Which Cooker Should You Buy?
The Zojirushi NS‑TSQ10 and the Instant Pot Duo 7‑in‑1 are two of the most popular kitchen appliances in the UK — but they serve completely different purposes. One is a premium fuzzy‑logic rice cooker designed for perfect rice. The other is a versatile multicooker that can pressure cook, slow cook, steam, sauté, and more.
This comparison breaks down the differences so you can choose the right one for your home.
⭐ Quick Verdict
These two cookers are built for different buyers:
- Zojirushi NS‑TSQ10 → Best for people who want the absolute best rice quality.
- Instant Pot Duo → Best for families who want versatility, speed, and value.
If you want perfect rice, choose Zojirushi. If you want one appliance that does everything, choose Instant Pot Duo.
🔍 Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Feature | Zojirushi NS‑TSQ10 | Instant Pot Duo 7‑in‑1 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Premium fuzzy‑logic rice cooker | Multicooker |
| Capacity | 1.0 L | 3L / 5.7L / 8L |
| Technology | Advanced fuzzy logic | Pressure + slow + rice |
| Bowl | Thick non‑stick | Stainless‑steel pot |
| Modes | White, Brown, Sushi, Porridge, Quick | Pressure, Slow, Rice, Steam, Sauté, Yogurt |
| Rice Quality | Outstanding | Very good |
| Learning Curve | Very easy | Medium |
| Price | Premium | Mid‑range |
| Best For | Rice perfectionists | Families & meal preppers |
🏆 Rice Quality
Zojirushi NS‑TSQ10
Zojirushi is the gold standard. The NS‑TSQ10 produces incredibly fluffy, consistent rice with perfect texture every time. Sushi rice is especially impressive.
Instant Pot Duo
Makes good rice, especially using the “Rice” or “Pressure Cook (Low)” settings. But it cannot match Zojirushi’s precision.
Winner: Zojirushi NS‑TSQ10
⚙️ Versatility
Zojirushi NS‑TSQ10
A dedicated rice cooker. It does rice exceptionally well — and that’s its purpose.
Instant Pot Duo
A full multicooker that replaces:
- A rice cooker
- A slow cooker
- A pressure cooker
- A steamer
- A sauté pan
- A yogurt maker
Winner: Instant Pot Duo (By a huge margin.)
⏱️ Speed
Zojirushi
Standard rice‑cooker timings — not fast, not slow.
Instant Pot Duo
Pressure cooking dramatically reduces cooking times for stews, curries, meats, and even rice.
Winner: Instant Pot Duo
🧱 Build Quality
Zojirushi
Premium Japanese construction. Thick bowl, solid lid, long‑lasting components.
Instant Pot Duo
Stainless‑steel pot, sturdy lid mechanism, built for heavy use.
Winner: Zojirushi (But both are high quality.)
🧼 Ease of Use
Zojirushi
Simple, intuitive, and beginner‑friendly. Just choose your rice type and press start.
Instant Pot Duo
More buttons, more modes, and a learning curve — but very rewarding once mastered.
Winner: Zojirushi
💷 Price & Value
Zojirushi
Premium price for premium rice quality.
Instant Pot Duo
Exceptional value for versatility — replaces multiple appliances.
Winner:
- Best value for rice: Zojirushi
- Best value for versatility: Instant Pot Duo
👨👩👧 Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Zojirushi NS‑TSQ10 if you want:
- The best rice quality available
- A cooker that lasts 10+ years
- Perfect sushi, jasmine, basmati, and brown rice
- A premium Japanese brand
Choose the Instant Pot Duo if you want:
- One appliance that does everything
- Pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, sautéing
- Large capacity (5.7L or 8L)
- Faster meal prep
- A stainless‑steel inner pot
⭐ Final Verdict
The Zojirushi NS‑TSQ10 is unbeatable for rice quality. The Instant Pot Duo is unbeatable for versatility.
Choose based on whether you want precision or multi‑function power — both are excellent in their category.
🛒 Buy on Amazon
Zojirushi NS‑TSQ10
Instant Pot Duo
- 13 PROGRAMS: Soup, Broth, Meat, Stew, Bean, Chilli, Slow Cook, Saute, Rice, Porridge, Steam, Yogurt, Keep Warm, Multigrain, Poultry and Pressure Cook— get creative with just one appliance!
- ENERGY-SAVING: Save up to 80% on your energy bill compared to traditional electric ovens—so you can put that extra cash towards the things that really matter!
- TIME-SAVING: Cut cooking time by up to 70% compared to traditional methods when pressure cooking —more time for the things you love and less time spent in the kitchen!
- SET IT & FORGET IT – The Instant Pot Duo remembers your favorite cooking styles and go-to programs, so you can relax and do other things while your meal cooks safely and quickly.
- 5 PORTIONS – With its 5.7L capacity, it’s perfect for whipping up tasty weekday meals, family dinners, or even batch cooking for the week ahead.
Last update on 2026-08-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API