On this page, we’ll be comparing two pressure cookers that exist in a similar price range: the Instant Pot IP-LUX60 vs. Cuisinart CPC-600. These cookers are basic models in their respective brands and, as such, are not outfitted with those extra features and improvements that you can find in the recently produced pressure cookers (especially the Instant Pot).
However, they can get the job done and are recommended if you are on a budget and trying to save money. The detailed information on this page will guide you into choosing the cooker most suitable for your cooking needs while still being budget-friendly.
Instant Pot IP-Lux60 – Click here to check the price
Cuisinart CPC-600 – Click here to check the price
Table of Contents
Instant Pot IP-LUX60 models
Construction
Both cookers are constructed using stainless steel, which is evident from their exterior finishes. However, while the IP-LUX60 is designed with an 18/8 stainless steel inner pot for minimal interaction with the food cooked, the CPC-600 has a nonstick inner pot. Although the nonstick feature ensures that food does not stick to the sides of the pot, several users have claimed that the nonstick coating was not very durable and had a tendency to wear out after a not-so-substantial period of use.
Both pressure cooker’s inner pots are certified as dishwasher safe.
Capacity
Both cookers are designed with an equal capacity of 6 quarts.
Multi-Functionality
The Instant Pot IP-LUX60 is designed with more functionality and multiple purposes than the Cuisinart cooker. It is described as a 6-in-1 multi-function cooker, being able to serve as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, warmer, and sautéing or browning purposes.
The Cuisinart CPC-600 is also a multi-functioning machine, though not as robust as the instant pot. On the face of the machine, you will only see function options for browning and sauteeing. But, like the instant pot, you can even cook a cheesecake in it. And while you can cook rice in it, it doesn’t double as a rice cooker or slow cooker. It also has the warming feature, which comes in very handy, as explained later.
Ultimately, the instant pot clearly wins the day when it comes to multi-functionality.
Pressure Settings
The CPC-600 comes with two pressure level settings: high and low. This gifts the cooker with versatility as it can handle foods requiring a high-pressure setting and also cater to fish or vegetable recipes requiring a much lower setting. The IP-LUX60 is equipped with just a high-pressure setting and, thus, is not advisable for certain foods that need a low temperature.
Instant Pot IP-Lux60 – Click here to check the price
Cuisinart CPC-600 – Click here to check the price
Preset Programs
The IP-LUX60 comes with ten in-built preset programs that come in very handy when steaming, slow cooking, sautéing and cooking soup, meat or stew, bean or chili, poultry, rice, multigrain, porridge. The V3 model also comes with the added ability to bake a cake and cook eggs via the cake and egg presets. Users can set the desired cooking times of the egg preset to get soft, medium, or hard-boiled eggs. Also, the original soup preset on the V1 and V2 has been changed to soup/broth preset on the V3, making users use their IP-LUX60 cookers to make broth if desired.
The CPC-600 tends to be simpler in its design and offers. However, it comes with no in-built preset programs, so users must manually set up the dish requirements for the food they want to cook.
Display and Controls
Both pressure cookers are designed with an LCD screen for display purposes and buttons for quick and easy control of the cooking process. They have been commended for their simple interface, detailed digital display, and functional control buttons.
However, many users have criticized the timer design section on the control panel of the CPC-600. They claim it’s small, and its programming makes it complicated and quite time-consuming to use, thus detracting from the overall experience of the cooker.
Convenient Features
The CPC-600 is equipped with handles that remain cool to the touch throughout cooking.
Both cookers have an automatic keep warm feature that ensures that the food remains warm even after cooking until the user is ready to eat. While the IP-LUX60 maximum warm-up time is 10 hours, the Cuisinart can keep your food warm for about 12 hours.
Accessories
The CPC-600 comes with a recipe book and a trivet for preparing meat. The IP-LUX60 has a wider range of included accessories: recipe booklet, soup spoon, rice paddle, measuring cup, and a steam rack made out of stainless steel.
Warranty
The IP-LUX60 offers its users a limited warranty period of 1 year, whereas the CPC-600 is equipped with a limited 3-year warranty.
Pros and Cons of the Instant Pot IP-LUX60
Pros
- More accessories
- More versatile with increased functions
- Comes with preset programs to make cooking easier
- Equipped with a delay timer
Cons
- Single pressure setting
- Shorter warranty period
Pros and Cons of the Cuisinart CPC-600
Pros
- Simple design
- Features cool-touch handles
- Longer warranty period
- Has dual pressure settings
Cons
- Limited functionality
- Fewer number of accessories
Summary
While these are both entry-level pressure cookers, it’s pretty evident that the IP-LUX60 is the better cooker of the two. It is equipped to do much more than pressure cook, making it a very versatile appliance.
Deciding between these two is a no-brainer. However, you might decide to stick with the CPC-600 if you already have appliances that can do those extra features the Instant Pot IP-LUX60 is capable of.
Instant Pot IP-Lux60 – Click here to check the price
Cuisinart CPC-600 – Click here to check the price
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