(checked 2026-10-10)About 6,630 ratings, likely shared across color variants.
The Spruce Eats' budget pick: a basic programmable cooker whose ceramic-nonstick pot can also go on the stove or in the oven. Its lid slides around, Food & Wine found it unimpressive, and Amazon owners report coating chipping and weak heat (11% 1-2 stars).
Top complaints
- Coating chips and peels
Amazon's review summary says durability is a concern because the coating chips and peels, and owners are divided on value.
- Loose lid
The Spruce Eats says the lid slides around a lot, so you must secure it for travel and make sure it seals before long cooks to avoid scorching.
Source: The Spruce Eats - Basic, and sometimes not hot enough
Food & Wine calls it a very basic model with no rice or sear settings. Amazon's summary says some owners find it doesn't get hot enough. The Spruce Eats also notes a large footprint.
What owners love
- Stovetop- and oven-safe pot
Both The Spruce Eats and Food & Wine liked that the insert can be used on the stove; The Spruce Eats says it's oven-safe too and free of PFAS.
Source: The Spruce Eats, Food & Wine - Does the basics well
The Spruce Eats' pot roast shredded after about 6 hours on low. Amazon owners say it cooks food perfectly.
- Easy to clean and use
Amazon owners say the bowl is easy to remove and clean; Food & Wine found the controls simple enough for a beginner.
- You'll carry it full of food
- You want a long-lasting coating
- You want presets like rice or sear
- Searing on the stove in the same pot
- Simple programmable cooking
- Choosing from several colors
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- The Spruce Eats: Best budget (August 2026): good slow cooking and a stovetop-safe pot; basic functions, a large footprint and a lid that doesn't fit firmly.
- Food & Wine: Strong contender, not a pick: handy stovetop-safe pot and easy controls, but very basic.