Budget Rice Cooker vs Premium Multicooker
The Tefal Cooltouch RK1568 and the Instant Pot Pro are two very different appliances aimed at two very different buyers. The Tefal is a simple, budget‑friendly rice cooker designed for basic white rice and large family portions. The Instant Pot Pro is a premium multicooker with advanced pressure‑cooking technology, faster cooking times, and a huge range of functions.
This comparison breaks down the differences so you can choose the right one for your home.
⭐ Quick Verdict
These two cookers sit at opposite ends of the market:
- Tefal RK1568 → Best for families who want a cheap, simple rice cooker with a large 1.8 L capacity.
- Instant Pot Pro → Best for buyers who want premium multicooking performance, speed, and versatility.
If you want capacity and low cost, choose Tefal. If you want power, speed, and versatility, choose Instant Pot Pro.
🔍 Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Feature | Tefal RK1568 | Instant Pot Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Budget rice cooker | Premium multicooker |
| Capacity | 1.8 L | 5.7L / 8L |
| Technology | Basic thermostat | Advanced pressure + slow + sauté + sous‑vide |
| Bowl | Non‑stick | Upgraded stainless‑steel “Pro” pot |
| Modes | Cook / Warm | 28 cooking programs + 5 favourite presets |
| Rice Quality | Good | Very good |
| Build Quality | Basic | Premium |
| Price | Low | Upper mid‑range |
| Best For | 3–6 people | 3–8 people |
🏆 Rice Quality
Tefal RK1568
Good for everyday white rice. Simple, predictable, and family‑friendly.
Instant Pot Pro
Makes better rice overall thanks to improved temperature control and low‑pressure options. Not as refined as a fuzzy‑logic cooker, but noticeably better than budget models.
Winner: Instant Pot Pro
⚙️ Versatility
Tefal RK1568
Only two functions:
- Cook
- Keep Warm
Instant Pot Pro
A premium multicooker that replaces:
- A rice cooker
- A slow cooker
- A pressure cooker
- A steamer
- A sauté pan
- A sous‑vide machine
- A yogurt maker
Plus:
- 28 cooking programs
- 5 programmable favourites
- Faster heat‑up and cool‑down times
Winner: Instant Pot Pro (By a huge margin.)
⏱️ Speed
Tefal RK1568
Standard rice‑cooker timings.
Instant Pot Pro
Pressure cooking dramatically reduces cooking times for stews, curries, meats, and even rice. The Pro model is 20% faster than the Duo thanks to improved heating elements.
Winner: Instant Pot Pro
🧱 Build Quality
Tefal RK1568
Lightweight, basic, and functional.
Instant Pot Pro
Premium build, upgraded stainless‑steel pot, improved lid, and better insulation.
Winner: Instant Pot Pro
🧼 Ease of Use
Tefal RK1568
Add rice → press button → done. Zero learning curve.
Instant Pot Pro
More buttons, more modes, and a learning curve — but extremely rewarding once mastered.
Winner: Tefal RK1568 (For absolute simplicity.)
💷 Price & Value
Tefal RK1568
One of the cheapest 1.8 L rice cookers in the UK — unbeatable for families on a budget.
Instant Pot Pro
Premium price, but replaces multiple appliances and offers huge versatility.
Winner:
- Best budget value: Tefal
- Best overall value: Instant Pot Pro
👨👩👧 Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Tefal RK1568 if you want:
- A cheap, simple rice cooker
- A large 1.8 L capacity
- Basic white rice with no fuss
- A family‑friendly machine
Choose the Instant Pot Pro if you want:
- One appliance that does everything
- Faster cooking with premium pressure‑cooking technology
- A stainless‑steel “Pro” inner pot
- Advanced features like sous‑vide, sauté, and programmable presets
- A cooker for 3–8 people
⭐ Final Verdict
The Tefal RK1568 is perfect for families who want a cheap, simple rice cooker with a large capacity. The Instant Pot Pro is ideal for buyers who want premium multicooking performance, faster cooking times, and maximum versatility.
Choose based on whether you want simplicity and price or power and flexibility.
🛒 Buy on Amazon
Tefal RK1568
- TWO SETTING FUNCTION: Choose from Automatic cooking to cook your rice to your standards, before serving, when ready, for rice that keeps warm after cooking thanks to the keep warm function.
- SAFE HANDLING: CoolTouch has a coolwall body that keeps cool during operation. Equipped with nonslip feet for secure placement and a convenient plastic handle allowing you to move or serve from the rice cooker without injury or harm.
- EASY-TO-CLEAN: Non-stick removable bowl that is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning and convenience.
- BIG CAPACITY: Comes with 1.8 L food capacity that can serve between 10-20 portions.
- INCLUDED: 1 Measuring cup, 1 Serving spoon and a Steam basket.
Instant Pot Pro
- 10 FUNCTIONS: Enjoy cooking with 10 functions like Slow Cook, Saute, Rice, Steam, Yogurt, Sous Vide, Bake, NutriBoost and more, all while remotely controlling and monitoring your meals through the Instant Connect App for ultimate convenience.
- 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.
- More Power, More Flavour: With 20% more power for faster pre-heating and NutriBoost Technology that gently pulses during cooking, unlocks richer flavours and enhanced taste, perfect for stews, risottos, and soups.
- 6 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