Instant Pot Duo Mini
Score: 73/100
Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker Silver
Score: 73/100Rankings
The Instant Pot Duo Mini 3-quart model delivers seven cooking functions and 11 smart programs in a space-saving design, perfect for singles, couples or travelers. Its small capacity and lower wattage limit its usefulness for larger meals or faster cooking. Best for users needing a portable, versatile cooker for side dishes and small portions.
The Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Slow Cooker provides a generous capacity and straightforward dial controls for basic slow-cooking needs. It omits programmable features, a secure lid latch, and smart connectivity, making it a no-frills option. Best for families or beginners who prioritize size and simplicity over advanced functionality.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
3 qt | 6 qtbest | |
700 Wbest | 250 W | |
— | 103 °Cbest | |
— | 120 Vbest | |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest | |
— | 3best | |
| ↓ lower better | 8.22 lbbest | 12 lb |
| ↓ lower better | 10 inbest | 13.7 in |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Capacity & Servings(1) | ||
Capacity (qt) | 3 qt | 6 qt |
Features(1) | ||
Cooking Modes | 7-in-1 | Low,High,Keep Warm |
Power(1) | ||
Wattage (W) | 700 W | 250 W |
Controls(1) | ||
Programmable | true | false |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Inner Pot Material | Stainless steel | stoneware |
Weight (lb) | 8.22 lb | 12.0 lb |
Dimensions(3) | ||
Height (in) | 10.0 in | 13.7 in |
Width (in) | 11.2 in | 13.8 in |
Depth (in) | 11.4 in | 8.8 in |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers describe the Duo Mini as a "cute little model" perfect for RVs and small households, praising its rapid cooking, dual pressure, and 11 smart programs while noting its limited capacity makes it less versatile than larger models. They recommend the 6‑quart Duo for users who need more flexibility and larger batch cooking.
Everyday users consistently appreciate the Mini's compact footprint, quick cooking of rice and side dishes, and easy-to-use interface, but they frequently lament the insufficient volume for family meals and the need to down-scale recipes originally written for larger pots.
“Meals practically make themselves... perfect size for a 6 lb chicken or 4 lb roast”
“Very nice”
Professional reviewers commend the Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Slow Cooker for its straightforward dial, generous capacity, and dishwasher-safe components, describing it as a reliable, no-frills option for basic slow-cooking needs, while noting the absence of programmable features and a secure lid latch as minor drawbacks.
Everyday users appreciate the cooker's simplicity, large size, and easy cleanup, often highlighting the "just turn the dial" experience and effective Keep Warm function; the most common complaints revolve around the missing timer, heavy weight, and lack of a latch on the lid.
