Instant Pot RIO
Score: 82/100
Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker Black
Score: 81/100Rankings
The Instant Pot RIO 6-qt 7-in-1 multicooker delivers rapid cooking speeds and a sturdy stainless-steel anti-spin pot, packed with 13 programs for diverse meals. Its heavier build and limited warranty may deter some users. Ideal for busy home cooks seeking fast, versatile performance in a compact footprint.
The Hamilton Beach 6-quart slow cooker offers programmable dual timers, a temperature probe, and auto-warm features, delivering reliable performance for family meals. Its heavier stoneware and noisy handles may be drawbacks for users seeking a lightweight, quiet appliance. Ideal for cooks who value precise temperature control and transport-ready design.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
6 qtbest | 6 qtbest | |
1,000 Wbest | — | |
— | 7best | |
1 yearsbest | — | |
— | 480 minutesbest | |
— | 3best | |
| ↓ lower better | 12 lb | 10.14 lbbest |
| ↓ lower better | 14.75 in | 8.9 inbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Features(1) | ||
Cooking Modes | pressure cook; slow cook; sauté; steam; rice; yogurt; warm | Low, High, Keep Warm |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Inner Pot Material | stainless steel | Ceramic/Stoneware |
Weight (lb) | 12 lb | 10.14 lb |
Dimensions(3) | ||
Height (in) | 14.75 in | 8.9 in |
Width (in) | 16.1 in | 14.7 in |
Depth (in) | 15.55 in | 11.5 in |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consider the RIO a revolutionary upgrade to the Duo, emphasizing its slimmer base, anti-spin pot, and modern aesthetics. They commend the significant cooking speed gains and energy savings, while noting the modest 1-year warranty as a potential drawback.
Everyday users generally express strong satisfaction, calling it the "best thing I ever bought" and praising its size, quieter venting, and ease of use. However, some concerns about weight, dimensions, and the limited warranty appear in the sparse feedback.
“best thing I ever bought”
“good Instant Pot”
“I love the larger size and quieter venting”
Professional reviewers consider the Hamilton Beach 6-quart model a top value-mindful choice, highlighting its temperature probe, FlexCook dual timers, spill-proof locking lid, and power-outage recovery. Minor criticisms focus on rattling handles, heavy insert, and screen readability, but overall the unit is praised for durability and versatile cooking features.
Everyday users consistently praise the cooker's reliable set-it-and-forget performance, moist results, and transport-friendly locking lid. Common complaints revolve around the rattling handles, heavy stoneware, and occasional difficulty reading the digital display in bright light.
