Traditional basin-pudding makers
If you want to use a pressure-assisted method, look for steam and pressure-cooking functions as well as room for a covered basin on a rack. Instant Pot UK’s Christmas-pudding method uses both cooking stages.
Who is a multicooker for?
Occasional pudding makers checking fit
If you already own a pudding basin, its outside diameter and covered height matter more than the cooker’s litre capacity alone. Check that it can sit securely on the intended support with the lid closed.
Everyday cooks who occasionally make pudding
If rice, slow cooking and ordinary steaming will see more use than pudding making, a non-pressure multicooker may meet those needs. Choose a pudding recipe intended for its cooking method rather than assuming pressure-recipe timings will transfer.
What matters when choosing?
Choose the cooking method your pudding recipe calls for, then check basin clearance and the functions you will use on other days.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Steam and pressure | For a pressure-assisted recipe, check the exact model’s Steam and Pressure Cook functions and its rack arrangement. | If I want to follow Instant Pot UK’s two-stage pudding method, a steam setting alone will not cover its sealed pressure stage. Around 50% of consumers put that cooking-method match first. |
| Basin clearance | Compare the covered basin’s outside height and diameter with the space available above a suitable rack and below the lid. | My existing basin needs to stand securely without preventing the lid from closing, whatever capacity appears on the cooker. Basin fit is the first concern for around 30% of consumers. |
| Everyday use | Check the programmes you will use regularly, the steaming accessory arrangement and the exact model’s care instructions. | When pudding is an occasional dessert, I want the appliance to handle my usual rice, slow-cooked meals or steamed food too. Around 20% of consumers prioritise that wider use. |
Buying pitfalls
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Assuming litre capacity proves the basin will fit
Instant Pot UK’s pudding method places a covered basin on a trivet or steam rack. The cooker’s stated capacity does not tell you whether that arrangement fits beneath the lid.
Measure the basin with its cover in place, then check the exact cooker’s dimensions and suitable rack arrangement before ordering.
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Using pressure-recipe timings in a steam-only cooker
Instant Pot UK’s Christmas-pudding method includes vented steaming followed by sealed pressure cooking. A steam programme alone does not reproduce both stages.
Use a method written for the functions of your cooker, and follow its model-specific operating instructions.
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Copying another model’s pressure instructions
Instant Pot UK’s guidance for its Classic 5.7L includes a PC Max 2/3 fill line and a first-use pressure test. Other models can have different controls and instructions.
Read the manual for your exact cooker, including its liquid, fill, lid and pressure-release requirements.
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Overlooking the identity of a pressure-cooker listing
A GOV.UK product-safety report dated 18 August 2026 identified a specific 6L electric pressure cooker with a serious fire risk because it was inadequately earthed. That finding does not apply to pressure cookers generally.
Check the exact make, model and seller details against current product-safety notices before buying.
Brands to consider
Instant Pot
Its UK range includes pressure multicookers with steaming functions, and Instant Pot UK publishes a Christmas-pudding method for a covered basin on a rack.
- The published method explains the steam and pressure stages for that pudding recipe.
- Check your chosen model’s controls, rack, fill limits and basin clearance; they should not be assumed identical across the range.
Tefal
Tefal UK lists both non-pressure multicookers, including the 5L Multicook 8-in-1, and pressure-capable models such as Turbo Cuisine.
- These ranges give shoppers a choice between ordinary steaming programmes and a pressure-capable route.
- Check the exact model’s manual and basin arrangement before applying a steamed-pudding recipe to it.
Ninja
Ninja UK lists pressure cooking and steaming among the functions of its Foodi OP300UK 7-in-1 multicooker.
- The stated functions are relevant to shoppers considering both pressure cooking and steaming.
- Confirm the support, clearance and operating steps for a covered pudding basin in the exact model’s instructions.
Joybuy product choices
These choices include multicookers for shoppers considering a pressure-assisted method and appliances for ordinary steaming alongside everyday cooking. Check each model’s basin clearance and accessories against the pudding method you plan to use.
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COSORI 5.7L 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Multi-Cooker
Consider this model if your intended pudding method calls for both steaming and pressure cooking. Its product name specifies a steamer function, a ceramic non-stick coating, and rice and slow-cooking functions; confirm that a suitable rack and your covered basin fit before buying.
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Instant Pot Plus 5.7L 9-in-1 Multicooker, Black
For a pressure-assisted pudding, check this exact model’s steam and pressure settings against your recipe. Its stated capacity is 5.7L; also confirm the rack arrangement, covered-basin clearance and model-specific fill and release instructions.
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CleverChef 14-in-1 5L Multi Cooker, Charcoal
This is a choice to examine for a recipe written for ordinary steaming rather than a pressure-assisted method. Its named programmes include Steam, Slow Cook and Rice; check whether its steaming arrangement securely accommodates your covered pudding basin.
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Instant Pot 5L Electric Rice Cooker & Steamer (20 Cup)
Consider this rice cooker and steamer if everyday rice cooking matters more to you than a pressure-assisted pudding method. Check the exact steaming support and covered-basin clearance before choosing it for a basin pudding.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make a steamed pudding in any multicooker?
Not with the same method in every multicooker. Instant Pot UK’s Christmas-pudding recipe uses a covered basin on a trivet or steam rack, followed by steam and pressure stages. For that method, check both functions and the basin’s fit; for a steam-only cooker, use instructions intended for ordinary steaming.
How do I avoid overfilling a pressure multicooker?
Follow the fill and liquid instructions for your exact model as well as checking space for the basin and closed lid. For the Instant Pot Classic 5.7L, Instant Pot UK specifies water-based liquid for pressure cooking and says to keep contents below the PC Max 2/3 line.
What should I do before first using a pressure multicooker?
Follow the first-use steps in that model’s manual before cooking a pudding. For the Instant Pot Classic 5.7L, Instant Pot UK instructs owners to wash and dry the inner pot, install the condensation collector and complete a pressure-cooking test run; other models may differ.
Do electrical product-marking rules tell me how to use a multicooker?
No. GOV.UK guidance on the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 addresses requirements for businesses placing electrical equipment on the Great Britain market; it is not a pudding-cooking instruction. The guidance notes that Northern Ireland provisions differ under the Windsor Framework. Check the exact product’s documentation and current safety notices when buying.