🥘 Crock-Pot vs. Instant Pot: Which One Should You Buy in 2025?
Tested with Rossi Voss’s Free $2 Meal Plans & $0.99 Cookbooks
If you’re using my Free 4-Week Meal Plan or the $2 Meals at Home PDF, you know how powerful simple, affordable cooking can be. But which appliance gives you the most bang for your buck: the classic Crock-Pot 7-Quart or the all-in-one Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart?
I tested both with real recipes from my cookbooks—and here’s the honest breakdown.
| Feature | Crock-Pot 7-Qt | Instant Pot Duo 6-Qt |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $35.99 (40% off) | $64.99 (41% off) |
| Capacity | 7 quarts (serves 9+) | 6 quarts (serves 6) |
| Cooking Functions | Slow cook (High/Low/Warm) | 7-in-1: Pressure, Slow, Sauté, Steam, Rice, Yogurt, Warm |
| Best For | Big batches, hands-off cooking, soups & stews | Fast meals, searing, yogurt, rice, and multi-step recipes |
| Works With My Free Plans? | ✅ Yes (Stockpot, Pantry, $2 Meals) | ✅ Yes (Bean & Grain, Turkey, Air Fryer hybrids) |
🥘 Crock-Pot vs. Instant Pot: Which One Should You Buy in 2025?
Tested with Rossi Voss’s Free $2 Meal Plans & $0.99 Cookbooks
I tested both appliances with real recipes from my cookbooks—and here’s the honest breakdown.
Quick Comparison Table
| Model | Capacity | Price | Rating / Reviews | Pros | Cons | Affiliate Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crock-Pot 7-Quart | 7 Quarts | $35.99 | ⭐ 4.6/5 (51,197 reviews) | Simple, large capacity, affordable | Manual only, slow cooking only | Buy Now |
| Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 | 6 Quarts | $64.99 | ⭐ 4.6/5 (179,606 reviews) | Multi-functional, fast cooking, great for meal prep | Learning curve, smaller capacity | Buy Now |
🥣 Crock-Pot 7-Quart: The “Set It & Forget It” Champion
Pros:
- ✅ Larger capacity — perfect for families or meal prep
- ✅ Super simple — just 3 buttons (no learning curve)
- ✅ Ultra-affordable at $35.99
- ✅ Oval shape fits whole chickens, roasts, and ribs
Best paired with: My Stockpot Cookbook and 1-Month Pantry Power Plan.
⚡ Instant Pot Duo 6-Qt: The Speed & Versatility King
Pros:
- ✅ Cooks 70% faster than slow cooking
- ✅ Sauté function = no extra pan needed (browns meat right in the pot!)
- ✅ Makes yogurt, rice, and steamed veggies
- ✅ Programmable with 13 smart settings
Best paired with: My 100 Beginner’s Instant Pot Bean and Grain Cookbook and $2 Meals PDF.
🏆 So… Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Crock-Pot if you:
- Feed 4+ people regularly
- Want the simplest, most reliable appliance
- Love soups, stews, and roasts
- Are on a tight budget (<$40)
Choose the Instant Pot if you:
- Need dinner in under an hour
- Want to make yogurt, rice, or hard-boiled eggs
- Don’t mind a slight learning curve
- Use my bean & grain or turkey cookbooks
💡 Pro Tip: Many of my readers own both! Use the Instant Pot for fast weeknights and the Crock-Pot for weekend batch cooking.
Start Free — Then Upgrade
You don’t need either appliance to start eating well. Grab my free tools first:
— Happy cooking, Rossi Voss
📚 Cookbook That Matches Your Appliance
Both appliances shine when paired with my $0.99 cookbook series—tested, budget-friendly, and designed for real kitchens. Here’s your perfect match:
For Crock-Pot 7-Quart
✅ Stockpot Cookbook: 139 Simple and Hearty Recipes
Soups, stews, and one-pot wonders—perfect for slow, hands-off cooking.
💰 $0.99 | All meals under $3.50/serving
Get the CookbookFor Instant Pot Duo 6-Qt
✅ 100 Beginner’s Instant Pot Bean and Grain Cookbook
Hearty, high-protein meals using pantry staples—ready in under an hour.
💰 $0.99 | All meals under $2.50/serving
Get the Cookbook💡 Both cookbooks include freezer instructions, cost-per-serving, and work with my Free 4-Week Meal Plan.