Instant Pot Southwest Chicken Soup
- 20+ Healthy Instant Pot Breakfast Recipes
- 40 Healthy Ninja Foodi Recipes (these also work as healthy Instant Pot meals as well)
- 25 Healthy Ninja Foodi Chicken Recipes
- 65 Healthy Meal Prep Ideas For the Instant Pot
If you already have one, tell me are you team Instant Pot or team Ninja Foodi, and why? I’d love to hear your opinions in the comments and it could help someone reading this.
I’ve used both, and I greatly prefer the Ninja for three reasons. You can saute, pressure cook or slow cook, and broil a meal and have only one pot to clean. The dehydrator works great. I was able to get rid of my giant dehydrator and store the Ninja in its place. Finally, the nonstick ceramic coating makes the Ninja effortless to clean. I used to have to soak and scrub the Insta Pot stainless steel pan, and that made me less likely to use it.
Yes, I forgot about the clean up. The foodi has a nicer clean up 🙂
I purchase the Ninja foodie, the machine was great till it came to cleaning, the lid has an enclose fan that gets greasy which is impossible to clean, I returned it and went back to Instant Pot. As far as the slow cooker is concerned I am still looking for a reason to use this function.
Randa, I just got a Ninja Foodi for Christmas but I haven’t tried it out yet. I am researching whether the Instant Pot is better. I noticed that there are many more accessories one can buy for the Instant Pot that do not seem to be available for the Ninja Foodi. The other issue are the lack of Ninja Foodi recipes. I noticed that you said that Instant Pot recipes can easily be used with the Ninja Foodi. But are the settings equivalent? Or is tweaking required. I am not good at tweaking, lol.
Hey Gabby!
I use the same settings and I haven’t had any issues yet with Instant Pot to Ninja Foodi recipes. I actually did just buy another Instant Pot (I got the Duo 9 in 1) to do some testing in too. So I’ll be playing with that over the next few months.
I love my Ninja Foodi. It was a gift 3 years ago. Never owned an IP. However, mine doesn’t have a dial so maybe the slow cook feature is better now because it doesn’t work on my 6.5 qt. My original on broke after a year of daily use but my daughter had purchased the lifelong warrant. They promptly sent a new one!
I wish the slow cooker worked.
It has a wheeled cart of its own in my kitchen.
Oh that’s so disappointing that the slow cook function doesn’t work. Mine does (and it doesn’t have the dial, it’s the original one). I would call them and see if something can be done!
I had an instant pot before instant pot was cool when the foodi came out I switched for the larger size and the air fryer lid It was great! I gave my ip to a struggling college student.
As soon as the Foodi warrenty ran out it stopped working.
Ninja’s customer service was less than helpful. Internet reviews showed my experience was the usual one. My original IP I gave to the student still works as does the new one I had buy to replace the Ninja. Yes the Ninja is better—for a year.
Oh no! That’s too bad. I have had my Ninja for 2-3 years now and it works great but that is a shame about the customer service.
I love my Insta Pot. I can’t even tell you how many things I have made in that I wouldn’t have thought possible. However, with a lot of research, I purchased the Ninja DT251 Foodi 10-in-1 Smart XL. I got rid of a multitude of small appliances. I love it. I don’t have any problems with Roast in my Insta Pot. I love them both.
Love team ninja foodi…I just got it as a Christmas gift from my son n Im so very happy with it…I have to go find recipes for it but no biggie I can buy one or try ur recipes up above
The Lemon Pesto Chicken is a keeper! You can find regular Instant Pot or pressure cooker recipes and they’ll work in the Foodi as well 🙂
Th Ninja® Foodi® 14-in-1 8-qt. SMART XL Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer with SmartLid™ & Built-In Thermometer has outclassed all of the multi-cookers in my opinion. I received one for Christmas and am impressed with the new Steam Crisp feature. I love it!
Oh! That’s the one I want to upgrade to eventually! Sounds awesome!
I own the Ninja Foodie and love it. I promised my hubby that if we got one I would get rid of my Rice cooker, Crock pot and dehydrator. Yes it’s big and bulky but with the new cover I got for Christmas it looks really good. Only thing missing is a better than cookbook. I’m constantly looking on line for recipes and sometimes I get sidetracked.
I love mine too Laura. What is the cover you got for it? I’m intrigued!
I am teams foodi, got the grill too and I love it. Something about having a product be able to be so versatile. I also sold my rice cooker and slow cooker so I hace more pantry space for the Foodi. It does require a lot of kitchen real estate but I wouldn’t say much more than the instapot.
Very true! I love my Foodi! We use it often.