Air Fryer Multicooker vs Classic Multicooker
The Ninja Foodi MAX OP500UK and the Instant Pot Duo are two of the most popular multicookers in the UK — but they serve very different purposes. The Instant Pot Duo is the classic, affordable 7‑in‑1 multicooker. The Ninja Foodi MAX is a premium multicooker with a built‑in air fryer.
This comparison breaks down the differences so you can choose the right one for your kitchen.
⭐ Quick Verdict
These two cookers are aimed at different buyers:
- Instant Pot Duo → Best for people who want an affordable, reliable multicooker with all the essentials.
- Ninja Foodi MAX OP500UK → Best for people who want pressure cooking AND air frying in one appliance.
If you want value, choose Instant Pot Duo. If you want versatility, choose Ninja Foodi MAX.
🔍 Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Feature | Instant Pot Duo | Ninja Foodi MAX OP500UK |
|---|---|---|
| Type | 7‑in‑1 multicooker | 9‑in‑1 multicooker + air fryer |
| Capacity | 3L / 5.7L / 8L | 7.5L |
| Heating | Standard | Pressure + Air Crisp |
| Inner Pot | Stainless steel | Non‑stick ceramic |
| Air Frying | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Modes | 13 programs | Pressure, Steam, Slow Cook, Sauté, Air Fry, Bake/Roast, Grill |
| Rice Quality | Very good | Good |
| Build Quality | Solid | Premium, heavy‑duty |
| Price | Mid‑range | Premium |
| Best For | Everyday meals | All‑in‑one cooking + crisping |
🏆 Cooking Performance
Instant Pot Duo
- Reliable pressure cooking
- Great for stews, curries, soups, rice
- Simple and predictable
Ninja Foodi MAX
- Slightly slower pressure cooking
- But adds Air Crisp for chips, wings, roast potatoes, crispy chicken
- Can finish pressure‑cooked meals with a crisp top
Winner:
- Pressure cooking: Instant Pot Duo
- Overall versatility: Ninja Foodi MAX
🍟 Air Frying
Instant Pot Duo
No air frying capability.
Ninja Foodi MAX OP500UK
Built‑in Air Crisp lid allows:
- Chips
- Chicken wings
- Crispy pork
- Roast potatoes
- Grilled vegetables
- Finishing casseroles with a crisp top
Winner: Ninja Foodi MAX (Instant Pot Duo can’t compete here.)
🍚 Rice Quality
Instant Pot Duo
More consistent thanks to better temperature control.
Ninja Foodi MAX
Good, but the ceramic pot heats differently and isn’t as precise.
Winner: Instant Pot Duo
🧱 Build Quality
Instant Pot Duo
Solid, reliable, lightweight.
Ninja Foodi MAX
Premium, heavy, and built like a tank. Feels like a true all‑in‑one appliance.
Winner: Ninja Foodi MAX
🧼 Ease of Use
Instant Pot Duo
Simple, beginner‑friendly, fewer buttons.
Ninja Foodi MAX
Two lids (pressure + air fry) and more modes = more learning curve.
Winner: Instant Pot Duo
⏱️ Speed
Instant Pot Duo
Standard Instant Pot performance.
Ninja Foodi MAX
Pressure cooking is slightly slower, but air frying is fast.
Winner: Instant Pot Duo (For pressure cooking only.)
💷 Price & Value
Instant Pot Duo
Excellent value — all the core features at a lower price.
Ninja Foodi MAX
More expensive, but replaces:
- Pressure cooker
- Air fryer
- Slow cooker
- Oven (for many meals)
Winner:
- Best budget value: Instant Pot Duo
- Best versatility value: Ninja Foodi MAX
👨👩👧 Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Instant Pot Duo if you want:
- A reliable, affordable multicooker
- Great pressure cooking performance
- A simple, beginner‑friendly interface
- A stainless‑steel inner pot
Choose the Ninja Foodi MAX OP500UK if you want:
- Pressure cooking + air frying in one appliance
- Crispy finishes on meals
- A large 7.5L capacity
- A true all‑in‑one cooker for families
⭐ Final Verdict
The Instant Pot Duo is perfect for beginners and everyday cooks who want a reliable multicooker at a great price. The Ninja Foodi MAX OP500UK is ideal for families who want pressure cooking and air frying in one powerful machine.
Choose based on whether you want value or versatility.
🛒 Buy on Amazon
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.
Ninja Foodi MAX OP500UK
- 9 COOKING FUNCTIONS: Pressure Cook, Air Fry, Slow Cook, Steam, Bake/Roast, Sear/Sauté, Grill, Yoghurt, Dehydrate.
- PRESSURE COOK: Up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods* (*Compared with slow cooking, simmering or braising.)
- THE PRESSURE COOKER THAT CRISPS: Cook and crisp with TenderCrisp Technology. Simply switch between the Pressure Lid and Crisping Lid for perfectly cooked meals, finished with a crisp
- FAMILY SIZE: With a large 7.5 litre capacity, easily cook delicious meals, sides, snacks and desserts for up to 6 people. Fits a whole 3kg roast chicken.
- INCLUDES Ninja Foodi MAX Multicooker (UK Plug), Non-stick dishwasher safe 7.5L Cooking Pot, 4.7L Cook & Crisp Basket, Chef Created Recipe Guide. Colour Brushed Steel/Black
Last update on 2026-08-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API