Most people looking for a multi-cooker are trying to solve a space problem, but after spending a month with both the Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker PLUS and the Instant Pot Electric Dutch Oven, I’ve realized they solve that problem in completely different ways. Usually, when we think of “Instant Pot,” we think of pressure cooking—but this specific model is a different beast entirely. It’s an electric base paired with a heavy, red-enameled cast iron pot.
On the other side of the ring, the Ninja PossibleCooker looks more like a traditional slow cooker but boasts a massive 8.5-quart capacity and a lightweight, nonstick aluminum pot. I’ve used both to host Sunday dinners and prep weekday stews, and the choice between them isn’t about which one “cooks better,” but rather how much weight you’re willing to lift and how many people you need to feed.
The Key Difference: Cast Iron Soul vs. Aluminum Versatility (Ninja PossibleCooker vs Instant Pot Dutch Oven)
The most defining key difference between the Ninja PossibleCooker and the Instant Pot Dutch Oven is the cooking vessel’s material and capacity. The Instant Pot features a professional-grade, 6-quart enameled cast iron pot that is stovetop and oven safe. It prioritizes “Precision Cooking,” giving you exact temperature control for braising and searing that mirrors high-end French ovens.
The Ninja PossibleCooker offers a much larger 8.5-quart aluminum pot with a nonstick coating. While it lacks the stovetop compatibility of the Instant Pot, it utilizes “Triple Fusion Heat” to cook faster than traditional methods and includes specialized functions like “Proof” for bread making and “Sous Vide.” Essentially, the Instant Pot is for the culinary purist who loves cast iron, while the Ninja is for the busy home cook who needs maximum volume and speed.
- REPLACES 12 COOKING TOOLS & APPLIANCES: This cooker replaces the need for a slow cooker, food warmer, nonstick pot, sauté pan, cast iron skillet, saucier, saucepan,...
- SEAR & SAUTÉ DIRECTLY IN THE POT: Using the bottom heating elements, you are able to sear proteins and sauté vegetables right in the cooking pot—no need to...
- 5-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Braise, slow cooking, sear or sauté, cooking pan and warmer, making it the perfect wedding gift, new home gift or bridal shower gift!
- PRECISION COOKING: Featuring a Dutch oven that allows exact temperature and time control that you simply cannot get from cooking on a stovetop.
Comparison Table: Ninja PossibleCooker vs. Instant Pot
| Feature | Ninja PossibleCooker PLUS | Instant Pot Electric Dutch Oven |
| Capacity | 8.5 Quarts | 6 Quarts |
| Pot Material | Nonstick Aluminum | Enameled Cast Iron |
| Stovetop Safe | No | Yes (Induction, Gas, Electric) |
| Cooking Functions | 12-in-1 (Proof, Sous Vide, etc.) | 5-in-1 (Braise, Slow Cook, etc.) |
| Wattage | 1200 Watts | 1500 Watts |
| Max Temperature | 500°F (Oven Safe) | 500°F (Oven Safe) |
| Weight | ~14.9 lbs | ~22 lbs (Very Heavy) |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher Safe | Dishwasher Safe |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review: My Kitchen Experience
Design: The “Showpiece” vs. The “Workhorse”
When I first set the Instant Pot Electric Dutch Oven on my counter, the vibrant red enamel immediately caught the light. It looks like a piece of luxury cookware—the kind you’d see in a high-end kitchen boutique. The base is minimal, and the cast iron pot is something I was proud to bring directly to the table for serving. It feels like an heirloom.
The Ninja PossibleCooker in Black is much more utilitarian. It’s larger, wider, and takes up significant real estate. However, Ninja wins the “thoughtful design” award for the lid. The handle has a built-in notch that holds the included ladle/spoon, keeping my counters free of sauce drips. The Ninja feels like a modern appliance designed for efficiency, while the Instant Pot feels like a classic tool that has been given an electric brain.
- REPLACES 12 COOKING TOOLS & APPLIANCES: This cooker replaces the need for a slow cooker, food warmer, nonstick pot, sauté pan, cast iron skillet, saucier, saucepan,...
- SEAR & SAUTÉ DIRECTLY IN THE POT: Using the bottom heating elements, you are able to sear proteins and sauté vegetables right in the cooking pot—no need to...
- 5-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Braise, slow cooking, sear or sauté, cooking pan and warmer, making it the perfect wedding gift, new home gift or bridal shower gift!
- PRECISION COOKING: Featuring a Dutch oven that allows exact temperature and time control that you simply cannot get from cooking on a stovetop.
Ease of Use: Weight Matters
This is where my experience varied the most. Lifting the Instant Pot’s cast iron lid and pot is a workout. If you have any wrist issues or prefer a lightweight kitchen setup, the Instant Pot might be frustrating. Cast iron is heavy by nature, and when it’s filled with 6 quarts of beef bourguignon, it requires two hands and some muscle to move to the dishwasher.
The Ninja, despite its massive 8.5-quart size, is surprisingly easy to handle. The aluminum pot is light, and the nonstick coating is so slick that food practically slides out. I found myself reaching for the Ninja more often on tired Tuesday evenings simply because I knew the cleanup and handling would be less of a chore.
- REPLACES 12 COOKING TOOLS & APPLIANCES: This cooker replaces the need for a slow cooker, food warmer, nonstick pot, sauté pan, cast iron skillet, saucier, saucepan,...
- SEAR & SAUTÉ DIRECTLY IN THE POT: Using the bottom heating elements, you are able to sear proteins and sauté vegetables right in the cooking pot—no need to...
Functions and Precision
I put both machines through a searing test with a chuck roast. The Instant Pot’s 1500-watt base is incredible. Because it’s heating cast iron, it holds onto that heat with terrifying efficiency. The sear I got on the meat was identical to what I’d get on a pro-grade gas stove. Plus, I love that I can take the red pot out and put it on my stovetop if I want to finish a sauce with a high-heat reduction.
The Ninja PossibleCooker sears well, but it feels different. It gets hot fast (thanks to the 1200 watts and aluminum’s conductivity), but it doesn’t have the same “thermal mass” as cast iron. However, the Ninja wins on versatility. I used the “Proof” setting to rise a loaf of sourdough, and the “Sous Vide” function to cook some steaks to a perfect medium-rare. The Instant Pot is a master of 5 things; the Ninja is a jack-of-all-trades for 12.
- 5-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Braise, slow cooking, sear or sauté, cooking pan and warmer, making it the perfect wedding gift, new home gift or bridal shower gift!
- PRECISION COOKING: Featuring a Dutch oven that allows exact temperature and time control that you simply cannot get from cooking on a stovetop.
Results: Texture and Moisture
The Instant Pot lid has a “self-braising grid” on the underside—small bumps that catch steam and drip it back down onto the food. When I made a pot roast, the meat was exceptionally moist. Cast iron provides a very steady, even heat that is hard to beat for long braises.
The Ninja uses “Triple Fusion Heat”—bottom, side, and steam. It definitely cooks faster. I roasted a chicken in the Ninja, and it was done about 20 minutes sooner than my traditional slow cooker recipes usually take. The results were delicious, though the liquid reduction wasn’t quite as concentrated as what I achieved in the cast iron Instant Pot.
Ninja PossibleCooker PLUS Slow Cooker
- REPLACES 12 COOKING TOOLS & APPLIANCES: This cooker replaces the need for a slow cooker, food warmer, nonstick pot, sauté pan, cast iron skillet, saucier, saucepan,...
- SEAR & SAUTÉ DIRECTLY IN THE POT: Using the bottom heating elements, you are able to sear proteins and sauté vegetables right in the cooking pot—no need to...
Pros:
- Massive Capacity:5 quarts is enough for a literal party (up to 20 people).
- Speed: Triple Fusion technology noticeably cuts down cooking time.
- Bread Making: The “Proof” and “Bake” settings are legitimate game-changers.
- Integrated Utensil: The spoon-in-handle design is incredibly convenient.
Cons:
- Footprint: It is a very large appliance that requires a lot of storage space.
- Not Stovetop Safe: You are limited to the electric base for searing.
Instant Pot Electric Dutch Oven / Slow Cooker
- 5-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Braise, slow cooking, sear or sauté, cooking pan and warmer, making it the perfect wedding gift, new home gift or bridal shower gift!
- PRECISION COOKING: Featuring a Dutch oven that allows exact temperature and time control that you simply cannot get from cooking on a stovetop.
Pros:
- Superior Searing: Cast iron provides the best crust and heat retention.
- Stovetop & Oven Ready: The pot works on any heat source, including induction.
- Aesthetic: Beautiful enough to be used as a serving dish on a formal table.
- Precision: Better temperature control for delicate braising.
Cons:
- Weight: It is very heavy, which may be a deterrent for some users.
- Capacity: 6 quarts can feel small if you are used to large-batch meal prepping.
The Verdict: My Recommendation
I recommend the Ninja PossibleCooker PLUS if you are cooking for a crowd or value sheer convenience. If you want one machine that can rise your bread, slow-cook a massive pork shoulder, and be light enough to wash in the sink without a struggle, the Ninja is the better daily driver. It is the ultimate “busy family” appliance.
I recommend the Instant Pot Electric Dutch Oven if you are a “foodie” who prioritizes the quality of the sear and the tradition of cast iron cooking. If you want the precision of an electric base but the versatility of a pot that can move from the base to the stove to the oven, this is a beautiful, high-performing piece of kit. It’s perfect for couples or families of four who want “restaurant-quality” braises.
- REPLACES 12 COOKING TOOLS & APPLIANCES: This cooker replaces the need for a slow cooker, food warmer, nonstick pot, sauté pan, cast iron skillet, saucier, saucepan,...
- SEAR & SAUTÉ DIRECTLY IN THE POT: Using the bottom heating elements, you are able to sear proteins and sauté vegetables right in the cooking pot—no need to...
- 5-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Braise, slow cooking, sear or sauté, cooking pan and warmer, making it the perfect wedding gift, new home gift or bridal shower gift!
- PRECISION COOKING: Featuring a Dutch oven that allows exact temperature and time control that you simply cannot get from cooking on a stovetop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use the Ninja pot on my gas stove?
A: No. The Ninja aluminum pot is specifically designed for the electric base and the oven. Using it on a stovetop can damage the nonstick coating and warp the metal.
Q: Is the Instant Pot Dutch Oven a pressure cooker?
A: No. Unlike the “standard” Instant Pots, this model does not use pressure. It is a dedicated electric Dutch oven designed for slow cooking, braising, and searing.
Q: Does the Ninja nonstick coating contain PFOA?
A: No, the PossibleCooker is free of PFOA, cadmium, and lead, making it safe for high-heat cooking.
Q: Which one is easier to clean?
A: Both are dishwasher safe, but the Ninja is easier to hand-wash because of the nonstick surface. The Instant Pot’s cast iron is dishwasher safe but very heavy to maneuver in a standard rack.
