Who these cookers suit

Family batch-cookers

If you make soup for several people or want leftovers, usable capacity, the inner pot and cleaning requirements are likely to shape your choice more than specialised programmes.

Pressure-cooking beginners

If choosing settings and following pressure-release instructions feels unfamiliar, look closely at recipe guidance, controls and how the cooker releases pressure.

Multi-function meal makers

If you would also use air frying, roasting or grilling, a cooker with those modes may earn its worktop space. Check its dimensions and handling weight alongside its soup-making functions.

What matters when choosing

For family lentil soup, establish how much soup the pressure-fill limit permits, then decide whether guided cooking or additional functions would change how you use the appliance.

Straightforward pressure multicooker

Consider it when: Soup and other one-pot meals are your main uses and you are comfortable following a recipe and selecting the settings.

Trade-off: The Instant Pot Duo 5.7L does not provide the Cook4me+ model’s on-screen, step-by-step recipe guidance.

Guided pressure cooker

Consider it when: You expect to use on-screen cooking steps and automatic pressure release regularly.

Trade-off: Check whether the Tefal Cook4me+ CY851840’s recipes and manual modes fit the way you make soup; a built-in recipe does not necessarily match yours.

Pressure cooker with air frying

Consider it when: You plan to pressure-cook soup and regularly use air-fry, roast or grill modes for other meals.

Trade-off: The Ninja Foodi OP350UK takes up more worktop space and weighs 9.5kg.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Usable soup capacity Compare your intended batch with the exact manual’s pressure-fill limit, not just the bowl’s stated volume. If I need enough soup for dinner and leftovers, a large bowl only helps if the recipe stays within its safe fill level. Around 33% of consumers put usable batch capacity first.
Ease of operation Look at on-screen recipe steps, manual modes and whether pressure release is automatic or requires your involvement. When I am new to pressure cooking, clear prompts and release instructions matter more than a long list of programmes. For around 25% of consumers, straightforward operation is the primary concern.
Versatility and cleaning Check for sautéing or browning, cleaning instructions for the pot and accessories, and cooking modes you would actually use. I want to brown soup ingredients in the pot and make cleaning up manageable; other cooking modes matter if I will use them. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this combination of everyday uses.
Pressure and electrical safety Read the exact model manual, check the supplied UK electrical specification and consult Office for Product Safety and Standards alerts and recalls. Before choosing convenience features, I need to know how to fill and open the cooker safely and whether the model has an applicable safety alert. Safety is the leading concern for around 17% of consumers.

Buying pitfalls

  • Judging a soup batch by bowl volume alone

    A 5.7L or 6L label describes the bowl, not how far it can be filled for every pressure-cooked recipe. The Instant Pot Duo manual limits foods that foam or expand to no more than half the cooker’s capacity.

    Check the fill markings and instructions for the exact cooker and the lentil-soup recipe you intend to make.

  • Choosing extra modes for a soup-only routine

    Air-fry and grill functions add uses beyond soup, but the Ninja Foodi OP350UK is listed as 43cm wide and 9.5kg.

    Measure the worktop or storage space and consider how often you would use those additional modes.

  • Assuming an online listing settles electrical safety

    The UK Office for Product Safety and Standards has reported a particular 6L electric pressure cooker presenting a serious fire risk associated with plug and electrical defects. That report does not identify every 6L cooker as affected.

    Check the exact model, its supplied UK plug and documentation, and any applicable product-safety alert or recall before purchase.

  • Relying on automatic programmes instead of the manual

    A programme does not remove the need to observe fill limits, keep valves unobstructed and wait for pressure to drop before opening.

    Follow the chosen model’s instructions for filling, checking valves and releasing pressure; never force the lid open.

Brands to consider for family soup

Instant Pot

The Duo 5.7L is a pressure multicooker for one-pot cooking, with sauté, slow-cook, steam and other modes alongside pressure cooking.

  • Instant Pot UK describes the Duo 5.7L as a six-portion model with a stainless-steel inner pot; it lists the pot and lid as dishwasher safe.
  • For foods that foam or expand, the Duo manual sets a half-capacity maximum fill level. You must also choose settings and follow the recipe and release instructions.

Tefal

The Cook4me+ CY851840 offers guided pressure cooking with screen instructions, built-in recipes and manual cooking modes.

  • Tefal UK lists a 6L bowl, up to six servings, 100 built-in recipes and automatic pressure release for this model.
  • Check whether its available recipes and controls suit your lentil-soup routine rather than assuming a preset covers your preferred recipe.

Ninja

The Foodi OP350UK combines pressure cooking with modes including air crisping, grilling and roasting.

  • The OP350UK is listed as a 6L cooker with nine functions, including pressure cooking.
  • The same listing gives its width as 43cm and weight as 9.5kg; consider the space and handling involved if soup is your main use.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Common questions

Is a 5.7L or 6L cooker large enough for family lentil soup?

It can be, provided your planned batch fits the pressure-fill limit for the cooker and recipe. Instant Pot UK describes the Duo 5.7L as a six-portion model, while Tefal UK describes the Cook4me+ 6L as serving up to six; those serving descriptions do not override the manuals’ fill instructions.

Can I fill the pressure cooker to the top?

No. The Instant Pot Duo manual says not to exceed two-thirds of capacity, or half for foods that foam or expand. Follow the exact cooker manual and the applicable limit for your lentil-soup recipe.

Do I need a sauté function for lentil soup?

No, but sautéing is useful if you want to cook onions, spices or vegetables in the same pot before pressure cooking. The cited Instant Pot Duo, Tefal Cook4me+ CY851840 and Ninja Foodi OP350UK list sautéing or browning modes.

How can I check a cooker before buying it for UK use?

Check the exact model’s supplied plug and electrical documentation, read its manual and look for applicable alerts or recalls from the UK Office for Product Safety and Standards. An OPSS report identified serious fire risk in a particular 6L electric pressure cooker with electrical and plug defects; the report should not be taken to apply to every 6L model.

Can I open the lid when the programme finishes?

Only after the cooker has fully depressurised and its instructions permit opening. The Instant Pot Duo manual says never to force the lid open; use the release method specified for your exact cooker and recipe.