Budget Rice Cooker vs Multicooker
The Russell Hobbs 27020 and the Instant Pot Duo 7‑in‑1 are two extremely popular kitchen appliances in the UK — but they’re built for completely different purposes. The Russell Hobbs is a simple, budget‑friendly rice cooker. The Instant Pot Duo is a full 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 serve very different buyers:
- Russell Hobbs 27020 → Best for people who want a cheap, simple rice cooker for everyday white rice.
- Instant Pot Duo → Best for families who want versatility, speed, and multiple cooking functions.
If you want cheap and simple, choose Russell Hobbs. If you want one appliance that does everything, choose Instant Pot Duo.
🔍 Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Feature | Russell Hobbs 27020 | Instant Pot Duo 7‑in‑1 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Budget rice cooker | Multicooker |
| Capacity | 1.0 L | 3L / 5.7L / 8L |
| Technology | Basic thermostat | Pressure + slow + rice |
| Bowl | Non‑stick | Stainless‑steel pot |
| Modes | Cook / Warm | Pressure, Slow, Rice, Steam, Sauté, Yogurt |
| Rice Quality | Decent | Very good |
| Learning Curve | Very easy | Medium |
| Price | Low | Mid‑range |
| Best For | 1–3 people | 3–8 people |
🏆 Rice Quality
Russell Hobbs 27020
Good for everyday white rice. Simple, predictable, but not refined.
Instant Pot Duo
Makes better rice overall, especially using the “Rice” or “Pressure Cook (Low)” settings.
Winner: Instant Pot Duo
⚙️ Versatility
Russell Hobbs 27020
A dedicated rice cooker with only two functions:
- Cook
- Keep Warm
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
Russell Hobbs 27020
Standard rice‑cooker timings.
Instant Pot Duo
Pressure cooking dramatically reduces cooking times for stews, curries, meats, and even rice.
Winner: Instant Pot Duo
🧱 Build Quality
Russell Hobbs 27020
Lightweight, basic, and functional.
Instant Pot Duo
Stainless‑steel pot, sturdy lid mechanism, built for heavy use.
Winner: Instant Pot Duo
🧼 Ease of Use
Russell Hobbs 27020
Add rice → press button → done. Zero learning curve.
Instant Pot Duo
More buttons, more modes, and a learning curve — but very rewarding once mastered.
Winner: Russell Hobbs 27020
💷 Price & Value
Russell Hobbs 27020
One of the cheapest rice cookers in the UK — unbeatable for basic needs.
Instant Pot Duo
Exceptional value for versatility — replaces multiple appliances.
Winner:
- Best budget value: Russell Hobbs
- Best overall value: Instant Pot Duo
👨👩👧 Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Russell Hobbs 27020 if you want:
- A cheap, simple rice cooker
- A compact machine for 1–3 people
- Basic white rice with no fuss
- A lightweight, easy‑to‑store cooker
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 Russell Hobbs 27020 is perfect for people who want a cheap, simple rice cooker for everyday use. The Instant Pot Duo is ideal for families who want versatility, speed, and multiple cooking functions.
Choose based on whether you want simplicity or multi‑function power.
🛒 Buy on Amazon
Russell Hobbs 27020
- Produces up to 3 servings of cooked rice (up to 200 grams per serving)
- Removable non-stick bowl. Tempered glass lid and dishwasher safe bowl
- Measuring cup and spoon included Integrated lid holder
- Indicator light Steam output. 200 Watts
- Russell Hobbs Small Rice Cooker, 3 portions of Rice (0.4 L), 600 grams at a time, Automatic Warming Function, Stainless Steel/White, Non-Stick Coating, Steam Exhaust, Dishwasher Safe, 200 Watt, 22.2 x 16.8 x 17.2 cm
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