Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pressure Cooker VS Instant Pot Ultimate lid

A side by side comparison where things go WRONG!
Ninja Foodi Smart XL 8 qt pressure cooker Steam fryer with Smartlid and thermometer vs Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid
The Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer is available in a 6.5 quart size as well as the 8 quart size which I purchased. It's also available with or without a SMART Thermometer. The version I purchased includes the Smart thermometer .
It comes with an attached lid that hinges on the side. One lid is used for Air frying, steaming and pressure cooking. The Ninja Foodi comes with a non-stick aluminum cooking pot insert.
The Ninja Foodi is a 14 in 1 appliance that pressure cooks, steam and crisp, air fry, steam and bake, bake/roast, broil,, sear/sauté, dehydrate, yogurt, steam, slow cook, sous vide, proof, and keep warm.
The Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer comes with a cookbook and clear instructions to help get you started.
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate lid is only available in 6.5 quart size with a stainless steel cooking pot insert. There is no thermometer attachment available at the time of this filming.
The Instant Pot comes with an owner's manual with very basic use instructions but no cookbook.
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate lid has an attached lid that hinges on the back of the unit. The attached lid houses the air fryer heating element and fan. There is a separate cover to attach over the heating element/ fan when pressure cooking or steaming.
The Instant Pot has 13 functions in 1 including pressure cooker, air fryer, sauté, steam, slow cook, warm, bake, roast, broil, yogurt, dehydrate, bread proofing, and sous vide.

[@thelmahogue9203]

I have the Ninja Foodi OL701 and I love it. The steam crisp cooking mode is outstanding! For those who prefer a stainless steel inner pot, Goldlion has a stainless steel inner pot that works perfectly for 8 quart and 6.5 quart models. The Instant Pot doesn't seem to be a true "one lid" as part of the lid must be removed in order to air fry. In my opinion, Ninja outshines the Instant Pot in so many ways.

[@sweetsavant]

Hi Thelma, thanks for your thoughtful comment. I will check out the stainless steel pot you recommended. I appreciate your input!

[@TheOnlyChrisB]

Be careful with the steel pot if your using it for the newer models. The pots have different a different thickness on top and it sometimes hits against the smart lid. But yea the goldlion pot is incredible on all previous models. Highly recommend

[@simplieshine]

Do you have a good recipe for thick pork chops?

[@thelmahogue9203]

@@TheOnlyChrisB Thanks for the tip. I have used the stainless steel pot in my old and new OL701. Have not had a problem as yet. But I will be cautious,

[@yukimeyc]

Thank you so much for this! This was one of my considerations when thinking about which to get. Great to know that the gold lion insert works with the ninja foodi.

[@HappyBeeTV-BeeHappy]

The instant pot ultimate lid can’t hold a candle to the ninja smart lid. I have the ninja smart lid without the thermometer and it’s still superb and makes the best whole chicken I ever had in my life. Ninja clearly dominates the market with certain things that are superior in design and functionality to all others.

[@roytrayan8972]

I have learned that when you want to change the pressure release settings, you need to push start. I did a pork roast. It was a bit big. But it worked.

[@feefee2]

On the instant pot you needed to hit the start button after you changed it to quick release. I just got it a few days ago. Such a great point about the ninja lid opening sideways. I have been turning the instant pot to the side because of that and not wanting the steam to go under the cabinets. And yes I wanted an extra inner pot for it....guess what? There are none 4 it. Yyyy didn't I get the ninja? Lol

[@sweetsavant]

Great tips, thank you! I agree that the Instant Pot just doesn't quite cut it. Thanks so much for watching!

[@sli8462]

You never hit start to release the pressure, that's why it took 4 hours lol

[@shugo7337]

One major issue I've had with the ninja is that pressure cooking lots of food splatters up into the heating element and fan, and there doesnt seem to be a way to remove the hearing element/fan to properly clean them. This basically makes the device unusable as a pressure cooker since it will smoke and burn like crazy air frying after pressure cooking unless I spend hours going through scrubbing and pressure cook cycles with water to try and remove the food.

[@pewtermom123]

when pressure cooking, the other lid with the heating element stays open. The pressure cooker lid is closed and locked. How does it get 'food splatters' on the heating element???

[@shugo7337]

@@pewtermom123 not sure I understand you're comment, with the Ninja there's only one lid, all pressure cooking does is pushes a few rubber pieces to the side for a pressure seal, the heating element is always fully exposed.

[@pewtermom123]

@@shugo7337 my ninja has one attached hinged lid that has the heating element. To use the pressure cooker you use the pressure cooker lid. The other lid that is hinged just stays open.

[@shugo7337]

@@pewtermom123 gotcha, that's a different older model, the one in this video is the smart lid xl model with only one hinged lid that does double duty for pressure cooking and air frying and that's the model I have, hence why I commented on the video about it.

[@pewtermom123]

@@shugo7337 I understand. I’m a total rookie with this Ninja cooker. Trying to read the instructions and recipe book. Thanks for your reply

[@paulhobson7163]

One thing is for sure the Ninja is far superior to the instant pot I have one and it works great.

[@dyates6380]

Excellent video. I want to go out and buy the Ninja now, but I don't need it. LOL, but I want it now. I have an original instant pot which is fine, but also a couple of Ninja appliances that are FANTASTIC!!!!!!! Great job on the review and the chickens look great.

[@songbirdmedows]

I have to agree after watching this, that I would probably choose the ninja if I were to go out and buy one of these units. However, what I don’t like about the ninja is it doesn’t have a cover over the cooking coil like the instant pot does so I assume it gets pretty gross up there. Also, I don’t like the nonstick surface. I prefer the stainless steel pot. Nonstick always ends up being a mess after a few months. I will keep my eyes open for a sale though and maybe give the ninja a try. Thanks for the review :-)

[@pozloadescobar]

The lack of splatter cover on the Ninja has me scared to buy the thing. I wonder if a silicone "cap" could fit over the hob to protect it when pressure cooking?

[@MP-dc8sy]

Pp

[@rachelburton8287]

You forgot to mention a clear differences between the units, which is the price. Although ninja has the probe and the bigger pot it’s almost $100-$150 more but still can do almost all the same stuff. I just want a pressure cooker and air fryer that can proof bread and the instant pot is cheaper!

[@sweetsavant]

You are absolutely right! There is a big difference in the manufactures recommended price. I purchased the Ninja Foodi on sale for nearly $100 off regular price on Amazon so the price difference was much less.

[@manong4328]

I saw many of your videos. Thanks for your work. Always useful. Had many Instant Pot appliances over the years and I changed all of it for Ninja appliances. Way more efficient. Quality is not comparable. I even changed one of my pressure cooker for a CrockPot . Personal opinion here. Keep up the good work 👍

[@fattyfat-fat6639]

Personally, me thinkz that U should have figured out what you did wrong (failed to press "start" after the cook) before releasing a video that downgrades a product that U unwittingly operated incorrectly. Thatz really not "kosher." U should remove the vid and make another with a new, fair assessment of the two.😊

[@bryanswaggbeast4594]

Girl thank you so much for this thorough comparison!!!! Only vid I was able to find.

[@sweetsavant]

You're welcome! I'm so glad you found the video helpful! Thanks for watching

[@craigosterberg5045]

Ninja pot was the clear winner. Presentation was good with instructions. Instant pot needs to work on a guide and cooking instructions. Customer service needs to be upgraded on how to use it.

[@Diningtraveler]

I would like to get one but I’m concerned about the size, especially in my small counter space

[@sweetsavant]

Yes they are HUGE! They definitely take up a lot of real estate in the kitchen. Thanks for watching!

[@CookingWithCarlee]

How disappointing about the chicken and the Instant Pot. Your reviews are always so thorough I may have to consider that Ninja, it looks like it has a lot of great features.

[@sweetsavant]

Hi 👋! I was very disappointed with the Instant Pot. I really thought it was stuck forever! It was definitely my mistake for not reading the instructions thoroughly. I totally missed the directions for steaming. I really wish Instant Pot had a cookbook or recipes online to understand the basics of using the product. Thanks so much for watching!

[@chrisjuza1249]

So I did the water test on the instapot, and after 5 min of pressure it took 4 hours to release the lid, just like your video. Then, when I dropped the pressure cooking lid, I found that there was packing tape over the steam release. Did you forget to remove the tape like I did?

[@unlock-er]

thanks for comparison vid, great job. my only gripe with ninja foodi is the non stick pot. I prefer the stainless steel any day....for health reasons.

[@joannepoissonier2030]

you were surpose to hit start for natural release and also hit start after you put it on quick release

[@joannepoissonier2030]

the whole time you were waiting it was doing nothing without hitting start

[@matsteel2292]

Does anyone else find the thermometer is very inaccurate ? I find in the Ninja grill and Ninja all in one both are not accurate so never use now.

[@sweetsavant]

I have found the thermometer to be accurate

[@Alunticstalkedme4072]

The probe and dummy plug cables tend to.break after.18 months on the Ninja. By law, they have to offer a consumer guarantee for a design fault, but their customer service is abysmal. Probes on their grills and airfryers are having similar are issues.

[@sweetsavant]

That's interesting, I haven't had such issues with the temperature probe or with customer service. Sorry to hear that

[@Alunticstalkedme4072]

@sweetsavant there's a design flaw in the way the wires are protected in the hinge. They seem to fail after 18 months in most cases. Ninja are telling people out of warranty nothing can be done, but ifsonething fails after warranty people are still covered by consumer guarantee.

[@vbuffy5952]

Thank you for a very excellent review. Ninja is a winner for me.

[@C0n4rt]

im gonna be nice, stop eating fried food!

[@mariagutierrez4721]

Iam very disappointed with the Instant pot I had bought it on Black Friday sale it didn’t last it stopped working. Am going to buy the Ninja for Christmas hopefully I’ll be much happier with it. Great review

[@sweetsavant]

Hi Maria! I'm so sorry to hear the Instant Pot broke down so quickly, that's a shame. Hopefully you will have better luck with the Ninja. Look out for those Black Friday deals for savings

[@kevinbeverlysr]

Hello enjoy ur videos I have the steam n crisp ninja an truly love it never been an fan of instant pot chicken 🐔 looks awesome 👌

[@brianchamberlin1539]

Instant Pot company has gone bankrupt & collapsing.

[@kayde5104]

Ya I'll roll with ninja foodi

[@bridgettemaharaj8322]

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I am getting ready to purchase one of these and couldn't decide. You have saved me much heart ache and disappointment, I am sure. TFS! and looking forward to more vids. (HUUUGS)

[@sweetsavant]

Glad I could help! Thanks so much for watching

[@ChiTownGirl640]

Thanks for the video. My boyfriend and I ordered the Ninja Foodi.

[@guadaluperosalessilva9328]

Do you like it? I am planning to get one but am not sure

[@ChiTownGirl640]

@@guadaluperosalessilva9328 Yes, we love it. So far I've used the pressure cooker feature, slow cooker and crisp and steam. If you get it my tip is go for the lower time in the recipes as not to over cook or burn your food; especially in the crisp and steam feature.

[@daveinca2]

That instant pot looked frustrating. How annoying that you have to pull it out so far to use it. I see they didn't include the handles like the Instant Pot Pro has. I suppose there were some design considerations when they combined the two functions. Ninja was the clear winner this time. Love your videos. Thank you.

[@sweetsavant]

I'm still trying to figure the Instant Pot out but it shouldn't be this difficult. Thanks so much for watching

[@dskillzhtown]

@@sweetsavant Crazy. Instant Pot was the pioneer in these pressure cooking products and let Ninja pass them by.

[@nelljayne6864]

Ninja looks nice

[@kevinmillarich5215]

Excellent video. My use with instant pot products…. non critical info, undersized food area, much longer wait times for fully cooked. Nope. You can see the heating element on the Ninja, far superior to the instant pot. A regular sized stovetop burner. And a built in temp probe. That Ninja chicken looks delicious 😋… and all with one button

[@sweetsavant]

I agree 100%, Kevin. The Ninja is a far superior product. Thanks for watching!

[@fragranthills]

Instant Pot Ultimate is not worth the purchase. The silicone gasket smelled after one use. Cannot remove it to wash. 😂 TRASH 😂

[@CraigKell]

Ninja wins! That looks like a great unit!

[@perfectlygoodwasteoftime]

I wish I had seen your video 2 weeks ago. I made the right choice but I did have alot of anxiety about it

[@ethelf3]

Hello, the one that I got did not come with a thermometer can I purchase one and if so do you know where

[@jujujustme]

Interesting. I've seen someone do a larger chicken just like yours on the Insta and it worked? But... maybe the seal was not fully engaged? And after that was done, they had to use the air fryer feature to crisper the skin. IDK. However, doesn't matter as the Ninja is amazing! Winner winner chicken dinner on the Ninja! :)

[@sweetsavant]

I'm really not sure what went wrong. Maybe I'll give it another try

[@DivinevirgoFeminine]

Hello beautiful, that chicken looks delicious.

[@sistersoul5787]

45 mnt steam for a chicken ? That's well too much I think the instructions were not followed properly but I understand that ninja instructions are much easier

[@sweetsavant]

Hi, the Instant Pot didn't come with instructions or recipes on how to steam and roast a chicken so I attempted to do the same thing I did with the Ninja (that did supply a recipe) . Since the two products are very different that did not work out. It would be great if Instant Pot gave some directions and recipes for how to use this unique product. Thanks for watching

[@Mellowjay]

Not a good test! Wasted my 20 mins. When testing something for the audience, you should make sure that both sides are tested equally and without any personal biases. I understand that you can operate Ninja Foodi better, but you could've done a simple 2 minute Google search rather than waiting for 4 hours, c'mon! You have a pretty kitchen, great video quality. Level up your content. Would love to checkout your next video! Thanks!

[@sweetsavant]

Noted

[@dandelion1239]

In that case, please make a video yourself so we can compare your techniques with hers. And actually, showing the pitfalls of an appliance are exactly what we all wanted to see. Ease of use is important. If someone has to stop & figure things out even more, that’s not an appliance most of us would want. I think she did an excellent job with this review.

[@AbeerDa-pi1zi]

I want to know whether all Ninja pot lids have scratches on their inner edge

[@kingswithdreams]

thanks for this video i started with the ultimate lid but after 2 weeks to 3 weeks of buying it the heating element to the fryer stop working randomly and started blowing cold air been trying to contact support to get it fix but it’s been horrible trying to reach them i’m going to get the ninja foodie cause it looks awesome thanks for the comparisons

[@MsUnik44]

Thanks, this is valuable information. Love the reviews you do...very helpful.

[@bobreichel]

It's evident that something went wrong I've done spare ribs all the way up to the top where it was hard to close it and it did a fine job, so not sure what happened but I wouldn't say ninja is so much better my instant pot ultimate lid works amazing.

[@Workinggirlhomestead]

you are right about the instant pot company

[@billjack9964]

👍🏼Good review comparison and tips. Thanks for the info and research.

[@davidmyers-wakeman5515]

I just love the thumbnail Chef Demetra - it's like you're saying "okaaaay, any day now instant pot!" 😂💙✨

[@sweetsavant]

LOL David! That's EXACTLY how I felt. Thanks so much for watching

[@gylgunstream6262]

Do they even make the 8 qt Foodi with the smart lid anymore? I can’t find one anywhere 😢

[@sweetsavant]

Unfortunately, I think they have discontinued to make it. Hopefully there will be a replacement soon. Thanks for watching

[@philcorin]

You're amazing!!!

[@sweetsavant]

Thank you so much, my friend! It's so good to see you here. Love you you always ❤️

[@darrellfort1668]

THANKS FOR DOING THIS VIDEO MAAM

[@analaurablunt1935]

Fantastic video! But why is so noisy? That is normal? Greetings!

[@Reina_V207]

I wish the Ninja had the stainless steel insert…

[@sweetsavant]

A stainless steel insert would definitely be more durable. I know a lot of people would prefer it. Thanks for watching

[@thelmahogue9203]

Goldlion makes a stainless steel pot for the Ninja Foodi 8 quart and 6.5 quart. I have one and it works fine. Available on Amazon.

[@abelcrumpton2738]

Dummy hit start to verify your release change

[@michellesweightlossjourney6599]

I hope you don't have children! What an example you are. 🙄 Does it hurt to be kind and give constructive criticism? Must we resort to name calling? Good Lord!

[@berthastarks2863]

Another great comparison and demonstration!

[@jaguar1271]

И никто не спросил как мыть крышку в ниндзя после приготовления супа? Или все его покупают только чтобы жарить курицу?

[@genedultz2191]

You tried to compare cooking the same size chicken in an 8 qt vs a 6.5 qt? The chicken fit in the 8 qt and was too big for the 6.5 qt.

[@annettemaxwell3816]

Thank you. Excellent video.l have an Air fryer. I would like a Multi cooker. After wat ching your demonstration . I think l will get the Ninja Fòodi

[@sweetsavant]

I'm glad that I could be helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@photopuppet]

I'm not impressed by the new Instant Pot Ultimate unfortunately, it seems like Ninja have overtaken in innovation with the Smart Lid design. I have both an Instant Pot Duo Crisp and Ninja 15-in-1 Smart Lid, and I think the Ultimate design is a step backwards on the Duo Crisp, especially the apparent fragility of the pressure insert (why on earth is the locater tab not made from metal?!) and things like the hinge position and not being able to change seals (which you can on the Duo Crisp and Ninja Smart Lid)... Instant need to go back to the drawing table I think!

[@sweetsavant]

I agree with you 100 percent! I think this is not one of Instant Pot's better products. Thanks for watching!

[@bobbicatton]

Great comparison👍😊

[@johnhuya2277]

I am so glad I got the ninja unit now and that was before seeing this video

[@gregmacdonald3559]

Thoroughly enjoyed your video. It really helped my wife and I make our decision on which machine to go with. Your a natural product reviewer, your five comes across as honest and sincere. Thank you Sweet Savant ❤ God bless

[@sweetsavant]

Glad I could help! Thanks so much for watching

[@mattlb0619]

After you switch to quick release you have to press start

[@Skysthelimit93]

Will these big sizes still cook 3 cups of rice? I want it to replace my rice cooker, slow cooker and my Ninja air fryer.

[@AnjanS-rp4qk]

If you are still in doubt, then, yes, they will.

[@ceh.8191]

Insta pot pressure does not take 4 hours to release.

[@carrey7873]

thank you for showing us how to put those racks together... LOL I've been trying to figure it out too.

[@sweetsavant]

Glad to help!

[@Shortcake918]

Thank you so much. You shared some great info

[@anthonyg.4278]

Mines don’t have the smart thermometer

[@yahyasmam]

You helped me to decide 🌹thanks

[@michellefitz4287]

I was SO EXCITED to purchase the 6.5 quart Ninja Foodi w/ Smartlid. However, the noise level of the beeps and air fryer fan noise is more than we can tolerate. The thing beeps every time you open the lid, adjust time or temp, push start or stop etc etc. so if you have dogs or babies, please be aware. We decided to try the Nuwave Duet and it will arrive next week. Sad to have to go back to 2 lids but I will mute the sounds and I look forward to having all the functionality without the noise anxiety. Thanks for another honest video!

[@dianeash4560]

Thanks for the great review

[@terrowsnap2201]

Your voice💥

[@anastasiakimbrough6338]

I think the comparison video deserves a redo.

[@sweetsavant]

And it shall have a redo! Thanks for watching!

[@anilia1030]

Mine doesn’t have the thermometer 😞

[@EnjoyingEverydayBeautiful]

😢 Neither does mine. I think we both have the OL601. The OL701 is the version with the thermometer 🌡️

[@philmatoph]

i have intapot everything except this new instapot ultimate lid and i have to say from this video the nijafoodi is way better the only thing i don't like about the ninjifoddi is they don't use stainless steel pot but i'm going to see can i puchase a stanless steele for it if i can i will be buying the ninja foodi thanks for the video it saved me from buying the instapot.

[@feliciahardin2304]

Thanks for the review.

[@jesusaves121]

How can you break that lid though! Would be very rare!

[@sweetsavant]

There are several comments about broken lids on Instant Pots own website like the example I show in the video. It's happened to several people

[@astro.888]

Very useful! Thanks!

[@sweetsavant]

Glad it was helpful!

[@scottbenson8105]

I don’t think this was a very fair comparison because the ninja was an 8 quart now if they were both the same size then this would be a little more believable just my opinion

[@FanYou-ut9vp]

OMg are u slow, just turn it!

[@31martyc]

😮 you really should remove this video. Your failure to understand how to vent the IP is presented as a problem with the appliance. This is clearly not the case.

[@superblondeDotOrg]

Go Vegan... save your health, save the climate...

[@michellesweightlossjourney6599]

This isn't a vegan video.....go find one that is. I'm vegetarian btw but I still know how to respect other people's choices. Vegan people are becoming hostile and degrading.....with that said, I'd rather hang with the meat eaters. Greed is also causing climate issues.

[@superblondeDotOrg]

@@michellesweightlossjourney6599 GTFO, Go Vegan or GTFO. Meat eaters cost taxpayers trillions of dollars due to their diet-related medical problems, that is money stolen from YOUR pocket due to THEIR actions.

[@Boddah.]

Veganism is actually horrible for the climate/environment.

[@iamfuckingyourwaifuandther2743]

Instant pot seems like it's trying to catch up to someone that has already lapped them twice.

[@kathyfann]

I have typically enjoyed every Ninja Product I have purchased. They have been well mad and thoughtfully designed so I didn’t even wait I needed one for my Cabin I stay at regularly and I chose the Ninja 🥷

[@sweetsavant]

I agree 100%. I really have enjoyed every Ninja product I own. I highly recommend them

[@martinpalousek4370]

My ninja foodie didn't last too long exactly 14months and then problem with lid , then fan and heating element and now completely unusable... and i heard many people to have the same problem .... now i am planning to buy much better quality brand Tefal multicooker turbo cuisine fry cooker ! No more Ninja unfortunately the product is great but doesnt last long !