Weeknight lentil-soup cooks
If you want to sauté ingredients and then pressure-cook soup in one appliance, look for both functions and check the instructions for the batch you plan to make.
Who each approach suits
First-time pressure-cooker users
If setting each cooking stage feels daunting, on-screen guidance may help you follow the process. You will still need to follow the chosen cooker’s liquid, fill and pressure-release instructions.
Large-batch slow-soup planners
If you make soup ahead for several portions, pot size, timing controls, keep-warm operation and a removable cooking vessel may matter more to you than pressure-cooking speed.
What matters when choosing
Decide whether you need pressure-cooking speed or prefer to set a soup cooking slowly; then compare controls and the batch size you can use safely. A guided pressure cooker is a variation of the pressure route, not a substitute for checking its manual.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fast, one-pot cooking | Look for both pressure-cook and sauté modes. Check the model’s minimum liquid and pressure-fill marks. | If I cook soup after work, I want to brown aromatics and move on to pressure cooking without changing pans. Around 46% of consumers put that faster, one-pot routine first. |
| Guided operation | Check whether the exact model offers on-screen steps, manual modes and the pressure-release controls you prefer. | When I am new to pressure cooking, I want clearer prompts rather than setting every stage unaided. Guided operation is the main concern for around 27% of consumers. |
| Planned batches | Compare usable batch size, timer and keep-warm functions; for pressure models, account for the fill marks. | If I prepare several portions ahead, I care more about scheduling and a suitable pot than finishing quickly. Around 27% of consumers prioritise that slow-cooking routine. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Treating stated capacity as the pressure-cooking fill limit
A pot’s litre rating is not its permitted pressure-cooking fill level. Instant Pot’s instructions for the Duo 5.7L require contents to stay below its PC Max–2/3 line.
Check the pressure-fill marking in the manual for the exact cooker before choosing a soup batch size.
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Pressure-cooking a thick recipe without checking its liquid
Instant Pot’s Duo 5.7L instructions call for water-based liquid and specify a 375 ml minimum for that model. A low-liquid recipe may need adapting before it can be pressure-cooked.
Use a recipe suitable for your cooker, and follow its instructions for liquid, deglazing and fill level.
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Buying pressure functions for an all-day soup routine
Pressure cooking addresses a different timing need from a planned slow cook. The Salter Digital 6.5L Slow Cooker, for example, has a delay timer and automatic keep-warm function.
Choose your preferred cooking schedule before comparing appliances, and check that the model has the controls it requires.
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Overlooking space and hot-pot handling
A cooker must fit where you intend to use and store it, and a full removable inner pot can be hot and heavy.
Check the model’s dimensions and plan how you will handle the pot safely after cooking.
Brands to consider for lentil soup
Instant Pot
The Duo 5.7L combines pressure cooking, sautéing and slow cooking for cooks who want different soup routines in one appliance.
- Instant Pot UK describes the Duo 5.7L as suitable for up to six portions, with a dishwasher-safe stainless-steel pot and lid.
- Its pressure mode has model-specific liquid and fill requirements; the nominal pot capacity is not a pressure-fill target.
Tefal
The Cook4me+ CY851840 is a 6L guided pressure multicooker for cooks who prefer on-screen steps alongside manual modes.
- Tefal UK states that this model has 100 built-in guided recipes, manual cooking modes and automatic pressure release.
- Guided recipes do not replace checking whether your lentil soup recipe meets the appliance’s pressure-cooking instructions.
Salter
Salter has non-pressure options for cooks who put planned soup batches ahead of pressure-cooking speed.
- Salter’s Digital 6.5L Slow Cooker has three heat settings, delay timing, automatic keep warm and a dishwasher-safe ceramic pot.
- Its slow-cooking format does not provide pressure-cooking speed. Salter’s separate 5L 8-in-1 multicooker also documents non-pressure functions, so check which type you are considering.
Joybuy products for lentil soup
These choices span a pressure multicooker for a faster one-pot routine, a timed slow cooker, and electric pots for non-pressure soup cooking. Match the cooking method and pot size to your recipe before comparing additional functions.
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COSORI 5.7L 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Multicooker
Consider this model if you want to sauté soup ingredients and use a pressure cooker in the same appliance.
The stated functions include slow cooking, steaming and rice cooking; the inner pot has a ceramic non-stick coating. Before pressure-cooking lentil soup, check this model’s manual for its liquid minimum, fill limit and steam-release procedure.
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Tower GF16010 3.5L Digital Slow Cooker
Choose this non-pressure route if a planned slow-cooked soup suits you better than a fast pressure-cooked meal.
The removable aluminium pot, LED display, delay function and timer are stated in the product name. Check whether 3.5L suits your intended batch; if you plan to brown ingredients on a hob, confirm that the pot is suitable for your hob type.
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Plodon 1600W 7L Electric Hot Pot and Slow Cooker
This larger electric pot is worth considering if you want a non-pressure vessel for simmering lentil soup and your intended batch fits its cooking instructions.
The product name specifies a non-stick cooking pot and stir-frying and simmering uses. If you need cooking to start or finish at a set time, check its controls before choosing it.
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Plodon 1200W 5L Electric Hot Pot with Steamer
Consider this non-pressure pot if you want to simmer soup and also have a removable steamer for other meals.
The product name specifies dual power control and a non-stick cooking pot. Check its timing controls if you need to schedule a soup, and allow the hot pot to cool before cleaning.
Questions about lentil soup cookers
Do I need a pressure cooker to make lentil soup?
No: a slow cooker is another option if you prefer to prepare soup ahead. Choose pressure cooking when a faster cooking stage matters more, and follow the selected model’s liquid, fill and pressure-release instructions.
What are the pressure-cooking limits for an Instant Pot Duo 5.7L?
Instant Pot’s Duo 5.7L guidance specifies at least 375 ml of water-based liquid and requires contents to remain below the PC Max–2/3 line. Follow the manual for your exact model and the recipe you use.
What should I do before using a pressure multicooker for the first time?
Read the exact model’s first-use and pressure-release instructions before cooking soup. For the Instant Pot Duo, its guidance includes preparing the inner pot and condensation collector and completing an initial test run; take care when handling the hot inner pot.
Can I count on getting a replacement bowl later?
Check parts availability for the exact model when you buy, rather than assuming bowls are interchangeable. Tefal says its Cook4me+ CY851840 is eligible for its 15-year fair-price repairability commitment, subject to its terms and possible temporary parts unavailability.