Why the multi cooker is the game-changing appliance of meal prep

Best for: Complete meals, faster than ever

The Ninja Combi is the only all-in-one multicooker, oven and air fryer that can deliver a full family dinner in just 15 minutes! Using a powerful combo of HyperSteam and Air Fry technology, it cooks everything at once – juicy proteins, fluffy rice, crispy chips – so you’ll never need to turn on your oven again. From homemade pasta to taco spreads, it’s built to replace half your kitchen. With 14 versatile functions, dishwasher-safe parts and accessories included, it’s one of the easiest ways to cook.

“I am a newbie to the combi,” shared one-five star reviewer. “I have used it three times and each time my meals turned out great. The first time was chicken breast and it always scares me when cooking chicken but I cook by temp not time. The second time was pasta and I was shocked, it was great. I finished up with the last meal being a full breakfast with biscuits. I look forward to more and really want you to know this is a great machine and you should give it a try.”

Colour: Sea salt grey

Key features:

• 14-in-1 functions: Combi Meals, Combi Crisp, Combi Bake, Rice/Pasta, Steam, Prove, Grill, Air Fry, Bake, Reheat, Slow Cook, Sear/Sauté, Pizza, Toast
• HyperSteam + Air Fry technology for crispy yet juicy meals
• Cook full dinners in as little as 15 minutes
• Large capacity – feeds up to eight people
• Dishwasher-safe components
• Includes Combi Pan, Bake Tray, Crisper Plate + recipe book
• Two-year warranty

Also available at:

• $449 from The Good Guys
• $469 (usually $599) from Myer
• $499 from MyDeal

Best for: All-in-one cooking power

The Ninja Foodi Max is the kind of kitchen appliance that actually makes life easier. No more swapping lids, no more guesswork – just one SmartLid that handles pressure cooking, air frying, steaming and everything in between. SteamCrisp tech locks in the juiciness while crisping up the outside, so your meals are golden on the outside and tender on the inside. Got a hungry crowd? The 7.5L pot can handle a whole roast or a mountain of hot chips. When you’re done, just chuck the non-stick parts in the dishwasher and call it a day.

Many Amazon reviewers love how easy and versatile this cooker is. They say it delivers great results, offers plenty of cooking options and cleans up without a fuss. Many praise its value for money, efficient pressure cooking and space-saving design.

One Australian reviewer wrote: “It’s flat out the best kitchen appliance I have ever owned. There hasn’t been a single thing that we can’t cook in it and not to be cliché, it just works. Being able to clear away the clutter of multiple different appliances and just have one thing do it all makes the kitchen a much better place to be. Also don’t have to run the entire oven and stove to cook something simple. If you can afford it, get it, it’s damn useful and it can actually do what it says and well.”

Size: 7.5L

Colour: Black/grey

Key features:

• 14 cooking functions, one SmartLid
• SteamCrisp for juicy, crispy meals in minutes
• Big enough for a 3kg roast or 1.8kg of chips
• Air fries with up to 75 per cent less oil
• Pressure cooks up to 70 per cent faster
• Non-stick, dishwasher-safe parts

Also available at:

• $427 (usually $800) from Appliances Online
• $429 from Big W
• $449 from Bing Lee
• $449.99 from Ninja Kitchen
• $489 (usually $799) from Myer

Best for: Speed and flavour

With slow cook, pressure cook and searing functions, the Breville Fast Slow Pro truly lives up to its name. The stainless steel finish gives it a polished look, making it an eye-catching yet practical addition to any kitchen.

“I cannot fault the Breville pressure cooker,” posted a reviewer at The Good Guys (currently sold out). “We have been using it every second night. Perfect for Indian curries in 30 minutes as it’s equivalent to six hours in a slow cooker. We also make our rice in it as it has so many different auto cooking options. The auto pressure release is the best. If you are considering buying one, do yourself a favour and do it! You won’t regret it.”

“I’m really enjoying this product,” added another user. “I’ve gifted my slow cooker and pressure cooker as this does both. I like the fact that you set it and walk away. I like that you can cook the food first in the cooker so you reduce the washing up.”

Size: 6L

Colour: Stainless steel

Key features:

• Triple safe lid
• Six smart settings: Pressure cook, slow cook, reduce, sear, sauté and steam
• Eight pressure levels
• LCD display
• Hands-free steam release: Quick, pulse and natural

Also available at:

• $380.46 from Big W
• $429 (usually $479) from David Jones

Best for: No-fail cooking

Featuring upgraded power efficiency and ProCeramic+ coating, this Philips multi cooker is sure to stand the test of time. Keep food warm for up to 12 hours before enjoying quality dishes with melt-in-mouth tenderness.

Over 142 reviewers gave it a five-star rating on Amazon, saying they like the value, quality and speed. They’re also satisfied with its features, easy cleaning and warmth, with one person writing: “I’m very impressed with the amazing meals I’m making in a short time – beef ragu and ham and pea soup. Outcome is very tender meat falling apart, yet the whole process took under an hour.”

Size: 6L

Colour: Silver

Key features:

• Faster cooking for easy meal prep
• Enjoy slow cooking, pressure cooking, sautéing and more
• Nine safety protection systems
• The ProCeramic+ pot is five times more durable than conventional ones, with an anti-scratch surface
• Easy-to-clean detachable inner lid design

Also available at:

• $199 from The Good Guys
• $199 from Appliances Online
• $199 from Myer
• $249 from Big W

Best for: Set-and-forget meals

The Tefal Home Chef Smart multi cooker simplifies home cooking with one-pot perfection. This sleek 6L cooker boasts pre-set programs for slow cooking, baking, steaming and more, guaranteeing delicious results every time.

“Great product and great functionality,” wrote one five-star reviewer at The Good Guys. “Made cooking a breeze without food smells in the kitchen.”

Another added: “After due diligence doing research, this product was the overall winner with many features including delayed start which was the overall decider.”

Size: 6L

Colour: Black

Key features:

• One-touch safety pressure release button
• Easy to use and clean
• Fast pressure cooking
• Automatic keep-warm function + pre-set timer
• DIY mode with adjustable cooking time and temperature
• Designed for easy repair

Also available at:

• $429 at Amazon
• $129.95 (usually $229.95) from Tefal (sold out)
• $197 (usually $230) from Appliances Online
• $230 from Winnings

Best for: Affordable versatility

Russell Hobbs has quietly built one of the most practical budget-friendly multicookers on the market. With 11 pre-set functions (eight pressure and three non-pressure), it takes the stress out of weeknight dinners – whether that’s soup, curry, rice, risotto or even yoghurt. The digital LED screen is simple to use, while the locking lid keeps pressure cooking safe and fuss-free.

The 6L non-stick bowl is dishwasher-safe and big enough to handle family meals. Amazon reviewers say it saves bench space by replacing several appliances at once. One Aussie reviewer wrote: “We’ve bought three of these so far. After we used it we knew it would be the perfect gift for our mums. Can make so many things but our favourite is soups and stews. Potatoes will burst in your mouth with flavour and even the cheapest meats will fall off the bone.”

Size: 6L

Colour: Matte black

Key features:

• 11 pre-set functions: Eight pressure + three non-pressure
• Programs include: Soup/Curry, Pot Roast, White Rice, Brown Rice, Risotto, Steam, Sauté, Bake, Yoghurt
• Digital LED display with easy controls
• Locking jar-style lid for added safety
• Automatic keep warm function + delayed start
• Removable 6L non-stick cooking pot (dishwasher safe)
• Includes trivet, serving spoon, rice measuring cup
• Two-year warranty

Also available at:

• $150 (usually $170) from Appliances Online
• $152.96 (usually $169.95) from Woolworths
• $159 from The Good Guys

Best for: Busy families

This advanced multi cooker from Instant Pot is a handy model to have in your appliance arsenal come weekend meal prepping. It has 13 one-touch smart programs from the likes of broth, slow cook and sauté to porridge, poultry and yoghurt.

The Instant Pot has a 4.8-star rating from 194 reviews on the Myer site, where it’s currently sold out. Shoppers appreciate its versatility, time-saving features and more. One reviewer posted that it’s perfect for multiple tasks, while another said it saves energy and cooking time. Many love its functions, like pressure cooking and slow cooking. Some did note it only has one bowl, but overall, it’s a hit for quick, easy meals.

“The Instant Pot is the best purchase I’ve made,” said one five-star reviewer. “It is so safe and easy to use. I’m able to make so many different dishes with it. I can comfortably make many curries, soup and lentils in such a quick time. The pressure cook feature is the best function. I definitely recommend it to others. If you’re unsure about using the traditional pressure cooker, this one is bang for your buck.”

Size: 5.7L

Colour: Stainless steel

Key features:

• Spacious 5.7L capacity is perfect for cooking up to six servings
• Adjusts pressure, temperature, time and heat to cook food up to 70 per cent faster than other methods
• Remembers the way you cook and which smart programs used most often
• 13 one-touch smart programs: Soup/broth, meat/stew, bean/chili, slow cook, sauté, rice, porridge, steam, yogurt, multigrain, poultry, keep warm and pressure cook
• Release steam with a quick turn of the steam release handle with minimal mess and easy clean up

Also available at:

• $215 at Amazon
• $179 from Bing Lee
• $183.95 (usually $209) from Kitchen Warehouse
• $206.10 (usually $229) from Harris Scarfe

Best for: Easy cooking and cleaning

With functions like pressure cooking, slow cooking, frying, steaming and rice cooking, this Crock Pot is a great fit for households of four to six. It also comes with pre-set options for dishes like risotto and yoghurt.

“It is awesome,” said a five-star reviewer at The Good Guys. “So quick and hassle free cooking. Very easy to clean up after use too. The accompanying recipes are easy to follow and instructions on using the Crockpot are really simple. All in all, a versatile and multi functional cooker. I recommend this product very highly.”

Size: 5.7L

Colour: Stainless steel

Key features:

• Aluminium bowl with non-stick coating (dishwasher safe)
• Lid locks until pressure released
• Pre-set meal options including: Risotto, dessert and yoghurt
• Cooking modes: Pressure cooker, slow cooker, frypan, steamer and rice cooker
• Serves four to six people

Also available at:

• $149 (usually $189) from Stan Cash
• $179 at Amazon
• $183 (usually $219) from Appliances Online
• $259 from Big W