If you’ve ever wished for one appliance that could slow cook a stew, roast a chicken, sauté veggies, and steam dumplings, you’ve likely come across Cuisinart’s Cook Central MultiCookers. I’ve been using the Cuisinart MSC-600 for a while and recently upgraded to the newer MSC-800, curious to see if the changes were actually meaningful or just marketing. After several weeks of side-by-side cooking, the difference between the two turned out to be more noticeable than I expected.
Key Difference Between Cuisinart MSC-800 vs MSC-600 MultiCooker
The Cuisinart MSC-800 and MSC-600 share the same DNA: both are designed to replace multiple kitchen appliances by combining slow cooking, sautéing, roasting, and steaming functions in one compact unit. However, the MSC-800 expands on this idea with higher power (1250W vs 960W), a larger capacity (7 quarts vs 6 quarts), and most importantly, an added roasting mode that truly broadens its versatility.
The MSC-800 is a 4-in-1 cooker, while the MSC-600 remains a 3-in-1 model. That extra roasting function, along with the more powerful heating element and refined interface, makes the MSC-800 feel like a complete kitchen upgrade rather than just an incremental update.
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: Slow Cook, Roast, Brown/Saute or steam– Slow Cook on high, low, simmer or warm for up to 24 hours. Roast from 250-Degrees F to 450-Degrees F for...
- EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN: Extra-large blue backlit LCD display with easy- to-read time and temperature settings, glass lid for clear view of ingredients while cooking....
- One touch switches modes when recipe calls for combination cooking
- Extra-large blue backlit LCD display with easy-to-read time and temperature settings
Comparison Table: Cuisinart MSC-800 vs MSC-600 MultiCooker
| Feature | Cuisinart MSC-800 | Cuisinart MSC-600 |
| Functions | 4-in-1: Slow Cook, Roast, Brown/Sauté, Steam | 3-in-1: Slow Cook, Brown/Sauté, Steam |
| Capacity | 7 Quarts (6.62 L) | 6 Quarts |
| Power | 1250 Watts | 960 Watts |
| Temperature Range | Up to 500°F | Up to 450°F |
| Slow Cook Timer | Up to 24 Hours | Up to 24 Hours |
| Material | Plastic with Stainless Finish | Stainless Steel |
| Dimensions | 15.5”D × 19”W × 11”H | 12”D × 19”W × 9.5”H |
| Weight | 18.8 lbs | 16 lbs |
| Cord | Retractable | Fixed |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | Yes (pot & lid) |
| Included Accessories | Steaming Rack, Glass Lid | Steaming Rack, Glass Lid |
| Display | Blue Backlit LCD | Blue Backlit LCD |
| Warranty | 3 Years | 3 Years |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Design and Build Quality
When placed side by side, the MSC-800 instantly looks like the more premium unit. It’s slightly taller and wider, with a more robust feel thanks to its heavier base and large handles. The brushed stainless and black contrast gives it a modern touch that looks great on a countertop.
The MSC-600, on the other hand, has a cleaner stainless-steel body with a slightly slimmer profile. It’s lighter and easier to move, which can be handy if you don’t plan to keep it out full-time.
Both units feature a blue backlit LCD display, but the MSC-800’s screen is brighter and easier to read from across the kitchen. It also adds a retractable power cord, which I didn’t realize I needed until I had it. It keeps the countertop tidy, something the MSC-600 doesn’t offer.
Overall, both are well-built, but the MSC-800 feels more substantial and refined. It gives off the vibe of a professional-grade appliance ready to handle daily use for years.
- One touch switches modes when recipe calls for combination cooking
- Extra-large blue backlit LCD display with easy-to-read time and temperature settings
Ease of Use
Both multicookers share a nearly identical control panel layout — simple buttons for mode selection, time, and temperature. Switching between cooking modes is intuitive. You can start by sautéing your ingredients, then press a button to move into slow cook or roast mode without changing pots.
Where the MSC-800 stands out is in temperature precision and responsiveness. The upgraded 1250-watt heating element brings the pan up to temperature faster, which means searing meat or browning onions takes less time. The MSC-600 sometimes needed a few minutes longer to reach a good sizzle point.
The extra roasting mode on the MSC-800 also adds a lot of flexibility. I could roast a 4-pound chicken to crispy perfection — something that the MSC-600 can’t quite replicate. It’s impressive how evenly the MSC-800 distributes heat during roasting, giving golden-brown results without drying out the meat.
For day-to-day cooking, both are straightforward. You set the temperature, adjust the timer, and walk away. But the MSC-800’s larger pot and extra cooking power make it feel more capable for batch cooking or entertaining.
Cooking Functions and Performance
-
Slow Cooking
Both models excel at slow cooking, offering high, low, simmer, and warm settings for up to 24 hours. I made a beef stew in both, using identical ingredients and timing. The results were nearly identical — tender beef and well-developed flavors. However, the MSC-800 produced slightly deeper caramelization on the edges, likely due to its stronger heating element.
-
Sautéing / Browning
The sauté mode is where I really felt the performance difference. The MSC-800’s 1250 watts allow it to reach up to 500°F, while the MSC-600 caps at around 450°F. That extra heat means faster browning and better fond development on meats. It’s closer to what you’d get on a stovetop pan.
-
Roasting (MSC-800 Exclusive)
This is the major differentiator. The roasting mode lets you set the temperature between 250°F and 450°F for up to 6 hours. I used it for chicken, pork tenderloin, and even baked potatoes. The results were consistently impressive — evenly cooked, moist interiors, and crisp exteriors.
If roasting is part of your cooking routine, this feature alone justifies the upgrade.
-
Steaming
Both models include a steaming rack, and both perform equally well in this mode. I tested broccoli, dumplings, and salmon fillets. Each came out perfectly cooked, though the MSC-800’s wider base allowed for slightly more food at once.
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: Slow Cook, Roast, Brown/Saute or steam– Slow Cook on high, low, simmer or warm for up to 24 hours. Roast from 250-Degrees F to 450-Degrees F for...
- EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN: Extra-large blue backlit LCD display with easy- to-read time and temperature settings, glass lid for clear view of ingredients while cooking....
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleanup is straightforward with both models. The nonstick aluminum pot lifts out easily, and the glass lid and steaming rack can go straight into the dishwasher. The MSC-800 pot feels a bit heavier and thicker, which likely helps distribute heat more evenly during cooking.
A nice touch on the MSC-800 is the retractable cord, which keeps things tidy when storing the cooker. The MSC-600’s fixed cord can be a little annoying if your storage space is tight.
Both units resist staining well, and the nonstick coating has held up nicely through repeated use and washing.
Durability and Power
Cuisinart’s multicookers have a reputation for longevity, and both of these models uphold that standard. The MSC-600 has served me faithfully for over two years with no mechanical issues. The MSC-800, with its more powerful motor and upgraded components, feels like it could easily outlast it.
The 1250-watt power boost doesn’t just add speed — it ensures the cooker maintains a steady temperature when you add cold ingredients, something the MSC-600 occasionally struggles with.
Cuisinart MSC-800 Stainless Steel Multi-Cooker
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: Slow Cook, Roast, Brown/Saute or steam– Slow Cook on high, low, simmer or warm for up to 24 hours. Roast from 250-Degrees F to 450-Degrees F for...
- EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN: Extra-large blue backlit LCD display with easy- to-read time and temperature settings, glass lid for clear view of ingredients while cooking....
Pros:
- 4-in-1 functionality with roasting mode
- Stronger 1250-watt heating element
- Larger 7-quart capacity — ideal for families
- Retractable cord keeps counters organized
- Dishwasher-safe removable pot and lid
- Excellent heat distribution and browning results
- Premium design and LCD visibility
Cons:
- Slightly heavier and bulkier
- Higher wattage may not suit smaller kitchens
- Higher price point
Cuisinart MSC-600 Multi-Cooker / Slow Cooker
- One touch switches modes when recipe calls for combination cooking
- Extra-large blue backlit LCD display with easy-to-read time and temperature settings
Pros:
- Compact and easy to store
- Reliable 3-in-1 functionality
- Consistent slow cooking results
- Lightweight design for portability
- Simple controls and clean interface
Cons:
- No roasting feature
- Lower wattage means slower heat-up times
- No retractable cord
- Slightly smaller capacity
Conclusion – Which MultiCooker Should You Choose?
After extensive testing, I can confidently say that both models deliver the Cuisinart reliability and quality you’d expect. The choice really depends on your cooking style and kitchen space.
If you primarily use a multicooker for soups, stews, and occasional steaming, the Cuisinart MSC-600 remains an excellent and affordable choice. It’s dependable, easy to use, and performs beautifully for everyday meals.
However, if you want an appliance that can replace your slow cooker, oven, and skillet all at once, the MSC-800 is clearly the more capable machine. Its roasting function, extra wattage, and larger capacity make it a true all-in-one workhorse for larger families or anyone who cooks frequently.
In my kitchen, the MSC-800 has earned a permanent spot on the counter — it’s faster, more versatile, and simply more fun to cook with.
My Recommendation:
Choose the Cuisinart MSC-800 if you want top-tier performance and flexibility. Stick with the MSC-600 if you need something more compact and budget-friendly for simple cooking tasks.
