Stock cooks preparing several meals
If you intend to chill or freeze stock for later meals, compare the vessel size with its fill guidance and consider how you will decant and portion the finished batch.
Who is a multicooker for?
Home cooks with a shorter cooking window
If an all-day hob simmer does not fit your schedule, a pressure-cooking mode may be more useful than additional baking or air-frying programmes. Allow for the appliance’s heat-up and pressure-release steps.
Repeat cooks who want straightforward controls
If you make stock regularly, guided settings, a manageable pressure-release method and removable parts that suit your cleaning routine may matter as much as the programme list.
What matters when choosing?
Start with the amount of stock you want to store and the time you can allow for cooking. Then compare the exact model’s functions, fill guidance and cleaning requirements.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Batch size and storage | Compare stated bowl capacity with the model’s maximum-fill instructions; plan containers for portioning the stock. | I want enough stock for several meals without assuming the whole bowl can be filled or stored as one batch. Around 36% of consumers put batch size and storage first. |
| Cooking schedule | Confirm pressure-cook and slow-cook modes on the exact model, including its pressure-release instructions. | I need a shorter cooking option on busy days but sometimes have several hours to let stock cook gently. Around 29% of consumers prioritise that scheduling flexibility. |
| Controls and cleaning | Check how programmes and pressure release work, plus the bowl material and which removable parts are dishwasher-safe. | When I make stock repeatedly, I want operation and cleanup to feel manageable. For around 21% of consumers, ease of use and cleaning is the primary concern. |
| Uses beyond stock | List the additional cooking modes you would use and confirm them for the exact model. | I want the worktop space taken up by a multicooker to serve other meals too. Around 14% of consumers place that versatility first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Treating bowl capacity as finished-stock yield
Bones, vegetables and liquid occupy space, and pressure cooking requires the exact model’s fill instructions. A stated 5.6L or 6L bowl does not promise that volume of stock.
Decide how many portions you want, then check the manual’s maximum-fill guidance before choosing a vessel.
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Leaving a large batch to cool in one pot
Keeping cooked stock warm is not the same as chilling it for storage. GOV.UK advises dividing food into smaller portions so it cools quickly before refrigeration or freezing.
Have suitable containers ready, portion the finished stock and refrigerate or freeze it promptly.
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Assuming every multicooker has the stock-making modes you need
A programme count alone does not establish that a model offers pressure cooking, slow cooking and browning or sautéing.
Confirm the modes on the exact product before giving secondary programmes priority.
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Overloading an extension lead
Electrical Safety First warns that an overloaded extension lead, cable reel or adaptor can overheat and create a fire risk.
Use a suitable wall socket where possible. If you use an extension lead, check its current rating and keep the total load within it.
Brands to consider
These ranges illustrate different controls, bowl sizes and materials to check; compare the specifications of the particular model you intend to buy.
Instant Pot
Instant Pot’s UK range includes pressure-capable multicookers in several stated sizes, with slow-cook and sauté options for different cooking schedules.
- Instant Pot UK lists a 5.7L Pro with pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, a stainless-steel inner pot and dishwasher-safe parts.
- The stated bowl size does not establish how much stock you can make in one pressure-cooking batch; check the chosen model’s fill instructions.
Tefal
The Cook4me+ CY851840 is a 6L guided-control option for cooks who want on-screen help alongside pressure-cooking modes.
- Tefal UK lists pressure cooking, steaming, browning and simmering, automatic pressure release, and a dishwasher-safe bowl and basket for this model.
- Its bowl is described as non-stick; check the exact bowl material if you want stainless steel.
Crock-Pot
The 5.6L Express CSC051 offers a more direct set of cooking modes for stock and other meals.
- Crock-Pot UK lists pressure cook, slow cook, steam and brown/sauté functions for the CSC051.
- Check its fill instructions and allow for the cooking and pressure-release steps rather than treating a general faster-cooking claim as a fixed stock-making time.
Multicookers on Joybuy
These choices cover a slow-cook-led approach as well as models to consider when pressure cooking is part of your stock-making plan. Check each model’s fill instructions against the batch you intend to make.
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Morphy Richards 560007 10-in-1 Multi Cooker, 6.5L
Consider this model if you plan a longer stock-cooking schedule; check its slow-cook instructions and filling guidance for your batch. Its stated capacity is 6.5L, and the product title lists a 1350W rating and a dishwasher-safe pot and accessories. If pressure cooking is essential, confirm that the exact model offers it before buying.
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COSORI 5.7L 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Multi-Cooker
For cooks considering pressure cooking with a slow-cook alternative, this 5.7L model lists both approaches in its product title. It also lists sautéing and a ceramic non-stick coating. Check the pressure-cooking fill guidance before deciding how much stock to make at once.
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Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Multicooker, 5.7L, Black
This model suits cooks who want pressure cooking and the option to slow cook or sauté in the same appliance. Instant Pot UK lists those functions, a stainless-steel inner pot and dishwasher-safe parts for the Pro 5.7L. Use its model-specific fill instructions to assess your stock batch.
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Hisense MC6SBUK 6L Multicooker, Black
Consider this 6L model if you want pressure and slow-cook options for different stock-making schedules. Its title lists 10 programmes, a stainless-steel pot and both cooking functions. Check the exact fill guidance and whether the removable parts suit your cleaning routine.
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Instant Pot 3.8L 7-in-1 Multi Cooker, Sea Salt
The stated 3.8L bowl makes this a model to assess for smaller stock batches. Check its pressure- and slow-cook instructions, maximum-fill level and pot-cleaning guidance against the way you intend to cook and store your stock.
Frequently asked questions
Should I pressure cook or slow cook chicken stock?
Choose pressure cooking for a shorter cooking window, or slow cooking when you can allow several hours at low, steady heat. If you want both schedules, confirm that the exact multicooker offers both modes and follow its filling and pressure-release instructions.
Is a 5.6L or 6L bowl enough for batch cooking?
It depends on your intended portions and the model’s permitted fill level: stated bowl capacity is not finished-stock yield. Bones, vegetables and liquid take up room, so check the exact manual before deciding whether a 5.6L or 6L model meets your batch target.
How should I cool stock before storing it?
Divide the finished stock into smaller portions and chill or freeze it promptly rather than leaving a full pot to cool slowly. GOV.UK advises using smaller containers or freezer bags to help food cool quickly before it goes into the fridge or freezer.
Can I reheat the same batch of stock repeatedly?
Portion the stock so you can reheat what you intend to use rather than repeatedly reheating the whole batch. Food Standards Agency guidance for caterers says food should only be reheated once; cool and store the remaining portions safely.
What electrical checks matter when using a multicooker?
Use the appliance with dry hands and avoid overloading a socket or extension lead. Electrical Safety First advises checking an extension lead’s maximum current rating against the appliances connected to it.