Cautious split pea soup cooks
You want a way to cook thick split pea soup without relying on pressure. The Instant Pot Duo Nova manual specifically cautions that split peas can foam and obstruct pressure-release parts.
Who is this for?
Holiday-cottage group cooks
You plan to make a shared meal or leftovers, perhaps using the same appliance for other dishes. Tefal lists relevant 5L multicookers, while Ninja describes its Foodi OP300UK as a 6L model; check the bowl size against your intended portions.
Cooks who want less washing up
In a temporary kitchen, a removable bowl and clearly identified dishwasher-safe parts may matter more to you than extra programmes. Check the cleaning instructions for the particular appliance and its accessories.
What matters when choosing?
For cottage split pea soup, decide on a cooking method before comparing bowl size and extra functions.
Non-pressure slow-cook multicooker
Consider it when: Soup is the main job and you would rather avoid handling a pressure release in an unfamiliar kitchen.
Keep in mind: A slow-cook setting alone does not establish a split-pea recipe or cooking time; check the model's instructions for your ingredients and portion size.
Pressure multicooker with slow cook
Consider it when: You will also use functions such as sautéing or steaming for other cottage meals, while keeping slow cook available for the soup.
Keep in mind: A pressure setting is not automatically suitable for split peas. The Instant Pot Duo Nova manual warns about foaming and possible obstruction of pressure-release parts.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Soup cooking method | Check the exact manual for dried split peas or thick soups. If it supports pressure cooking, follow its liquid, fill and release instructions. | If I am making thick split pea soup, I want a method I can follow without guessing whether the pressure setting is appropriate. Around 42% of consumers put a suitable cooking method first. |
| Capacity and other meals | Compare bowl capacity with your intended portions, then check which other programmes you would use. | When I am feeding a cottage group, I need room for a shared meal and want the appliance to earn its place for other dishes. For around 25% of consumers, group capacity and meal flexibility come first. |
| Cleaning and storage | Check whether the bowl lifts out, which parts are dishwasher-safe and how the appliance will fit in the kitchen. | If worktop and washing-up space are tight, I care most about putting the appliance away and cleaning it after soup. That is the leading concern for around 17% of consumers. |
| Setup and power | Read the model's first-use and electrical instructions, and check whether the cottage has a suitable socket. | With an unfamiliar appliance, I want to understand its setup and power requirements before cooking. Around 16% of consumers prioritise confidence with those steps. |
Buying pitfalls
-
Assuming pressure cooking is the shortcut for split peas
The Instant Pot Duo Nova manual cautions that split peas can foam, froth or spatter and obstruct the steam-release pipe or valve. A pressure button by itself does not establish a suitable soup method.
Use a documented non-pressure route unless the instructions for your exact model and recipe support pressure cooking; follow all applicable fill, liquid and release directions.
-
Choosing by programme count alone
Extra functions will not help with this meal if you cannot identify an appropriate way to cook the soup.
Confirm the method you intend to use, then compare bowl size, cleaning and the additional programmes you expect to use during the stay.
-
Planning around an inconvenient socket
Instant Pot UK instructs users of its models to use a grounded outlet without an adapter or extension cord. That can affect where the appliance can be placed.
Check your chosen model's electrical instructions and the available cottage socket before taking it with you.
-
Treating a different model as interchangeable
Capacity and cooking functions can differ between multicookers, while pressure and cleaning instructions need to be checked for the model you will actually use.
Compare the complete model name, capacity, programmes, electrical specification and included parts before substituting one appliance for another.
Relevant brands to consider
Tefal
Tefal's RK302E15 and SpheriCook RK745840 are relevant to cooks considering a non-pressure slow-cook route.
- Tefal lists a 5L removable, dishwasher-safe bowl and a slow-cook programme for the RK302E15; its SpheriCook RK745840 is also a 5L model with slow-cook and stew functions.
- Check the instructions for the exact model and split pea recipe rather than assuming that a listed programme specifies the method or cooking time.
Instant Pot
The Instant Pot Classic 5.7L is relevant if you want slow cook alongside pressure cook, sauté and steam programmes.
- Instant Pot UK specifies water-based liquid, at least 375ml of liquid and the PC Max 2/3 fill line for pressure cooking with the Classic 5.7L.
- A separate Duo Nova manual cautions that split peas can obstruct pressure-release parts. Check the instructions for the model you choose; do not transfer one model's method to another.
Ninja
Ninja describes its Foodi OP300UK as a 6L, seven-function multicooker for cooks planning more than one type of meal.
- Ninja lists pressure cook, slow cook, steam and sear/sauté among the OP300UK functions.
- Check the OP300UK manual before choosing any pressure method for dried split peas; the function list alone does not establish recipe suitability.
Joybuy product choices
These choices include multicookers with slow-cook options and electric hot pots relevant to shared soup or stew. A hot pot should not be treated as having a dedicated slow-cook programme unless its own instructions say so; check the method for your split pea recipe before choosing.
No image available
Morphy Richards 560007 10-in-1 Multi Cooker, 6.5L
Consider this for a group meal if you want a slow-cook option rather than relying on pressure for the soup. The product title specifies 1350W and a dishwasher-safe pot and accessories; check the model's split-pea instructions and its stated socket requirements before use.
No image available
Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Multicooker, 5.7L
Consider this if you want a separate slow-cook option and functions for other cottage meals. Before making split pea soup, check the Pro manual for the intended method; also confirm its electrical specification for the cottage socket.
No image available
Hisense MC6SBUK 6L Multicooker, 10 Programmes
This is an option for group cooking if you want slow cooking alongside pressure cooking, rice cooking and steaming. Check the MC6SBUK manual before using pressure for split peas, and confirm the plug and voltage for your cottage.
No image available
Bear DHG-P50F1 Electric Hot Pot, 5L
Consider this hot pot if a non-pressure simmering appliance suits your plan for shared soup. It is not the same type of appliance as a preset multicooker: check its cooking and cleaning instructions for your recipe, and confirm the plug type before buying.
No image available
Xiaomi Multifunctional Hot Pot Cooker, 6L
Consider this for a shared soup or stew if a hot pot suits the way you intend to cook. Do not assume it has a dedicated slow-cook programme; check its recipe guidance and confirm the plug type for the cottage.
Common questions
Can I pressure-cook split pea soup?
Only use a pressure method if the instructions for your exact model and recipe support it. The Instant Pot Duo Nova manual warns that split peas can foam and obstruct pressure-release parts; follow all applicable liquid, fill and release directions rather than assuming a pressure preset is suitable.
What should I check before using an Instant Pot Classic 5.7L?
Follow the Classic 5.7L first-use instructions, including its pressure-cooking test run. Instant Pot UK specifies water-based liquid, a minimum of 375ml of liquid and contents below the PC Max 2/3 line for pressure cooking; those requirements do not themselves establish a split-pea pressure recipe.
Can I use an extension lead in the cottage?
Not for an Instant Pot where its UK instructions prohibit one: Instant Pot UK says to use a grounded outlet without an adapter or extension cord. For another appliance, check its own manual and the socket arrangement before use.
Does a holiday-cottage owner need to consider electrical safety?
Yes, where the applicable rules impose duties. GOV.UK guidance for self-catering holiday homes in England, dated 2 October 2026, says owners must follow Health and Safety Executive electrical-safety guidance. That guidance applies to England; check the applicable rules separately for a cottage elsewhere.